Saturday, October 30, 2010
Entourage Pocket Edge reveals itself on the Home Shopping Network
We're still trying to understand why Entourage has chosen the Home Shopping Network of all places to reveal its new Pocket Edge, but at least we now know that the previously spied dualscreen tablet / e-reader lives! Although the 1.35-pound device has been shrunken down with smaller displays -- a 6-inch "Wacom Penabled" e-ink panel and 7-inch LCD -- it actually doesn't appear like much else has been changed from the original. Unfortunately, that means our biggest complaints about the device are very much present -- it's got a resistive touchscreen and appears to run an older version of Android. If it's any consolation, the trackball on the right edge has been replaced with an optical touchpad and there are now red and black color options. Spec-wise, it still boasts 4GB of storage, a 2 megapixel camera (hopefully there's software now that takes advantage of it), 802.11 b/g, a USB port, and micro-SD slot. It is, however, more affordable -- though it's originally priced at $499, HSN has a sale running that puts it at $399. Of course, no word on if a 3G version will be arriving at Verizon as we've previously heard, but we're sure this thing will get its official unveil sometime soon. Until then feel free to keep yourself preoccupied with the gallery below and at the source link -- just don't get lost in the cookware section. Gallery: Entourage Pocket Edge on HSN.comEntourage Pocket Edge reveals itself on the Home Shopping Network originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Oct 2010 18:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink @enTourageeDGe (Twitter) | HSN | Email this | Comments
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Microsoft Security Essentials now offered via Windows Update
Filed under: Security, Microsoft
We're big fans of Microsoft Security Essentials -- it's lightweight, free, and offers malware protection that's every bit as good as (if not better than) more recognized names like Norton and McAfee (quit giggling, DS regulars...). Today, Microsoft has begun offering Security Essentials as an optional install via Windows Update.
Like Live Essentials and the Windows 7 Language Packs, users can now opt-in to load MSE on their Windows system. The update notification beckons small office users as well, offering a reminder that Security Essentials is free for them to use, too -- as long as they have 10 systems or fewer.
Microsoft Security Essentials now offered via Windows Update originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
We're big fans of Microsoft Security Essentials -- it's lightweight, free, and offers malware protection that's every bit as good as (if not better than) more recognized names like Norton and McAfee (quit giggling, DS regulars...). Today, Microsoft has begun offering Security Essentials as an optional install via Windows Update.
Like Live Essentials and the Windows 7 Language Packs, users can now opt-in to load MSE on their Windows system. The update notification beckons small office users as well, offering a reminder that Security Essentials is free for them to use, too -- as long as they have 10 systems or fewer.
Microsoft Security Essentials now offered via Windows Update originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
NC State gurus find 'Goldilocks' of DNA self-assembly, look to improve drug-delivery vehicles
We're guessing that most Wolfpackers in the greater Raleigh area are in full-on tailgate mode right now, but aside from laying a beating on the Seminoles this evening, NC State faithful are also trumpeting a new DNA discovery that could one day make it easy to get vital drugs to hard-to-reach places within you. Researchers from the university have purportedly discovered the 'Goldilocks' of DNA self-assembly, which holds promise for technologies ranging from drug delivery to molecular sensors. The concept, known as DNA-assisted self-assembly, has been vastly improved by using "computer simulations of DNA strands to identify the optimal length of a DNA strand for self-assembly." You see, perfection occurs when strands aren't long enough to intertwine with each other, yet not short enough to simply fold over on each other. We know, it's a lot to wrap your brain around with half a hot dog shoved in your mouth, but hit the video after the break for a... shall we say, more visual explanation.Continue reading NC State gurus find 'Goldilocks' of DNA self-assembly, look to improve drug-delivery vehiclesNC State gurus find 'Goldilocks' of DNA self-assembly, look to improve drug-delivery vehicles originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | NC State | Email this | Comments
There Is No Escape From Pigs Either [Video]
A few people were outraged by the graphic showing how beef is everywhere. Well, pigs are everywhere too. Christien Meindertsma—author of Pig 05049—documented a pig's afterlife. Did you know that pig hair is used in bread? More »
Nexus Two (or Nexus S) reportedly a lot like the Galaxy S, only different
We're not sure we'd call this an actual hands-on, per se, but Gizmodo says "a friend of ours" got to play with an upcoming Samsung device that will be the Nexus Two, or Nexus S, or whatever the darn thing ends up being called. From what Giz's friend says, it pretty much sounds like a Galaxy S device with a front-facing camera and a slightly different, more curved shell. We'll just have to see, won't we. Oh, and before you wet yourself, that's just Giz's mock-up you see above, not the actual thing. [Gizmodo]Posted originally at Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories
Northrop Grumman's CaMEL 'bot features one .50 caliber gun, loads of class
When the dream factory that is Northrop Grumman needed to up the "wow factor" at its Association of the U.S. Army's Washington conference booth, it did what plenty of CES exhibitors wished they could do: it weaponized. Hence, the deadliest CaMEL yet. The acronym stands for Carry-all Mechanized Equipment Landrover -- think of the BigDog robot, but with treads instead of legs. The motorized platform will hump up to 1,200 pounds of gear at seven miles per hour, and as Spencer Ackerman at Wired points out, over sixty of them have been sold to the Israeli military. But the above pictured CaMEL is the only one floating around with armaments: in this case, a .50-caliber M2 machine gun. The gun is fired remotely, via touchscreen controls, and the platform itself could support any number of weapons including the M249, the MK19 grenade launcher, or 30mm cannon. Which kind of proves a pet theory of ours: if you build it, eventually someone will mount a gun on it.Northrop Grumman's CaMEL 'bot features one .50 caliber gun, loads of class originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Wired | Email this | Comments
Watch This Robot Mouse Blow Through a Maze Faster Than You Can [Video]
Okay, this might not look impressive at first. The maze isn't that complicated. But imagine being the size of the robotic Micromouse—relatively, this is a human-sized hedge maze. Then imagine running to the finish in only five seconds. More »
iMovie 11 knows you're not ready for the video jelly
You may not know what it's called but you've definitely seen it. The wobble or "jelly" effect seen in video captured by cameras with CMOS sensors relying upon rolling shutters instead of the global shutters found in cameras with CCDs. The issue stems from the way a CMOS acquires the image by recording each frame in horizontal bands, working from the top to the bottom. Since all parts of the image are not recorded at the same time, moving the camera, even slightly at telephoto settings, causes the image to skew and go all rubbery. Well, iMovie 11 can fix that, or at least smooth it out with options for Low, Medium, High, and Extra High distortion reduction. It's just one of many new additions including the often discussed Movie Trailers, support for 24p footage, vastly improved audio editing, and a People Finder feature that lets you search for family members in raw footage... but it might be our favorite. See a video demonstration after the break before hitting up the source for the full review over at MacWorld.Continue reading iMovie 11 knows you're not ready for the video jellyiMovie 11 knows you're not ready for the video jelly originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 03:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | MacWorld | Email this | Comments
Why Apps Are Better on Windows Phone 7
While late to the game, Windows Phone 7 came out of the gate as a formidable and serious contender to iPhone, Android and BlackBerry. The Windows Phone is more enterprise-ready than the iPhone has ever been, without compromising on consumer friendliness. Windows Phone 7 is designed to bridge personal and professional lives.
Western Digital?s TV Live Hub Is the Anti-Apple TV
If you’ve ever complained about a certain set-top box’s dearth of local storage or support of exotic media files, you now have a clear alternative. Western Digital’s TV Live Hub doesn’t actually have much to do with live TV, but it will store and stream the stuffing out of whatever you’ve been keeping on your [...]
Sennheiser expands gaming headset line, brings the top-shelf PC 360 Stateside
Sennheiser is well known in the slightly more budget-conscious wing of the audiophile community for selling great headsets at prices that won't drop your credit rating by more than a few points. Of late the company has been making waves in the gaming community as well by throwing microphones onto those cans, and now four new models are shaking the pool even more. First and biggest is the $299 PC 360, available overseas for a few months but finally hitting the US and building upon the success of the PC 350. It looks to borrow the open design of the company's well regarded HD555 headset, adding a mic on the left that mutes itself when you pivot it up and a volume dial on the right. The $239 PC 333D model offers a similar design but with more isolating closed cups, mixing in pseudo 7.1 Dolby Headphone, while the $169 PC 330 looks much the same minus the faux surround. Finally, and smallest of the bunch, is the $209 PC 163D, which again offers pretends at 7.1 but in a design that might be a little more... flattering for gamers with smallish heads. None is exactly affordable, but all should rock your world, and all are available now.
Gallery: Sennheiser gaming headsetsContinue reading Sennheiser expands gaming headset line, brings the top-shelf PC 360 StatesideSennheiser expands gaming headset line, brings the top-shelf PC 360 Stateside originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Sennheiser USA | Email this | Comments
Gallery: Sennheiser gaming headsetsContinue reading Sennheiser expands gaming headset line, brings the top-shelf PC 360 StatesideSennheiser expands gaming headset line, brings the top-shelf PC 360 Stateside originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Sennheiser USA | Email this | Comments
Facelette -- yet another Chatroulette clone, but for Apple FaceTime
Filed under: Fun, Video, Apple
Yes, it might sound like a handy towel for cleaning and refreshing your tired face, but it's not: Facelette is Chatroulette for FaceTime. Just enter your phone number or email address, hit 'FaceTime Me!' and before you know it, you're faced with a white, shiny, Apple-toting penis.
Released to the world only 10 hours ago on Hacker News, the developer admits that the 'entire app is as dumb as hell' -- but that it only took him about an hour to develop. Sadly I don't have a Mac or an iPhone so I can't try the service out, but from what I've heard -- from my richer and snobbier friends -- is that it works exactly as advertised.
Obviously, think twice before giving up your phone number to a complete stranger. You can also change your FaceTime email address in File > Preferences -- please do it before you try Facelette.Facelette -- yet another Chatroulette clone, but for Apple FaceTime originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 06:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Yes, it might sound like a handy towel for cleaning and refreshing your tired face, but it's not: Facelette is Chatroulette for FaceTime. Just enter your phone number or email address, hit 'FaceTime Me!' and before you know it, you're faced with a white, shiny, Apple-toting penis.
Released to the world only 10 hours ago on Hacker News, the developer admits that the 'entire app is as dumb as hell' -- but that it only took him about an hour to develop. Sadly I don't have a Mac or an iPhone so I can't try the service out, but from what I've heard -- from my richer and snobbier friends -- is that it works exactly as advertised.
Obviously, think twice before giving up your phone number to a complete stranger. You can also change your FaceTime email address in File > Preferences -- please do it before you try Facelette.Facelette -- yet another Chatroulette clone, but for Apple FaceTime originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 06:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
HP contracts 5 or 6 new Palm devices for 2011?
Underwhelmed by the feeling of sameness with the Pre 2? Well, you may or may not be in luck; Chinese-based CENS.com is reporting that manufacturers Foxconn and Compal now have contracts to manufacturer up to six new Palm devices for 2011. That boils down to one for Compal, and either four or five for Foxconn. We'd venture a guess that PalmPad's at least one of those, seeing as it's due early next year, but what about the others? Whatever (stackable) cards HP / Palm have in hand aren't exactly being laid out, and while we can't confirm this report ourselves, rest assured, we're hoping really hard that there'll be more webOS options with non-pebble form factors.HP contracts 5 or 6 new Palm devices for 2011? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink PreCentral | CENS.com | Email this | Comments
How Users Will Learn to Stop Worrying and Love the Mac App Store
There's been a lot written in tech publications regarding Apple's upcoming Mac App Store, which the company introduced at last week's media event. For plugged-in tech geeks, a common first set of related thoughts spring into negative questions: Will Apple patrol the Mac App Store too strictly with an obscure puritan glee? Will Apple's many restrictions stifle Mac developers?
Caught on Video: 2 Tools for Linux Screen-Session Recording
Do you ever marvel at those step-by-step how-to product demos of software apps that end-users post on places like YouTube? It is often easy to spot these demo videos shot with cellphone cams or PC eye cams placed over the user's shoulder. But two cool Linux apps give you a the ability to record directly to a file whatever's being shown on your computer's monitor.
MacBook Air upgrade kit bumps capacity to 256GB, turns old module into USB 3.0 SSD
Sure, the only remotely user-replaceable component on the 11.6-inch MacBook Air are those tiny Toshiba SSDs, but PhotoFast's got what might be one of the most elegant upgrade solutions we've ever seen. The Air USB 3 Adapter gives you not only a brand-spanking-new 256GB module with a Sandforce SF-1200 controller, but a speedy USB 3.0 flash drive too -- which smartly doubles as the mechanism by which you move your old files over, as you can just transfer everything through the USB port. Once you're done swapping modules, the company says you'll see a 30 percent speed boost over the original drive, with reported transfer rates of 250MB/s on both sequential reads and writes. Shame the Japanese company didn't specify any sort of estimated release date or price.MacBook Air upgrade kit bumps capacity to 256GB, turns old module into USB 3.0 SSD originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 04:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Engadget Japanese | PhotoFast | Email this | Comments
Use VPN On Your iPad To Protect Privacy | Plus Special Giveaway Inside
When it comes to online privacy while using your iPad you need all the protection you can get. Luckily Golden Frog provides a service called VyprVPN that keeps your data safe. You may not be aware but your surfing as well as other online activities are constantly being tracked and recorded by your ISP and [...]
RingCentral Rings In Another $10 Million From Khosla, Sequoia
According to an SEC filing, cloud-based phone systems provider RingCentral has raised $10 million in its third institutional financing round (with another $851,240 remaining to be sold).
The filing lists previous investors Khosla Ventures and Sequoia Capital - it's unclear whether the company's third backer, DAG Ventures, also participated.
The filing lists previous investors Khosla Ventures and Sequoia Capital - it's unclear whether the company's third backer, DAG Ventures, also participated.
Miro 3.5 now ready to download, manage, play, and convert all your videos
Filed under: Video, Open Source
Miro is an excellent do-it-all video program. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux and it can do just about everything video-related you could ask one program to do. Miro will download torrents, organize your movies, play them back (with subtitles), and as of the just-released version 3.5 it will even convert your videos for a variety of devices.
Conversions are fast and painless, and everything from the iPhone and iPad to PSP and Nexus One is supported. Miro is a great app to recommend to your less-than-technical friends -- who may not be interested in running a separate torrent download, video player, and video conversion app.
Download Miro 3.5Miro 3.5 now ready to download, manage, play, and convert all your videos originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Miro is an excellent do-it-all video program. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux and it can do just about everything video-related you could ask one program to do. Miro will download torrents, organize your movies, play them back (with subtitles), and as of the just-released version 3.5 it will even convert your videos for a variety of devices.
Conversions are fast and painless, and everything from the iPhone and iPad to PSP and Nexus One is supported. Miro is a great app to recommend to your less-than-technical friends -- who may not be interested in running a separate torrent download, video player, and video conversion app.
Download Miro 3.5Miro 3.5 now ready to download, manage, play, and convert all your videos originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Toccata iPad Case With Bluetooth Keyboard
Earlier today Padacs announced the release of their new Toccata iPad case which conveniently comes with a built-in Bluetooth 2.0 keyboard. If you’re the type who prefers using a physical keyboard over tapping letters on your iPad screen then this stylish new accessory is especially for you. The QWERTY keyboard is powered by a Lithium [...]
Apple not buying Sony, Facebook, Disney, AT&T, Google, Australia, etc.
Not to get in the way of any analyst/speculator/tabloid fed interweb crazy, but Apple probably isn’t buying Sony, Facebook, or Disney, or Google, AT&T, or the continent of Australia for that matter.
While there could be some interesting manufacturing, social networking, and studio plays there (or just a lot of land for a really huge data [...]Apple not buying Sony, Facebook, Disney, AT&T, Google, Australia, etc. is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
While there could be some interesting manufacturing, social networking, and studio plays there (or just a lot of land for a really huge data [...]Apple not buying Sony, Facebook, Disney, AT&T, Google, Australia, etc. is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
How Spotify Almost Sold To Google For $1 Billion, Plus New Apple Rumors
"Apple, Inc. (AAPL) in negotiations to acquire Spotify," read the tip that came in yesterday via email from an anonymous source. Most tips are just outright false, but we dug into this one a little bit.
Here's what we heard - Apple and Spotify are in on-again, off-again discussions about an acquisition, but at best it's very early in the process. No firm price has been offered, no term sheet tabled. Still, it's interesting that the two are talking.
But way more interesting is this - Last year, around the time that Apple acquired music service Lala, Google and Spotify were deep in acquisition discussions, says a source with knowledge of the negotiations.
Here's what we heard - Apple and Spotify are in on-again, off-again discussions about an acquisition, but at best it's very early in the process. No firm price has been offered, no term sheet tabled. Still, it's interesting that the two are talking.
But way more interesting is this - Last year, around the time that Apple acquired music service Lala, Google and Spotify were deep in acquisition discussions, says a source with knowledge of the negotiations.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Paxton Introduces a Universal Modular Charger
The new Dock.id series of universal chargers from Paxon Energy is taking a modular approach that allows simultaneous charging of 3 devices. With its interchangeable adapters, the Dock.id is compatible with most portable devices of the market. Their first offering is the Dock.Id Mobile edition, which is available in 3 different packages: the Dock.Id Mobile [...] Filed in categories: Gear, News, Spotlight GadgetsTagged: ChargerPaxton Introduces a Universal Modular Charger originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 26, 2010 at 8:30 am.
Apple now offering free iPad engraving
Been holding off on an iPad until you could put just the right two-line message on the back of it? Well, today's your day, as Apple is now finally offering free engraving for both the 3G and WiFi models just as it does with iPods -- and conveniently just in time for the holidays. That will change the shipping time from 24 hours to one to three business days, however, so make that message count.
Apple now offering free iPad engraving originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink BGR | Apple Store | Email this | Comments
Apple now offering free iPad engraving originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink BGR | Apple Store | Email this | Comments
Daily Crunch: Night Experiment Edition
Astrophotography: A Primer Video: Turkish Iron Man SURALP Review: Potato Chip Science Capcom?s Okamiden: The Friendly Game That Has Nothing To Do With Fragging Each Other Researchers Looking Into How Hard Robots Should Be Punching You
Google TV Review: It's Kinda the Future [Video]
It seems like everyone wants to get into your living room this year. Most companies are invading with media streamers, but Google wants to sneak an actual computer in there. It's an Android for your TV. More »
CrunchGear Week in Review: Caps for Sale Edition
$$$: Team Fortress 2 Modders Make Nearly $50,000 Apiece End Of An Era: Sony Stops Manufacturing Cassette Walkmans Apple Announces The Apple MacBook Air Refresh Including A Smaller Model Inflatable Photo Studio Sets Up In Minutes, Is a Firetrap New Pleo Peeks Out From The Antediluvian Mists
TatMash 3D lets you try a virtual tattoo before you take the plunge
Filed under: Fun, PhotoThere are two things I've always wanted to try, but never had the guts to actually do: cut my hair short and get a tattoo. I also want to bungee jump, but that's not something that computers can really help with, so let's stick to hair and tattoos...
It's the permanence of it all. Sure, hair might grow back -- and you can remove tattoos with lasers -- but you're still looking at weeks or months of pain and embarrassment. While I haven't found a good tool to virtually crop my hair, there is something for tattoos: TatMash 3D. It's free (with cheap premium upgrades, if you're a serial skin painter), and the site itself is ugly -- but it works! Not without issues, mind you.
First, you name and tag your image before you upload it. You have to click through to the next page to get the upload dialogue -- how very counterintuitive. The CAPTCHA sucks -- despite typing it correctly, the site disagreed -- and the uploader had some issues with my transparent PNG. GIFs worked fine, though.
Next, you have the option of uploading your own image, using your webcam to grab an image, or giving the site an image URL (which is great for plastering tattoos all over your favorite celebrity).
Then you create your TatMash. Drag the tattoo around, resize it, rotate it -- marvel as it magically hugs the contours of your body! This is where the "3D" bit comes in: "SkinSnap" somehow maps your skin and alters the shape of the tattoo. With the premium version you can do even more 3D wizardry! As you can see above, the DLS logo is quite heavily skewed by my bulging, manly musculature.
Once you're done, you have the usual social sharing options or you can create a "should I get this tattoo?" voting widget. Because everyone knows that asking your friends is a brilliant idea...TatMash 3D lets you try a virtual tattoo before you take the plunge originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
It's the permanence of it all. Sure, hair might grow back -- and you can remove tattoos with lasers -- but you're still looking at weeks or months of pain and embarrassment. While I haven't found a good tool to virtually crop my hair, there is something for tattoos: TatMash 3D. It's free (with cheap premium upgrades, if you're a serial skin painter), and the site itself is ugly -- but it works! Not without issues, mind you.
First, you name and tag your image before you upload it. You have to click through to the next page to get the upload dialogue -- how very counterintuitive. The CAPTCHA sucks -- despite typing it correctly, the site disagreed -- and the uploader had some issues with my transparent PNG. GIFs worked fine, though.
Next, you have the option of uploading your own image, using your webcam to grab an image, or giving the site an image URL (which is great for plastering tattoos all over your favorite celebrity).
Then you create your TatMash. Drag the tattoo around, resize it, rotate it -- marvel as it magically hugs the contours of your body! This is where the "3D" bit comes in: "SkinSnap" somehow maps your skin and alters the shape of the tattoo. With the premium version you can do even more 3D wizardry! As you can see above, the DLS logo is quite heavily skewed by my bulging, manly musculature.
Once you're done, you have the usual social sharing options or you can create a "should I get this tattoo?" voting widget. Because everyone knows that asking your friends is a brilliant idea...TatMash 3D lets you try a virtual tattoo before you take the plunge originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Firefox Friday: Open Apps, Open Games, Open UI... and the world's fastest JavaScript engine
Filed under: Internet, Features, Mozilla, BrowsersGood afternoon! Firefox Friday has been decidedly absent from the luridly green pages of Download Squad over the last few weeks, but it returns today with vengeance.
A lot has been happening at Mozilla, with developments emerging on all fronts. As always we've covered the most important bits, but there's still a lot more to tell you about.
Let's crack on with the first and perhaps most telling titbit:
Mozilla has a new CEO: Gary Kovacs
John Lilly, after almost three years at the top, has stepped aside for newcomer Gary Kovacs. Kovacs has a ton of experience in product management (10 years at IBM), and also significant knowledge of rich media and the mobile Web (5 years at Macromedia, then Adobe). For further reading, Lilly has a great blog post introducing Kovacs.
With this appointment it's clear that Mozilla is fully invested in making Firefox the best browser, both on the desktop and on mobile devices. If you thought the difference between Firefox 3.6 and 4.0 was a big leap, you can only begin to imagine what 5.0 will bring with Kovacs at the helm.
Game On 2010: the judges are announced, and the first fruits of the competition begin to trickle in
The new Game On competition always struck me as rather unMozilla. When I picture the average Mozillan, many kind adjectives pop into my mind but gamer isn't one of them. Still, if you had any doubts, take a look at the list of judges. There are 30 of them, and while they're not all A-listers, there are some big names from Zynga, Facebook, Palm, and more. Almost everyone that's anyone in the JavaScript community is on the list!
If you want to get in on the action, there are already tons of resources on the Game On website. You should probably subscribe read the Game On blog, too.
Also worth noting, if you're in the San Francisco Bay Area, is that the next Mozilla Labs Night (October 28) will be a 'Gaming Special'. I'm not quite sure what it will entail, but the Labs Nights are usually a lot of fun... so sign up and head on down to Mountain View! [I wish I lived in San Francisco...]
Mozilla finally plays its next hand in the Apps War: Open Web Applications
Earlier this year, at the Mozilla Summit, attendees were asked what would make the perfect Web App Store. A lot of heated discussion ensued, but ultimately the summit ended and radio silence descended. This week Mozilla Labs broke that silence with the release of the Open Web Applications Technology Overview and the new apps.mozillalabs.com website.
The concept is brilliant, and there's a demo App Store and Directory that you can play with today. The most important part, however, is that Open Web App developers will have the option of self-publishing their software. This is in stark contrast to the Google-centralised Chrome offering -- and light years ahead of the Mac App Store.
We're not quite at the stage where HTML, JavaScript, CSS and SVG are ready to replace every desktop app, but the Open Web App specification has come just at the right time. Mozilla may just have secured the future platform for all installed apps.
Build your own browser with Mozilla Labs Chromeless
Have you ever looked at the Firefox UI, at that big orange button, and thought to yourself 'hmm... I could do it better'? Well, now's your chance! Using HTML, CSS and JavaScript you can now create your own browser interface.
Chromeless is a pre-alpha prototype at the moment (grab the code here), but the team has grand plans to make browser UI design as 'easy as designing a Web page'. It's an interesting concept that, like all forms of crowdsourcing, might turn up some fantastic new designs.
Last, but by no means least, Firefox JavaScript performance pulls ahead of Chrome and Safari
Launched by the JavaScript team at Mozilla, ARE WE FAST YET? details the reassuringly steady improvement of Firefox's JavaScript engine. Up until yesterday the site featured a huge 'NO' at the bottom of the page -- today... well, you can see for yourself!
Basically -- and you have to admit this is pretty darn impressive -- it has only taken three months for Mozilla to reach Chrome and Safari's level of JavaScript performance. This is only the result of one synthetic benchmark, so the results are hardly authoritative -- but then again, Firefox still leads the 'real world' Kraken benchmark, too.
* * *
Not a bad week for Mozilla, then! Open Web Apps, Open Web Games and even an Open User Interface -- and they're all powered by the fastest JavaScript engine in the world.Firefox Friday: Open Apps, Open Games, Open UI... and the world's fastest JavaScript engine originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
A lot has been happening at Mozilla, with developments emerging on all fronts. As always we've covered the most important bits, but there's still a lot more to tell you about.
Let's crack on with the first and perhaps most telling titbit:
Mozilla has a new CEO: Gary Kovacs
John Lilly, after almost three years at the top, has stepped aside for newcomer Gary Kovacs. Kovacs has a ton of experience in product management (10 years at IBM), and also significant knowledge of rich media and the mobile Web (5 years at Macromedia, then Adobe). For further reading, Lilly has a great blog post introducing Kovacs.
With this appointment it's clear that Mozilla is fully invested in making Firefox the best browser, both on the desktop and on mobile devices. If you thought the difference between Firefox 3.6 and 4.0 was a big leap, you can only begin to imagine what 5.0 will bring with Kovacs at the helm.
Game On 2010: the judges are announced, and the first fruits of the competition begin to trickle in
The new Game On competition always struck me as rather unMozilla. When I picture the average Mozillan, many kind adjectives pop into my mind but gamer isn't one of them. Still, if you had any doubts, take a look at the list of judges. There are 30 of them, and while they're not all A-listers, there are some big names from Zynga, Facebook, Palm, and more. Almost everyone that's anyone in the JavaScript community is on the list!
If you want to get in on the action, there are already tons of resources on the Game On website. You should probably subscribe read the Game On blog, too.
Also worth noting, if you're in the San Francisco Bay Area, is that the next Mozilla Labs Night (October 28) will be a 'Gaming Special'. I'm not quite sure what it will entail, but the Labs Nights are usually a lot of fun... so sign up and head on down to Mountain View! [I wish I lived in San Francisco...]
Mozilla finally plays its next hand in the Apps War: Open Web Applications
Earlier this year, at the Mozilla Summit, attendees were asked what would make the perfect Web App Store. A lot of heated discussion ensued, but ultimately the summit ended and radio silence descended. This week Mozilla Labs broke that silence with the release of the Open Web Applications Technology Overview and the new apps.mozillalabs.com website.
The concept is brilliant, and there's a demo App Store and Directory that you can play with today. The most important part, however, is that Open Web App developers will have the option of self-publishing their software. This is in stark contrast to the Google-centralised Chrome offering -- and light years ahead of the Mac App Store.
We're not quite at the stage where HTML, JavaScript, CSS and SVG are ready to replace every desktop app, but the Open Web App specification has come just at the right time. Mozilla may just have secured the future platform for all installed apps.
Build your own browser with Mozilla Labs Chromeless
Have you ever looked at the Firefox UI, at that big orange button, and thought to yourself 'hmm... I could do it better'? Well, now's your chance! Using HTML, CSS and JavaScript you can now create your own browser interface.
Chromeless is a pre-alpha prototype at the moment (grab the code here), but the team has grand plans to make browser UI design as 'easy as designing a Web page'. It's an interesting concept that, like all forms of crowdsourcing, might turn up some fantastic new designs.
Last, but by no means least, Firefox JavaScript performance pulls ahead of Chrome and Safari
Launched by the JavaScript team at Mozilla, ARE WE FAST YET? details the reassuringly steady improvement of Firefox's JavaScript engine. Up until yesterday the site featured a huge 'NO' at the bottom of the page -- today... well, you can see for yourself!
Basically -- and you have to admit this is pretty darn impressive -- it has only taken three months for Mozilla to reach Chrome and Safari's level of JavaScript performance. This is only the result of one synthetic benchmark, so the results are hardly authoritative -- but then again, Firefox still leads the 'real world' Kraken benchmark, too.
* * *
Not a bad week for Mozilla, then! Open Web Apps, Open Web Games and even an Open User Interface -- and they're all powered by the fastest JavaScript engine in the world.Firefox Friday: Open Apps, Open Games, Open UI... and the world's fastest JavaScript engine originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
N900 can run unmodified webOS games, what can your Linux-based phone do?
Ah, standards. Palm and Nokia know what we're talking about, which is why they support similar methods of developing native Linux apps, namely SDL 1.2. Add on the hardware similarities between the Palm Pre and the N900 (OMAP3430, PowerVR SGX, Open GL ES 2.0 support) and you have a beautiful recipe for cross-platform gaming. Some hardcore Maemo users have taken this to heart and released a new "Preenv" package for the N900 that allows the phone to run unmodified webOS games. Of course, you'll need to root your Pre to get at those games, and if you want to make a launch icon for the game on the N900 you'll have to root it as well. Still, this is exciting beyond the potential for playing Need for Speed on much-lauded Nokia hardware: with easy portability between platforms, there's all the more reason for a developer to be attracted to MeeGo and webOS in the future.
[Thanks, Andy D.]N900 can run unmodified webOS games, what can your Linux-based phone do? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Maemo.org | Email this | Comments
[Thanks, Andy D.]N900 can run unmodified webOS games, what can your Linux-based phone do? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Maemo.org | Email this | Comments
The Reports of App-Free iPads Have Been Greatly Exaggerated [Charts]
Recently we were rather skeptical about a report claiming that a third of iPad users have never downloaded an app. Now there's confirmation that we weren't just paranoid: Nielsen, the media-survey firm behind the numbers, has posted a major correction. More »
It's Friggin' Packed With Stars, Dave [Astronomy]
Photographer St�phane Guisard went to Paranal Observatory, in Chile, to record this overwhelming interactive panorama of the sky there: The Darkest Sky. It shows the Milky Way spread all across the horizon in a 360-degree view. [Astroturf via NASA Goddard Pictures] More »
More details emerge of supposed PSP2 with backside touch controls, HD screen, hot personality
About a month before this year's Tokyo Game Show we started hearing new reports of the PSP2, a device that's been rumored since roughly the dawn of time (which could explain the prehistoric creatures on the concept render above). These rumors, however, were different, specifically the mention of a touchpad on the back of the device. Alas that device didn't make an appearance to the press at TGS, but supposedly Sony was showing it off to some developers. Kotaku has learned a few more things, most notable being a display an inch larger than the current PSP's and having a high-def resolution -- a detail that should surprise none. According to the report Sony is still tweaking the internal hardware, trying to mitigate overheating issues ahead of a release sometime in the fall of 2011. That would likely mean an unveiling at the 2011 E3, the same place the original unit was first shown in the flesh eight whole years earlier.More details emerge of supposed PSP2 with backside touch controls, HD screen, hot personality originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 07:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Kotaku | Email this | Comments
Monday, October 25, 2010
Daily Crunch: Night Experiment Edition
Astrophotography: A Primer Video: Turkish Iron Man SURALP Review: Potato Chip Science Capcom?s Okamiden: The Friendly Game That Has Nothing To Do With Fragging Each Other Researchers Looking Into How Hard Robots Should Be Punching You
Lumigon announces the Lumigon T1; Bang & Olufsen tech inside
Lumigon, a Scandinavian cell phone manufacturer, is bringing out the Lumigon T1. This smartphone sports a 3.5-inch WVGA touchscreen, HDMI out, 5MP camera with flash, and 1GHZ processor. As for the UI, the aluminum phone will be running Froyo with Lumigon's P-GUI software on board. Now you may be looking at this little device and saying, "Okay? Another slab smartphone powered by Android. What else is new these days?" Valid thought, but this baby rocks -- literally -- Bang & Olufsen audio technology. Bang & Olufsen is an audio company that produces and manufactures high quality audio speakers and receivers. If you can understand Danish, make the jump to see the Lumigon T1 in action. If you can't understand Danish, make the jump anyway. [Mobil.nu via Phone Arena, Unwired View]
Posted originally at Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories
Posted originally at Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories
Tech World Welcomes Digg Refugees With Open Arms
This morning most of us woke up to the disappointing news that social news site�Digg, once a promising destination for Silicon Valley talent, was losing 37% of its staff as well experiencing key executive departures.
While the usual armchair Twitter quarterbacks responded to the what the layoffs mean for the ailing site, another more positive trend was also evidenced; People making clear that the kind of top tier engineering talent that worked for Digg was welcome at a spectrum of high profile startups and full fledged companies.
While the usual armchair Twitter quarterbacks responded to the what the layoffs mean for the ailing site, another more positive trend was also evidenced; People making clear that the kind of top tier engineering talent that worked for Digg was welcome at a spectrum of high profile startups and full fledged companies.
The 3D cellphone lands in India for $97, no glasses required
It's not every day that you hear about an autostereoscopic 3D cellphone launching let alone for less than $100 (Rs. 4,299)... off contract. But that's exactly what Spice Mobility just announced in India. The M-67 3D phone features a 2.36-inch 240x320 pixel display with dedicated 3D shortcut key letting users switch between 2D and 3D viewing modes for the UI, images, and video. Unfortunately, this dual-SIM phone is only equipped with a 2D camera, not one of those 3D jobbies being cooked up by Sharp. We're guessing that at this price the viewing experience doesn't approach the Nintendo 3DS, but it's certainly a harbinger of things to come.
[Thanks, Jay]The 3D cellphone lands in India for $97, no glasses required originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 06:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Techtree | Spice Mobility | Email this | Comments
[Thanks, Jay]The 3D cellphone lands in India for $97, no glasses required originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 06:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Techtree | Spice Mobility | Email this | Comments
App Deals of the Day [Dealzmodo]
Do you like free and discounted apps? Well we've got more than a few for you today. Come on in and check 'em out. More »
Google Chrome Canary update finally brings password sync
Filed under: Google, Browsers
If you're like me, you may have tried to force Google Chrome's password into action already. It's been possible to add passwords to sync for quite some time via a command line switch, though I found that Chrome would simply spin its wheels once you tried to log in to your account after adding the switch.
As of this revision on October 21, password sync was officially enabled by default -- though it didn't work for me in Chromium yesterday. Tonight, however, an update was pushed to Chrome Canary (8.0.561.0) and password sync now appears to be fully functional.
Those of you running Canary, head to your wrench menu and check your Personal Stuff tab. You should see passwords listed among the sync data choices -- and it should already be checked if you have everything set to sync.
Google Chrome Canary update finally brings password sync originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
If you're like me, you may have tried to force Google Chrome's password into action already. It's been possible to add passwords to sync for quite some time via a command line switch, though I found that Chrome would simply spin its wheels once you tried to log in to your account after adding the switch.
As of this revision on October 21, password sync was officially enabled by default -- though it didn't work for me in Chromium yesterday. Tonight, however, an update was pushed to Chrome Canary (8.0.561.0) and password sync now appears to be fully functional.
Those of you running Canary, head to your wrench menu and check your Personal Stuff tab. You should see passwords listed among the sync data choices -- and it should already be checked if you have everything set to sync.
Google Chrome Canary update finally brings password sync originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
UK Supermarket Tesco experimenting with iPhone and iPad shopping experience
UK supermarket chain Tesco, have reported that they are experimenting on a new shopping experience, using your iPhone and iPad. They are already trialling a ?scan-as-you-shop? system, in a store in Romford, Essex using specially developed handheld scanners. These are used to scan your shopping as you walk around the store, and you can just [...]UK Supermarket Tesco experimenting with iPhone and iPad shopping experience is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
Dubious Image, XML Data Hint at HTC Knight for Sprint [HTC Knight]
Over at xda-developers there's rumblings of an HTC Knight headed to Sprint. There's even a generic, somewhat doctored-looking pic, which is always perfect fodder for the ol' rumor mill. Updated. More »
Kaspersky has its own security breached yet again
Filed under: Security
It hasn't been smooth sailing for security vendor Kaspersky Labs over the last few years. Back in 2008, the company's Malaysian website was defaced by a Turkish hacker via an SQL injection. In 2009, their U.S. support site was compromised -- again by the use of an SQL injection.
Following the second breach, Kaspersky's Roel Schouwenberg lamented, "This is not good for any company, and especially a company dealing with security." He's sure right about that. It's about as bad as things could get for an anti-malware provider... Right?
Well, almost. There is one possible scenario which is slightly worse: having your legitimate, well-known security site hacked so that it redirects potential downloaders to malicious software instead. And that's exactly what happened this Sunday.
Kaspersky denied the hack at first, but this is the kind of thing that's a little hard to cover up in 2010. Reports sprang up on their own forums and across the Internet, and Kaspersky eventually fessed up. They later offered an official statement:
Kaspersky Lab takes any attempt to compromise its security seriously. Our researchers are currently working on identifying any possible consequences of the attack for affected users, and are available to provide help to remove the fake antivirus software
Identifying the attacker and potential risk to your clients sounds like a good idea. You know what else might be a good idea? Securing your own servers so this doesn't happen again.
photo by flickr user pveraKaspersky has its own security breached yet again originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
It hasn't been smooth sailing for security vendor Kaspersky Labs over the last few years. Back in 2008, the company's Malaysian website was defaced by a Turkish hacker via an SQL injection. In 2009, their U.S. support site was compromised -- again by the use of an SQL injection.
Following the second breach, Kaspersky's Roel Schouwenberg lamented, "This is not good for any company, and especially a company dealing with security." He's sure right about that. It's about as bad as things could get for an anti-malware provider... Right?
Well, almost. There is one possible scenario which is slightly worse: having your legitimate, well-known security site hacked so that it redirects potential downloaders to malicious software instead. And that's exactly what happened this Sunday.
Kaspersky denied the hack at first, but this is the kind of thing that's a little hard to cover up in 2010. Reports sprang up on their own forums and across the Internet, and Kaspersky eventually fessed up. They later offered an official statement:
Kaspersky Lab takes any attempt to compromise its security seriously. Our researchers are currently working on identifying any possible consequences of the attack for affected users, and are available to provide help to remove the fake antivirus software
Identifying the attacker and potential risk to your clients sounds like a good idea. You know what else might be a good idea? Securing your own servers so this doesn't happen again.
photo by flickr user pveraKaspersky has its own security breached yet again originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Astronomers Chart Distance to Farthest-Away Galaxy Known
A team of European astronomers has determined that a far-off galaxy spotted last year by the Hubble Space Telescope is the most distant object ever seen. Using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, the astronomers were able to analyze the very faint glow of the galaxy and calculate that its current appearance reflects the way it was when the universe was only about 600 million years old.
T-Mobile Galaxy Tab available Nov. 10?
The T-Mobile Galaxy Tab will be available Nov. 10th, according to a leaked slide deck. Just days after Verizon announced that its version will be available on Nov. 11, T-Mobile's plans were leaked. We learned of pricing a few weeks ago, which will be $399 with a contract, $649 without. No word yet on data plan pricing, but that is sure to be announced soon. That makes two carriers out of the four; if Sprint and AT&T follow suit around the same time, we should be in for an exciting few days in the second week of November. [TmoNews]Posted originally at Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Fauxhawk robot exterminates wasps, is something of a fashion victim
When Professor Sekine of Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, heard that his friend had been stung upwards of 90 times exterminating wasps, he was inspired to act. Why not build a robot to do the job instead? Presumably he threw some old parts together that he had laying around anyways -- why else would he build a humanoid robot with a mohawk, when an AR.Drone -- or a spray bottle with an extra long hose -- could just as easily do the trick? Called Mohican (in honor of its awesome wig), this device is intended to be controlled via remote and voice ("climb the ladder," for instance), and seems way over-qualified for its intended task. But who knows? Maybe Sekine is a visionary! After all, he has big plans for his automaton: After it's released "sometime next summer," he wants to devote his time to an updated model that will work in other hazardous environments, such as nuclear power plants.Fauxhawk robot exterminates wasps, is something of a fashion victim originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 24 Oct 2010 08:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Plastic Pals | Asahi.com | Email this | Comments
In one year, Windows 7 closing in on a quarter billion sold
Filed under: MicrosoftCakes are nice and all, but phenomenal sales figures are even sweeter. That's what Microsoft is celebrating today.
Over at the Windows Team Blog, Brandon LeBlanc reports that Windows 7 has sold more than 240 million copies so far. That's not too shabby for just over a year on the market. The post also goes on to say that Windows 7's global market share is closing in on 20%.
While the numbers are impressive thus far, don't forget that most businesses won't be jumping on the Win7 bandwagon until SP1 is released -- which should happen early next year.
It'll be interesting to see if Windows 7 sales can keep up their current pace. What's the daily average work out to? About 630,000 or so? Dang.In one year, Windows 7 closing in on a quarter billion sold originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Over at the Windows Team Blog, Brandon LeBlanc reports that Windows 7 has sold more than 240 million copies so far. That's not too shabby for just over a year on the market. The post also goes on to say that Windows 7's global market share is closing in on 20%.
While the numbers are impressive thus far, don't forget that most businesses won't be jumping on the Win7 bandwagon until SP1 is released -- which should happen early next year.
It'll be interesting to see if Windows 7 sales can keep up their current pace. What's the daily average work out to? About 630,000 or so? Dang.In one year, Windows 7 closing in on a quarter billion sold originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Dell Venue Pro gets Expansys listing: �499.99 for November 8th
Don't take this as the gospel, but online retailer Expansys has gone ahead and listed Dell's Venue Pro -- affectionately known as "the Windows Phone 7 device with a portrait QWERTY slider" -- with pricing and availability date in tow. Which, if you're wondering, is £499.99 (or about $783 in US dollars, when crudely converted) and Monday, November 8th, respectively. That's just over two weeks away, which means if it is true, you won't have long to wait... and if it's not true, you'll know soon enough, anyway.Dell Venue Pro gets Expansys listing: �499.99 for November 8th originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Expansys | Email this | Comments
Kanye West Turns On All Caps Because He's Lazy [KanyeWest]
Huh, I always thought caps lock was meant for the yellers, screamers and angry folks of the world. Kanye begs to differ, he says he turns on caps not because he's mad but because he's lazy. Impeccable logic as always. [BuzzFeed] More »
PadDock 10 iPad Dock and Speakers System
The PadDock 10 from SMK-Link�is a stand, sync and charge dock, and speaker system for iPad.� The PadDock 10 has custom-designed oval speakers (40mm X 50mm) with neodymium magnets and a passive radiator to enhance bass response.� The speakers are backwards-facing; sound reflects from surfaces behind the PadDock for increased stereo separation.� The stand tilts [...] Filed in categories: News, iPhone, iPad, iPod relatedTagged: iPad dock, iPad speakers, iPad standPadDock 10 iPad Dock and Speakers System originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 23, 2010 at 7:30 am.
Now You Can Grab an Unlimited Zune Pass for $150 a Year [Zune]
Without fanfare, Microsoft now offers Zune fans an all you can eat yearly subscription for $150 (previously, you were limited $15 month-by-month access). Like the incremental plan, you'll still be able to keep ten tracks per month. [Ars Technica] More »
GyroSynth: An Interesting Exercise in Flail-phonics
The iPhone has proven itself a worthy platform for peculiar, software-based musical instruments. With the right app, you can get your phone to imitate a guitar, an ocarina, a drumset, a sequencer, T-Pain's autotune rig, or a couple of strangely soothing soundmakers Brian Eno helped dream up.
Nikon Coolpix S80 gets reviewed: loads of style, short on substance
Nikon's Coolpix S80 sure seemed like a worthy successor to the S70 on paper, but Photography Blog's latest review sheds light on a couple of underlying issues that hinder it from being a runaway hit. The critics pretty much adored the sexy styling, but they noted that the all-touchscreen operations were a love-it-or-hate-it affair. Furthermore, the large OLED on the rear tended to inaccurately show how images were turning out, making it exceedingly difficult to know whether a shot was truly under or overexposed. The extra megapixels didn't really help either, with reviewers calling the image quality "so-so" and pointing out that low-light shooting was far from being in this unit's wheelhouse. That said, the camera was still recommended with a laundry list of caveats, so we'd give the source link a peek before aimlessly pulling the trigger.Nikon Coolpix S80 gets reviewed: loads of style, short on substance originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 23 Oct 2010 04:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Photography Blog | Email this | Comments
Newsmap visualizes Google News, offers interesting differences between countries
Filed under: Fun, Utilities
With the rapidly increasing amount of data in our lives, visualization has become a new trend. Text has its limits, both cranially and in its ability to display large amounts of information. Visual tools have begun to emerge: Microsoft has Pivot, Firefox is trialling Panorama -- heck, almost every browser and operating system now visualizes data in some way or another.
Newsmap, however, is old. Like, 2004 old. I did a little research, though, and it doesn't look like anyone's covered it in the last few years -- which is odd, considering the monumental surge in Internet news output. Anyway: newsmap takes the entirety of Google News and visualizes it in an array of differently-sized boxes. The larger the box, the more 'related stories' that item has. Newer stories are highlighted.
Where newsmap comes into its own, however, is in its separation of categories. World, National, Business, Technology, Sports, Entertainment, and Health are all coloured differently so that you can see at a glance which category has more coverage. Then change the country and check out the difference. The U.S., for example, has a vast amount of Sports news, but relatively little World coverage. The UK has a stronger emphasis on Business and World news, with almost zero coverage of Health. Spain and Italy love their National news, and India and Australia have huge amounts of World news.
There's also the option of showing every country at once -- but that's no good unless you only display one category at a time. You can see every National news story for all 15 countries, for example.
Newsmap is a great tool for visualizing one of the most important aspects of the Web. Looking at it for just a few minutes every morning would massively increase your knowledge of what's going on in the world -- and that's exactly what I'm going to do!Newsmap visualizes Google News, offers interesting differences between countries originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
With the rapidly increasing amount of data in our lives, visualization has become a new trend. Text has its limits, both cranially and in its ability to display large amounts of information. Visual tools have begun to emerge: Microsoft has Pivot, Firefox is trialling Panorama -- heck, almost every browser and operating system now visualizes data in some way or another.
Newsmap, however, is old. Like, 2004 old. I did a little research, though, and it doesn't look like anyone's covered it in the last few years -- which is odd, considering the monumental surge in Internet news output. Anyway: newsmap takes the entirety of Google News and visualizes it in an array of differently-sized boxes. The larger the box, the more 'related stories' that item has. Newer stories are highlighted.
Where newsmap comes into its own, however, is in its separation of categories. World, National, Business, Technology, Sports, Entertainment, and Health are all coloured differently so that you can see at a glance which category has more coverage. Then change the country and check out the difference. The U.S., for example, has a vast amount of Sports news, but relatively little World coverage. The UK has a stronger emphasis on Business and World news, with almost zero coverage of Health. Spain and Italy love their National news, and India and Australia have huge amounts of World news.
There's also the option of showing every country at once -- but that's no good unless you only display one category at a time. You can see every National news story for all 15 countries, for example.
Newsmap is a great tool for visualizing one of the most important aspects of the Web. Looking at it for just a few minutes every morning would massively increase your knowledge of what's going on in the world -- and that's exactly what I'm going to do!Newsmap visualizes Google News, offers interesting differences between countries originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Daily Crunch: Germ Rock Edition
Ewwwww? Your Phone Is Dirtier Than A Toilet Flush Handle Review: Camtrol Camera Control Grip Angry Bird Plush Toys Coming This Holiday For Those About To Rock, We Offer You An iPhone-Controlled Guitar Review: Adobe Lightroom 3
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES (IBM) INTERDIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
Sony?s Updated Daily Edition Reader (PRS-950) Available to Pre-order
The PRS-950 Daily Editon Reader from Sony, the third in the series of newly re-designed ebook readers, is now available to pre-order.� This reader has a 7″ screen, WiFi, and free 3G connectivity to the Sony Reader Store.� You can wirelessly download books or periodicals from the Sony bookstore.� They offer subscriptions to periodicals, and [...] Filed in categories: News, eBook Readers and GearTagged: Sony Daily Edition, wireless ebook readerSony’s Updated Daily Edition Reader (PRS-950) Available to Pre-order originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 22, 2010 at 7:30 am.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Hey That?s Neat
This is actually a hummingbird feeder.� I thought it was neat because it doesn’t look like the standard plastic-y looking run-of-the-mill feeder.� It’s a little late in the season where I am to expect many visitors, but I found it at WallyWorld for about $12, but I also see it on the HomeDepot site and [...] Filed in categories: Miscellaneous, News, Spotlight GadgetsTagged: BirdsHey That?s Neat originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 22, 2010 at 8:30 am.
Cloudy With a Chance of Gigantic Penis [Video]
OK, as far as inadvertent weather forecast genitalia goes, it really doesn't get much better than this. Does this guy realize it? Do the producers realize it? We'll never know for sure. In any event, good work, Texas/Mexico border. [BuzzFeed] More »
I Think We Can All Empathize With the Chess Computer's Evolution [Cartoons]
What happens next is the chess computer goes the way of Chris from Into The Wild. I won't spoil the ending, but poor, poor chess computer. You once had everything and now, nothing. *weeps* [Tom Gauld via Eggshell Robotics via BotJunkie] More »
Microsoft attacks OpenOffice.org and open source with a damning video
Filed under: Microsoft, OpenOffice.org, Open Source
In a typographical and punchy masterpiece, Microsoft has published a video that boldly attacks OpenOffice. You can watch it after the break.
The video is simple in its execution, using what seems to the spoken, damning testimonials of those that have used OpenOffice. Beautiful fonty goodness expands, diminishes, whooshes and slides as each and every one of OpenOffice's claimed benefits are torn to pieces.
The basic purpose of the video is to show businesses that switching to free, open-source software isn't as easy or efficient as it sounds. You know what you're getting with Microsoft Office -- while with OpenOffice it's hard for a business to predict its total support costs, and seemingly that's something businesses really hate.
I don't think Microsoft Office is actually much better than OpenOffice -- it's just that almost everyone, by virtue of Microsoft's 20-year monopoly of the workplace, knows their way around Microsoft Office. In fact, the only real claim made by Microsoft in the video is that its macro support is better -- the rest of its arguments seem to boil down to 'most of the world uses Microsoft Office; so should you!'
Better the devil you know, in other words.
Microsoft attacks OpenOffice.org and open source with a damning video originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
In a typographical and punchy masterpiece, Microsoft has published a video that boldly attacks OpenOffice. You can watch it after the break.
The video is simple in its execution, using what seems to the spoken, damning testimonials of those that have used OpenOffice. Beautiful fonty goodness expands, diminishes, whooshes and slides as each and every one of OpenOffice's claimed benefits are torn to pieces.
The basic purpose of the video is to show businesses that switching to free, open-source software isn't as easy or efficient as it sounds. You know what you're getting with Microsoft Office -- while with OpenOffice it's hard for a business to predict its total support costs, and seemingly that's something businesses really hate.
I don't think Microsoft Office is actually much better than OpenOffice -- it's just that almost everyone, by virtue of Microsoft's 20-year monopoly of the workplace, knows their way around Microsoft Office. In fact, the only real claim made by Microsoft in the video is that its macro support is better -- the rest of its arguments seem to boil down to 'most of the world uses Microsoft Office; so should you!'
Better the devil you know, in other words.
Microsoft attacks OpenOffice.org and open source with a damning video originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Sony Internet HDTV with Google TV
Sony has introduced what they are calling the world’s first and only HDTV powered by Google TV.� The television connects to your home network wirelessly or with a wired connection; an 802.11n router is recommended for wireless connection.� You’ll also need a high-speed internet connection with at least 2.5Mbps bandwidth (10Mbps for HD content).� You [...] Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, NewsTagged: Google TV, Sony Internet TVSony Internet HDTV with Google TV originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 21, 2010 at 8:30 am.
Toccata iPad Case With Bluetooth Keyboard
Earlier today Padacs announced the release of their new Toccata iPad case which conveniently comes with a built-in Bluetooth 2.0 keyboard. If you’re the type who prefers using a physical keyboard over tapping letters on your iPad screen then this stylish new accessory is especially for you. The QWERTY keyboard is powered by a Lithium [...]
CrunchGear Week in Review: Race for the Prize Edition
Here are some stories from the past week on CrunchGear: Meet Grig. He?s Going To Help You Win A Samsung Galaxy S Phone Hands On With The Sarcos XOS 2 ? The Real Life Iron Man Murata?s Awesome Unicycle Robots Get A 2010 Upgrade Once Again, Valve Proves Its Awesomeness With Latest Team Fortress 2 [...]
Evil Parents Can Flick the Positive Reading On For This Monster Meter iPhone App [IPhone Apps]
Kids are so mollycoddled these days, what with apps detecting monsters in wardrobes instead of just living through the fear like we did, so I'm not surprised the developer included a positive-reading option for this $1 app. [iTunes via AppsPlayground] More »
This Week's Best Apps [Apps]
In this week's super spooky app round up: Sudoko, complicated; your friends, turned into Justin Bieber; Angry Birds, made angrier and spookier; Yojimbo and Victoria's Secret, playing nice with your iPad; your tweets, mashed-up with Mario, and so much more! More »
Android 2.3 'next major release,' says anonymous Google engineer
Who knew a support thread on corporate WiFi login issues would lead to anything we'd care about? Cut to Google code's Android forums, where an anonymous Google engineer confirms that this problem will be patched in the "next major release" of Android, specifically version 2.3. So... does this mean Android 2.3 is the oft-discussed (and close on the horizon) Gingerbread? Not necessarily -- while possible, there isn't any indication to that effect, and logic doesn't arbitrarily equate the two. After all, recall that Eclair was both 2.0 and 2.1, so there would be some historical precedence to this 0.1 leap being nothing more than sprinkles on frozen yogurt.Android 2.3 'next major release,' says anonymous Google engineer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Brief Mobile, Android Central | Google Code | Email this | Comments
Netflix streaming on Wii no longer requires a disc
Filed under: Video
I've been thoroughly enjoying Netflix on my Wii. It's not perfect, but we Canadians aren't exactly blessed with a plethora of streaming media options. Also, it scores big-time bonus points for offering Blackadder.
One minor gripe about the Wii incarnation: having to use a disc to launch Netflix. Today, however, Netflix has announced that you can now access the app from your Wii Menu -- totally disc-free! Just head over to the Wii shop, download the Netflix app, and you're good to go.
Now, y'all excuse me while I revel in the hilarious antics of Rowan Atkinson and Hugh Laurie...Netflix streaming on Wii no longer requires a disc originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
I've been thoroughly enjoying Netflix on my Wii. It's not perfect, but we Canadians aren't exactly blessed with a plethora of streaming media options. Also, it scores big-time bonus points for offering Blackadder.
One minor gripe about the Wii incarnation: having to use a disc to launch Netflix. Today, however, Netflix has announced that you can now access the app from your Wii Menu -- totally disc-free! Just head over to the Wii shop, download the Netflix app, and you're good to go.
Now, y'all excuse me while I revel in the hilarious antics of Rowan Atkinson and Hugh Laurie...Netflix streaming on Wii no longer requires a disc originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Friday, October 22, 2010
iMovie blocks studio names in new trailers
Perhaps its testament to the quality of the iMovie '11 trailers that Apple is blocking the use of big name studios in the titles. Ironic since Apple provides templates that ape the Paramount snow-capped mountain (pictured after the break) and familiar Universal Studios globe. Just don't try to enter those studio names into the title sequence -- the words "Paramount" and "Universal" will be replaced with hyphens. We suspect other studios are affected as well. Hard to say if this is Apple's doing or the studios as both are notoriously controlling. We'd laugh if only we could stop crying.Continue reading iMovie blocks studio names in new trailersiMovie blocks studio names in new trailers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 07:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | TUAW | Email this | Comments
Nookcolor.com domain snapped up by Barnes & Noble, hints at Nook Color device
At some future point in time, when the technology finally allows it, all ebook reader displays will make the jump to color. Perhaps that's what Barnes and Noble is thinking by registering the nookcolor.com domain. Then again, "Nook Color" is the name rumored for B&N's new 7-inch color touchscreen device said to cost a mere $249. Or maybe it's just a collection of colorful snap-on bezels for its existing Nook. Whatever it is, we'll be treated with the truth on Tuesday when B&N hosts its very special event. Be there won't you, we will.
[Thanks, Matthew C.]Nookcolor.com domain snapped up by Barnes & Noble, hints at Nook Color device originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 02:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Whois | Email this | Comments
[Thanks, Matthew C.]Nookcolor.com domain snapped up by Barnes & Noble, hints at Nook Color device originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 02:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Whois | Email this | Comments
Toccata iPad Case With Bluetooth Keyboard
Earlier today Padacs announced the release of their new Toccata iPad case which conveniently comes with a built-in Bluetooth 2.0 keyboard. If you’re the type who prefers using a physical keyboard over tapping letters on your iPad screen then this stylish new accessory is especially for you. The QWERTY keyboard is powered by a Lithium [...]
Lego Chess-Set Costs More Than a MacBook Air
How great would it be to make Lego models for a living? Ask Derek Seiple: At least part of his income comes from building and selling these Lego chess-sets on nerdcraft store Etsy.
The sets are made to order: you pay, then Derek orders the Lego bricks and plates and gets to work building. The process [...]
The sets are made to order: you pay, then Derek orders the Lego bricks and plates and gets to work building. The process [...]
Click Here If You?ve Never Seen President Obama Sign An iPad Before
First thing you'll notice about this picture is how utterly relaxed the Barack Obama T-shirt sporting young man holding an iPad seems to be, compared to just about everyone in his immediate neighborhood. Second thing you'll notice is that he appears to be pointing to his iPad, while calmly observing the President of the United States as the latter approaches him.
On his iPad, this young man - we'll just call him Sylvester Cann IV from now on, because that's his name - fired up Adobe's Ideas app and used it to pen a request for President Obama. It reads: "Mr. President, sign my iPad".
On his iPad, this young man - we'll just call him Sylvester Cann IV from now on, because that's his name - fired up Adobe's Ideas app and used it to pen a request for President Obama. It reads: "Mr. President, sign my iPad".
Daily Crunch: Night Experiment Edition
Astrophotography: A Primer Video: Turkish Iron Man SURALP Review: Potato Chip Science Capcom?s Okamiden: The Friendly Game That Has Nothing To Do With Fragging Each Other Researchers Looking Into How Hard Robots Should Be Punching You
America's Last Pinball Machine Maker Bringing Iron Man Home [Video]
Chicago-based Stern—last of the great American pinball makers—is releasing a new "home" edition of its Iron Man cabinet. It leaves out coin slot and some of the fancier geegaws, but it's a lot better than previous home cabinets. More »
ASUS Eee PC 1015PN gets official, will do 1080p in a pinch
It was rumored back in August for a September release and, though it did miss that by a full month, we're definite believers of "Better late than never." The ASUS 1015PN is officially the newest entry in the Eee PC family with its 10.1-inch, 1024 x 600 LCD, a dual-core Atom N550 processor, 1GB of RAM, 250GB of platter-based storage, and, perhaps most importantly, NVIDIA Ion 2 graphics that won't put a hurting on your battery life thanks to Optimus switching tech. That means an estimated 9.5 hours of longevity on a charge so long as you don't spend your time pumping out reams of legally acquired full HD test footage. If all that sounds good you can order yours right now for around $429.ASUS Eee PC 1015PN gets official, will do 1080p in a pinch originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 08:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Notebook Review | ASUS | Email this | Comments
Sony Introduces New Universal Children?s Remote Control
Sony has just announced a remote control for kids. The RM-KZ1 is splash proof and features locked down battery and programming compartments. It allows parents to control channel availability by programming up to seven ?favorites? buttons. It also has a ?volume limiting? feature that does not allow volume to be changed +/- 3 steps within [...] Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, Kid Gadgets, News, Spotlight GadgetsTagged: Kids, Remote, TVSony Introduces New Universal Children?s Remote Control originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 20, 2010 at 2:30 pm.
Privacy Heat May Put Facebook in Regulators' Crosshairs
One almost has to pity Facebook. Less than a month after it rolled out user enhancements that were lauded even by privacy advocates, it is back in the doghouse, facing a class action lawsuit and testy inquiries from two members of Congress. The problem once again is privacy.
MotoDiary is a cross-device encrypted personal journal
Filed under: Blogging, Browsers
In the words of MotoDiary's creator, a blog is not a journal. Sometimes you need a secure, quiet location to jot down your notes.
MotoDiary is an attempt to provide you with just such a place. It's HTML5-powered, but it feels very minimalistic - even austere. Your notes are encrypted locally using your browser's power (even if you're writing from a mobile device), and then uploaded to the server.
There isn't any sort of advertising at this point; the creator says he tried to replicate the blankness of pen and paper as best as he could, and as you can see in the screenshot, it is indeed quite plain.
A large part of the appeal here is how cross-browser it is. It doesn't work with Firefox 3.6x, but it does work with Chrome and Safari, so you can start a note on your commute home using your mobile device, and complete it later from the PC at home.
Sadly, one thing which did not work well for me is right-to-left text entry; Android's native support for RTL is quite decent, but somehow this application didn't play nice when I tried writing Hebrew. The screen scrolled all the way to the right, but my text was entered at the left side (incorrectly). So I couldn't actually see what I was writing.
As long as your language of choice flows from left to right, though, MotoDiary is a viable option to check out.MotoDiary is a cross-device encrypted personal journal originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 10 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
In the words of MotoDiary's creator, a blog is not a journal. Sometimes you need a secure, quiet location to jot down your notes.
MotoDiary is an attempt to provide you with just such a place. It's HTML5-powered, but it feels very minimalistic - even austere. Your notes are encrypted locally using your browser's power (even if you're writing from a mobile device), and then uploaded to the server.
There isn't any sort of advertising at this point; the creator says he tried to replicate the blankness of pen and paper as best as he could, and as you can see in the screenshot, it is indeed quite plain.
A large part of the appeal here is how cross-browser it is. It doesn't work with Firefox 3.6x, but it does work with Chrome and Safari, so you can start a note on your commute home using your mobile device, and complete it later from the PC at home.
Sadly, one thing which did not work well for me is right-to-left text entry; Android's native support for RTL is quite decent, but somehow this application didn't play nice when I tried writing Hebrew. The screen scrolled all the way to the right, but my text was entered at the left side (incorrectly). So I couldn't actually see what I was writing.
As long as your language of choice flows from left to right, though, MotoDiary is a viable option to check out.MotoDiary is a cross-device encrypted personal journal originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 10 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Peg.gd is a quick way to create and share single pages of text and more
Filed under: Text, Utilities, web 2.0
Peg.gd is a one-trick pony: go to the site, enter a title, type your text, and you're done. You now have a short URL with text that you can share and edit (or have others edit).
The whole thing has a zen garden, forced minimalism feel to it, the kind seen on a lot of Ruby-based projects (I bet this thing is a Rails app, but I may be wrong). I happen to like it, but that's really a matter of taste.
The text is formatted using Markdown, which happens to be my method of choice. No account is required, and the Peg.gd About page says it's because "you're a person, not a rich vein of data to mine." You can also embed videos and images, but I didn't test this because it's not readily accessible to the average user at this point.
Peg.gd uses HTML5 local storage for saving your text as you type; that means that on my aging Firefox 3.6.8, it was really slow. But as long as you use a bleeding-edge browser, you should be fine.Peg.gd is a quick way to create and share single pages of text and more originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Peg.gd is a one-trick pony: go to the site, enter a title, type your text, and you're done. You now have a short URL with text that you can share and edit (or have others edit).
The whole thing has a zen garden, forced minimalism feel to it, the kind seen on a lot of Ruby-based projects (I bet this thing is a Rails app, but I may be wrong). I happen to like it, but that's really a matter of taste.
The text is formatted using Markdown, which happens to be my method of choice. No account is required, and the Peg.gd About page says it's because "you're a person, not a rich vein of data to mine." You can also embed videos and images, but I didn't test this because it's not readily accessible to the average user at this point.
Peg.gd uses HTML5 local storage for saving your text as you type; that means that on my aging Firefox 3.6.8, it was really slow. But as long as you use a bleeding-edge browser, you should be fine.Peg.gd is a quick way to create and share single pages of text and more originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
In Soviet Russia, Lego Can't Even Make Its Own Products Right For Its Ads [Lego]
This is one of the best series of adverts I've ever clapped eyes on. Last month, Lego Russia released a series of ads showing some of its popular sets made up to be, well, not what they're meant to be. More »
First all-robot surgery performed at McGill University
A team of surgeons at McGill University, including the da Vinci robo-surgeon and a robot anesthesiologist named, of all things, McSleepy, recently removed some dude's prostate during what is being billed as the world's first all-robotic surgery. The device transmits hi-def 3D images to a nearby workstation, where it is controlled by surgeons "with a precision that cannot be provided by humans alone," according to MUHC urologist-in-chief Dr. A. Aprikian. Of course, the robots are being kept on a tight leash by their human operators, with McGill's Dr. Thomas Hemmerling pointing out that "[r]obots will not replace doctors but help them to perform to the highest standards." Just tell that to all the other medical robots we've seen in this space, eh, doc? We've heard they have plans. Bad plans.Continue reading First all-robot surgery performed at McGill UniversityFirst all-robot surgery performed at McGill University originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 10:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | TG Daily, Daily Mail | Email this | Comments
Samsung Innovates Again With New Galexy Tab
There’s a lot of buzz surrounding Samsung’s new Galexy Tab, the company’s first attempt at a tablet device which is scheduled for launch this month in Europe. Many people have been wondering what companies would be the first to rival the already famous Apple iPad which was launched back in April and the Galexy Tab [...]
Don't You Hate It When There's Audio Playing on a Website But You Can't Figure Out Which Tab It's Coming From? [Misfortune]
For the last 10 minutes I've been listening, as best as I can figure it, to some show about a teenager getting made over as P. Diddy. I say as best I can figure it because I cannot for the life of me figure out where the fuck this audio is coming from. I will totally admit that I'm one of those people who keeps open way too many tabs, usually scattered across way too many browser windows, but I have scoured every single one of them very carefully (they're all important things I want to revisit later! but probably never will) and still I have not been able to locate the source of the mystery Diddy makeover audio. More »
Nook Will Be Sold at Walmart Starting Next Week [Nook]
Between the major software overhaul in November, a mystery announcement next week, and the introduction of Nook to the all-powerful Walmart ecosystem, it looks like Barnes and Noble might be making the ebook reader race interesting just in time for the holidays. The Kindle competitor will be sold in 2,500 Walmart stores and Walmart.com starting October 24th. More »
Intel Invests $3 Million In Mobile Social Gaming Platform OpenFeint
Intel Capital, the investment arm of Intel, has just announced a $3 million investment in OpenFeint, the comprehensive mobile social gaming platform from Aurora Feint. This latest round brings Aurora Feint's total funding to $12 million. Earlier this year, the company also took a $5 million investment from Chinese gaming company The9.
OpenFeint?s plug and play mobile social platform and application for smartphones includes a set of online game services such as leaderboards, virtual currencies and achievements running in a cloud-based Web environment.
OpenFeint?s plug and play mobile social platform and application for smartphones includes a set of online game services such as leaderboards, virtual currencies and achievements running in a cloud-based Web environment.
Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 Computer Speakers Review
There are a lot of things to like about the new MM1 computer speakers from Bowers & Wilkins, the makers of the famous Zeppelin iPod dock/speaker. And while these don?t have the audacious design philosophy of the Zeppelin or even B&W?s legendary floor standing speakers, the MM1s stand-out on their own merits. They are clean, [...] Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, Desktop Computer Gear, ReviewsTagged: SpeakersBowers & Wilkins MM-1 Computer Speakers Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 20, 2010 at 10:00 am.
iPhone live tonight, 6pm PT, 9pm ET, 2am BST
You know the drill, come 6pm PT, 9pm ET, 2am BST, we’ll be live over at:
http://live.tipb.com/live/
We’ll be discussing Steve Jobs’ surprise appearance on the Apple Q4 conference call, what he said about BlackBerry and Android, and Apple’s Back to the Mac event. Be there, and be ready to chat. We want to hear from [...]iPhone live tonight, 6pm PT, 9pm ET, 2am BST is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
http://live.tipb.com/live/
We’ll be discussing Steve Jobs’ surprise appearance on the Apple Q4 conference call, what he said about BlackBerry and Android, and Apple’s Back to the Mac event. Be there, and be ready to chat. We want to hear from [...]iPhone live tonight, 6pm PT, 9pm ET, 2am BST is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
Barnes & Noble May Present Nook 2 Next Week
A year ago today, Barnes & Noble presented its Nook e-reader. Yesterday, the book retailer sent media invitations for an October 26 event at their Union Square store in New York. Next week, we might see the next generation of the Nook.
Here’s what we know: A Nook 1.5 firmware update is coming out late [...]
Here’s what we know: A Nook 1.5 firmware update is coming out late [...]
Netflix 'now primarily a streaming company,' could offer DVD-less plan this year
It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating Netflix's 2 billionth disc sent, but in announcing the company's Q4 financial results, CEO Reed Hastings called his baby "primarily a streaming company that also offers DVD-by-mail." Other notes include an indication that a streaming only plan for US customers, mirroring its offering in Canada, currently in limited testing could become widely available later in the fourth quarter of this year, with a potential that "pure streaming" could become the core package for Netflix going forward while DVDs might require a premium service charge like Blu-ray does now. So what comes next? If all goes according to plan, expansion beyond North America in late 2011, continuing to add more streaming content and improving the UI on other devices.Netflix 'now primarily a streaming company,' could offer DVD-less plan this year originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 02:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Netflix, Management Commentary | Email this | Comments
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Netflix streaming on Wii no longer requires a disc
Filed under: Video
I've been thoroughly enjoying Netflix on my Wii. It's not perfect, but we Canadians aren't exactly blessed with a plethora of streaming media options. Also, it scores big-time bonus points for offering Blackadder.
One minor gripe about the Wii incarnation: having to use a disc to launch Netflix. Today, however, Netflix has announced that you can now access the app from your Wii Menu -- totally disc-free! Just head over to the Wii shop, download the Netflix app, and you're good to go.
Now, y'all excuse me while I revel in the hilarious antics of Rowan Atkinson and Hugh Laurie...Netflix streaming on Wii no longer requires a disc originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
I've been thoroughly enjoying Netflix on my Wii. It's not perfect, but we Canadians aren't exactly blessed with a plethora of streaming media options. Also, it scores big-time bonus points for offering Blackadder.
One minor gripe about the Wii incarnation: having to use a disc to launch Netflix. Today, however, Netflix has announced that you can now access the app from your Wii Menu -- totally disc-free! Just head over to the Wii shop, download the Netflix app, and you're good to go.
Now, y'all excuse me while I revel in the hilarious antics of Rowan Atkinson and Hugh Laurie...Netflix streaming on Wii no longer requires a disc originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Techlife? Netbook/iPad Messenger from Skooba Design
Skooba Design is introducing a new TechLife messenger for netbooks and the iPad.� This nylon twill bag has a dedicated pouch inside to hold an iPad or other tablet or a netbook up to 10.5″ x 7.5″ x 1.5″.� There are more than a dozen other pockets to hold gadgets, papers, even a water bottle.� [...] Filed in categories: Laptop Gear, News, iPhone, iPad, iPod relatedTagged: iPad bag, Netbook bagTechlife? Netbook/iPad Messenger from Skooba Design originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 19, 2010 at 7:30 am.
New MacBook Airs come with Software Reinstall USB drive
What's a MacBook Air to do in the case of a software emergency without an internal or external optical drive? Well, Apple's thankfully considered that situation, and has included a Software Reinstall USB drive with both the 11-inch and 13-inch models. As a bonus, it also makes an attractive addition to a keychain or necklace.
Update: We took some shots of the drive. It's a really small USB drive! Storage comes up at around 8GB, of which 7.5GB is used for the OS X and iLife installers.
Gallery: MacBook Air USB Software Reinstall Drive hands-onNew MacBook Airs come with Software Reinstall USB drive originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Apple | Email this | Comments
Update: We took some shots of the drive. It's a really small USB drive! Storage comes up at around 8GB, of which 7.5GB is used for the OS X and iLife installers.
Gallery: MacBook Air USB Software Reinstall Drive hands-onNew MacBook Airs come with Software Reinstall USB drive originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Apple | Email this | Comments
Deal of the Day ? $200 Off Coupons on HP ENVY 14 Laptops ? As Low as $899.99
The LogicBUY Deal for Tuesday is $200 off your choice of an HP ENVY 14 or ENVY 14 Beats Edition laptop.� Get an ENVY 14 14.5? laptop with Core i7-720QM Quad Core (1.6GHz, 6MB L3 cache) for $1249 ? $200 coupon code = $1049.99 with free shipping.� This is the lowest price the LogicBUY folks [...] Filed in categories: NewsTagged: Deal of the DayDeal of the Day ? $200 Off Coupons on HP ENVY 14 Laptops ? As Low as $899.99 originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 19, 2010 at 6:30 am.
Apple Adds Facetime to Macs [Update: Official]
Apple is busy running through all the new bells and whistles of iLife. It's actually quite boring. But if you look close when the demo machine shows its dock, there's a Facetime icon present, which seems to state that video chat service is coming to a Mac near you real soon.
Now this isn't official yet. Steve-O hasn't came out and said "Apple is adding Facetime to Macs" yet. But he will. Otherwise there wouldn't be a Facetime icon in the dock of the demo machine. Follow our liveblog and you'll see.
Update: It's official now.
Now this isn't official yet. Steve-O hasn't came out and said "Apple is adding Facetime to Macs" yet. But he will. Otherwise there wouldn't be a Facetime icon in the dock of the demo machine. Follow our liveblog and you'll see.
Update: It's official now.
Choosing Between a laptop and an iPad: A guide
One of the big questions many consumers are faced with today is whether to purchase a laptop or an iPad. We hope to take some of the pressure off and help make that decision easier for you in this guide. Since many of you are already more than well aware of what laptops can be [...]
Apple stealthily announces live streaming for Back to the Mac event?
It looks like Apple might just be live streaming today’s Back to the Mac event, though the announcement so far is lurking only in the darkest backwaters of media alert-land (i.e. RSS aggregators):
Media Alert
What: Live video stream of Apple?s October 20 event
When: Wednesday, October 20, [...]Apple stealthily announces live streaming for Back to the Mac event? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
Media Alert
What: Live video stream of Apple?s October 20 event
When: Wednesday, October 20, [...]Apple stealthily announces live streaming for Back to the Mac event? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
Vertu Constellation Quest shows up at the FCC, running Symbian and looking pleasantly outrageous
Ah, Vertu, where would we be without you? Richer, to be sure, but so very bored. Vertu's QWERTY-packing Constellation Quest has just gotten the FCC's stamp of approval, and in addition to the typical beauty shots the FCC includes, there's also a detailed manual that shows the phone to be running some heavily skinned version of Symbian. The phone has HSDPA data and WiFi, and Vertu is even packing along a 32GB microSD card. There's still plenty we don't know about the phone, like when it will hit stores and how many arms and legs it will cost, but for now we're just happy to have "cray Uncle Vertu" around for the party. Gallery: Vertu Constellation Quest shows up at the FCCVertu Constellation Quest shows up at the FCC, running Symbian and looking pleasantly outrageous originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | FCC | Email this | Comments
Palm Pre 2 hits FCC in CDMA and North American GSM flavors
So the Pre 2 has been announced for SFR in France and Verizon in the States, along with an unlocked model for developers... but so far, we'd only seen one of the three in the FCC. Well, here are the other two: on the left, the P102EWW, and on the right, the P102UNA. Palm's naming convention is a little strange, so it probably bears explaining again -- the "P102" tells you that it's a Pre 2, while "EWW" indicates CDMA and "UNA" indicates North American GSM / UMTS. From the UNA model's filing, it would seem there isn't any AWS capability on board, so users of T-Mobile are going to have to plod along at 2G speeds if they want to play ball. You know, Murphy's Law and all.Palm Pre 2 hits FCC in CDMA and North American GSM flavors originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 21:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | FCC (1), (2) | Email this | Comments
PlayStation Move Shooting Attachment out now for $20, still blindingly beautiful
Our inexplicable love affair with the PlayStation Move Shooting Attachment (apparently the official name for the thing) is well documented. So what's new? Well, it's out now. Sony is releasing it into the wilds of retail for $20, alongside The Shoot ($40), an on-rails shooter title that failed to excite when we previewed it earlier this year. Will it be more enjoyable with your Move controller firmly ensconced in this beautiful bit of red and white plastic? Of course it will.PlayStation Move Shooting Attachment out now for $20, still blindingly beautiful originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink PlayStation Blog | Sony | Email this | Comments
Oprah Audience Explodes Into Hysterics Over Free Xbox Kinects [Video]
We were kind of hoping today's Kinect plug on Oprah would mean she'd be piloting a virtual raft with her body, but the episode's YOU GET A KINECT! YOU GET A KINECT! YOU GET A KINECT! finale is even better. More »
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Back to the (Lame) Future [Video]
We've still got a few years until when Back to the Future II takes place, but it feels like we've got way too much ground to make by then, doesn't it? Poor Doc and Marty. More »
Apple Mac and OS X Liveblog Tomorrow, Oct. 20 [Apple]
There's an Apple event going on tomorrow! We'll be liveblogging, of course, but it's still up in the air whether Apple will stream video live, like they did for the last event. If so, well, we'll be using that too. More »
MSI WindPad tablet design concepts rendered, available in your choice of innie or outie
It's a bit odd to see a gadget go from sitting in your hand to sitting in the output file of some renderer but, if images uncovered by blogeee.net are as legit as they're said to be, MSI looks to be thinking a redesign for its upcoming WindPad tablet. Two different versions are shown, one with a chromed bezel that's not entirely unlike the one we played with previously, and another with what looks to be edges that are not convex but instead concave, which actually seems like it could be quite nice for carrying whilst sauntering about the penthouse. On the back is a raised black surface that surely can't be glass... right? Anyhow, there's no being sure of the legitimacy of these renders, but both look respectable enough to show up on this tablet whenever it shows up at retail, supposedly by the end of the year.MSI WindPad tablet design concepts rendered, available in your choice of innie or outie originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 10:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | blogeee.net | Email this | Comments
A gallery of high-res Windows Phone 7 app screenshots
Filed under: Windows Mobile, MicrosoftWhile I wasn't one of the handful of Chosen Ones to attend the Windows Phone 7 launch in London yesterday, I have been lucky enough to get my hands on some lovely screenshots of WP7 apps.
So far, most major websites have only run photos-of-handsets, complete with skewed angles and glaring reflections. With these images, you can see what the interface of some big-name apps really look like -- and I dare say they look rather sexy.
Ironically, because of the "scrollable landscape," it's quite hard to imagine what it's like to actually use these apps. You can only see a tiny portion of each app in these screenshots. I hope there's a more graceful solution for when we start writing app reviews -- perhaps we can cut and paste a few shots together, to create a big panoramic landscape...
My dry, witty commentary accompanies each of the images in the gallery. Either click an image below to begin, or use this high-res link.
Gallery: A gallery of high-res Windows Phone 7 app screenshotsA gallery of high-res Windows Phone 7 app screenshots originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 06:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
So far, most major websites have only run photos-of-handsets, complete with skewed angles and glaring reflections. With these images, you can see what the interface of some big-name apps really look like -- and I dare say they look rather sexy.
Ironically, because of the "scrollable landscape," it's quite hard to imagine what it's like to actually use these apps. You can only see a tiny portion of each app in these screenshots. I hope there's a more graceful solution for when we start writing app reviews -- perhaps we can cut and paste a few shots together, to create a big panoramic landscape...
My dry, witty commentary accompanies each of the images in the gallery. Either click an image below to begin, or use this high-res link.
Gallery: A gallery of high-res Windows Phone 7 app screenshotsA gallery of high-res Windows Phone 7 app screenshots originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 06:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Android sends Steve Jobs over the edge, Andy Rubin responds in code
If you haven't heard by now, Steve Jobs pretty much lost his sh-- (shut yo mouth!) yesterday during Apple's earnings call -- going way above and beyond his usual diatribe over Google and Android. To say it's entertaining is pretty much the understatement of the year. And what's more -- these were prepared remarks. Somebody thought about this for a bit. Jobs calls stock Android "a commodity" and invents the "Twitterdeck" Twitter client to rail against all of the different handsets developers must contend with. (Of course he meant Tweetdeck -- only one of the more popular Twitter clients out there.) And of course the topic of "openness" came up yet again (and Jobs dared manufacturers to release Android sales numbers). He calls it "a smokescreen" that Google's using to hide Android fragmentation from the customer. (News flash, Mr. Jobs: Most regular customers don't care -- or even understand -- fragmentation). Anyhoo, Android's Andy Rubin fired up Twitter this morning to post his first Tweet, which you see above. Pretty much speaks for itself. Our take? It's telling how much time Jobs spent on his competitors in the earnings call. Best way to downplay the competition is to dismiss it. No longer. And in the process, Jobs is coming off more a loon and less a sage. Listen for yourself after the break. For the other side of the coin, see "Why Steve Jobstook a flamethrower to BlackBerry and Android" at our sister site, TiPB.comUpdate: Oh, and speaking of Twitterdeck (erm, Tweetdeck), here's what CEO Iain Dodsworth had to say about the whole thing (via All Things D): "Did we at any point say it was a nightmare developing on Android? Errr nope, no we didn't. It wasn't."
Posted originally at Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories
Posted originally at Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories
Droid 2 Global ads now running on Verizon's 800 number
Whoever said being on hold was a bad thing? Verizon customers who call in and get stuck in limbo right now are being treated to a minor device scoop: an ad for the mythical Droid 2 Global, which has leaked out here and there but hasn't yet been officially announced. The ad doesn't reveal much apart from the existence of the CDMA / GSM slider and the fact that it'll work in 221 countries, but that's all we needed to hear -- listen for yourself after the break.
Update: Ha, as commenter Spider-Man points out below, that 221 number is mighty suspect, as there are only between 191-195 countries in the world today, depending on how you count them. Sounds like Verizon needs to take this one back to the studio. Thanks, Spidey!
[Thanks, Anonymous]Continue reading Droid 2 Global ads now running on Verizon's 800 numberDroid 2 Global ads now running on Verizon's 800 number originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Update: Ha, as commenter Spider-Man points out below, that 221 number is mighty suspect, as there are only between 191-195 countries in the world today, depending on how you count them. Sounds like Verizon needs to take this one back to the studio. Thanks, Spidey!
[Thanks, Anonymous]Continue reading Droid 2 Global ads now running on Verizon's 800 numberDroid 2 Global ads now running on Verizon's 800 number originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
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