Google Sky Map for Android has just been updated to bring us the exciting features of multi-touch pinch-to-zoom and Time Travel! The official site hasn't been updated yet, but you can definitely pick it up from the Android Market on your phone -- the QR code is included after the break.
While pinch-to-zoom is nice, the Time Travel feature is something that Sky Map users have long been clamoring for. You can now set any time -- past or future -- and gaze up at the augmented reality heavens. The app comes pre-configured with a bunch of 'popular' times, such as the Apollo 11 moon landing and the universe-altering solar eclipse of 1919 -- or you can simply fast forward to what the sky will look like tomorrow, or during the next full moon.
If you've never played with Sky Map, now's the time to give it a go. It's free and ever so easy to use: just go outside (or stand by the window), hold your phone towards the sky... and be amazed!
Continue reading Google Sky Map for Android now lets you travel through timeFiled under: Fun, Education, AndroidGoogle Sky Map for Android now lets you travel through time originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
15+ free Windows apps to help you tackle Thanksgiving tech support
(function() { var s = document.createElement('SCRIPT'), s1 = document.getElementsByTagName('SCRIPT')[0]; s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = 'http://widgets.digg.com/buttons.js'; s1.parentNode.insertBefore(s, s1); })(); digg
The holiday season has always been a time for gathering -- but in recent years, it's also been a time when family and friends come bearing gifts of computer troubles. Their computer friends -- people like the Download Squad team and you, our readers -- get asked to do everything from installing RAM upgrades to the annual computer tune-up. We're happy to oblige, of course, because there's a decent chance someone will pay us in beer or baked goods. Cash is welcome too, but never seems to be offered quite as readily.
To make your holiday tech duties a bit easier, I've put together a list of some of my favorite troubleshooting apps for Windows.
Where download links for the files aren't on the application's main page, I've included a link to the appropriate download page. I've provided a handful of FileHippo links as well -- they're an excellent mirror site and they don't surround download links in advertisements or "recommendations."Continue reading 15+ free Windows apps to help you tackle Thanksgiving tech supportFiled under: Features, Troubleshooting, Lists15+ free Windows apps to help you tackle Thanksgiving tech support originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 21 Nov 2010 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
The holiday season has always been a time for gathering -- but in recent years, it's also been a time when family and friends come bearing gifts of computer troubles. Their computer friends -- people like the Download Squad team and you, our readers -- get asked to do everything from installing RAM upgrades to the annual computer tune-up. We're happy to oblige, of course, because there's a decent chance someone will pay us in beer or baked goods. Cash is welcome too, but never seems to be offered quite as readily.
To make your holiday tech duties a bit easier, I've put together a list of some of my favorite troubleshooting apps for Windows.
Where download links for the files aren't on the application's main page, I've included a link to the appropriate download page. I've provided a handful of FileHippo links as well -- they're an excellent mirror site and they don't surround download links in advertisements or "recommendations."Continue reading 15+ free Windows apps to help you tackle Thanksgiving tech supportFiled under: Features, Troubleshooting, Lists15+ free Windows apps to help you tackle Thanksgiving tech support originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 21 Nov 2010 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Jing, the all-in-one screen capture and recording tool from TechSmith, reviewed
TechSmith, with the launch of Snagit more than 20 years ago, is the definitive veteran of screen capture technology. Camtasia Studio, launched almost 10 years later, is now at version 7.1 and remains the best screen recording and video editing suite out there. TechSmith's latest tool, however, is an interesting mix of both Snagit and Camtasia. It's called Jing, and it makes sharing screenshots and screen recordings a total breeze.
Jing, at its most basic, lets you take perfect screenshots. You can drag a selection box around the target area, or let it snap to the current window. It's not as customizable as Snagit or Screenpresso, but it's definitely good enough.
When you probe a little deeper, however, Jing becomes a lot more interesting. Instead of taking a screenshot of a selected area or window, you can hit the 'Capture video' button and immediately start recording.
But it gets even better! Jing can automatically upload your screenshots and videos to TechSmith's Screencast.com site.Continue reading Jing, the all-in-one screen capture and recording tool from TechSmith, reviewedJing, the all-in-one screen capture and recording tool from TechSmith, reviewed originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Jing, at its most basic, lets you take perfect screenshots. You can drag a selection box around the target area, or let it snap to the current window. It's not as customizable as Snagit or Screenpresso, but it's definitely good enough.
When you probe a little deeper, however, Jing becomes a lot more interesting. Instead of taking a screenshot of a selected area or window, you can hit the 'Capture video' button and immediately start recording.
But it gets even better! Jing can automatically upload your screenshots and videos to TechSmith's Screencast.com site.Continue reading Jing, the all-in-one screen capture and recording tool from TechSmith, reviewedJing, the all-in-one screen capture and recording tool from TechSmith, reviewed originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Jolt Online brings Playboy To Facebook ? Don?t Tell Your Girlfriend
Is there no escape from the Playboy franchise? Jolt Online, the Ireland-based social games publisher that was acquired by GameStop last December, has unveiled its latest Facebook game: Playboy Party.
Described as featuring "pretty much all the things that you can imagine from a Facebook Playboy game" - I haven't a clue what that means - the accompanying press release assures us that you'll "find it entertaining".
?This is our Christmas present to the Internet?, proudly boasts Dylan Collins, Chairman of Jolt Online Gaming. ?We almost went blind developing this game but we think that Playboy Party will keep you entertained anywhere you can access your Facebook account?.
Ooh err.
Described as featuring "pretty much all the things that you can imagine from a Facebook Playboy game" - I haven't a clue what that means - the accompanying press release assures us that you'll "find it entertaining".
?This is our Christmas present to the Internet?, proudly boasts Dylan Collins, Chairman of Jolt Online Gaming. ?We almost went blind developing this game but we think that Playboy Party will keep you entertained anywhere you can access your Facebook account?.
Ooh err.
CrossLoop brings remote desktop control to Android
If you use CrossLoop to remotely access your desktop computer -- or assist friends, family, and clients -- you've now got one more way to get connected. Those of you who also own an Android device can beta test CrossLoop's new app, which brings a good bit of the desktop app's functionality to your smartphone (or tablet).
New users will need to create a CrossLoop account to try out the app, and you'll need also an annual subscription to keep using it (a free trial is available). Subscriptions start at $19.95.
Download Android VNC (prerequisite) [Android Market link]
Download CrossLoop for Android [Android Market link]Filed under: Utilities, AndroidCrossLoop brings remote desktop control to Android originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
New users will need to create a CrossLoop account to try out the app, and you'll need also an annual subscription to keep using it (a free trial is available). Subscriptions start at $19.95.
Download Android VNC (prerequisite) [Android Market link]
Download CrossLoop for Android [Android Market link]Filed under: Utilities, AndroidCrossLoop brings remote desktop control to Android originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Google's beautiful HTML5 guide to the Web
20 Things I Learned About Browsers And The Web is a beautiful and educational example of what we can expect from the HTML5 Web. It was developed by the Google Chrome team to showcase both the power of its browser, and of HTML5 itself.
20 Things is fully illustrated, too, and on each page a cheesy subtitle or piece of poetry awaits. Put simply, it's a delight. If you're a hardened Web expert, spend a few minutes leafing through it to enjoy the HTML5esque features -- the offline storage, the page-turning, flipping the light switch in the bottom-right corner -- and then send the link to a friend or family member. Check the Google announcement if you want more details.
It's a damn sight better than Google's last attempt at an HTML5 showpiece, that's for sure. At least this one actually works with Firefox and Internet Explorer 9! It's a little bit slow with Opera, but there should be a hardware-accelerated beta version of Opera 11 any day now...Filed under: web 2.0, BrowsersGoogle's beautiful HTML5 guide to the Web originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
20 Things is fully illustrated, too, and on each page a cheesy subtitle or piece of poetry awaits. Put simply, it's a delight. If you're a hardened Web expert, spend a few minutes leafing through it to enjoy the HTML5esque features -- the offline storage, the page-turning, flipping the light switch in the bottom-right corner -- and then send the link to a friend or family member. Check the Google announcement if you want more details.
It's a damn sight better than Google's last attempt at an HTML5 showpiece, that's for sure. At least this one actually works with Firefox and Internet Explorer 9! It's a little bit slow with Opera, but there should be a hardware-accelerated beta version of Opera 11 any day now...Filed under: web 2.0, BrowsersGoogle's beautiful HTML5 guide to the Web originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Richard Branson's 'Project' iPad magazine now hitting European iTunes stores
He just had to beat Rupert Murdoch, didn't he? Project, Richard Branson's iPad magazine, is now available in the iTunes store -- at least in Italy and the United Kingdom, since it's past midnight there. App is free, cost per issue is $2.99 for "a full month's worth of updating content." We suspect it'll hit US, too, the next few hours, but for now, those across the pond can read up on Jeff Bridges (audio and video interview), Earth 2.0, and a "well-informed Godzilla." Take that, yet-to-be-released The Daily. Richard Branson's 'Project' iPad magazine now hitting European iTunes stores originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 21:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Mac Stories | iTunes UK | Email this | Comments
TRON: Legacy Reader Meetups in SF, NYC and Everywhere Else! [Meetup]
Lifehacker, io9 and Gizmodo want to watch TRON: Legacy with readers in San Francisco, New York and everywhere else. Cosplay if you can. There may be a beer in it for you afterwards. More »
RSS Live Links for Chrome lets you monitor news feeds in real-time
Not everyone uses Google Reader; some people (a dying breed, perhaps) like to consume their RSS feeds locally, using a desktop feed reader. Firefox has long had a Live Bookmarks feature that gave it some of those "desktop feed reader" powers: Live Bookmarks understands RSS, and it can always show you a list of a website's most recent headlines.
RSS Live Links brings just that sort of functionality to Google Chrome, along with a nice extra feature: instant notifications.
Whenever one of the feeds you've subscribed to updates, you get a nice sound effect (a human voice going "Boing!"), the icon shakes, and an unread count appears. When you then click the icon, you can see a list of the unread items in each feed, and hover over them to see a preview. Naturally, clicking an item opens it in a new tab.
This is a powerful add-on; it has a very rich configuration interface, with no less than 20 different options (I counted!). You can also configure the color scheme, select one of several different notification sounds, and customize it in a myriad other ways. Slick!Filed under: web 2.0, BrowsersRSS Live Links for Chrome lets you monitor news feeds in real-time originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
RSS Live Links brings just that sort of functionality to Google Chrome, along with a nice extra feature: instant notifications.
Whenever one of the feeds you've subscribed to updates, you get a nice sound effect (a human voice going "Boing!"), the icon shakes, and an unread count appears. When you then click the icon, you can see a list of the unread items in each feed, and hover over them to see a preview. Naturally, clicking an item opens it in a new tab.
This is a powerful add-on; it has a very rich configuration interface, with no less than 20 different options (I counted!). You can also configure the color scheme, select one of several different notification sounds, and customize it in a myriad other ways. Slick!Filed under: web 2.0, BrowsersRSS Live Links for Chrome lets you monitor news feeds in real-time originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Domize offers fast, powerful, find-as-you-type domain name search
Coming up with a good domain name these days is akin to finding a parking spot in New-York. Accordingly, tools for finding free domain names abound, and most of them offer some sort of a "brainstorming interface". The idea is to help you come up with a domain name nobody (including yourself) considered before.
Domize is one of the nicer attempts at this sort of thing. At its simplest form, it's a very fast find-as-you-type service for free domain names. As you type each new letter in the name of your domain, Domize quickly checks whether or not that domain name is free for .com, .net, .org, .co, .us and .biz.
But as I said, that's just scratching the surface of what Domize can do. Click Options and you can change the TLDs (top-level-domains, such as .at, .me and others), toggle the find-as-you-type functionality, and change the domain registrar used.
Once you're done tweaking the options, click Advanced to find out what neat syntax directives Domize supports. It actually has its own expression language: You can type something such as [like:cool] to search for synonyms of the word "cool" (coolheaded.net is up for grabs, by the way).
When you finally find a domain you like, hovering over the TLD shows a pop-up with price quotes from several different registrars, usually with significant differences in price. This is a beautiful tool.Filed under: web 2.0Domize offers fast, powerful, find-as-you-type domain name search originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Domize is one of the nicer attempts at this sort of thing. At its simplest form, it's a very fast find-as-you-type service for free domain names. As you type each new letter in the name of your domain, Domize quickly checks whether or not that domain name is free for .com, .net, .org, .co, .us and .biz.
But as I said, that's just scratching the surface of what Domize can do. Click Options and you can change the TLDs (top-level-domains, such as .at, .me and others), toggle the find-as-you-type functionality, and change the domain registrar used.
Once you're done tweaking the options, click Advanced to find out what neat syntax directives Domize supports. It actually has its own expression language: You can type something such as [like:cool] to search for synonyms of the word "cool" (coolheaded.net is up for grabs, by the way).
When you finally find a domain you like, hovering over the TLD shows a pop-up with price quotes from several different registrars, usually with significant differences in price. This is a beautiful tool.Filed under: web 2.0Domize offers fast, powerful, find-as-you-type domain name search originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sectra virtual autopsy table available now, Stan Brakhage nonplussed
Though not offering the sort of stark, terrible beauty (or the gore) of The Act of Seeing with One's Own Eyes, Sectra's Visual Imaging Table will let you perform a "virtual autopsy," by using CT and MRI scans to place 3D recreations of a patient's body on a large, multitouch table. What's more, the body can then be examined -- and even cut with a "virtual knife." And it's finally available "to the masses," as one company rep put it in an email this morning (although we sort of figure that if you have an MRI machine you probably aren't one of "the masses"). Check out the PR after the break, or hit up the source link to get one for yourself.Continue reading Sectra virtual autopsy table available now, Stan Brakhage nonplussedSectra virtual autopsy table available now, Stan Brakhage nonplussed originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Sectra | Email this | Comments
Facebook beta app for webOS gets Places support
HP Palm's webOS crew continues to churn out useful updates to their software, and this one is kind of a biggie if you're into social networking and check-ins. Today's update to the Facebook beta app brings Places support to Pre and Pixi owners.
To check in, simply tap the menu button in the app's top-right corner and then tap the Places icon. Nearby locations will be displayed, and you can then tap Check In to post your location to Facebook.
Places support is only available in the beta app right now, so here's hoping the new version gets rolled to all webOS Facebook users soon. It's a big improvement and has a lot of nice additional functionality.
[via PreCentral]Filed under: Social Software, webOSFacebook beta app for webOS gets Places support originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
To check in, simply tap the menu button in the app's top-right corner and then tap the Places icon. Nearby locations will be displayed, and you can then tap Check In to post your location to Facebook.
Places support is only available in the beta app right now, so here's hoping the new version gets rolled to all webOS Facebook users soon. It's a big improvement and has a lot of nice additional functionality.
[via PreCentral]Filed under: Social Software, webOSFacebook beta app for webOS gets Places support originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Squeeze the Most Out of Your HDTV With Proper Calibration [HDTV]
Most HDTVs look perfectly fine straight out of the box these days, without any sort of professional or DIY calibration. But if you want to crank up the quality just a little bit more, it's much easier than you think. More »
F-Stop Watch: The Perfect Gift for the Photographer You Hate
Geeks like to show their colors. Bike polo geeks will wear jewelry made from old bike-chains, and the tackier car geeks will don Ferrari jackets and caps, hoping to trick people into thinking they actually have something better than a Ford Taurus parked outside,
Camera geeks already have their badge: a big swinging camera around their [...]
Camera geeks already have their badge: a big swinging camera around their [...]
Internet Explorer 9 beta 2 leaks, looks ready for launch
The most recent build of IE9 -- beta 2 -- leaked onto the Web late last night. Judging by the version number and its performance, it looks like it features the same rendering and JavaScript engines found in Platform Preview 7.
As reported by WinRumors, there doesn't seem to be any significant change to the user interface. The download manager shows your current download speed without the need to mouse-over, but that's about it. It's now fairly safe to assume that Microsoft hasn't got any secret plans up its sleeve -- the UI you see now is almost certainly the real deal. If the final launch is in January, we can expect to see one more platform update in about 5 weeks, and then a final release towards the end of January.
I'm not going to give you a link to the IE9 beta 2 installer, but you can probably find it with a little searching on Twitter or Google. The installer is legit -- it's signed by Microsoft -- so you don't need to worry about malware of any variety.Internet Explorer 9 beta 2 leaks, looks ready for launch originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
As reported by WinRumors, there doesn't seem to be any significant change to the user interface. The download manager shows your current download speed without the need to mouse-over, but that's about it. It's now fairly safe to assume that Microsoft hasn't got any secret plans up its sleeve -- the UI you see now is almost certainly the real deal. If the final launch is in January, we can expect to see one more platform update in about 5 weeks, and then a final release towards the end of January.
I'm not going to give you a link to the IE9 beta 2 installer, but you can probably find it with a little searching on Twitter or Google. The installer is legit -- it's signed by Microsoft -- so you don't need to worry about malware of any variety.Internet Explorer 9 beta 2 leaks, looks ready for launch originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Sony PSP to gain unlimited music via cloud-based Qriocity service
Just days after Sony's Qriocity video-on-demand service went live across Europe, in flies this -- news that the aforesaid service will be spreading its wings and touching the PSP in short order. Word on the street has it that the next PlayStation Portable update (v6.35) will bring along Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity, described as a "new, cloud-based, digital music service from Sony that will give music lovers access to millions of songs stored and synchronized through the cloud." Post-update, users will notice a new icon in the PSP's XrossMediaBar under the 'Music' category, and moreover, the Media Go application for managing PSP downloadable content on your PC will be updated "with enhancements to the user interface and advanced photo editing tools." Sony's remaining mum on a launch date, but the internet is already abuzz about what this may mean for the impending PlayStation Phone. Will Sony finally have a leg-up over iOS with an ingrained unlimited music client? A boy can dream, can't he?Sony PSP to gain unlimited music via cloud-based Qriocity service originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Boy Genius Report | PlayStation Blog (1), (2) | Email this | Comments
wunderlist is a cross-platform free to-do list manager
wunderlist is a minimalistic, pretty to-do list manager. Here's a quick rundown of what it can and can't do:
Pros:
Looks: It looks quite pretty. You can change the background, and it's generally just lovely.
Simplicity: That can also be considered a bad thing, I guess, but wunderlist is very simple. There are no nested tasks, for example.
Multiple lists: You can easily create extra lists for different contexts and move items between lists.
Fast search: Search is "live" and updates as you type. It's very snappy, but I only tested it with a tiny list.
Quick filtering: There are quick links to see tasks due today, tomorrow, within the next seven days, etc. You can also filter by "starred" tasks.
Online sync: When you save the file, it's automatically synced to wunderlist's online server. Then you can run wunderlist on another computer and keep working on the same task list. I love this feature.
Cross-platform: It works with OS X and Windows at this point. The Windows version doesn't feel "native" at all, though - it feels like a Mac app running in a Windows window.
Cons:
Simplicity: There's no smart text processing. If I tell it "Buy food tomorrow," it doesn't realize "tomorrow" is a deadline. It's the same for "Talk to Josh @work" - it doesn't make a list with "@work" (or add to it if it exists).
No documentation: I know people never read it, but come on, technical writers have to earn a living somehow! Seriously though, I would expect at least an HTML page (other than the "Features" page, which is marketing).
No mobile app (yet): An iOS app is coming, but there's no talk of Android yet.
No global hotkey: And that's the deal-breaker for me; as I've said elsewhere, quickly capturing ideas and to-do items is crucial for me. There is currently no way to bring up wunderlist's window with a hotkey.
Bottom line: It's nice, if you like pretty software, and it shows a great deal of promise for the future (if the "cons" above are addressed).Filed under: Windows, Macintoshwunderlist is a cross-platform free to-do list manager originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Pros:
Looks: It looks quite pretty. You can change the background, and it's generally just lovely.
Simplicity: That can also be considered a bad thing, I guess, but wunderlist is very simple. There are no nested tasks, for example.
Multiple lists: You can easily create extra lists for different contexts and move items between lists.
Fast search: Search is "live" and updates as you type. It's very snappy, but I only tested it with a tiny list.
Quick filtering: There are quick links to see tasks due today, tomorrow, within the next seven days, etc. You can also filter by "starred" tasks.
Online sync: When you save the file, it's automatically synced to wunderlist's online server. Then you can run wunderlist on another computer and keep working on the same task list. I love this feature.
Cross-platform: It works with OS X and Windows at this point. The Windows version doesn't feel "native" at all, though - it feels like a Mac app running in a Windows window.
Cons:
Simplicity: There's no smart text processing. If I tell it "Buy food tomorrow," it doesn't realize "tomorrow" is a deadline. It's the same for "Talk to Josh @work" - it doesn't make a list with "@work" (or add to it if it exists).
No documentation: I know people never read it, but come on, technical writers have to earn a living somehow! Seriously though, I would expect at least an HTML page (other than the "Features" page, which is marketing).
No mobile app (yet): An iOS app is coming, but there's no talk of Android yet.
No global hotkey: And that's the deal-breaker for me; as I've said elsewhere, quickly capturing ideas and to-do items is crucial for me. There is currently no way to bring up wunderlist's window with a hotkey.
Bottom line: It's nice, if you like pretty software, and it shows a great deal of promise for the future (if the "cons" above are addressed).Filed under: Windows, Macintoshwunderlist is a cross-platform free to-do list manager originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Show your Android allegiance in Call of Duty: Black Ops
Android Central Forums user DealingWithFeelingsOfBetrayal has alerted us to step-by-step instructions for recreating Google's Android logo inside popular shooter Call of Duty: Black Ops. Users can create their own icons to be displayed on their "Playercard" and their guns, so this guide will allow you to show how green your blood runs while getting that game-winning killcam. Honestly, this guide is making a strong case for me to replace my current icon, a Legend of Zelda-style Triforce shield. Check it out! [BlackOpsPodcast via Android Central Forums]Show your Android allegiance in Call of Duty: Black Ops posted originally by Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories
Switched On: Acer's Iconic Keyboard
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.
When Acer announced a slate of new devices at a New York press conference last week, the overarching message was simple -- keyboards are as done as a Thanksgiving turkey. The company introduced an array of tablets, most of which were running Android, with sizes ranging from five- to ten-inches each. That's almost as broad a lineup as Archos, which has dipped down to what most would consider digital audio player turf with a three-inch tablet (tablette?) and a precursor to what is sure to be a merciless barrage of tablets on the slate for CES. The single manifestation of a physical QWERTY text entry device was a keyboard dock designed for a 10-inch tablet running Windows.
But as much as Acer's tablet lineup seems poised to flounder in the coming sea of similarity, its Iconia laptop stood out, eschewing a keyboard for a second 14-inch touchscreen to match the main display. Unlike the dual 14-inch hinged Kno device discussed in columns prior, this one is clearly designed to be used in a landscape orientation, and unlike the 7-inch Toshiba Libretto, the Iconia is not being positioned as some kind of limited-edition experiment. If anything, Acer signaled that it would be the first in a series of products that would unfold over the next several years.
Continue reading Switched On: Acer's Iconic KeyboardSwitched On: Acer's Iconic Keyboard originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
When Acer announced a slate of new devices at a New York press conference last week, the overarching message was simple -- keyboards are as done as a Thanksgiving turkey. The company introduced an array of tablets, most of which were running Android, with sizes ranging from five- to ten-inches each. That's almost as broad a lineup as Archos, which has dipped down to what most would consider digital audio player turf with a three-inch tablet (tablette?) and a precursor to what is sure to be a merciless barrage of tablets on the slate for CES. The single manifestation of a physical QWERTY text entry device was a keyboard dock designed for a 10-inch tablet running Windows.
But as much as Acer's tablet lineup seems poised to flounder in the coming sea of similarity, its Iconia laptop stood out, eschewing a keyboard for a second 14-inch touchscreen to match the main display. Unlike the dual 14-inch hinged Kno device discussed in columns prior, this one is clearly designed to be used in a landscape orientation, and unlike the 7-inch Toshiba Libretto, the Iconia is not being positioned as some kind of limited-edition experiment. If anything, Acer signaled that it would be the first in a series of products that would unfold over the next several years.
Continue reading Switched On: Acer's Iconic KeyboardSwitched On: Acer's Iconic Keyboard originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
PhotoAlbums+ lets you manage photo albums on iPhone, iPod touch [Jailbreak]
PhotoAlbums+, from the creators of iRealSMS and PwnTunes let’s you manage your photos on your own, on your iPhone or iPod touch, without using your computer or iTunes.
Do you take a lot of photos with your iPhone/iPod but hate that you cannot manage them? Frustrated with the Photos app missing options to add [...]PhotoAlbums+ lets you manage photo albums on iPhone, iPod touch [Jailbreak] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
Do you take a lot of photos with your iPhone/iPod but hate that you cannot manage them? Frustrated with the Photos app missing options to add [...]PhotoAlbums+ lets you manage photo albums on iPhone, iPod touch [Jailbreak] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
A Teacher Tried To Ban Pencils And Pens In School [School]
Wendy Scott, a teacher of at North Brookfield Elementary School in Massachusetts, tried to ban pencils and pens in her classroom. It's completely ridiculous because you sorta need them to do schoolwork and because it's just a freaking pencil and pen. More »
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Advent Vega nabs Android Market access courtesy of MoDaCo custom ROM
The Advent Vega seems to be gaining some serious traction overseas, but despite the low price, not having access to Google's bona fide Android Market is a huge Debbie Downer. Well, it was. The fine folks over at MoDaCo have cooked up a custom ROM for the 10-inch tablet, and if you've nothing better to do on a Black Friday than tinker with software, the v1.04 build hosted in the source link promises a "full Google experience" including Gmail, Maps with Street View, Talk, Voice Search and even Android Market access. All the steps you'll need to follow are just a click away, so allow us to ask you this: what's the holdup?Advent Vega nabs Android Market access courtesy of MoDaCo custom ROM originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 05:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | MoDaCo | Email this | Comments
Jing Pro giveaway
Earlier today I reviewed TechSmith's latest and greatest screen capture and recording tool, Jing.
The free version is great -- and it's fantastic that the only branding is at the end of the video, not slathered all over it like most watermarks -- but, as always, the pro version is better.
Pro enables a bunch of funky things: it removes branding from videos, enables MPEG-4 encoding, and it lets you upload directly to YouTube (very cool). It also lets you hook up your webcam, if you want to add a personal touch to your videos.
We have 20 Jing Pro licenses to give away -- and to enter the draw, just post a comment. Full terms and conditions are after the break.Continue reading Jing Pro giveawayJing Pro giveaway originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
The free version is great -- and it's fantastic that the only branding is at the end of the video, not slathered all over it like most watermarks -- but, as always, the pro version is better.
Pro enables a bunch of funky things: it removes branding from videos, enables MPEG-4 encoding, and it lets you upload directly to YouTube (very cool). It also lets you hook up your webcam, if you want to add a personal touch to your videos.
We have 20 Jing Pro licenses to give away -- and to enter the draw, just post a comment. Full terms and conditions are after the break.Continue reading Jing Pro giveawayJing Pro giveaway originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
UberTwitter beta arrives on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch
UberTwitter, the definitive BlackBerry Twitter app, has finally made the leap to iOS. The app bears the beta moniker, but Engadget seems to think that the final release will be as soon as December.
UberTwitter, other than being a very polished app, only really has one unique feature: UberView (please forgive my continuing lack of umlauts). UberView, with a quick flick of the phone into landscape orientation, shows you a preview of links contained in tweets -- handy for when you don't want to open up a browser, or indeed expose your iDevice to potentially malicious websites.
Other than that, UberTwitter for iOS provides the usual slew of Twitter miscellany: tweet pictures, add your location, change your avatar, send Direct Messages (!!!) and more.
UberTwitter for iOS [iTunes] -- Free
Gallery: UberTwitterUberTwitter beta arrives on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
UberTwitter, other than being a very polished app, only really has one unique feature: UberView (please forgive my continuing lack of umlauts). UberView, with a quick flick of the phone into landscape orientation, shows you a preview of links contained in tweets -- handy for when you don't want to open up a browser, or indeed expose your iDevice to potentially malicious websites.
Other than that, UberTwitter for iOS provides the usual slew of Twitter miscellany: tweet pictures, add your location, change your avatar, send Direct Messages (!!!) and more.
UberTwitter for iOS [iTunes] -- Free
Gallery: UberTwitterUberTwitter beta arrives on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Google branches out into machine-curated high-fashion with Boutiques.com
Representing its first chic service, Google has just launched Boutiques.com. In true Google style, Boutiques parses hundreds of thousands of products to produce a personalized shopping experience that's tailored just for you. Interestingly, there's no sign of an accompanying Android app -- only an iPad app [iTunes].
Boutiques uses 'fashion rules' garnered from high-fashion taste-makers -- designers, fashion bloggers, stylists and celebrities -- to produce a wardrobe of clothes just for you. Have a quick step through the Stylyzer to discover your favorite style of clothes -- or take a look at the wondrous array of dress styles that you can choose from.
Of course, the ultimate goal is to shoehorn you into buying merchandise. Once you're done filling in your loved (and hated) styles of dress, top, bottom and shoes, you're shown to your storefront, which is full of perfectly-picked items of clothing with all the right accessories. Take a look at my storefront, if you can't be bothered to sign up and click through each of the steps.
Sadly, Boutiques only offers female clothes at the moment -- and the products it lists are all from American stores. Still, it's early days -- I'm sure Google has lots more in store.Filed under: Google, web 2.0Google branches out into machine-curated high-fashion with Boutiques.com originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Boutiques uses 'fashion rules' garnered from high-fashion taste-makers -- designers, fashion bloggers, stylists and celebrities -- to produce a wardrobe of clothes just for you. Have a quick step through the Stylyzer to discover your favorite style of clothes -- or take a look at the wondrous array of dress styles that you can choose from.
Of course, the ultimate goal is to shoehorn you into buying merchandise. Once you're done filling in your loved (and hated) styles of dress, top, bottom and shoes, you're shown to your storefront, which is full of perfectly-picked items of clothing with all the right accessories. Take a look at my storefront, if you can't be bothered to sign up and click through each of the steps.
Sadly, Boutiques only offers female clothes at the moment -- and the products it lists are all from American stores. Still, it's early days -- I'm sure Google has lots more in store.Filed under: Google, web 2.0Google branches out into machine-curated high-fashion with Boutiques.com originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)