Friday, December 31, 2010
Engadget's biggest stories of 2010
What a year it's been! It makes us dizzy just thinking about it, so we did what we do best: we made a list. It was a year of significant upheaval for the industry, with new categories blossoming and rampant obsolescence looming for everything else. Still, the usual suspects seemed to be to blame for most of the hubbub, with Apple, Google, and Microsoft dominating the headlines. Follow along after the break as we run you through what happened, just in case, you know, you just woke up from a 365 day coma. Or maybe you like lists. Or touching retrospectives. We don't care, just click.Continue reading Engadget's biggest stories of 2010Engadget's biggest stories of 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 15:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
How To Have Up To 6 Apps In Your iPad Dock
Did you know that you can have a total of 6 apps in your iPad dock? By default there are only 4 but in this quick tip you’ll see how you can easily add up to 2 more of your choice. So, to get started select an app you’d like to bring to the main [...]
What Tron Needed Was More Pussy... [Image Cache]
Olivia Wilde was good 'n all, but how much better would Tron: Legacy have been with this Catron? I think 698 per cent, on average. [Buzzfeed via Make] More »
5 ways to recycle or revitalize your old computer
Christmas is coming, and you're about to have a ton of time off. Some of that time will be spent energetically tearing apart beautifully-wrapped gifts, and eating food is certainly next on the list of priorities. Obviously you have to play with your new gifts (or put on your new socks), but after that... after the postprandial sofa-surfing grunts and burps and farts... well, there isn't a whole lot you can do.
The other big thing about Christmas is the amount of waste it produces. Wrapping paper, cards, ribbons, the plastic packaging of the presents themselves... there's an awful lot of trash on Christmas Day. Then, of course, you need to throw out all of the things that have been replaced by new gifts: old kitchen appliances, clothes, televisions, printers and, most importantly, computers. A new laptop or desktop is incredibly cheap nowadays, which makes them very popular gifts.
But shouldn't we do something with the old stuff, rather than just throwing it out? Of course, you could Freecycle or wade into the Craigslist cesspit, or give your clothes to charity -- but hold onto those old computers! You'd be surprised with how many cool things you can do with an old desktop or laptop computer. You could finally learn how to use Linux, or set up a media center PC so that you can watch downloaded movies on your TV. You could create a locked-down box for your kids to surf the Web on, or a network-attached storage server for your backups. There's almost no end to the list of neat things you can do with an old PC!Continue reading 5 ways to recycle or revitalize your old computer5 ways to recycle or revitalize your old computer originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
The other big thing about Christmas is the amount of waste it produces. Wrapping paper, cards, ribbons, the plastic packaging of the presents themselves... there's an awful lot of trash on Christmas Day. Then, of course, you need to throw out all of the things that have been replaced by new gifts: old kitchen appliances, clothes, televisions, printers and, most importantly, computers. A new laptop or desktop is incredibly cheap nowadays, which makes them very popular gifts.
But shouldn't we do something with the old stuff, rather than just throwing it out? Of course, you could Freecycle or wade into the Craigslist cesspit, or give your clothes to charity -- but hold onto those old computers! You'd be surprised with how many cool things you can do with an old desktop or laptop computer. You could finally learn how to use Linux, or set up a media center PC so that you can watch downloaded movies on your TV. You could create a locked-down box for your kids to surf the Web on, or a network-attached storage server for your backups. There's almost no end to the list of neat things you can do with an old PC!Continue reading 5 ways to recycle or revitalize your old computer5 ways to recycle or revitalize your old computer originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Google teams up with Coca-Cola for a festive Android treat
Adding to the magical wonder of Coke's 'Snow Globe Santa' Christmas commercial, Google's AdMob team has collaborated with the One True Soda Master to create a truly festive Android experience: a snow globe live wallpaper (QR code after the break).
The live wallpaper -- which basically turns your Android phone into a very cute snow globe -- will be promoted via the AdMob network, which many free apps use to create revenue. When users see the ad, they'll be able to click straight through to the Android Market and install the live wallpaper. Google's even produced a video showing you how to install the wallpaper, which feels a bit like overkill, but it's included after the break anyway.
It's at this juncture that I like to remind people that Santa Claus's red-and-white garb was not created by Coca-Cola. It may be true that Coke popularized the color scheme, however. Before Coke's legendary commercialization of Santa, he usually wore whatever the local custom dictated. The original Santa, however, Saint Nicolas, was a monk; and monks at that time wore red and white.Continue reading Google teams up with Coca-Cola for a festive Android treatGoogle teams up with Coca-Cola for a festive Android treat originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
The live wallpaper -- which basically turns your Android phone into a very cute snow globe -- will be promoted via the AdMob network, which many free apps use to create revenue. When users see the ad, they'll be able to click straight through to the Android Market and install the live wallpaper. Google's even produced a video showing you how to install the wallpaper, which feels a bit like overkill, but it's included after the break anyway.
It's at this juncture that I like to remind people that Santa Claus's red-and-white garb was not created by Coca-Cola. It may be true that Coke popularized the color scheme, however. Before Coke's legendary commercialization of Santa, he usually wore whatever the local custom dictated. The original Santa, however, Saint Nicolas, was a monk; and monks at that time wore red and white.Continue reading Google teams up with Coca-Cola for a festive Android treatGoogle teams up with Coca-Cola for a festive Android treat originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Sharp Galapagos media tablets will bring 3G and EPUB content to US e-reader market in 2011
We like a bit of ambition around these parts and Sharp's plans for entering the US e-reader battlefield reek of the stuff. The Galapagos tablets that recently enjoyed their Japanese debut are going to be retooled, according to the Mainichi Daily News, to include new 3G radios for the internet-addicted US consumer, while the primary content format will also be switched from the proprietary XMDF in Japan to the almost universally compatible EPUB. Content partnerships are said to be brewing as we type, because, quite naturally, Sharp intends to have its own e-bookstore for Americans as well. After the Yanks, the company's said to be looking into bringing its 5.5- and 10.8-inch tablets to China, India, and Brazil. Highly ambitious indeed.Sharp Galapagos media tablets will bring 3G and EPUB content to US e-reader market in 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 05:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Netbook News | Mainichi Daily News | Email this | Comments
Nintendo Japan Warns Kids Under 6 to Avoid 3DS
by John Timmer
Consumer electronics companies are betting that 3-D is going to be the next big thing, and several are heavily promoting the latest 3-D televisions. But the advent of consumer-level 3-D has been accompanied by concerns about what effect the hardware might have on the human visual system. Although there’s no evidence of harm, [...]
Consumer electronics companies are betting that 3-D is going to be the next big thing, and several are heavily promoting the latest 3-D televisions. But the advent of consumer-level 3-D has been accompanied by concerns about what effect the hardware might have on the human visual system. Although there’s no evidence of harm, [...]
Bill Murray's Great Big Anti-Tech Rant [Video]
My-oh-my! Bill Murray has quite a few issues with technology, trends, and innovation. Just listen to him go on and on in this little rant from a TV promo filmed in the 1980s! [BoingBoing] More »
See What Went Popular And When With Rrrewind
Developer Roberto Martinez wanted an easy way to see what was popular on any given social content site on any given day so he built Rrrewind, which lets you see what was hot on Delicious, Digg, Hacker News, Reddit, Hulu, Yahoo Videos, YouTube, Dribbble, Flickr, Amazon and Yahoo Buzz for any day in 2010 and some in 2009.
Like a snapshot in virality or a Popurls with a history focus, Rrrewind allows you to go back in time and see an archive of the most viewed items on the Internet. Says Martinez, "It is NOT a social, local, deal related, disruptive app, just a damn useful site that let you go back in time and see what was popular on some sites. I built it because I hate to miss hot stuff on Delicious (snif), Hacker News, etc."
Like a snapshot in virality or a Popurls with a history focus, Rrrewind allows you to go back in time and see an archive of the most viewed items on the Internet. Says Martinez, "It is NOT a social, local, deal related, disruptive app, just a damn useful site that let you go back in time and see what was popular on some sites. I built it because I hate to miss hot stuff on Delicious (snif), Hacker News, etc."
The 19 Most Wired iPhone and iPad Apps of 2010
See Also:
15 iPad Apps You Should Download Today
10 Stellar iPad Apps That Will Blow You Away
Top Five iPad Comic-Book Apps Reviewed
GeekDad: IPhone Apps
Underwire: IPhone Apps
15 iPad Apps You Should Download Today
10 Stellar iPad Apps That Will Blow You Away
Top Five iPad Comic-Book Apps Reviewed
GeekDad: IPhone Apps
Underwire: IPhone Apps
iPad Web App Converts Flash Video On The Fly
Transmedia has introduced the new Glide OS 4.0, a cloud-based operating system that is ad-free, full of great productivity apps and best of all is compatible with the Apple iPad. It has great syncing capabilities and runs right from your iPad’s browser. It operates like an online mobile desktop. With Glide OS you can share [...]
Thursday, December 30, 2010
ASUS EP121, EP102, EP101, and EP71 tablets get diagramed in latest teaser
Haven't had enough CES titillation yet? Good. ASUS has apparently been up to some mischief overnight in uploading and then pulling a new version of its teaser video from a week ago, though this time it also included explicit product names attached to some quite informative diagrams. It looks to be the full family of upcoming CES tablets, with the EP121 touting stylus input and a wireless keyboard, the EP102 showing that there will indeed be a slider in ASUS' Pad family, and the EP101 looking like, well, a laptop. There's also a media-centric EP71, whose proportions make it seem likely to be a sort of oversized PMP. Skip past the break for a closer look at them all and don't forget to grace our comments with your theory as to why ASUS feels compelled to have such a segmented product offering.Continue reading ASUS EP121, EP102, EP101, and EP71 tablets get diagramed in latest teaserASUS EP121, EP102, EP101, and EP71 tablets get diagramed in latest teaser originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink CrunchGear | eeepc.it | Email this | Comments
Dear Manufacturers: You?ve Had A Rough Year, But Step It Up
It seems, at least at first blush, that we are out of the slimy gullet and into the potentially less dangerous teeth of this recession. Joblessness is still high but folks I know who are working in IT and CS are in high demand. People are hiring, but not out in the open, and shoppers, as evidenced by this year's holiday season, have a little bit of cash. But CE manufacturers, back in 2008, pulled into their turtle shells and haven't come out. The past few years have passed in a slothful haze and I'm worried that 2011 will be another year of negative innovation.
Consider what happened this year: we saw a load of Android phones, we saw an iPad and a new iPhone, and saw some tablets. That's it. 3D TV was a flop, most other product lines saw little or no improvement, and generally CE industry sat this year out. CES, if all portents can be believed, will be a bust as well.
People ask me every year what my favorite gadget is. That's almost impossible to answer. Sadly, for me, it's like asking a proctologist about his favorite patient: they all sort of blend together and none of the experiences are very nice. So what is my favorite gadget? The gadget that truly stood out?
It's the freaking Parrot AR.Drone. That's right. A toy. Here's why, and here's what manufacturers can take away from this toy.
Consider what happened this year: we saw a load of Android phones, we saw an iPad and a new iPhone, and saw some tablets. That's it. 3D TV was a flop, most other product lines saw little or no improvement, and generally CE industry sat this year out. CES, if all portents can be believed, will be a bust as well.
People ask me every year what my favorite gadget is. That's almost impossible to answer. Sadly, for me, it's like asking a proctologist about his favorite patient: they all sort of blend together and none of the experiences are very nice. So what is my favorite gadget? The gadget that truly stood out?
It's the freaking Parrot AR.Drone. That's right. A toy. Here's why, and here's what manufacturers can take away from this toy.
Wicked Audio's 3D headphones aren't what you think, border on unsightly
Okay, so maybe "border" is being generous. Wicked Audio is well known for its -- shall we say, vivacious -- line of earbuds and headphones, but none compare to the outfit's new 3D series of cans. Set to officially debut at CES next week, this line actually has embossed logos on each ear cup, enabling you to "feel" the graphics on the side. Hard to say who exactly this benefits, but for those who love raised artwork upside their noggins, we suppose it's perfect. As for specs? Keep dreaming -- all we know is that you'll be choosing the least offensive design from the three above next month when they go on sale for $29.99 at FYE.Continue reading Wicked Audio's 3D headphones aren't what you think, border on unsightlyWicked Audio's 3D headphones aren't what you think, border on unsightly originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 19:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Hands-on: Pinboard is a great Delicious alternative
So, Yahoo! went ahead and announced it doesn't like Delicious anymore. This is pretty much the dumbest move I've seen Yahoo! do in recent memory, and Delicious is going to fight for its survival outside of Yahoo!.
I really hope Delicious is going to make it, and I have every reason to believe it will. It's an incredible service, and one of the cornerstones of the Internet. Still, since I rely so heavily on Delicious, as soon as word got out about Yahoo! trying to kill it, I started looking for alternatives.
One of the most-hyped alternatives is called Pinboard, a paid service with an interesting pricing model: you pay a one-time fee determined by the current number of users * $0.001. This means the more users sign on, the more expensive it becomes. When I signed on a couple of days ago, the price was around $7. Now it's $8.65, and will probably keep rising.
Still, it's not a lot of money to pay for a safe home for all of my bookmarks, away from a big company that may make questionable decisions about a service critical to so many users.
But what did I get for my $7? I made a comprehensive gallery that you can see after the jump, and I'm going to walk you through it. Read on for the details!Continue reading Hands-on: Pinboard is a great Delicious alternativeHands-on: Pinboard is a great Delicious alternative originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
I really hope Delicious is going to make it, and I have every reason to believe it will. It's an incredible service, and one of the cornerstones of the Internet. Still, since I rely so heavily on Delicious, as soon as word got out about Yahoo! trying to kill it, I started looking for alternatives.
One of the most-hyped alternatives is called Pinboard, a paid service with an interesting pricing model: you pay a one-time fee determined by the current number of users * $0.001. This means the more users sign on, the more expensive it becomes. When I signed on a couple of days ago, the price was around $7. Now it's $8.65, and will probably keep rising.
Still, it's not a lot of money to pay for a safe home for all of my bookmarks, away from a big company that may make questionable decisions about a service critical to so many users.
But what did I get for my $7? I made a comprehensive gallery that you can see after the jump, and I'm going to walk you through it. Read on for the details!Continue reading Hands-on: Pinboard is a great Delicious alternativeHands-on: Pinboard is a great Delicious alternative originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Newer Technology Universal Drive Adapter Review
Newer Technology’s Universal Drive Adapter bills itself as the Swiss Army Knife of drive connectivity. The USB 2.0 adapter supports: ATA/IDE/SATA/ATAPI Compatible with any 2.5″, 3.5″, 5.25″ IDE or SATA device Supports IDE & enhanced IDE 3.5″ internal IDE hard disk Supports ATA/ATAPI-66 specification 1.0 Supports SATA I and SATA II USB 2.0 up to [...]
Adblock Plus for Chrome coming soon
Adblock is already available for Chrome, and is working very well for us so far. But now Adblock Plus, of Firefox fame, may be joining making the jump to Google's browser platform.
AdBlock Plus' developer, Wladimir Palant, has had lots of time to convert the extension; after all, Chrome isn't exactly new. But so far, Palant has been reluctant to do the porting, due to the amount of work required and Chrome's limited blocking capabilities. Times have changed however, as according to TechCrunch, Adblock Plus is on its way. It won't be a complete re-write apparently, but based on an existing extension called AdThwart.
From an end user's point of view, having Adblock Plus for Chrome might not make a huge difference. After all, the existing options for Chrome do get the job done. But when you step back and look at the big picture, this is one more indication of the rapid rise of Chrome as a browser platform, and now, an OS.Adblock Plus for Chrome coming soon originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
AdBlock Plus' developer, Wladimir Palant, has had lots of time to convert the extension; after all, Chrome isn't exactly new. But so far, Palant has been reluctant to do the porting, due to the amount of work required and Chrome's limited blocking capabilities. Times have changed however, as according to TechCrunch, Adblock Plus is on its way. It won't be a complete re-write apparently, but based on an existing extension called AdThwart.
From an end user's point of view, having Adblock Plus for Chrome might not make a huge difference. After all, the existing options for Chrome do get the job done. But when you step back and look at the big picture, this is one more indication of the rapid rise of Chrome as a browser platform, and now, an OS.Adblock Plus for Chrome coming soon originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Mayor of Newark, New Jersey starts Twitter blizzard cleanup snowpocalypse revolution
Newark, New Jersey's popular Mayor, Cory Booker, has had a novel reaction to the problems the blizzard is causing for his people: he's listening to them, and trying to help. Shocking, we know. Even more interesting, of course, is the fact that he's using Twitter to do so. While phone lines all over the tri-state area remain a joke (try calling an airline or public hotline), Twitter has presented Newark's Mayor with a unique, and incredibly direct way of interacting with people who need help with everything from getting their streets plowed to delivering diapers -- personally in many situations. While it's not exactly enough to make us consider a move to Newark, it's certainly impressive.Mayor of Newark, New Jersey starts Twitter blizzard cleanup snowpocalypse revolution originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 16:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Cory Booker (Twitter) | Email this | Comments
Beta List helps you join private betas ahead of the crowd
In most cases, by the time you hear about a cool beta test that you'd like to be a part of, it's too late. When sites like TechCrunch or Mashable break the news of a startup with an exclusive, the sign-up queues are inevitably flooded with wannabe testers, leaving you with a very big chance that you'll be left out in the cold. What you really need is an insider site, something that might warn you about closed, private betas before big tech sites announce the public beta. Something like betali.st, or Beta List, for example.
I must warn you: never has a single page contained so many hideous top-level domain wanks, and site names ending in the letter 'r'. But, despite the worrying, continuing prevalence of all-lower-case websites, Beta List is rather cool. Of course, for it to actually beat TechCrunch and Mashable to the punch, startup owners will have to actually tell Beta List about their closed beta tests. It has some well-established competition in the shape of The Museum of Modern Betas, too.
You can subscribe to Beta List via RSS, but the newsletter is probably a better option -- that way you can be properly alerted every time a new beta test is listed.Beta List helps you join private betas ahead of the crowd originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
I must warn you: never has a single page contained so many hideous top-level domain wanks, and site names ending in the letter 'r'. But, despite the worrying, continuing prevalence of all-lower-case websites, Beta List is rather cool. Of course, for it to actually beat TechCrunch and Mashable to the punch, startup owners will have to actually tell Beta List about their closed beta tests. It has some well-established competition in the shape of The Museum of Modern Betas, too.
You can subscribe to Beta List via RSS, but the newsletter is probably a better option -- that way you can be properly alerted every time a new beta test is listed.Beta List helps you join private betas ahead of the crowd originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Ask DLS: how to change your Download Squad password, the best Android web browser, and tailoring our RSS feeds
We're back with more of your questions, and more of our excellent answers.
This week, with the high-profile Gawker Media hack, we've been innundated with commenters asking how to change their Download Squad password. Now, it's not the easiest thing in the world, and yes, we know our commenting system isn't the best in the world (and we know there are still a few 'Easter eggs' from the Switched merger; they'll be ironed out soon, I promise) -- so if you're struggling to change your password, follow these simple steps:
Make sure you're logged in -- the only way to do this (at the moment) is to leave a comment on a post (any post will do!)
Find one of your comments -- the comment you just made will work just fine
Click your name -- it's a link to your profile page (it will look something like this). Marvel at your huge post counts!
Type your old password, and confirm a new password -- hit Change Password and you're done!
Continue reading Ask DLS: how to change your Download Squad password, the best Android web browser, and tailoring our RSS feedsAsk DLS: how to change your Download Squad password, the best Android web browser, and tailoring our RSS feeds originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
This week, with the high-profile Gawker Media hack, we've been innundated with commenters asking how to change their Download Squad password. Now, it's not the easiest thing in the world, and yes, we know our commenting system isn't the best in the world (and we know there are still a few 'Easter eggs' from the Switched merger; they'll be ironed out soon, I promise) -- so if you're struggling to change your password, follow these simple steps:
Make sure you're logged in -- the only way to do this (at the moment) is to leave a comment on a post (any post will do!)
Find one of your comments -- the comment you just made will work just fine
Click your name -- it's a link to your profile page (it will look something like this). Marvel at your huge post counts!
Type your old password, and confirm a new password -- hit Change Password and you're done!
Continue reading Ask DLS: how to change your Download Squad password, the best Android web browser, and tailoring our RSS feedsAsk DLS: how to change your Download Squad password, the best Android web browser, and tailoring our RSS feeds originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Gawker Media hacked, 1.5 million usernames stolen, CMS breached
Gawker Media, the company behind Lifehacker, Gizmodo, and several other major blogs, has been hacked. This has been an ongoing story for a couple of days now. At first it seemed only the user database had been compromised, but as further details emerged, it became evident Gawker's content management system had also been breached. A group going by the name 'Gnosis' appears to be taking credit for the hack, which itself appears to be in retaliation to references made by Gawker Media relating to 4chan and other groups. Screenshots mocking 4chan from Gawker's internal Campfire group chat have been exposed to the public.
Around 270,000 user accounts and passwords have been released so far. So, if you happen to have a user account on Gizmodo, Lifehacker or any other Gawker website, now would be a very good time to change your password.Gawker Media hacked, 1.5 million usernames stolen, CMS breached originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Around 270,000 user accounts and passwords have been released so far. So, if you happen to have a user account on Gizmodo, Lifehacker or any other Gawker website, now would be a very good time to change your password.Gawker Media hacked, 1.5 million usernames stolen, CMS breached originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Earjax Lyrics Earphone Review
When you think of consumer earphones, what companies come to mind? Sony? Monster? Skullcandy? Truth is, there are a LOT of companies out there making earphones for your MP3 player – with many of them producing pretty good products. It?s a huge market, so the choices are in the buyer?s favor. As reviewer, one of [...]
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Rumor: Apple Preparing New, Verizon-Compatible iPad
Apple’s loose-lipped overseas partners are exchanging whispers about the next-generation iPad, claiming it will come in three different versions, one of which would work with Verizon’s network.
The iPad 2 will support three different wireless configurations: UMTS, CDMA and Wi-Fi only, according to “industry sources quoted by DigiTimes” citing component makers. That’s up from the two [...]
The iPad 2 will support three different wireless configurations: UMTS, CDMA and Wi-Fi only, according to “industry sources quoted by DigiTimes” citing component makers. That’s up from the two [...]
Hitwise: Facebook Overtakes Google To Become Most Visited Website In 2010
According to Hitwise data released today, Facebook.com was the top visited website in the US in 2010, taking up 8.93 % of site visits between January and November 2010. Google.com came in second at 7.19%, Yahoo Mail is third with 3.52% and Yahoo.com is fourth at 3.30%. YouTube came in fifth at 2.65 %.
While this is the first time Facebook has been named most visited site of the year (crowding out last year's winner Google), the visits to Google properties combined still cover 9.85% of all site visits, making Google still a formidable opponent. "Facebook" also ranked #1 for most searched term of the year directly in front of the hilarious "Facebook login" at #2.
While this is the first time Facebook has been named most visited site of the year (crowding out last year's winner Google), the visits to Google properties combined still cover 9.85% of all site visits, making Google still a formidable opponent. "Facebook" also ranked #1 for most searched term of the year directly in front of the hilarious "Facebook login" at #2.
EcoModo - The Best of TreeHugger [Roundups]
This week on TreeHugger, rainbow machines (unicorns not included), satellites that hunt woodpeckers from space, hammock-shaped houses, new war games that use weather as weaponry, badass furniture designs and more. More »
Show How Electric Your Love Is With $200 Rings [Rings]
The electricity that courses through your body whenever you're together. The way you fit perfectly in her arms, powering you up. The voltage you feel as the relationship sours, when you stick your ring into a wall-socket. [Artifacts via DesignMilk] More »
Panelize fixes one of Chrome OS's fundamental flaws
If you haven't played with Chrome OS yet, it has one fundamental niggle that harkens back to the DOS days of yore: windows don't exist, and it has no way of displaying multiple tabs on screen at the same time. This means if you want to refer to a document while you compose an email, you need to repetitively switch between tabs -- and I think we can all agree that tab-switching is one of the most important omissions from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Chrome OS does support one way of displaying multiple Web pages at the same time, however: panels. If you've looked through our Chromium OS galleries (or taken a quick look at the screenshot above) you'll notice some always-on-top panels across the bottom of the screen. Panels are handy things -- capable of being resized, or quickly popped down out of view. By default, the download manager, popped-out Gmail chat windows and the media player display in panels -- but, for some reason, there's no way to load custom websites in panels.
Which brings us onto our very first Chrome OS-specific extension: Panelize. With Panelize you can put anything into a panel, such as Gmail, Reader, or even Download Squad. In one fell swoop, having to switch between tabs is a thing of the past!Continue reading Panelize fixes one of Chrome OS's fundamental flawsPanelize fixes one of Chrome OS's fundamental flaws originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 12 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Chrome OS does support one way of displaying multiple Web pages at the same time, however: panels. If you've looked through our Chromium OS galleries (or taken a quick look at the screenshot above) you'll notice some always-on-top panels across the bottom of the screen. Panels are handy things -- capable of being resized, or quickly popped down out of view. By default, the download manager, popped-out Gmail chat windows and the media player display in panels -- but, for some reason, there's no way to load custom websites in panels.
Which brings us onto our very first Chrome OS-specific extension: Panelize. With Panelize you can put anything into a panel, such as Gmail, Reader, or even Download Squad. In one fell swoop, having to switch between tabs is a thing of the past!Continue reading Panelize fixes one of Chrome OS's fundamental flawsPanelize fixes one of Chrome OS's fundamental flaws originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 12 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
20+ essential programs for your new Windows computer
Our regular readers can probably rattle off a list of their 20 favorite apps without breaking a sweat -- as the comments on this post will no doubt prove. But for our less in-the-know friends, family, and co-workers, it can be challenging to figure out where to download high quality programs that actually do what they need them to do.
We've put together an assortment that will help you hit the ground running with your new Windows PC. If you've got your own suggestions to add, feel free to post them in the comments.
Now let's take the jump and check out the apps!Continue reading 20+ essential programs for your new Windows computer20+ essential programs for your new Windows computer originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
We've put together an assortment that will help you hit the ground running with your new Windows PC. If you've got your own suggestions to add, feel free to post them in the comments.
Now let's take the jump and check out the apps!Continue reading 20+ essential programs for your new Windows computer20+ essential programs for your new Windows computer originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
CrunchGear Week in Review: Training Edition
Here are some of last week’s stories on CrunchGear: Five Days of Festivus Contest: Win $500 To Spend On Presents TDK?s Retro-Futuristic Boomboxes Look Sweet Gift Guide: The 10 Worst Toys Of The Season If This Model Train Was Much Bigger, They?d Just Call It A Train Nooka?s Zub Zayu, Another Tasteful Abstact Wristwatch Five [...]
Java Lives
What does the future of Java look like? Many say Java is reaching the end of its life, while others go so far as to say Java is dead. Will Java become Cobol, an antique enterprise platform too entrenched to get rid of, but no longer relevant? Will Oracle's takeover of Java prove to be the final nail in the Java coffin? Does it still make sense to build new-generation Web applications on Java?.
Android Music Player to Ditch the Featureless Gray List Design Ethic [Video]
The default Android music player is a dark and dreary piece of software, that's routinely shamed by the custom media options supplied with HTC's Sense skin and even the likes of Motoblur. But it's about to get better. More »
Man Punches Teenager For Refusing to Turn Off His iPhone Mid-Air [IPhone]
We know flying is a tiring business, especially with all the new security precautions nowadays—but getting so worked up over a 15 year-old ignoring requests to turn off all electronic devices that you punch him? Not on, dude. More »
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Lightning photographed by superfast X-ray camera, Nikola Tesla nods with approval
You know, we could just leave you with the image above and be done here, but its backstory is almost as cool. Researchers at the Florida Institute of Technology have built a 1,500-pound X-ray camera that can shoot ten million frames a second and then pointed it at a nearby flash of lightning to try and learn more about it. How did they know where the lightning would strike? Well, in true scientific fashion, they caused it themselves! This was done by shooting rockets into thunderstorms, with attached wires directing the flow of energy down into their target zone. The imagery produced from the X-ray sensor is actually extremely low-res -- a 30-pixel hexagonal grid is all you get -- but it's enough to show that X-ray radiation is concentrated at the tip of the lightning bolt. What good that knowledge will do for the world, we don't know, but we're sure it'll provide nice fodder for the next round of superhero empowerment stories.Lightning photographed by superfast X-ray camera, Nikola Tesla nods with approval originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 07:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Gizmodo | National Geographic | Email this | Comments
Firefox 4 beta 8 now available for download
While the main download link hasn't updated yet at getfirefox.com/beta, the latest beta release of Firefox 4 is ready for download from Mozilla's FTP servers. With Beta 7 already being feature complete, Beta 8 is all about squashing bugs and shining up the browser in anticipation of its release. It was a little slow in the coming, but frankly we're just glad to see FF4b8 surface before time ran out on 2010.
Check out the full build notes here, or click one of the following links to download:
Firefox 4 Beta 8 for 32-bit Windows (US English)
Firefox 4 Beta 8 for OS X (US English)
Other languages and builds are available on the Mozilla FTP server. Full release notes can be found on the Mozilla wiki.Firefox 4 beta 8 now available for download originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Check out the full build notes here, or click one of the following links to download:
Firefox 4 Beta 8 for 32-bit Windows (US English)
Firefox 4 Beta 8 for OS X (US English)
Other languages and builds are available on the Mozilla FTP server. Full release notes can be found on the Mozilla wiki.Firefox 4 beta 8 now available for download originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
ASUS teases Eee Pad and Eee Slate ahead of CES launch
Seems like all these CES vendors have wised up to the fact that announcing their new products amidst a maelstrom of new product announcements tends to be slightly counterproductive. So, naturally, they're spending their December carefully teasing out little pre-release details. It's ASUS' turn today, who clearly isn't content just telling us about its Eee Pad / Slate / Tablet / Chopping Board and has decided to dish out some candid hardware shots. What we see above is a USB 3.0 port embedded within a very slinky keyboard panel, which itself seems attached to a touchscreen display (with Android buttons!) up top. It's looking more like a tablet PC (presumably with a pivoting screen) than a tablet, which is corroborated by other images at the source link. Two devices are included in this teaser picture set, with the other looking like it has a slider keyboard (see it after the break) -- none of it is definitive just yet, but it makes for a good guessing game to fill the time until the big show kicks off in Vegas next week.Continue reading ASUS teases Eee Pad and Eee Slate ahead of CES launchASUS teases Eee Pad and Eee Slate ahead of CES launch originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 04:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Notebook Italia | Tech in Style | Email this | Comments
Multitask With The New Compass iPad Stand
Twelve South is well known for their exclusive and stylish accessory designs for Apple products and most recently they have introduced the all new Compass stand for the iPad. You may recall back in April Twelve South was one of the first companies to release a quality iPad stand, also known as the Bookarc Stand. [...]
The Legend of Zelda prototype surfaces, makes itself readily available
Retro gamers, take note -- The Legend of Zelda is back, and this version's more intriguing than ever. From the pits of a mythical, magical unknown lair has arisen an early build of the original FDS version of Zelda, and thanks to the wonders of the internet (along with a few dedicated Earthlings), we're able to break down the differences between the prototype and the retail edition, download the FDS image and pore over the disk scans. From what we've been able to gather thus far, the early version is quite a bit easier to beat than the final build, with fewer enemies, easier money and more gullible partners. Sounds like our kind of place. Hit the links below to nerd out in fantastic fashion.The Legend of Zelda prototype surfaces, makes itself readily available originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 09:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Geek | Lost Levels, The Cutting Room Floor | Email this | Comments
Deals of the Day [Dealzmodo]
Today's deals include a 15" Dell laptop, a Western Digital Media Player, 3 free meals at IHOP, and more. More »
VLC Media player set to arrive on Android early 2011
The multitude of VLC compatible apps already in the Android Market is pretty amazing. The fact those apps exist at the level in which they do already shows there is demand for VLC to be on Android. Yes it's true, some most are just remote apps but that shows people use VLC enough to even care. Now, the news comes that VLC will be releasing an Android App come early 2011.According to sources, the developers have been hard at work on VLC for Android for months now but have been thus far defeated by its Java system limitations. The improvements made within Gingerbread and the Android NDK now allows development to chug on with no issues but, what does that mean for device not currently running gingerbread? The only thing I can really say is, while the idea of VLC on Android seems great, the iOS launch was plagued with bugs and well, never really gave that "It's VLC it'll play a pop tart if I tell it to" feel. While it is working better now, I'd be just as happy waiting longer for the Android version so that it can be fully baked. [GigaOM]VLC Media player set to arrive on Android early 2011 posted originally by Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories
This Is China's Secret Stealth Strike Fighter [Airplanes]
Unlike their Shenyang J-15 Flying Shark—a copy of the Russian Sukhoi Su-33—the new Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter seems to be a copy of the American stealth fighters, with some lambda wings attached. It was secret. Not anymore. More »
Omega Headphone Stands: For Alpha Audiophiles Only [Headphones]
When your headphones cost more than your monthly rent, there's pressure to keep them pristine—but also to show them off. The Omega Headphone Stand does both with a single, oval-shaped piece of wood. More »
Lenovo IdeaPad U260 review
We mean this with no disrespect to Lenovo, but when you first lay eyes (or hands) on the incredibly attractive IdeaPad U260, it's pretty hard to believe that it was made by the company. Sure, the Chinese laptop manufacturer has always had a certain knack for creating very powerful and well-rounded ultraportables, but "drop-dead gorgeous" isn't exactly how we'd describe systems like the Lenovo IdeaPad U160, Edge 11, or ThinkPad X301. The U260 is indeed a total 180 for the company, and it's one of the most dapper and svelte laptops we've seen in a long time -- there's no question about it, its magnesium-aluminum alloy shell, leather palm rest, and glass touchpad even give the newest MacBook Airs a run for their money. But even better, the 12.5-inch system has the brawn to match that external beauty - its 0.7-inch shell has been injected with a Core i5 ULV processor, 4GB of RAM, and 320GB of storage. At $1,100 (the Core i3 version starts at $999), there's no denying that it's more than enticing, but is the U260 immune to Lenovo's typical ultraportable pain points, including poor battery life and tepid temperatures? We've been lucky enough to spend the last few days with the beautiful machine (yes, we took it on vacation!), so jump down below to find out in our full review! Gallery: Lenovo IdeaPad U260Continue reading Lenovo IdeaPad U260 reviewFiled under: LaptopsLenovo IdeaPad U260 review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 12:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Softbank brings NFC payment technology to iPhone 4
While most have assumed the iPhone 5 will include NFC technology for turning your iPhone into an eWallet, Japanese carrier Softbank has announced they’ll be releasing their own NFC payment system for the iPhone 4 ahead of Apple in the form of a sticker you can apply to Apple’s flagship smartphone. From Engadget:
[...]Softbank brings NFC payment technology to iPhone 4 is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
[...]Softbank brings NFC payment technology to iPhone 4 is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
Monday, December 27, 2010
All Household Appliances Should Be Made By Apple
Like many of you, I am visiting family this holiday season and nowhere does gadget snobbery become more apparent than during gatherings with loved ones. Aside from the ubiquitous "Whose phone is faster?" question, which in my case led to an email race at Christmas dinner, there is endless potential for the marginally tech savvy to show off during the holidays.
But all the superiority gleaned from being able to load non-iTunes purchases into your mom's iPod is tossed out the window when faced with a relative's overly complex coffee machine, an arbitrarily complicated alarm clock and two separate indecipherable TV remotes for one TV.
But all the superiority gleaned from being able to load non-iTunes purchases into your mom's iPod is tossed out the window when faced with a relative's overly complex coffee machine, an arbitrarily complicated alarm clock and two separate indecipherable TV remotes for one TV.
All Household Appliances Should Be Made By Apple
Like many of you, I am visiting family this holiday season and nowhere does gadget snobbery become more apparent than during gatherings with loved ones. Aside from the ubiquitous "Whose phone is faster?" question, which in my case led to an email race at Christmas dinner, there is endless potential for the marginally tech savvy to show off during the holidays.
But all the superiority gleaned from being able to load non-iTunes purchases into your mom's iPod is tossed out the window when faced with a relative's overly complex coffee machine, an arbitrarily complicated alarm clock and two separate indecipherable TV remotes for one TV.
But all the superiority gleaned from being able to load non-iTunes purchases into your mom's iPod is tossed out the window when faced with a relative's overly complex coffee machine, an arbitrarily complicated alarm clock and two separate indecipherable TV remotes for one TV.
Inhabitat's Week in Green: rocket fuel, recycled jeans, and the electric eel powered Christmas tree
Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.
Eco transportation took off this week as researchers in Sweden discovered a new molecule that could make rocket fuel 30 percent more efficient. We also caught up with Russia's plans to construct a new high-speed rail system for the 2018 World Cup, and we saw several major auto manufacturers give their vehicles green upgrades - Ford announced it will insulate its 2010 Focus with recycled jeans, and Chevrolet launched plans to transform 100,000 pounds of used oil booms into parts for the Volt.
The past week also saw bright horizons dawn for renewable energy as the world's largest parabolic trough solar plant received a $1.5 billion DOE loan. The world of consumer tech was energized by the sun's rays as Toshiba unveiled a new solar-powered e-book reader and one designer developed a solar-powered desalination system that could keep shipwrecked survivors alive at sea. We also brought you artist Michael McKean's plan to shoot rainbows across the sky at will with his solar-powered rainbow generator.
Speaking of spreading renewable cheer, this month Japan's Enoshima Aquarium unveiled the world's first Christmas tree powered by an electric eel. The FAA also got into the holiday spirit as they approved a next-gen Santa sleigh that delivers gifts 53% faster, and if you unwrapped a new video game system this year, you may be interested to know that the Nintendo Wii was recently crowned the most energy-efficient next-gen gaming console. Finally, if the wintry weather has you feeling down, just take a peek inside this supermassive airship hangar, transformed into a year-round tropical island getaway.Inhabitat's Week in Green: rocket fuel, recycled jeans, and the electric eel powered Christmas tree originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 15:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Eco transportation took off this week as researchers in Sweden discovered a new molecule that could make rocket fuel 30 percent more efficient. We also caught up with Russia's plans to construct a new high-speed rail system for the 2018 World Cup, and we saw several major auto manufacturers give their vehicles green upgrades - Ford announced it will insulate its 2010 Focus with recycled jeans, and Chevrolet launched plans to transform 100,000 pounds of used oil booms into parts for the Volt.
The past week also saw bright horizons dawn for renewable energy as the world's largest parabolic trough solar plant received a $1.5 billion DOE loan. The world of consumer tech was energized by the sun's rays as Toshiba unveiled a new solar-powered e-book reader and one designer developed a solar-powered desalination system that could keep shipwrecked survivors alive at sea. We also brought you artist Michael McKean's plan to shoot rainbows across the sky at will with his solar-powered rainbow generator.
Speaking of spreading renewable cheer, this month Japan's Enoshima Aquarium unveiled the world's first Christmas tree powered by an electric eel. The FAA also got into the holiday spirit as they approved a next-gen Santa sleigh that delivers gifts 53% faster, and if you unwrapped a new video game system this year, you may be interested to know that the Nintendo Wii was recently crowned the most energy-efficient next-gen gaming console. Finally, if the wintry weather has you feeling down, just take a peek inside this supermassive airship hangar, transformed into a year-round tropical island getaway.Inhabitat's Week in Green: rocket fuel, recycled jeans, and the electric eel powered Christmas tree originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 15:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
No Lock for Android disables "slide to unlock" keyguard
My Android device has a tiny power button, and it's usually in a holster. Really, what are the odds of me turning it on accidentally?
If you purchased previously reviewed power-tool Tasker, you can use it to selectively disable the slide to unlock feature, amongst the myriad of other things it can do.
However, if you didn't purchase Tasker, or are just looking for a quick and free solution, No Lock might be right up your alley.
This no-frills app presents a huge button you can press to toggle the keyguard. When the keyguard is off, you need only press the power button on your device to start interacting with it - no sliding involved.
There's also a handy 1x1 widget you can put on your homescreen and tap whenever you want to toggle the keyguard. The only feature I wish it had is a "dual button" unlock, whereby I can press the power button and then the camera button to unlock; I think that could definitely keep me from switching the device on accidentally. Still, for most cases, No Lock gets the job done. You can find its QR code after the jump.Continue reading No Lock for Android disables "slide to unlock" keyguardNo Lock for Android disables "slide to unlock" keyguard originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
If you purchased previously reviewed power-tool Tasker, you can use it to selectively disable the slide to unlock feature, amongst the myriad of other things it can do.
However, if you didn't purchase Tasker, or are just looking for a quick and free solution, No Lock might be right up your alley.
This no-frills app presents a huge button you can press to toggle the keyguard. When the keyguard is off, you need only press the power button on your device to start interacting with it - no sliding involved.
There's also a handy 1x1 widget you can put on your homescreen and tap whenever you want to toggle the keyguard. The only feature I wish it had is a "dual button" unlock, whereby I can press the power button and then the camera button to unlock; I think that could definitely keep me from switching the device on accidentally. Still, for most cases, No Lock gets the job done. You can find its QR code after the jump.Continue reading No Lock for Android disables "slide to unlock" keyguardNo Lock for Android disables "slide to unlock" keyguard originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Many iPhone App Downloads Jumped 2-3X On Christmas
It's beginning to look like Apple may have had a very, very merry Christmas. Not that it should surprise anyone given how many of their products were on year-end "best-of" lists. But some data that has started to come in over the past few days points to Apple's Christmas surge once again being led by the mainstays: the iPhone and iPod touch (and probably the iPad as well).
Since yesterday, developers have been tweeting and messaging about huge spikes in downloads of their apps on Christmas. How huge? Just look at the chart in this post. We're talking two to three times normal numbers. That particular graph came thanks to data from�MixPanel, a Y Combinator startup that specializes in iOS analytics. We've since confirmed with the company that on the apps they track, they're seeing the same "2-3x in app download/sales across the board."
Since yesterday, developers have been tweeting and messaging about huge spikes in downloads of their apps on Christmas. How huge? Just look at the chart in this post. We're talking two to three times normal numbers. That particular graph came thanks to data from�MixPanel, a Y Combinator startup that specializes in iOS analytics. We've since confirmed with the company that on the apps they track, they're seeing the same "2-3x in app download/sales across the board."
Microsoft nerd reverse engineers Christmas lights, uses them as IM indicators
Apparently, even domestic Christmas lights are controlled by computers nowadays, and hopefully, as you all know, that means they're hackable. Andrej Kyselica, a Microsoft employee, took some GE-35 Christmas lights, hooked them into a .NET Micro Framework embedded controller, took another developer's work, developed a driver -- and voila! PC-controlled Christmas lights (video after the break).
In the demo, Andrej uses Microsoft Lync (Office Communications Server) to connect his instant messenger contacts (presumably Live Messenger) to the Christmas lights. The lights then show each contact's current status -- green, yellow and red -- or he can manually set them as 'out of the office', which is a rather pretty purple color. If the light is off, nobody is home.
While this is a cool hack, it pales in comparison to another computer-controlled Christmas lights experiment, which has been going since 2002: Alek's Controllable Christmas Lights. Alek lets you control over 21,000 lights, and inflate or deflate Elmo, Santa and Homer Simpson.Continue reading Microsoft nerd reverse engineers Christmas lights, uses them as IM indicatorsMicrosoft nerd reverse engineers Christmas lights, uses them as IM indicators originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
In the demo, Andrej uses Microsoft Lync (Office Communications Server) to connect his instant messenger contacts (presumably Live Messenger) to the Christmas lights. The lights then show each contact's current status -- green, yellow and red -- or he can manually set them as 'out of the office', which is a rather pretty purple color. If the light is off, nobody is home.
While this is a cool hack, it pales in comparison to another computer-controlled Christmas lights experiment, which has been going since 2002: Alek's Controllable Christmas Lights. Alek lets you control over 21,000 lights, and inflate or deflate Elmo, Santa and Homer Simpson.Continue reading Microsoft nerd reverse engineers Christmas lights, uses them as IM indicatorsMicrosoft nerd reverse engineers Christmas lights, uses them as IM indicators originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Samsung's Full-Power Galaxy Player Will Be At CES 2011 [Android]
There was a bit of a false start regarding Samsung's iPod Touch rival, with the long-awaited Galaxy S-without-calling-options turning out to be a disappointingly lower-spec device. Now Samsung's doing it properly with this. More »
Adobe revels in first ever billion-dollar quarter
Adobe, the software giant behind the monstrously-successful Creative Suite, Reader and Flash, has just racked up its first billion-dollar quarter. Up from $757 million in the same period last year, this represents a 33% year-over-year revenue growth, which is pretty damn massive. Over the entire year, Adobe enjoyed a total revenue of $3.8 billion, up from $2.9 billion in 2009.
With all of the negative press over Flash, people often fail to realize just how big Adobe is. If you take a quick look at the Forbes 2010 list of the world's largest software companies, Adobe would place just outside the top 10, with revenues just behind Yahoo! and CA Technologies. This year's excellent performance, whether you like it or not, is almost certainly because of Flash's continued dominance -- and the excellent Creative Suite 5, of course!Adobe revels in first ever billion-dollar quarter originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 06:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
With all of the negative press over Flash, people often fail to realize just how big Adobe is. If you take a quick look at the Forbes 2010 list of the world's largest software companies, Adobe would place just outside the top 10, with revenues just behind Yahoo! and CA Technologies. This year's excellent performance, whether you like it or not, is almost certainly because of Flash's continued dominance -- and the excellent Creative Suite 5, of course!Adobe revels in first ever billion-dollar quarter originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 06:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Free games for your new Windows computer
Right now, Steam is running all kinds of crazy year-end deals and there are loads of games you can buy at crazy low prices. But maybe you're all tapped out right now -- and you'd like to get your hands on some fun games without having to shell out your remaining hard-earned cash?
No worries! We just pointed out 20 great free programs to install on your new system, and it's just as easy to find plenty of free games. First, some good news about your new Windows 7 computer: it's got some really great free games installed like Mahjong Titans and the much nicer-looking Solitaire.
Now, onward to the free games!Continue reading Free games for your new Windows computerFree games for your new Windows computer originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
No worries! We just pointed out 20 great free programs to install on your new system, and it's just as easy to find plenty of free games. First, some good news about your new Windows 7 computer: it's got some really great free games installed like Mahjong Titans and the much nicer-looking Solitaire.
Now, onward to the free games!Continue reading Free games for your new Windows computerFree games for your new Windows computer originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Congress Will Allow the Use of Electronic Devices in the House [Government]
Republicans plan to lift the ban on the use of electronic gadgets like the iPad, iPhone and BlackBerry on the House floor. Now our lawmakers can check their Facebook and update their Twitter during those filibustering times. More »
Happy Holidays From Gizmodo [Holidays]
Happy holidays, dear all, and thank you for reading Gizmodo. While we didn't send out cards to each of you, we did want to take a moment to remind you that we appreciate you and wish you happy holidays. More »
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Free games for your new Windows computer
Right now, Steam is running all kinds of crazy year-end deals and there are loads of games you can buy at crazy low prices. But maybe you're all tapped out right now -- and you'd like to get your hands on some fun games without having to shell out your remaining hard-earned cash?
No worries! We just pointed out 20 great free programs to install on your new system, and it's just as easy to find plenty of free games. First, some good news about your new Windows 7 computer: it's got some really great free games installed like Mahjong Titans and the much nicer-looking Solitaire.
Now, onward to the free games!Continue reading Free games for your new Windows computerFree games for your new Windows computer originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
No worries! We just pointed out 20 great free programs to install on your new system, and it's just as easy to find plenty of free games. First, some good news about your new Windows 7 computer: it's got some really great free games installed like Mahjong Titans and the much nicer-looking Solitaire.
Now, onward to the free games!Continue reading Free games for your new Windows computerFree games for your new Windows computer originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Get Android for Christmas? Here's how to get started with your new phone
So you just unwrapped our first Android phone, eh? Welcome to the world of smartphones. Whether you're upgrading from a feature phone, or switching to the greatest smartphone platform around, we know things can be a little overwhelming at first. But we're here to help. Welcome, and here are a few links to help get you started!The Android Dictionary: You'll likely want to check back here often. It's a list of commonly used terms in the Android community.Find your phone: There are dozens of Android phones available today. Use our device guide to find news and information specific to yours.Apps, apps and more apps: Now that you have your phone, you're going to need some apps. We review apps on a regular basis, and you can find them here.Tips and tricks: Your phone is full of cool features -- some obvious, some not. We've got a plethora of tips and tricks we've learned over the years.Rooting: What is rooting? Should you root, and how do you do it? We've got your complete guide to rooting your phone.Accessories: Now that you've got your phone, you should check out a case, or a spare battery or headset. And the Android Central Store has everything you could possibly need.Community forums: The best source of Android help and information comes from you folks, the readers. And we've got the best Android Forums around. Don't be afraid to ask questions -- you'll be amazed and how everyone's eager to helpSo congrats on your new phone, and welcome to the Android family! We're glad to have you!Get Android for Christmas? Here's how to get started with your new phone posted originally by Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories
Aza Raskin leaves Mozilla to found health startup Massive Health
Aza Raskin, the genius behind many of Mozilla's design and usability innovations, is leaving the company. In his blog post, Raskin applauds Mozilla on many accounts, so it doesn't seem as though the move is made due to any sort of ill will; it appears as though Raskin simply wants to do something new.
That "something new" is a startup called Massive Health. Through Massive Health, Raskin hopes to put his design chops to use for helping people lose weight and deal with other chronic health issues. As can be expected, they already have a very well-designed webpage, but not much else at this stage.
This is a major loss for Mozilla; with Chrome quickly gaining traction in the browser market and still out-performing Firefox, at least in UI responsiveness, Mozilla's game of catch-up just became a tad more challenging.Aza Raskin leaves Mozilla to found health startup Massive Health originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
That "something new" is a startup called Massive Health. Through Massive Health, Raskin hopes to put his design chops to use for helping people lose weight and deal with other chronic health issues. As can be expected, they already have a very well-designed webpage, but not much else at this stage.
This is a major loss for Mozilla; with Chrome quickly gaining traction in the browser market and still out-performing Firefox, at least in UI responsiveness, Mozilla's game of catch-up just became a tad more challenging.Aza Raskin leaves Mozilla to found health startup Massive Health originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Dutch scientists develop half million euro, 'affordable' super laser
The folks at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) have lovingly referred to their latest contribution to the world of science as the "poor man's X-FEL." An X-FEL, or X-ray Free-electron Laser, is like a super strong video microscope that converts electrons to X-rays to observe high-speed molecular movement. TU/e's super laser alternative depends solely on a very specific bunching of electrons to do the same thing, allowing for a much smaller (it fits on a tabletop), much cheaper setup. With an estimated cost of half a million euro, the laser is hardly cheap, but it's far more affordable than the competition: Stanford's X-FEL runs hundreds of millions of dollars, and measures a whole kilometer. TU/e researchers admit that their laser can't do everything that an X-FEL can, but, hey, you get what you pay for. Up next for TU/e? In vitro pork products. Yummy.Dutch scientists develop half million euro, 'affordable' super laser originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 13:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | PhysOrg | Email this | Comments
Ask DLS: how to change your Download Squad password, the best Android web browser, and tailoring our RSS feeds
We're back with more of your questions, and more of our excellent answers.
This week, with the high-profile Gawker Media hack, we've been innundated with commenters asking how to change their Download Squad password. Now, it's not the easiest thing in the world, and yes, we know our commenting system isn't the best in the world (and we know there are still a few 'Easter eggs' from the Switched merger; they'll be ironed out soon, I promise) -- so if you're struggling to change your password, follow these simple steps:
Make sure you're logged in -- the only way to do this (at the moment) is to leave a comment on a post (any post will do!)
Find one of your comments -- the comment you just made will work just fine
Click your name -- it's a link to your profile page (it will look something like this). Marvel at your huge post counts!
Type your old password, and confirm a new password -- hit Change Password and you're done!
Continue reading Ask DLS: how to change your Download Squad password, the best Android web browser, and tailoring our RSS feedsAsk DLS: how to change your Download Squad password, the best Android web browser, and tailoring our RSS feeds originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
This week, with the high-profile Gawker Media hack, we've been innundated with commenters asking how to change their Download Squad password. Now, it's not the easiest thing in the world, and yes, we know our commenting system isn't the best in the world (and we know there are still a few 'Easter eggs' from the Switched merger; they'll be ironed out soon, I promise) -- so if you're struggling to change your password, follow these simple steps:
Make sure you're logged in -- the only way to do this (at the moment) is to leave a comment on a post (any post will do!)
Find one of your comments -- the comment you just made will work just fine
Click your name -- it's a link to your profile page (it will look something like this). Marvel at your huge post counts!
Type your old password, and confirm a new password -- hit Change Password and you're done!
Continue reading Ask DLS: how to change your Download Squad password, the best Android web browser, and tailoring our RSS feedsAsk DLS: how to change your Download Squad password, the best Android web browser, and tailoring our RSS feeds originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Wifi Analyzer for Android helps you pick the best channel for your Wi-Fi network
Most people rarely think about this, but your Wi-Fi hot-spot is actually broadcasting its signal on something called a channel. In North America, you can pick one of 11 channels; in most of the world you can pick one of 13.
Still, most routers and access points come with a pre-set default (that appears to be 11, at least for the routers around me). When you have several routers broadcasting on the same channel, this can lead to some interference and a performance hit. If you live somewhere fairly isolated and your Wi-Fi signal is the only one in range, you've got nothing to worry about.
On the other hand, if you're trying to survive in a dense urban jungle, surrounded by paper-thin walls and lots of Wi-Fi-using neighbors, you may gain a bit of a performance boost by switching your access point's channel to a less congested one.
Wifi Analyzer is an Android application that helps you figure out exactly what that channel is. The screenshot to the right shows how channels 9 and 10 are occupied by a couple of wireless network fighting over the same frequency, while my network (the red one) lives comfortably on channel 1.
Wifi analyzer offers several views, including a simple "channel rating" screen with no graph, if you just want to quickly figure out what's the best channel for you. A beautiful app, and free. QR code is after the jump.Continue reading Wifi Analyzer for Android helps you pick the best channel for your Wi-Fi networkWifi Analyzer for Android helps you pick the best channel for your Wi-Fi network originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Still, most routers and access points come with a pre-set default (that appears to be 11, at least for the routers around me). When you have several routers broadcasting on the same channel, this can lead to some interference and a performance hit. If you live somewhere fairly isolated and your Wi-Fi signal is the only one in range, you've got nothing to worry about.
On the other hand, if you're trying to survive in a dense urban jungle, surrounded by paper-thin walls and lots of Wi-Fi-using neighbors, you may gain a bit of a performance boost by switching your access point's channel to a less congested one.
Wifi Analyzer is an Android application that helps you figure out exactly what that channel is. The screenshot to the right shows how channels 9 and 10 are occupied by a couple of wireless network fighting over the same frequency, while my network (the red one) lives comfortably on channel 1.
Wifi analyzer offers several views, including a simple "channel rating" screen with no graph, if you just want to quickly figure out what's the best channel for you. A beautiful app, and free. QR code is after the jump.Continue reading Wifi Analyzer for Android helps you pick the best channel for your Wi-Fi networkWifi Analyzer for Android helps you pick the best channel for your Wi-Fi network originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Metrodome is a metronome for Google Chrome
So the Chrome Web Store is upon us, and I decided to cover my first Web Store application for Download Squad. Rather than aiming for something high-profile like the Tiger Woods PGA Tour Online app, I decided to go with Metrodome!
Yes, it's just a humble metronome, but it's graceful. It comes with three different sound options (a "tick", a "beep" and a "tock"), all quite pleasant-sounding. But what I like best about it is that it shows a huge dot right in the middle of the window, that goes on and off to the beat. This makes it possible to play by eyesight rather than by listening to the metronome, so you can jam with your headphones connected to your amp and just watch the metronome on-screen.
You can set the BPM, of course, but only by clicking the up/down arrows. This means you're in for a lot of clicking if you want something drastically different than the default (120bpm). This is actually the only extra feature I wish this metronome had. Other than that, it's a beaut!Metrodome is a metronome for Google Chrome originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Yes, it's just a humble metronome, but it's graceful. It comes with three different sound options (a "tick", a "beep" and a "tock"), all quite pleasant-sounding. But what I like best about it is that it shows a huge dot right in the middle of the window, that goes on and off to the beat. This makes it possible to play by eyesight rather than by listening to the metronome, so you can jam with your headphones connected to your amp and just watch the metronome on-screen.
You can set the BPM, of course, but only by clicking the up/down arrows. This means you're in for a lot of clicking if you want something drastically different than the default (120bpm). This is actually the only extra feature I wish this metronome had. Other than that, it's a beaut!Metrodome is a metronome for Google Chrome originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Google and NORAD's Santa tracker is another victory for terrorists
Google and NORAD should rethink their annual Santa tracking service. Do we really want the evil doers to know the exact whereabouts of Mr. Claus on Google Maps and Earth from any PC or smartphone? A man so old that he's ineligible for a driver's license in some states yet pilots a 353,000-ton missile around the globe at a rate of about 650 miles per second? For shame.Google and NORAD's Santa tracker is another victory for terrorists originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 06:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Google Blog | NORAD Tracks Santa | Email this | Comments
Microsoft Opens HTML5 Proving Ground
Microsoft launched an HTML5 laboratory for developers on Tuesday. The company intends the project to be a site where Redmond prototypes early and unstable Web standard specs from standards bodies such as the W3C and shares them with the developer community. One reason for establishing the lab could be that Microsoft wants to leverage its strong relationship with developers for the Web.
VirtualBox 4 available for download, adds extension support, disk resizing
VirtualBox 4 has finally exited beta, and it comes bearing tons of updates, improvements, and new features. Among them are truly welcome additions like the ability to re-size both VHD and VDI virtual hard disks, a smoother and more thorough VM deletion process, and support for more than 2GB of memory on 32-bit hosts. There's also an updated set of virtual hardware including the Intel ICH9 chipset and Intel HD audio, and the new scaled display mode makes VMs play nice with your physical displays regardless of their respective resolutions.
The new option to create .vbox shortcuts is a real convenience, as it allows you double-click (or single, depending on your preferences) launching of your favorite VMs. Windows, Linux, and Solaris guests can also now auto-mount shared folders, which makes it easier to access files on your host system.
Oracle has also polished up the VirtualBox UI with improvements such as a sortable VM list. Hit up the changelog for full details about the new release.
Download VirtualBox 4VirtualBox 4 available for download, adds extension support, disk resizing originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
The new option to create .vbox shortcuts is a real convenience, as it allows you double-click (or single, depending on your preferences) launching of your favorite VMs. Windows, Linux, and Solaris guests can also now auto-mount shared folders, which makes it easier to access files on your host system.
Oracle has also polished up the VirtualBox UI with improvements such as a sortable VM list. Hit up the changelog for full details about the new release.
Download VirtualBox 4VirtualBox 4 available for download, adds extension support, disk resizing originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
AppJump Launcher is a handy, drop-down launcher for your Google Chrome Apps
The Chrome Web Store is finally here, and many of you probably have a handful of apps installed -- if for no other reason than a little eye candy on your new tab page. If you'd prefer a way to launch your apps that offers a bit more convenience and customization, check out the AppJump Launcher extension.
In addition to adding a handy drop-down panel from which you can launch your Chrome Apps, AppJump also allows you to create groups, which lets you categorize things for quick drill-down access -- which will be very useful once you've accumulated a few dozen apps.
One feature which is missing from AppJump is drag-to-reorder (which is also missing from the Chrome new tab page). I'd love to be able to move my apps around and sort them however I choose, but for right now you're stuck with whatever layout AppJump displays.
Install AppJump Launcher for Google ChromeAppJump Launcher is a handy, drop-down launcher for your Google Chrome Apps originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
In addition to adding a handy drop-down panel from which you can launch your Chrome Apps, AppJump also allows you to create groups, which lets you categorize things for quick drill-down access -- which will be very useful once you've accumulated a few dozen apps.
One feature which is missing from AppJump is drag-to-reorder (which is also missing from the Chrome new tab page). I'd love to be able to move my apps around and sort them however I choose, but for right now you're stuck with whatever layout AppJump displays.
Install AppJump Launcher for Google ChromeAppJump Launcher is a handy, drop-down launcher for your Google Chrome Apps originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Foursquare finally adds photos, comments and check-in history
Proving that we are well and truly ensconced by the 21st century, Foursquare has finally added photos to the check-in experience. We can only begin to imagine the technological mountains Foursquare had to scale in order to implement this much-wanted, but dauntingly-hard-to-implement feature. There's also a brand-spanking-new first-party Foursquare iPhone app.
You can now also comment on check-ins (above right), which should make the synchronization of schedules and meet-ups easier. To make the most of both photos and comments, there is now a History page on foursquare.com, which you can visit to see all of your previous check-ins -- including any photos and comments.
Foursquare has been working with its partners to make the most of the new functionality, too: Instagram and Foodspotting will both automatically create 'photo check-ins.'
For now, the only mobile Foursquare client for Android is picplz. WebOS is coming later this week, and BlackBerry in January. Developers will get access to the new API later this week.
Gallery: Foursquare App for iPhoneFoursquare finally adds photos, comments and check-in history originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
You can now also comment on check-ins (above right), which should make the synchronization of schedules and meet-ups easier. To make the most of both photos and comments, there is now a History page on foursquare.com, which you can visit to see all of your previous check-ins -- including any photos and comments.
Foursquare has been working with its partners to make the most of the new functionality, too: Instagram and Foodspotting will both automatically create 'photo check-ins.'
For now, the only mobile Foursquare client for Android is picplz. WebOS is coming later this week, and BlackBerry in January. Developers will get access to the new API later this week.
Gallery: Foursquare App for iPhoneFoursquare finally adds photos, comments and check-in history originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Sanyo Eneloop Pedal Juice battery pack preview
It's Christmas Day, which probably means that at least one toy that you received (or gave) won't be fully functional until Monday. Why? Batteries. It's an age-old problem, that "batteries not included" thing, and it's one of the reasons we've fell so in love with Sanyo's Eneloop line. Without question, the Eneloop rechargeable AA batteries are amongst the best and most reliable that money can buy, so whenever another Eneloop product pops out, it obviously catches our eye. Sanyo's branching out pretty severely with its latest device, and being that at least 3.5 members of the Engadget staff have strummed a six-string once or twice, we had to take a closer look at the Pedal Juice when given the chance. For those that missed last month's introduction, this pedal-sized block of energy is designed to provide 9V power to six or seven effects pedals, miniature amplifiers or electric drum pads (amongst other musical doodads). So, does this thing live up the the Eneloop reputation? Find out after the break.
Gallery: Sanyo Eneloop Pedal Juice unboxing and hands-onContinue reading Sanyo Eneloop Pedal Juice battery pack previewSanyo Eneloop Pedal Juice battery pack preview originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Dec 2010 22:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Sanyo | Email this | Comments
Gallery: Sanyo Eneloop Pedal Juice unboxing and hands-onContinue reading Sanyo Eneloop Pedal Juice battery pack previewSanyo Eneloop Pedal Juice battery pack preview originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Dec 2010 22:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Sanyo | Email this | Comments
A Cabinet Possessed by... Rhythm [Video]
Simple, but great: Each drawer in Nick Yulman's song cabinet plays music, with the rhythm changing as you pull the drawer out further. By mixing up various drawers and rhythms, you can create a bajillion permutations of music. [ITP] More »
App Launcher for Chrome is like a start menu for Web Store apps
If opening Google Chrome's new tab page just to fire up an app feels a bit too clunky for your liking, check out a new extension from Google itself: App Launcher.
Once installed, you'll have access to a drop down menu which lists all your apps in alphabetical order -- unlike previously reviewed AppJump Launcher, which doesn't appear to list them in any particular order. Google's offering also features built-in search -- which could be handy if you've been able to find a whole pile of apps you decided to keep installed. Keyboard navigation is supported as well, allowing you to arrow up and down and tap enter to launch.
The extension currently lacks an options screen -- which would be a great place for Google to slap in another missing feature: hotkey support.
Install App Launcher for Google ChromeApp Launcher for Chrome is like a start menu for Web Store apps originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Once installed, you'll have access to a drop down menu which lists all your apps in alphabetical order -- unlike previously reviewed AppJump Launcher, which doesn't appear to list them in any particular order. Google's offering also features built-in search -- which could be handy if you've been able to find a whole pile of apps you decided to keep installed. Keyboard navigation is supported as well, allowing you to arrow up and down and tap enter to launch.
The extension currently lacks an options screen -- which would be a great place for Google to slap in another missing feature: hotkey support.
Install App Launcher for Google ChromeApp Launcher for Chrome is like a start menu for Web Store apps originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
App Launcher for Chrome is like a start menu for Web Store apps
If opening Google Chrome's new tab page just to fire up an app feels a bit too clunky for your liking, check out a new extension from Google itself: App Launcher.
Once installed, you'll have access to a drop down menu which lists all your apps in alphabetical order -- unlike previously reviewed AppJump Launcher, which doesn't appear to list them in any particular order. Google's offering also features built-in search -- which could be handy if you've been able to find a whole pile of apps you decided to keep installed. Keyboard navigation is supported as well, allowing you to arrow up and down and tap enter to launch.
The extension currently lacks an options screen -- which would be a great place for Google to slap in another missing feature: hotkey support.
Install App Launcher for Google ChromeApp Launcher for Chrome is like a start menu for Web Store apps originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Once installed, you'll have access to a drop down menu which lists all your apps in alphabetical order -- unlike previously reviewed AppJump Launcher, which doesn't appear to list them in any particular order. Google's offering also features built-in search -- which could be handy if you've been able to find a whole pile of apps you decided to keep installed. Keyboard navigation is supported as well, allowing you to arrow up and down and tap enter to launch.
The extension currently lacks an options screen -- which would be a great place for Google to slap in another missing feature: hotkey support.
Install App Launcher for Google ChromeApp Launcher for Chrome is like a start menu for Web Store apps originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Google and NORAD's Santa tracker is another victory for terrorists
Google and NORAD should rethink their annual Santa tracking service. Do we really want the evil doers to know the exact whereabouts of Mr. Claus on Google Maps and Earth from any PC or smartphone? A man so old that he's ineligible for a driver's license in some states yet pilots a 353,000-ton missile around the globe at a rate of about 650 miles per second? For shame.Google and NORAD's Santa tracker is another victory for terrorists originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 06:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Google Blog | NORAD Tracks Santa | Email this | Comments
QuickDesk is a great quick-launch tool for Android
There are quite a few homescreen app launchers for Android; the best-known ones, ADW and LauncherPro, are very powerful but tend to be a tad on the chunky side. When you're in the middle of doing something and need to quickly switch to another task, you may not always like to go via your cluttered homescreen.
Enter QuickDesk: this quick utility is basically like a single homescreen page, with widget support and all. But when you launch it, it pops up as an overlay on top of what you're doing. The screenshot to the right shows QuickDesk running on top of a browser session, for example, but you could run it from any application; all it takes is a quick double-tap of the Home button (or even a single tap, with a double-tap to launch your "regular" launcher app). Those indicators you see next to PicMe, Phone and the other apps means they're currently running in the background.
Within QuickDesk, you get single-tap access to your most frequent applications and widgets. For example, I placed the power management widget there so I can quickly switch Wi-Fi off from any app - useful when I'm out and about, in the middle of something, and suddenly realize Wi-Fi is on and sucking battery power.
QuickDesk also features an "app drawer" of sorts, showing your most recently used applications. I personally disabled that feature (that's why you don't see it in the screenshot) because I feel the implementation clashes with the homescreen design - when the app drawer is open, some of the homescreen slides "up" and out of view. Still, QuickDesk is an interesting launcher, and the free version doesn't appear crippled in any way. QR code is after the jump.Continue reading QuickDesk is a great quick-launch tool for AndroidQuickDesk is a great quick-launch tool for Android originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Enter QuickDesk: this quick utility is basically like a single homescreen page, with widget support and all. But when you launch it, it pops up as an overlay on top of what you're doing. The screenshot to the right shows QuickDesk running on top of a browser session, for example, but you could run it from any application; all it takes is a quick double-tap of the Home button (or even a single tap, with a double-tap to launch your "regular" launcher app). Those indicators you see next to PicMe, Phone and the other apps means they're currently running in the background.
Within QuickDesk, you get single-tap access to your most frequent applications and widgets. For example, I placed the power management widget there so I can quickly switch Wi-Fi off from any app - useful when I'm out and about, in the middle of something, and suddenly realize Wi-Fi is on and sucking battery power.
QuickDesk also features an "app drawer" of sorts, showing your most recently used applications. I personally disabled that feature (that's why you don't see it in the screenshot) because I feel the implementation clashes with the homescreen design - when the app drawer is open, some of the homescreen slides "up" and out of view. Still, QuickDesk is an interesting launcher, and the free version doesn't appear crippled in any way. QR code is after the jump.Continue reading QuickDesk is a great quick-launch tool for AndroidQuickDesk is a great quick-launch tool for Android originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Rumor: iPad 2 Has Bigger Speaker, Flat Back, Smaller Body
Today’s iPad rumor comes courtesy of Japanese blog MacOtakara. According to “sources in China,” the iPad 2 will be smaller, flatter and have a bigger, beefier speaker.
Even MacOtakara is skeptical of the rumors, but ? true or not ? they sound plausible. The new iPad will shave 3mm off the screen’s bezel, making for a [...]
Even MacOtakara is skeptical of the rumors, but ? true or not ? they sound plausible. The new iPad will shave 3mm off the screen’s bezel, making for a [...]
How to Get Things Done on an Airplane [Air Travel]
Yesterday we asked you how you get things done on an airplane, and one reader (and frequent traveler) sent in a really great answer. Here it is. More »
JAVOedge Cherry Blossom Axis Case for iPad and Cherry Blossom Case for Apple Bluetooth Keyboard Review
In the eight months since the iPad was released, there have been hundreds of cases, covers, and other accessories released for it.� I?ve reviewed many of them myself, looking for just the perfect cover.� I wanted something pretty and useful, and it was hard to find both in a single product.� I also found that [...]
Deals of the Day [Dealzmodo]
Today's deals include a 32" LCD HDTV, a 24" Asus monitor, and a free 7 day trial ($10 MP3 music credit) at eMusic. You still may have time to purchase those last minute gifts at Amazon. More »
Friday, December 24, 2010
Win A New iPad From the Staff At Klick.com
The creative staff at Klick.com is giving away a brand new Apple iPad absolutely free to one lucky winner this holiday season! For your chance to win a new iPad simply pay close attention to the video below, watch it a few times if you have to. While viewing try to spot as many Internet [...]
The Santa Chronicles: A Look into the Shady Life of the Man in Red [History]
You probably don't give Santa a second look when you see him in a department store or on a street corner every December...but maybe you should. More »
Favimon lets you collect and do battle with your favorite Web sites -- Time Waster
Ah, Pokemon. Your collect-train-battle cuteness is a guilty pleasure for so many geeks. But wouldn't it be nice if we had an alternative to the cutesy little monsters (no offense, Squirtle)? Matthew Hollett thinks so, and he decided to create one for all of us to enjoy. Witness: Favimon!
You'll begin the battle by collecting Favimon's own favicon, and you can then begin searching for other Favimon to do battle with -- just type a domain name into the search box. The game analyzes your choice and assigns stats and abilities to the new Favimon, and the battle is on! Special abilities include winners like Microsoft's Blue Screen of Death and Missed Opportunity to the powerful Tyrannosaurus Chomp packed by Mozilla.
I began by going after a few small, expendable sites so that I could wear down a beefier Favimon I actually wanted to keep -- like Mozilla. The Foxy Favimon powered through opponents like Opera, WebKit, Microsoft, and Chromium without breaking a sweat (dig that crazy defense stat).
Favimon is ridiculously addictive, and it's only going to get worse (or is that better?). Hollett plans to add a save game feature -- right now you've got to leave your Favimon tab open to keep the game going. That said, I've had the tab on my main desktop computer open for two days now...Favimon lets you collect and do battle with your favorite Web sites -- Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
You'll begin the battle by collecting Favimon's own favicon, and you can then begin searching for other Favimon to do battle with -- just type a domain name into the search box. The game analyzes your choice and assigns stats and abilities to the new Favimon, and the battle is on! Special abilities include winners like Microsoft's Blue Screen of Death and Missed Opportunity to the powerful Tyrannosaurus Chomp packed by Mozilla.
I began by going after a few small, expendable sites so that I could wear down a beefier Favimon I actually wanted to keep -- like Mozilla. The Foxy Favimon powered through opponents like Opera, WebKit, Microsoft, and Chromium without breaking a sweat (dig that crazy defense stat).
Favimon is ridiculously addictive, and it's only going to get worse (or is that better?). Hollett plans to add a save game feature -- right now you've got to leave your Favimon tab open to keep the game going. That said, I've had the tab on my main desktop computer open for two days now...Favimon lets you collect and do battle with your favorite Web sites -- Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Firefox 4 beta 3 for Android hands on: Mozilla browser hits the Market
Mozilla has released a new beta of Firefox 4 for Android and Maemo to keep the mobile browser in step with its desktop cousin, and it packs a number of important improvements. Perhaps the most noticeable one on Android is that you can now find Firefox in the Market, meaning future updates will be a smoother process -- just make sure you uninstall any previous beta versions before downloading from the Market.
So what's new in Firefox 4 beta 3?
Improved support for both software and hardware keyboards
Android-style menus
Better integration with other apps when opening a link
A save page-as-PDF option
Improved Firefox Sync with new 'add a device' feature
Full screen video and improved audio support
Copy and paste support in the URL bar
Developer access to a localStorage API and orientation events
After browsing for a while with beta 3, I'm definitely left feeling it's faster than the previous non-Market release. Some pages, however, still load about 30-40% slower than they do in Dolphin Mini (my current browser of choice). The new features are definitely key additions -- especially basics like keyboard support and copy/paste in the URL bar. Firefox Sync setup is an absolute breeze now, thanks to the 'add a device' option in both the desktop and mobile versions.
Firefox 4 is also a bit of a space hog, currently consuming about 21MB -- ten times more than Dolphin Mini. And while I dig the desktop-to-mobile Firefox 4 synchronicity, I'm not sure it's enough to make me switch just yet. If I start doing more mobile surfing (which would make Sync more useful to me) and Mozilla kicks up the speed and trims a little fat, Firefox 4 will definitely be a strong contender for the coveted default browser crown.
Check out the gallery, or if you want to jump right in, use the QR code after the break. For more information, release notes and troubleshooting tips, check the Firefox Beta for Mobile website.
Gallery: Firefox 4 beta 3 for AndroidContinue reading Firefox 4 beta 3 for Android hands on: Mozilla browser hits the MarketFirefox 4 beta 3 for Android hands on: Mozilla browser hits the Market originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
So what's new in Firefox 4 beta 3?
Improved support for both software and hardware keyboards
Android-style menus
Better integration with other apps when opening a link
A save page-as-PDF option
Improved Firefox Sync with new 'add a device' feature
Full screen video and improved audio support
Copy and paste support in the URL bar
Developer access to a localStorage API and orientation events
After browsing for a while with beta 3, I'm definitely left feeling it's faster than the previous non-Market release. Some pages, however, still load about 30-40% slower than they do in Dolphin Mini (my current browser of choice). The new features are definitely key additions -- especially basics like keyboard support and copy/paste in the URL bar. Firefox Sync setup is an absolute breeze now, thanks to the 'add a device' option in both the desktop and mobile versions.
Firefox 4 is also a bit of a space hog, currently consuming about 21MB -- ten times more than Dolphin Mini. And while I dig the desktop-to-mobile Firefox 4 synchronicity, I'm not sure it's enough to make me switch just yet. If I start doing more mobile surfing (which would make Sync more useful to me) and Mozilla kicks up the speed and trims a little fat, Firefox 4 will definitely be a strong contender for the coveted default browser crown.
Check out the gallery, or if you want to jump right in, use the QR code after the break. For more information, release notes and troubleshooting tips, check the Firefox Beta for Mobile website.
Gallery: Firefox 4 beta 3 for AndroidContinue reading Firefox 4 beta 3 for Android hands on: Mozilla browser hits the MarketFirefox 4 beta 3 for Android hands on: Mozilla browser hits the Market originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
NuStand Alloy Desktop Stand for iPad and Mac Mini
Sometimes I think folks spend more money on�accessorizing�their iPads than the devices themselves. NewerTech has just�released�a new accessory for the iPad called the NuStand Alloy. The stats from the site claim: Aircraft-grade aluminum body holds iPad vertically or horizontally. Rubberized black finish is soft to touch, yet highly scratch resistant. Silicone center gently and securely [...]
Rollei goes 3D with Power Flex 3D point-and-shoot, Designline 3D photo frame
There may still be some camera makers resisting the 3D trend, but that's getting to be an increasingly dwindling lot -- the latest to jump into the game is Rollei, the 90-year old German manufacturer, which has just announced its new Power Flex 3D point-and-shoot and accompanying Designline 3D photo frame. As you can see above, the camera looks fairly unremarkable expect for that second lens, and the specs are also pretty much in line with some similar 3D point-and-shoots, including 720p video recording, 5 megapixel still images, and a 2.8-inch LCD 'round back that promises to let you see your images in something resembling 3D without the need for 3D glasses. The photo frame also apparently uses the same sort of no-glasses 3D, but thankfully packs a larger 7-inch screen -- check it out after the break. Still no word on a release over here, but both the camera and photo frame will be available in Europe next month for €300 (or just under $400) apiece.
Continue reading Rollei goes 3D with Power Flex 3D point-and-shoot, Designline 3D photo frameRollei goes 3D with Power Flex 3D point-and-shoot, Designline 3D photo frame originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 12:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink DC Views | Rollei | Email this | Comments
Continue reading Rollei goes 3D with Power Flex 3D point-and-shoot, Designline 3D photo frameRollei goes 3D with Power Flex 3D point-and-shoot, Designline 3D photo frame originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 12:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink DC Views | Rollei | Email this | Comments
Logitech said to be halting Revue production until Google TV software revamp
Oh dear. Google TV isn't having the best of starts to its life in the internet-connected TV world and Logitech seems to have taken notice. DigiTimes' nameless sources today report that Gigabyte, the company charged with building Revue units for Logi, has been instructed to stop production of them for the period covering December 2010 through January 2011. The restart in manufacturing will be conditional, we're told, either on a significant update to the current Google TV software or a whole new version rolling out. The Revue is still available to buy through Logitech -- shipments are only drying up in the channel between manufacturer and vendor -- but if the insiders have their story straight, this'd be a clear indication that early sales expectations have not been met. Better luck next year, we say.Logitech said to be halting Revue production until Google TV software revamp originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 02:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Electronista | DigiTimes | Email this | Comments
Rumor: iPad 2 Has Bigger Speaker, Flat Back, Smaller Body
Today’s iPad rumor comes courtesy of Japanese blog MacOtakara. According to “sources in China,” the iPad 2 will be smaller, flatter and have a bigger, beefier speaker.
Even MacOtakara is skeptical of the rumors, but ? true or not ? they sound plausible. The new iPad will shave 3mm off the screen’s bezel, making for a [...]
Even MacOtakara is skeptical of the rumors, but ? true or not ? they sound plausible. The new iPad will shave 3mm off the screen’s bezel, making for a [...]
Panelize fixes one of Chrome OS's fundamental flaws
If you haven't played with Chrome OS yet, it has one fundamental niggle that harkens back to the DOS days of yore: windows don't exist, and it has no way of displaying multiple tabs on screen at the same time. This means if you want to refer to a document while you compose an email, you need to repetitively switch between tabs -- and I think we can all agree that tab-switching is one of the most important omissions from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Chrome OS does support one way of displaying multiple Web pages at the same time, however: panels. If you've looked through our Chromium OS galleries (or taken a quick look at the screenshot above) you'll notice some always-on-top panels across the bottom of the screen. Panels are handy things -- capable of being resized, or quickly popped down out of view. By default, the download manager, popped-out Gmail chat windows and the media player display in panels -- but, for some reason, there's no way to load custom websites in panels.
Which brings us onto our very first Chrome OS-specific extension: Panelize. With Panelize you can put anything into a panel, such as Gmail, Reader, or even Download Squad. In one fell swoop, having to switch between tabs is a thing of the past!Continue reading Panelize fixes one of Chrome OS's fundamental flawsPanelize fixes one of Chrome OS's fundamental flaws originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 12 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Chrome OS does support one way of displaying multiple Web pages at the same time, however: panels. If you've looked through our Chromium OS galleries (or taken a quick look at the screenshot above) you'll notice some always-on-top panels across the bottom of the screen. Panels are handy things -- capable of being resized, or quickly popped down out of view. By default, the download manager, popped-out Gmail chat windows and the media player display in panels -- but, for some reason, there's no way to load custom websites in panels.
Which brings us onto our very first Chrome OS-specific extension: Panelize. With Panelize you can put anything into a panel, such as Gmail, Reader, or even Download Squad. In one fell swoop, having to switch between tabs is a thing of the past!Continue reading Panelize fixes one of Chrome OS's fundamental flawsPanelize fixes one of Chrome OS's fundamental flaws originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 12 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Selvedge Sleeves: denim hipsterwear for your stuff
Want a case for your iPhone or iPad, but hard plastic or silicone aren’t your style?� Check out Selvedge Sleeves from MS&Co.� Your iGadget fits snug in the durable denim, which also provides a soft interior for scratch protection.� Models are available for iPhone� ($28, shown at left) , iPad ($48, wool-lined), glasses ($38, also [...]
ASUS 12-inch Windows 7 'Eee Slate' EP121 and more teased for 2011 (updated)
It's been awhile since we've heard anything official from ASUS about its 12-inch EP121 tablet announced back at Computex in May. That changes today as ASUS Chairman, Jonney Shih, promises an "Eee for everyone" at CES 2011 -- and that's not an exaggeration what with 7-, 9-, 10-, and 12-inch Armdroid and Wintel tablets expected. While the video doesn't show the physical EP121 first revealed as a prototype in Taipei, it does call it an "Eee Slate" (not an "Eee Pad" like before) while demonstrating pen-based input on the multitouch display riding Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system and a Core i5 processor. Naturally, ASUS is also promising better performance and more flexibility than existing tablets. Don't worry, we'll be getting hands-on with this beast in a few weeks before it hits retail sometime (somewhere) in January. Until then, you can watch the teaser after the break.
Update: DigiTimes claims that the EP121 will target enterprise customers when launched. Additionally, two 10-inch Eee Pads (one with Windows 7 on Oak Trail and one with Android on Tegra 2) will hit retail as early as March for $499 to $599. Meanwhile, 7-inch Android models will also launch as early as March featuring either Tegra 2 or Qualcomm chipsets with at least one model featuring a "3.5G" radio for "phone functionality."
[Thanks, Sal]Continue reading ASUS 12-inch Windows 7 'Eee Slate' EP121 and more teased for 2011 (updated)ASUS 12-inch Windows 7 'Eee Slate' EP121 and more teased for 2011 (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 04:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Tech in Style | ASUS (YouTube) | Email this | Comments
Update: DigiTimes claims that the EP121 will target enterprise customers when launched. Additionally, two 10-inch Eee Pads (one with Windows 7 on Oak Trail and one with Android on Tegra 2) will hit retail as early as March for $499 to $599. Meanwhile, 7-inch Android models will also launch as early as March featuring either Tegra 2 or Qualcomm chipsets with at least one model featuring a "3.5G" radio for "phone functionality."
[Thanks, Sal]Continue reading ASUS 12-inch Windows 7 'Eee Slate' EP121 and more teased for 2011 (updated)ASUS 12-inch Windows 7 'Eee Slate' EP121 and more teased for 2011 (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 04:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Tech in Style | ASUS (YouTube) | Email this | Comments
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Daily Crunch: Spring Forth Edition
?Air Conditioned? 2022 World Cup In Jeopardy As Players? Union Calls For Winter Tournament FCC Reveals The JBL On Air Wireless AirPlay Speaker System This Super Mario Bros 3 Furniture Set Will Really Impress The Princesses PrimeSense, Co-Creator Of Kinect, To Lead Open Gesture Tech Organization Dear Tech Early Adopters: Manufacturers Don?t Care About You
Will the HTC Incredible HD Come Out to Play on January 6th? [Android]
We've seen a flurry of HTC Incredible HD leaks this week, greater even than god's dandruff falling from the sky, but according to some random website, the 4G phone will be announced January 6th. More »
Why Most 3D Movies Suck Right Now [3D]
Wanna know why most 3D movies are pretty crappy right now? A top CG supervisor from a big visual effects studio risks his job to explain it all—from the piss-poor tech of fake 3D to the greed. [Gizmodo] More »
Developer of Unofficial Wikileaks App Pulled by Apple Donated the Money to Wikileaks [Wikileaks]
Earlier this week Apple removed the unofficial Wikileaks app from the App Store, which was charging $2 per download for information readily available online for free. The developer of the app has now claimed the app had 4,443 download, which made $5,840.14. Of that amount, $4,443 has been donated to Wikileaks. More »
Montage from Microsoft Labs introduces user-curated online magazines
In recent years, there has been a massive surge in popularity for audio-visual communication. Driven by an ever-increasing flow of data, the audio and visual channels are really our only recourse; reading text simply isn't fast enough. YouTube videos, Flash games and sites, infographics -- all of these, and more, are popular because of our limited bandwidth for the written word. It's almost like our brains breathe a sigh of relief when we can sit back and look at a picture or listen to some audio, rather than parsing word after word after word.
Microsoft in general (Bing!) and its FUSE Labs in particular have obviously noticed this trend towards visualization. Pivot, Kodu, Project Emporia and Spindex all have strong visual elements -- and its new project, Montage, is perhaps the most visual yet. Montage advertises itself as a tool that lets you share "your visual album of the Web," and that's exactly what it does. Take a look at some albums that other people have already made, such as the True Blood, or Jude Law.
The best bit is the Montage editor, however. Anyone can make a new album; all you have to do is type in a topic, and play with the beautiful browser-based editor. Each panel can be a different type -- text, video, RSS or news feed, Twitter stream, etc. -- and you can drag and drop each part of the layout until you're satisfied.
In short, it's a lovely toy to play with, and there's also the massive added bonus that its output is both functional and beautiful.Montage from Microsoft Labs introduces user-curated online magazines originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Microsoft in general (Bing!) and its FUSE Labs in particular have obviously noticed this trend towards visualization. Pivot, Kodu, Project Emporia and Spindex all have strong visual elements -- and its new project, Montage, is perhaps the most visual yet. Montage advertises itself as a tool that lets you share "your visual album of the Web," and that's exactly what it does. Take a look at some albums that other people have already made, such as the True Blood, or Jude Law.
The best bit is the Montage editor, however. Anyone can make a new album; all you have to do is type in a topic, and play with the beautiful browser-based editor. Each panel can be a different type -- text, video, RSS or news feed, Twitter stream, etc. -- and you can drag and drop each part of the layout until you're satisfied.
In short, it's a lovely toy to play with, and there's also the massive added bonus that its output is both functional and beautiful.Montage from Microsoft Labs introduces user-curated online magazines originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Facebook Appears To Be Blocking All (Bit.ly Operated) j.mp Links
William Albano checks in to tell us that Facebook is blocking all j.mp links in status and page updates (but not profiles). Sure enough, I tried to post a j.mp link in a status update just now, and I got an error notice saying:
"This message contains blocked content that has previously been flagged as abusive or spammy. Let us know if you think this is an error."
"This message contains blocked content that has previously been flagged as abusive or spammy. Let us know if you think this is an error."
Net neutrality: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile react
Amazingly, the FCC still hasn't released the full text of the net neutrality rules it passed by a contentious 3-2 vote yesterday, so we can't really say much about what's in them -- and while this sort of delay is typical of the Genachowski FCC, it hasn't stopped the carriers from issuing statements on the new rules. We've got to say, responses to the new rules range all over the map: Sprint commended the FCC, T-Mobile needs some time to look things over, AT&T called it a "fair middle ground" but railed about "radical voices" and "heavy-handed government regulation" (seriously) and Verizon -- well, Verizon issued what appears to be a veiled threat to sue everyone. That's pretty interesting, since it sure looks to us like the FCC all but rubber-stamped last summer's Google / Verizon neutrality proposal, but you never know what's happening behind closed doors -- and remember, Verizon's last major policy statement was a call to revamp the entire Telecommunications Act, so Big Red might have bigger plans in store. We've rounded up all the reactions below -- check 'em out.Continue reading Net neutrality: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile reactNet neutrality: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile react originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
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