Most of us probably Google ourselves semi-regularly, right? (Right guys...?) But if there's one thing worse than discovering you're an online nobody, it's discovering that you've been wrongfully accused of murder by your local police department. How very embarrassing! More »
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Microsoft reiterates copy and paste is Windows Phone 7's first update, 'additional updates delivered in the future'
Chris Walsh -- one of the forces behind the ChevronWP7 app sideload hack for Windows Phone 7 -- went on record earlier this week saying that the first platform update coming early next year would be "massive" with so many improvements and new features that "they could have called it Windows Phone 8." That's a pretty bold statement, and it's been making the rounds so fiercely today that Microsoft felt the need to lay down the law with an official statement -- albeit not a very strongly-worded one:
"Microsoft is committed to delivering regular updates to the Windows Phone experience. Our first update will make copy & paste available in early 2011. In addition to this first update, all Windows Phone 7 users should expect to see additional updates delivered in the future as part of Microsoft's ongoing update process."
So it sounds to us like priority one in Redmond is to get copy and paste up and running (which is basically the message they've been delivering for a while), though we should expect plenty more through future updates. When you figure in the size of the team Microsoft has built for engineering this platform -- and the fact that they've now got the initial retail release out of the way -- we're hoping they've got nothing better to do than to churn on some of these pain points users have identified over the next few months. Should be a heck of a year coming up, eh?Microsoft reiterates copy and paste is Windows Phone 7's first update, 'additional updates delivered in the future' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
"Microsoft is committed to delivering regular updates to the Windows Phone experience. Our first update will make copy & paste available in early 2011. In addition to this first update, all Windows Phone 7 users should expect to see additional updates delivered in the future as part of Microsoft's ongoing update process."
So it sounds to us like priority one in Redmond is to get copy and paste up and running (which is basically the message they've been delivering for a while), though we should expect plenty more through future updates. When you figure in the size of the team Microsoft has built for engineering this platform -- and the fact that they've now got the initial retail release out of the way -- we're hoping they've got nothing better to do than to churn on some of these pain points users have identified over the next few months. Should be a heck of a year coming up, eh?Microsoft reiterates copy and paste is Windows Phone 7's first update, 'additional updates delivered in the future' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Video Walkthrough Of Virgin?s New Project iPad Magazine
Virgin's somewhat highly-anticipated Project iPad magazine went live early this morning. Its focus is on "design, entertainment, technology, entrepreneurs" and its format is kin to other attempts at next-generation magazines, though I'd say this one is more successful.
Of course, it requires an iPad with 4.2 to enjoy, and while five or six million of those have been sold, not everybody will get a chance to check this thing out. So I put together a little video walkthrough for you guys.
Of course, it requires an iPad with 4.2 to enjoy, and while five or six million of those have been sold, not everybody will get a chance to check this thing out. So I put together a little video walkthrough for you guys.
3feet is a stand for your device that is dishwasher safe
I’m not sure what it is about these new device stands from 3feet that I like most. It might be that they come in a whole variety of bright crayon colors, or the fact that the parts are interchangeable like LEGO, so you can buy several of them and create your own customized stand. It’s [...]
Windows Phone to Catch Up With iPhone in January? Unlikely
Rumors are buzzing about an impending Windows Phone 7 software update that will bring Microsoft’s new mobile OS up to speed with the iPhone.
While we like Windows Phone 7, it seems highly unlikely that it will catch up to the iPhone quite that fast.
Tech blog WP Central quotes Chris Walsh, who worked on an early [...]
While we like Windows Phone 7, it seems highly unlikely that it will catch up to the iPhone quite that fast.
Tech blog WP Central quotes Chris Walsh, who worked on an early [...]
Twitter for Windows Phone 7 reviewed, thoroughly unexciting
Perhaps my expectations were too high as I eagerly unwrapped my HTC Trophy, plugged it into my computer and booted up Zune. Installing apps is so easy! Search, click, blam. In moments I was booting up Twitter, its comforting, peaceful blue emanating from the phone's bright screen.
You're greeted with a 'top tweets' (lower-case is obviously still in), 'trends,' 'suggested,' and 'nearby' panorama. You don't have to log in to use this section, which is nice, as a lot of people use Twitter for the newsy aspect, rather than actually tweeting.
That's where the good news ends.
Twitter for WP7 is slow. Sliding between pages is spluttery and nowhere near as smooth as the main WP7 menus. Scrolling down through tweets is worse; the frame rate drops just enough to create a bit of a 'blinking' effect that will probably cause epileptic seizures amongst sensitive users.
Unfortunately... it gets worse.Continue reading Twitter for Windows Phone 7 reviewed, thoroughly unexcitingFiled under: Windows Mobile, Social SoftwareTwitter for Windows Phone 7 reviewed, thoroughly unexciting originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
You're greeted with a 'top tweets' (lower-case is obviously still in), 'trends,' 'suggested,' and 'nearby' panorama. You don't have to log in to use this section, which is nice, as a lot of people use Twitter for the newsy aspect, rather than actually tweeting.
That's where the good news ends.
Twitter for WP7 is slow. Sliding between pages is spluttery and nowhere near as smooth as the main WP7 menus. Scrolling down through tweets is worse; the frame rate drops just enough to create a bit of a 'blinking' effect that will probably cause epileptic seizures amongst sensitive users.
Unfortunately... it gets worse.Continue reading Twitter for Windows Phone 7 reviewed, thoroughly unexcitingFiled under: Windows Mobile, Social SoftwareTwitter for Windows Phone 7 reviewed, thoroughly unexciting originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
LG's Star Has HDMI Port and Tegra 2 Chip, Plus Froyo (For Now) [Android]
Some more photos of LG's Tegra 2-powered Star phone have surfaced, showing an HDMI-out port, and Froyo Android. The leaker, over at AndroidForums, claims it's got a 480x800 resolution screen and forward-facing camera. [AndroidForums via Phandroid] More »
5 Questions to Ask IT Before a Project Kicks Off
It's often useful to interview customers to understand their perspectives about their suppliers. In these discussions, open-ended questions about supplier "success stories" and "horror stories" can prompt enlightening replies. Answers in the latter category invariably connect to some supplier failure to deliver, an implementation problem that had implications for the customer's business. And a surprising number of these problems were traced by the customer to some change in the supplier's IT and business systems that rippled through to impact on the customer organization.
Use Your iPad To Manage Your Finances In Style
When it comes to budgeting and managing your finances on your iPad there are several apps to choose from, but very few compare to Checkbook by iBear LLC. This newly released app has everything you could want or even ask for when it comes to both style and functionality. Easily keep track of your mortgage, [...]
The 233-Line Kernel Patch and the (Even Easier) Alternatives
Ingenuity has always been a hallmark of the Linux world, but sometimes the community really outdoes itself. Take the 233-line patch to the Linux kernel's scheduler that was recently created by developer Mike Galbraith, for example. With the ability to reduce the average latency of the desktop by as much as 60 times under heavy loads, the patch even drew kudos from Linus himself.
10 Reasons You Need An iPad For College
So you’ve heard about the Apple iPad and you’re heading back to school soon. Chances are you’re probably wondering if it’s a smart choice to invest your money towards purchasing an iPad for college. In this article we’ll help explain a few of the many benefits there are for college students who own, or will [...]
Windows Live Spaces Transition To WordPress Creates 1 Million New Blogs
Last September at TechCrunch Disrupt, Microsoft announced that all 7 million Windows Live Spaces blogs would be transitioning to Wordpress.com. It turned out that number was inflated, and a subsequent internal email put the real number of transitioned blogs at 300,000.
Well, the number of Windows Live Spaces blogs which have transitioned over to Wordpress.com is now at "over half a million" and another half a million new Wordpress blogs have been created by Windows Live users. So that brings the total new Wordpress blogs created as a result of the partnership to one million.
Well, the number of Windows Live Spaces blogs which have transitioned over to Wordpress.com is now at "over half a million" and another half a million new Wordpress blogs have been created by Windows Live users. So that brings the total new Wordpress blogs created as a result of the partnership to one million.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Mouse Computer's Lm-mini30X nettop gets D525 processor and SSD, costs a lot of cheese
What would you pay for a netbook without a screen? How about one that's rocking a dual-core, 1.8GHz Intel Atom D525 processor, NVIDIA ION graphics, and an 80GB SSD? Mouse Computer is hoping your answer is somewhere around $600, because that's roughly what its new, 49,980 yen Lm-mini30X will cost along with 4GB of RAM, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, HDMI output, and a 64-bit copy of Windows 7 Home Premium. If that's a bit too rich for you, there's the slightly lower-spec Lm-mini30S, which drops you to 2GB of RAM, 320GB on platters, and lowly 32-bit Windows. That'll set you back 37,800 yen, or about $450 -- still a good amount for a little PC, but given neither are likely to see a release on these shores there's no point in getting too worked up about it.
Gallery: Mouse Computer Lm-mini30X nettopMouse Computer's Lm-mini30X nettop gets D525 processor and SSD, costs a lot of cheese originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Netbooks Review | Mouse Computer | Email this | Comments
Gallery: Mouse Computer Lm-mini30X nettopMouse Computer's Lm-mini30X nettop gets D525 processor and SSD, costs a lot of cheese originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Netbooks Review | Mouse Computer | Email this | Comments
?Stud? Utility-Belt Hides Six Handy Tools
Forget Batman: This is a utility belt. The Rocker Stud Snow Toolbelt is a leather and steel multi-tool. The buckle contains both flat-had and Phillips screwdrivers, and the bit that stops the end of the belt flapping about (what is that part called?) contains three wrenches, in 8, 10 and 11mm sizes. There’s even a [...]
Charge All Your Devices with the Solio Mono Hybrid Charger
The Solio Mono Hybrid Charger can charge almost any device that charges with a USB cable.� The Mono has a 1000 mAh Litium-ion battery that can hold a charge for up to 1 year.� The Mono is charged by the sun, by USB, or with�the global wall travel adapter.� It outputs power in the 5-6V, [...]
GooReader updates to version 2.0, now a sexier way to read Google Books
We showed you GooReader back in August, and it was already a very slick way to read Google Books titles on your Windows desktop. It's now been updated to version 2.0, and GooReader is looking good and more functional than ever before. In addition to getting a bit of a facelift, GooReader 2.0 lets you highlight blocks of text or draw little notes on a page. There's no text tool this time around, but don't be surprised to see that functionality in a future build.
GooReader will pick up where you leave off when you close an e-book, but bookmarking specific pages isn't supported. Exporting to PDF is still limited to the paid version -- Google Book Downloader offers the functionality for free, if you'd rather download now and read later.Continue reading GooReader updates to version 2.0, now a sexier way to read Google BooksGooReader updates to version 2.0, now a sexier way to read Google Books originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
GooReader will pick up where you leave off when you close an e-book, but bookmarking specific pages isn't supported. Exporting to PDF is still limited to the paid version -- Google Book Downloader offers the functionality for free, if you'd rather download now and read later.Continue reading GooReader updates to version 2.0, now a sexier way to read Google BooksGooReader updates to version 2.0, now a sexier way to read Google Books originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Korean Crisis "Is Not Starcraft" [Politics]
Last week, North Korea shelled a South Korean island, sending the peninsula in to "crisis status." The South fired several test shots in response but, according to the New York Times, the country denied that any hit the North. More »
Shortcut Manager for Chrome lets you execute JavaScript with hotkeys -- and more!
I've recently been spending more and more time in Chrome, and I'm very impressed. One of the things I needed was a way to execute arbitrary bits of JavaScript (bookmarklets and other tidbits) using keystrokes. This is useful because it lets me control Chrome using AutoHotkey, and do all sorts of other things.
The solution I found is called Shortcut Manager, and it's a Chrome extension that goes above and beyond what I need. It lets you assign hotkeys to execute existing browser operations (switch tabs, scroll, etc.), but also lets you paste in any bookmarklet code or other JavaScript for the hotkey to execute. You can also assign site-specific hotkeys -- meaning a certain hotkey would do something on one site, and something else (or nothing at all) on another site.
Last but not least, having worked so hard on your customizations, Shortcut Manager lets you easily export and import your settings (sync support would be a nice addition). This is a a must-have extension for me, and probably for other JavaScript-loving nerds as well.Filed under: BrowsersShortcut Manager for Chrome lets you execute JavaScript with hotkeys -- and more! originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
The solution I found is called Shortcut Manager, and it's a Chrome extension that goes above and beyond what I need. It lets you assign hotkeys to execute existing browser operations (switch tabs, scroll, etc.), but also lets you paste in any bookmarklet code or other JavaScript for the hotkey to execute. You can also assign site-specific hotkeys -- meaning a certain hotkey would do something on one site, and something else (or nothing at all) on another site.
Last but not least, having worked so hard on your customizations, Shortcut Manager lets you easily export and import your settings (sync support would be a nice addition). This is a a must-have extension for me, and probably for other JavaScript-loving nerds as well.Filed under: BrowsersShortcut Manager for Chrome lets you execute JavaScript with hotkeys -- and more! originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Start Your Holiday Shopping with Some Convenient Gadgets
Today is Black Friday – let the shopping begin!� The Convenient Gadgets and Gifts website aims to make your shopping a little simpler, and they’ve created a list of ten gift ideas in a range of prices and interests.� Recently, Julie had a post about an iPhone case with a built-in bottle opener that had [...]
Adafruit Propeller Platform USB entices DIY electronics builders, 'Gadget Gangsters' at large
It's days like today where you realize just how badly you need to scratch that DIY itch, and Adafruit's newest two circuit boards couldn't be landing at a more opportune time. Both of these bad boys are classified as Gadget Gangsters, which makes 'em viable for purchase without any additional investigation. Should you choose to, however, we'll have you know that the Propeller Platform USB is an open-source platform for building your own electronics projects with a new eight-core Parallax Propeller chip; the ProtoPlus model adds video / audio support as well as a "prototyping area." Tutorials are available in the source links for those inexperienced with Spin, and at just $50 / $15 (respectively), we'd say they're well worth the purchase if you're looking to simply get your toes wet. Better known as "become hopelessly addicted to modding" 'round these parts.Adafruit Propeller Platform USB entices DIY electronics builders, 'Gadget Gangsters' at large originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Adafruit (1), (2) | Email this | Comments
Eternal Youth Potion Discovered [Science]
Harvard University researcher Ronald A. DePinho has discovered a way to reverse age degeneration for the first time. His experiments on mice have demonstrated that you can return individuals to a younger state, with new growth on brain and improved fertility. More »
MIT developing smart adaptive LED lighting system to reduce energy use by up to 90 percent
It's very well that manufacturers are constantly pushing for more efficient LEDs, but we can do better than that: what if we could have an LED lighting system that pumps out just the right amount of juice to suit our changing environment? That's exactly what the tree huggers at MIT are working on right now. Said adaptive system relies on a small box that not only acts as a position tracker, calibrator and sensor for the dimmable overhead LED fixtures, but also lets the user set the desired tone and light intensity for the room. In other words: no matter how sunny or cloudy it is outside, you'll still be comfortably basking in the same steady shine in your room, while also saving up to 90 percent of energy. Our guess is that Philips -- the project's sponsor -- will eventually release a product based on this technology, but for now, you can see the system in action after the break (from 1:07).Continue reading MIT developing smart adaptive LED lighting system to reduce energy use by up to 90 percentMIT developing smart adaptive LED lighting system to reduce energy use by up to 90 percent originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 23:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Good | MIT News | Email this | Comments
ViewMarks for Firefox makes bookmarks visual and huge
In these days of social bookmarking, ViewMarks is a Firefox add-on that sticks with the old-fashioned way of storing your bookmarks on your own computer. But this is the default behavior for Firefox anyway, so why should you get excited about ViewMarks?
It's all in the graphics -- basically, ViewMarks saves a thumbnail along with each bookmark. The result looks kind of like the Speed Dial feature used by Opera and Chrome (and Firefox, too, if you install an extension). But it applies across all of your bookmarks and folders, not just the select few that you use every day.
If you already have existing bookmarks (and who doesn't, really?), ViewMarks will not poll all of them for screenshots upon installation. Instead, as you visit each website, ViewMarks will capture its screenshot and then use it. Any new bookmarks that you add will get a screenshot the moment you add them, of course.
One odd quirk on my system was that ViewMarks kept resizing the browser window to a certain size. I suspect it did that in order to get the screenshot just right, but it really shouldn't do this. Except for this one annoyance, this can be a nice add-on if you're the visual sort.Filed under: MozillaViewMarks for Firefox makes bookmarks visual and huge originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
It's all in the graphics -- basically, ViewMarks saves a thumbnail along with each bookmark. The result looks kind of like the Speed Dial feature used by Opera and Chrome (and Firefox, too, if you install an extension). But it applies across all of your bookmarks and folders, not just the select few that you use every day.
If you already have existing bookmarks (and who doesn't, really?), ViewMarks will not poll all of them for screenshots upon installation. Instead, as you visit each website, ViewMarks will capture its screenshot and then use it. Any new bookmarks that you add will get a screenshot the moment you add them, of course.
One odd quirk on my system was that ViewMarks kept resizing the browser window to a certain size. I suspect it did that in order to get the screenshot just right, but it really shouldn't do this. Except for this one annoyance, this can be a nice add-on if you're the visual sort.Filed under: MozillaViewMarks for Firefox makes bookmarks visual and huge originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
DownThemAll, Firefox's best download manager, now multi-lingual
In just three weeks, DownThemAll! version 2 has moved from supporting just one language in beta 4, to 14 languages in beta 5. Well, kind of -- the Japanese option is "English," and American English is much the same thing. But still, the addition of any new languages is sure to please its millions of users.
If you currently use Firefox 3.6 and DTA 1.1, version 2 represents a massive and awesome overhaul to Firefox's best download manager. Speed limits (global, per server, and per download) are implemented; private browsing is supported; HTML5 video and audio tags are supported; the UI is cleaner, faster, ... and the list goes on. For more details, Lee covered most of the significant changes of DTA 2.0 back in May.
Download DownThemAll! 2.0 beta 5 for Firefox 3.5 to 4.0Filed under: Utilities, BrowsersDownThemAll, Firefox's best download manager, now multi-lingual originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
If you currently use Firefox 3.6 and DTA 1.1, version 2 represents a massive and awesome overhaul to Firefox's best download manager. Speed limits (global, per server, and per download) are implemented; private browsing is supported; HTML5 video and audio tags are supported; the UI is cleaner, faster, ... and the list goes on. For more details, Lee covered most of the significant changes of DTA 2.0 back in May.
Download DownThemAll! 2.0 beta 5 for Firefox 3.5 to 4.0Filed under: Utilities, BrowsersDownThemAll, Firefox's best download manager, now multi-lingual originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Sunday, November 28, 2010
CrunchGear Week in Review: Egg Timer Edition
Here are some of last week’s stories on CrunchGear: Weekend Giveaway: One Of Two Swatch New Gent Watches Just In Time For Breakfast: The Egg Cuber Sony Announces HandyCam NXCAM, An E-Mount Super-35 Sensor Camcorder The Boxee Box: Sizing Up The Competition This Is Something You Put On Your iPhone
Deal of the Day ? BlackFriday Deal on HP Pavilion dv7 Select Edition Laptop with Free 8GB RAM Upgrade For as Low as $799
The LogicBUY Black Friday Deal today is $250 instant savings plus $100 stackable coupon on the redesigned HP dv7t Select Edition laptop.� This thin laptop (1.25?) has an aluminum chassis, Altec Lansing speakers with Beats Audio and HP Triple Bass subwoofer. HP has sweetened the deal with free upgrades to 8GB RAM ($200 savings), Blu-ray [...]
Facebook Code Renews Skype Video Chat Integration Rumors [Facebook]
A snippet of Facebook code has fueled existing rumors concerning a video chat feature on that platform, powered by Skype. More »
A week with AOL's new Project Phoenix mail
As a someone who's been using Gmail since the invites actually meant something, I've become quite comfortable with my inbox. While it's not the most widely-used webmail app around, Gmail has set the bar for geeky features pretty high -- and those features are what keep me coming back. So how does AOL's newly revamped mail app (codenamed Project Phoenix) stack up? I was pleasantly surprised.
Yes, AOL is Download Squad's parent company -- but that doesn't mean I'm going to automatically love every app they develop. Phoenix, however, is really good. It's got a few features that I wish Gmail offered -- like a tabbed interface, quick compose (more on this later), a look reminiscent of native desktop apps, and integrated social network updating via Lifestream. It's also dead simple to connect accounts from other services such as Gmail and Windows Live.Continue reading A week with AOL's new Project Phoenix mailA week with AOL's new Project Phoenix mail originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Yes, AOL is Download Squad's parent company -- but that doesn't mean I'm going to automatically love every app they develop. Phoenix, however, is really good. It's got a few features that I wish Gmail offered -- like a tabbed interface, quick compose (more on this later), a look reminiscent of native desktop apps, and integrated social network updating via Lifestream. It's also dead simple to connect accounts from other services such as Gmail and Windows Live.Continue reading A week with AOL's new Project Phoenix mailA week with AOL's new Project Phoenix mail originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
AirVideoEnabler hack brings AirPlay video to the rest of your apps
Apple's new AirPlay video streaming functionality is great... unless you want to use it in a non-Apple app. For whatever reason, Apple is restricting AirPlay video to just its first party apps right now, and not even all of those (Safari is left out, for instance). Interestingly, Apple actually built the functionality in, it's just not enabled. Thanks to some "spelunking" work by TUAW's Erica Sadun, it was discovered that a single line of code is all that's necessary to spread the feature to any app that relies on Apple's MediaPlayer framework, including VLC, AirVideo, and even Safari. Now Zone-MR has built a hack called AirVideoEnabler and put it on Cydia, allowing you to bring this functionality to your own jailbroken iPad. For the hack-averse, let's hope Apple catches up in functionality soon. Check out a video of AirVideoEnabler and Erica's original hack in action after the break.AirVideoEnabler hack brings AirPlay video to the rest of your apps originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | 9 to 5 Mac, TUAW | Email this | Comments
Tokyoflash brings RPM LED wristwatch concept to reality (video)
Tokyoflash, purveyor of all things awesome when it comes to watches, has just unveiled its latest addition. If you're of the eagle-eyed variety, you've probably spotted it just to the right (or after the break in video form). The difference between this fellow and most of the timepieces found here is pretty simple: the RPM LED watch started as a fan render. Over the months, the company took this grand idea and made it a reality, now offering it to anyone with with more money than sense. The operation is semi-simple -- the inner ring shows the hour, while the outer ring shows the minutes. There's a group of five LEDs at the top that further explains the latter, and we're hearing that the band itself pushes the IQ of the wearer higher by 12 to 15 points. Even if confirmed by a respected panel of mad scientists, we still say it's not worth the $208.42 asking price, but you're obviously free to disagree vehemently.Continue reading Tokyoflash brings RPM LED wristwatch concept to reality (video)Tokyoflash brings RPM LED wristwatch concept to reality (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Tokyoflash (1), (2) | Email this | Comments
Pirate Bay founders lose appeal: jail time reduced, fines raised
It's been a while since the four Pirate Bay founders lost their case in a Stockholm district court -- April 2009, to be more precise. The verdict was of course appealed, but alas, it was not to be. A Swedish appeals court has upheld the original ruling but changed the sentencing. Three of the quartet have had their jail time reduced: Fredrik Neij gets ten months, Peter Sunde eight months, and Carl Lundstrom four (Gottfrid Svartholm was too ill at the time of the hearing; his "criminal liability" will be determined later, according to BBC News). The fine, however, has been upped from the original 30 million kronor to 46 million (US $6.4m). That's seriously going to cut into their Black Friday shopping plans, but hey, we know a great way to pick up the Adobe suite. Well, maybe not.Pirate Bay founders lose appeal: jail time reduced, fines raised originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 19:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Pocket-lint | BBC News | Email this | Comments
Microsoft offers stability update for Internet Explorer 9 Beta
Microsoft has offered up the first Internet Explorer 9 patch via Windows Update. KB2448827 is all about improving reliability and stability, and you should be able to find it on your Update screen by clicking through to view optional updates (or by navigating to Control Panel\System and Security\Windows Update\Select updates to install in Explorer). It's a little odd to see Microsoft do this -- they're typically not big on delivering patches to beta apps the way competitors like Google and Mozilla do. Perhaps there's a paradigm shift underway in Redmond.
If you're looking for some real IE9-related excitement, the recently-leaked Internet Explorer 9 beta 2 (which may, in fact, be an RC build) might be more up your alley. It's floating around the usual places you find 'community releases' of Microsoft apps.Microsoft offers stability update for Internet Explorer 9 Beta originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
If you're looking for some real IE9-related excitement, the recently-leaked Internet Explorer 9 beta 2 (which may, in fact, be an RC build) might be more up your alley. It's floating around the usual places you find 'community releases' of Microsoft apps.Microsoft offers stability update for Internet Explorer 9 Beta originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Netflix executive reveals the method behind its multiple PS3 UI madness
Netflix doesn't make a move without testing things out first, which is evidenced by the many variations seen in its recently unveiled Watch Instantly interface for the PlayStation 3, pricing and even website redesigns. Chief Product Officer Neil Harris opened up about the company's methodology in an answer on Quora, revealing it is currently delivering three different UIs for the PS3 and that testing often indicates simplicity trumps completeness. The idea is to find out more about people's tastes and how quickly they discover information as elements are moved around, though as proud as they are, we'd still prefer some choice in the matter instead of rolling the dice every time we load the service.Netflix executive reveals the method behind its multiple PS3 UI madness originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 18:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink @mathewi | Quora | Email this | Comments
Yahoo outs Messenger 11 beta with loads of new features
Yahoo! Messenger remains one of the most popular desktop IM clients around, and its users are now able to get a taste of what's coming in version 11. Like its biggest competition -- Windows Live Messenger -- Y! Messenger 11 is about creating a more current, social messaging app.
One of the biggest additions is Facebook chat support -- which works nicely, though former Squadder Brad Linder noted that Meebo thought I was offline. Twitter support has been added, and Messenger 11 also offers write-once-post-everywhere updates to Facebook, Twitter, and Yahoo! Pulse. More social gaming options have been added, and will soon include Zynga's Mafia Wars and Fishville. Yahoo! Messenger 11 also allows multiple sign-ins, so you won't get disconnected from your desktop if you sign in on your mobile device. Windows 7 users can change status, send messages, and sign in and out via Messenger 11's jump list.
In his announcement, Yahoo's John Dunning also has some good news for Android users. Yahoo! Messenger for Android will be updated soon with better video chat support. Currently, only users with an EVO or MyTouch 4G can utilize the feature, but additional handset support is on the way.
Download Yahoo! Messenger 11 beta for WindowsFiled under: Yahoo!, Social SoftwareYahoo outs Messenger 11 beta with loads of new features originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
One of the biggest additions is Facebook chat support -- which works nicely, though former Squadder Brad Linder noted that Meebo thought I was offline. Twitter support has been added, and Messenger 11 also offers write-once-post-everywhere updates to Facebook, Twitter, and Yahoo! Pulse. More social gaming options have been added, and will soon include Zynga's Mafia Wars and Fishville. Yahoo! Messenger 11 also allows multiple sign-ins, so you won't get disconnected from your desktop if you sign in on your mobile device. Windows 7 users can change status, send messages, and sign in and out via Messenger 11's jump list.
In his announcement, Yahoo's John Dunning also has some good news for Android users. Yahoo! Messenger for Android will be updated soon with better video chat support. Currently, only users with an EVO or MyTouch 4G can utilize the feature, but additional handset support is on the way.
Download Yahoo! Messenger 11 beta for WindowsFiled under: Yahoo!, Social SoftwareYahoo outs Messenger 11 beta with loads of new features originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Another Gingerbread build is spotted, this time it's GRH47B
Let the teasing continue: Christophe writes in again to say he's spotted another build of Android 2.3 Gingerbread that reportedly is pinging his app. This time it's GRH47B (the previous sighting was of GRH14B), with the full string being Dalvik/1.4.0 (Linux; U; Android 2.3; Nexus One Build/GRH47B). Yeah, it's possible this is just a little trickery, but we doubt it. Now all we need is an actual build to leak out. Google, you know where to find us. [AIR Benchmark]Another Gingerbread build is spotted, this time it's GRH47B posted originally by Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories
BBC iPlayer to go international in 2011, shows could cost up to $10
BBC Worldwide, the commercial wing of the BBC, has finally got the go-ahead to launch an international version of the video-on-demand iPlayer. It should launch sometime next year.
British audiences have been enjoying the use of iPlayer for years, as one of the perks of their TV license fee, but it remains to be seen how international audiences will pay for the service. Advertising could be used (that's how Channel 4, another British station, does it), or BBC Worldwide might simply charge per episode. You can currently buy episodes of Doctor Who and Top Gear from Apple's iTunes Store for $2.99 -- but some shows, like Sherlock, cost as much as $7.
The Telegraph says that global audiences would "pay up to $10 for an episode of its most popular shows" -- but it doesn't say where that information comes from. You can imagine 90-minute made-for-TV movies coming in at $10 -- but Top Gear? If BBC Worldwide manages to get international audiences to pay $10 per episode of Top Gear it could soon be very, very rich.Filed under: VideoBBC iPlayer to go international in 2011, shows could cost up to $10 originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
British audiences have been enjoying the use of iPlayer for years, as one of the perks of their TV license fee, but it remains to be seen how international audiences will pay for the service. Advertising could be used (that's how Channel 4, another British station, does it), or BBC Worldwide might simply charge per episode. You can currently buy episodes of Doctor Who and Top Gear from Apple's iTunes Store for $2.99 -- but some shows, like Sherlock, cost as much as $7.
The Telegraph says that global audiences would "pay up to $10 for an episode of its most popular shows" -- but it doesn't say where that information comes from. You can imagine 90-minute made-for-TV movies coming in at $10 -- but Top Gear? If BBC Worldwide manages to get international audiences to pay $10 per episode of Top Gear it could soon be very, very rich.Filed under: VideoBBC iPlayer to go international in 2011, shows could cost up to $10 originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Do you want BBM on your iPhone?
Every WWDC keynote we’ve joked that Mike Lazaridis from BlackBerry maker RIM would surprise everyone by joining Steve Jobs on stage to announce BlackBerry Connect and BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) for iPhone. Then we laugh and marvel out our new copy and paste, multitasking, or whatever Apple chooses to invent that year.
Our sibling site CrackBerry.com has [...]Do you want BBM on your iPhone? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
Our sibling site CrackBerry.com has [...]Do you want BBM on your iPhone? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
InnoPocket AluPose Aluminum Stand for iPad
Here’s another entry in the iPad stand category.� The AluPose Aluminum Stand for iPad from InnoPocket is stamped from 1.5mm annodized aluminum sheets.� The�adjustable grip can be inserted in to any of the slots cut into the front to adjust the height of the iPad.� The grip is coated with polyurethane to prevent scratches to [...]
From The North Face To Vegas: A Facebook Deals Roundup
It's been less than one month since Facebook launched its new deals service on top of its still-nascent Places platform. But that hasn't stopped it from lining up some of the US's biggest brands in time for the holiday season. A few minutes ago, the social network posted a note that shows just how many companies have already climbed on board to offer deals over the holidays. Note that some of these have already been announced (including the charitable Southwest Deal that donates $1 per check-in to the Make-a-Wish Foundation), but seeing them in one place makes it easier to gauge how much traction the feature is getting.
So why is this important? As we've discussed before, these location services are in a race to snap up deals with as many national brands as possible, in addition to the longtail of local businesses.
So why is this important? As we've discussed before, these location services are in a race to snap up deals with as many national brands as possible, in addition to the longtail of local businesses.
Apple?s Black Friday Deals: Sufficiently Interesting
Get thee to the Applery! Apple's Black Friday deals are now up and you can grab:
$101 off Macs including the iMac, MacBook Air, and MacBook
$41 off of the iPad and the iPod Touch
$21 off of the iPod Nano
Free shipping on all Apple goodness
A few more deals after the jump.
$101 off Macs including the iMac, MacBook Air, and MacBook
$41 off of the iPad and the iPod Touch
$21 off of the iPod Nano
Free shipping on all Apple goodness
A few more deals after the jump.
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 »
Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide: E-readers
Welcome to the Engadget Holiday Gift Guide! The team here is well aware of the heartbreaking difficulties of the seasonal shopping experience, and we want to help you sort through the trash and come up with the treasures this year. Below is today's bevy of hand curated picks, and you can head back to the Gift Guide hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season.
E-readers have really started to come into their own in the past few years, and there are now a bevy of options ranging from the utilitarian to the multi-tasking. If you're thinking about getting a reader for a friend or loved one, look no further: we've got our best picks below.Continue reading Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide: E-readersEngadget's Holiday Gift Guide: E-readers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 14:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
E-readers have really started to come into their own in the past few years, and there are now a bevy of options ranging from the utilitarian to the multi-tasking. If you're thinking about getting a reader for a friend or loved one, look no further: we've got our best picks below.Continue reading Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide: E-readersEngadget's Holiday Gift Guide: E-readers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 14:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
TerraStar GENUS is a satellite smartphone for your pocket
You don’t seem to hear much about satellite phones these days. I can remember seeing them in the past, with huge fold out antennas… definitely not something you could carry in your pocket. TerraStar and AT&T are now offering the GENUS, a sleek pocket sized smartphone (powered by Windows Mobile 6.5) with an internal antenna [...]
Sprint's holiday smartphone lineup [Sponsored post]
Come to Sprint for a great Android smartphone lineup – From 4G to budget-friendly to the latest innovation. Get the most out of your Android with unlimited wireless from Sprint starting at $69.99. HTC EVO 4G Exclusively from Sprint @ $199.99 after $100 mail-in rebate Samsung Epic 4G Exclusively from Sprint @ $249.99 after $100 mail-in rebate LG Optimus S (12/6-12/25: $49.99 with instant online only savings) Sprint's holiday smartphone lineup Sprint's holiday smartphone lineup [Sponsored post] posted originally by Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories
The Ten Most Absurd Black Friday Trample Videos You'll See [Video]
To get you pumped for the Black Friday rush, here are 12 videos of shoppers gone wild! �If you have a job in retail, quit now. More »
7-Zip version 9.20 released, still the best tool for compressed files
7-Zip, one of the most active and mature open source projects, has just reached version 9.20. Work on Version 9 only begun last year, in 2009, but it's already far ahead of the old version (4.65) in terms of speed and functionality.
If you've never used 7-Zip before, now's the time to start. In one fell swoop it removes any need for other compressed file managers. It's faster and slimmer than WinZip, and lacks the nag screens of WinRar -- and it supports more file formats to boot! After installing, 7-Zip (or '7z') sits innocuously in your right-click context menu, ready to decompress almost every archive under the sun.
With version 9.20, you can even decompress some EXE, FLV and SWF files, peek inside NTFS, FAT and VHD files, and the command-line tool has been beefed up considerably. There's also localizations for Hindi, Gujarati, Sanskrit, Tatar, Uyghur and Kazakh, meaning there's more than 70 supported languages.
Download 7-Zip for Windows, Mac and Linux7-Zip version 9.20 released, still the best tool for compressed files originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
If you've never used 7-Zip before, now's the time to start. In one fell swoop it removes any need for other compressed file managers. It's faster and slimmer than WinZip, and lacks the nag screens of WinRar -- and it supports more file formats to boot! After installing, 7-Zip (or '7z') sits innocuously in your right-click context menu, ready to decompress almost every archive under the sun.
With version 9.20, you can even decompress some EXE, FLV and SWF files, peek inside NTFS, FAT and VHD files, and the command-line tool has been beefed up considerably. There's also localizations for Hindi, Gujarati, Sanskrit, Tatar, Uyghur and Kazakh, meaning there's more than 70 supported languages.
Download 7-Zip for Windows, Mac and Linux7-Zip version 9.20 released, still the best tool for compressed files originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | 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 [...]
Aviary adds awesome HTML5 photo editor to its burgeoning arsenal
Aviary, the creators of a huge suite of online editing and creation tools, has just launched a rather suave HTML5 photo editor.
Citing its super-simplicity and embeddableness, Aviary seems to be rather proud of its new creation -- and justifiably so. The editor, no doubt because of its slim feature set, is very quick to load. The interface is snappy, and none of the manipulations or photo filters seem to create any kind of 'lag'. There aren't many functions, mind you (but Aviary says more are coming).
The idea behind the new editor, according to Aviary, was to create a cut-down and customizable editor that could easily be embedded across the Web, on its partners' websites. Of course, while you can just embed the editor, you could just take the code and install it on your own server -- and hack some new functionality into it while you're at it. That's the joy of open HTML5 Web apps, folks! Pure HTML means that it will work on next-generation mobile browsers like Firefox for Android, too.
All in all, the Aviary HTML5 photo editor is nothing short of excellent. If you need to do a quick bit of editing and don't want to play with a Flash editor that's larger and more cumbersome than a rusty forklift truck, try out Aviary's HTML5 editor.Aviary adds awesome HTML5 photo editor to its burgeoning arsenal originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Citing its super-simplicity and embeddableness, Aviary seems to be rather proud of its new creation -- and justifiably so. The editor, no doubt because of its slim feature set, is very quick to load. The interface is snappy, and none of the manipulations or photo filters seem to create any kind of 'lag'. There aren't many functions, mind you (but Aviary says more are coming).
The idea behind the new editor, according to Aviary, was to create a cut-down and customizable editor that could easily be embedded across the Web, on its partners' websites. Of course, while you can just embed the editor, you could just take the code and install it on your own server -- and hack some new functionality into it while you're at it. That's the joy of open HTML5 Web apps, folks! Pure HTML means that it will work on next-generation mobile browsers like Firefox for Android, too.
All in all, the Aviary HTML5 photo editor is nothing short of excellent. If you need to do a quick bit of editing and don't want to play with a Flash editor that's larger and more cumbersome than a rusty forklift truck, try out Aviary's HTML5 editor.Aviary adds awesome HTML5 photo editor to its burgeoning arsenal originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Friday, November 26, 2010
Daily Crunch: Tool Edition
Tool/Belt: For When You Positively Have To Have To Turn a Hex Bolt Right Now The Boxee Box: Sizing Up The Competition Will Apple Kill The MP3 Tomorrow? Marshall Releases Major and Minor Headphones Review: Guitar World Lick Of The Day for iOS
Run for your life in Tetravalanche -- a Tetris-themed Time Waster
I know what you're thinking; Tetris? Top-down action? How can these be combined into any sort of coherent time waster?
Well, Tetravalanche shows us they can be combined. You're Upman, and you're trapped inside a Tetris game. Bricks are falling from the sky, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. The real problem is Mr. "Monster-From-The-Deep" (their name, not mine). That's a scary blue monster that rises from the bottom of the screen, slowly but surely.
You must run, jump and punch your way up the ever-growing pile of bricks faster than the Monster-From-The-Deep rises. Because if it catches up with you... well, I guess you already know what happens. Use the arrow keys for running and jumping, and Ctrl for punching through bricks. If you happen to jump up right into a falling brick, that's bad: you will be propelled down with lots of force, enough to break through several levels of bricks on your descent... and find yourself ever closer to the monster.
The soundtrack is pretty cute, but leaves a bit to be desired. All in all, it's a good way to burn off a few extra minutes, and that's what time-wasters are for, right?Filed under: Fun, Games, Time-WastersRun for your life in Tetravalanche -- a Tetris-themed Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Well, Tetravalanche shows us they can be combined. You're Upman, and you're trapped inside a Tetris game. Bricks are falling from the sky, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. The real problem is Mr. "Monster-From-The-Deep" (their name, not mine). That's a scary blue monster that rises from the bottom of the screen, slowly but surely.
You must run, jump and punch your way up the ever-growing pile of bricks faster than the Monster-From-The-Deep rises. Because if it catches up with you... well, I guess you already know what happens. Use the arrow keys for running and jumping, and Ctrl for punching through bricks. If you happen to jump up right into a falling brick, that's bad: you will be propelled down with lots of force, enough to break through several levels of bricks on your descent... and find yourself ever closer to the monster.
The soundtrack is pretty cute, but leaves a bit to be desired. All in all, it's a good way to burn off a few extra minutes, and that's what time-wasters are for, right?Filed under: Fun, Games, Time-WastersRun for your life in Tetravalanche -- a Tetris-themed Time Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
How to Buy an HDTV [HDTV]
If there's one thing that actually sorta makes sense to buy on Black Friday, it's an HDTV—many are crazy discounted. But picking out an HDTV can be a big ball of suck. That's where this guide comes in. More »
The 7 Best Deep-Fried Turkey Disaster Videos [Video]
Today's Thanksgiving, and a whole bunch of people are going to just toss a frozen turkey willy-nilly into a deep fryer, film the exploding fireball that results, and post it on YouTube. (For which we, of course, are very thankful.) More »
Flip-Top Dell Inspiron Duo Makes a Terrible Tablet
Dell’s Inspiron Duo is ready to buy. You may remember the clever flip-top netbook from its long gestation period: it can be either a tablet or a laptop or – with an optional dock- a small media center.
The trick is in the lid of this otherwise humdrum machine. The multi-touch panel is suspended within the [...]
The trick is in the lid of this otherwise humdrum machine. The multi-touch panel is suspended within the [...]
12 Pets Hard at Work on Computers [Animals]
Family harassing you for "always being on that Gizmondo site"? Here's one for them—pets using computers. See Granny, tech's not all bad! Aww! Plus, this bonus photo of my Effie, hard at work on her iBook. [AnimalsLook] More »
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 [...]
Optoma's 3D Projector Adapter Will Cost $500 From Next Month [3dTv]
Optoma's 3D-XL comes in the shape of a little black box, which grabs content from Blu-ray players, PS3 and other 3D sources, and connects them to Optoma projectors as well as the numerous DLP link-compatible projectors available. More »
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
Apple Pitches Flag on HP's Land, Making Them the Largest Landholder in Cupertino [Apple]
After 20 years of using the 98-acre land in Cupertino, HP's given it up and moved down the road to Palo Alto. As Apple's lived next door since 2006, it was only natural for them to snap it up. More »
Android Market adding content ratings to all apps, past, present, and future
Mandatory content ratings were added to Apple's App Store back in iPhone OS 3.0, and now it's Google's turn on news that they'll become obligatory for Android developers "in a few weeks" (at least, those that want their content in the Market). The company teases the fact that they'll be showing the ratings for all apps along with other "Android Market upgrades in the coming weeks" -- presumably timed to coincide with the release of Gingerbread -- and that any dev that fails to specify a rating level for their existing apps will have their content automatically listed as "Mature" (that is, the most restrictive level) until they take care of the problem. In addition to Mature, available ratings will include Pre-teen, Teen, and naturally, an "All" option for apps guaranteed not to offend even the most sensitive of young minds. Definitely good news for parents whose young'uns are demanding Android phones this holiday season, though it's still basically on the honor system for devs to correctly tag their content... and an All-rated app is probably going to sell better than a Mature one for the same reason R-rated movies outsell NC-17 ones. At any rate, sounds like Google intends to evolve the Market pretty rapidly with the next release or two, so we'll have to see how this shakes out.
[Thanks, Paul]Android Market adding content ratings to all apps, past, present, and future originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Android Developers Blog | Email this | Comments
[Thanks, Paul]Android Market adding content ratings to all apps, past, present, and future originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Android Developers Blog | Email this | Comments
Want An iPod Nano Watch? So Does Everyone. Idea Poised To Be New Kickstarter King
We've talked a lot about Diaspora, the open-source Facebook-alternative, in recent months. One of the reasons for that is the massive success they had raising money on the crowdsourced fund-raising site, Kickstarter. The project raised over $200,000 from nearly 6,500 backers in just 39 days. Now a new project has already blown that tally out of the water: an iPod nano-based multi-touch wristwatch.
Scott Wilson, the founder of Chicago-based product and design studio, MINIMAL, set out with an idea: to create two watch enclosures for Apple's latest iPod nano. He wanted the TikTok to be a low-end model ($35) and the LunaTik to be high-end ($70). So he put his project on Kickstarter with a goal of raising $15,000. So how is he doing?
Well, he's raised $341,895. And he still has 22 days to go.
Scott Wilson, the founder of Chicago-based product and design studio, MINIMAL, set out with an idea: to create two watch enclosures for Apple's latest iPod nano. He wanted the TikTok to be a low-end model ($35) and the LunaTik to be high-end ($70). So he put his project on Kickstarter with a goal of raising $15,000. So how is he doing?
Well, he's raised $341,895. And he still has 22 days to go.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Acer to launch app store, will pre-load on PCs
Our pals over at Engadget covered the Acer hullabaloo this morning, and there's one bit which blipped on the Download Squad radar. Yes, software aficionados, Acer is launching an app and content store.
It'll be called Alive, and you can't really blame Acer for the move -- they're a top-3 manufacturer selling millions of laptops and desktops every year. The opportunity to glean a few percentage points in commission for selling an app or album could amount to a significant revenue stream. Plus, there's the 'we're providing a convenience for our customers' angle. To the average computer user, finding, downloading, and installing quality apps remains a bit of a mystery. A curated store, of course, offers a solution that just about everyone is familiar with in 2010.
Acer to launch app store, will pre-load on PCs originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
It'll be called Alive, and you can't really blame Acer for the move -- they're a top-3 manufacturer selling millions of laptops and desktops every year. The opportunity to glean a few percentage points in commission for selling an app or album could amount to a significant revenue stream. Plus, there's the 'we're providing a convenience for our customers' angle. To the average computer user, finding, downloading, and installing quality apps remains a bit of a mystery. A curated store, of course, offers a solution that just about everyone is familiar with in 2010.
Acer to launch app store, will pre-load on PCs originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
HTC HD7 greets Black Friday with a Buy One Get One Free offer from T-Mobile
Been feeling blue this holiday season? Finding all the special offer WP7 phones a little too little? Fear not, T-Mobile and Microsoft are ready to give you a pair of HD7s for the price of one next time you drop into one of the Magenta stores asking about Windows Phone 7 devices. You'll need to commit to the usual two-year contract and whatnot, but it's a straight up BOGO on what's probably the most desirable handset sporting Microsoft's new OS on the American market. Then again, even with this discount, you still might be able to find the HD7 cheaper at online retailers, so as per usual on Black Fridays, we'd advise doing your due diligence before letting your dead presidents out for a walk. And please, try not to think of how sweet a day this could have been if Dell's Venue Pro had actually been released on schedule.
[Thanks, David]HTC HD7 greets Black Friday with a Buy One Get One Free offer from T-Mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Microsoft | Email this | Comments
[Thanks, David]HTC HD7 greets Black Friday with a Buy One Get One Free offer from T-Mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Microsoft | Email this | Comments
Sony working on same-screen 3D multiplayer, holographics for PS3?
Don't go knockin' Sony for resting on its laurels. The company that has spearheaded the 3D gaming push (NVIDIA notwithstanding) is apparently not even close to finished, with SCEE studio director Mick Hocking taking the time to get our juices flowing in an interview with Develop. The full spill is quite lengthy, and definitely a solid read for those interested, but a few key nuggets jumped out at us. For starters, Mike confessed that Sony has "techniques like holographics for the PS3 that [he thinks] will be very interesting for the future 3D games," and continued with this: "In regards to that we have some new technology that we've shown to developers that uses 3D techniques, it allows two players to play full screen multi-player games but without each being able to see the others view, and they have been massively keen on them." Of course, such a technique isn't exactly new -- we saw prototypes of the sort in use back at GDC -- but bringing them to a market as vast as the PS3 owner pool would definitely be a monumental step. Now, if you'll excuse us, we've got a Gran Turismo 5 disc laying here that needs our undivided attention for the time being.. .Sony working on same-screen 3D multiplayer, holographics for PS3? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Kotaku | Develop | Email this | Comments
512MB free storage for your Dropbox, just for tweeting
Well, not just for tweeting... But Dropbox will boost your free account by a full 512MB if you're feeling social. Head on over to www.dropbox.com/free, sign in to your account, and you'll be given four tasks to complete. Each one is worth an additional 128MB and they're all pretty painless:
Connect Dropbox to your Facebook account
Connect Dropbox to your Twitter account
Follow Dropbox on Twitter
Provide a little feedback to the Dropbox team
The last one is actually pretty important. Dropbox is a fantastic service, and one way to make it even better is to offer up your two cents. I'll happily tell the team that I'm still waiting patiently for a webOS app in exchange for an extra 128MB.512MB free storage for your Dropbox, just for tweeting originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Connect Dropbox to your Facebook account
Connect Dropbox to your Twitter account
Follow Dropbox on Twitter
Provide a little feedback to the Dropbox team
The last one is actually pretty important. Dropbox is a fantastic service, and one way to make it even better is to offer up your two cents. I'll happily tell the team that I'm still waiting patiently for a webOS app in exchange for an extra 128MB.512MB free storage for your Dropbox, just for tweeting originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Hopefully, Gears of War 3 Has Some Of This In It [Video]
Whenever I see a new look at the Unreal Engine, I wonder: How will they use this in the next Gears of War? I did that in March. I'm doing it again with this brand-new look at the updated Engine. More »
An early look at Winamp for Android's SHOUTcast integration
This morning, I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek at an alpha version of Winamp for Android. The beta version currently available from the Android Market is already a lot better than other media players, but judging by what I've seen today, it's going to get even better.
For this alpha build, Nullsoft has focused on SHOUTcast integration. The implementation is still a little rough around the edges, but it works -- it works really well. You can browse the top stations, and browse by genre or search term. Click a station to listen to it, or push-and-hold to add it to your favourites for easy access in the future. Presumably, if you listen to one station enough, it might be automatically added to your favorites, too. Rounding up the changes, there's 'My recent stations', which is exactly what it sounds like. For more details, check the gallery below.
Streaming radio for Android isn't exactly new, but this is by far the most easy-to-use and functional implementation that I've seen. You might point to Pandora, but not only is it only available to American users, it's simply not in the same league as SHOUTcast. At the time of writing there are 44,454 free SHOUTcast radio stations, and the Android app can listen to any single one of them. If you're not excited by that, let me know: I'll send some goons around to forcibly remove your smartphone.
[Download Squad and Nullsoft, the developers of Winamp, are both owned by AOL.]
Gallery: Winamp for Android, now with SHOUTcast integrationFiled under: Audio, AOL, AndroidAn early look at Winamp for Android's SHOUTcast integration originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
For this alpha build, Nullsoft has focused on SHOUTcast integration. The implementation is still a little rough around the edges, but it works -- it works really well. You can browse the top stations, and browse by genre or search term. Click a station to listen to it, or push-and-hold to add it to your favourites for easy access in the future. Presumably, if you listen to one station enough, it might be automatically added to your favorites, too. Rounding up the changes, there's 'My recent stations', which is exactly what it sounds like. For more details, check the gallery below.
Streaming radio for Android isn't exactly new, but this is by far the most easy-to-use and functional implementation that I've seen. You might point to Pandora, but not only is it only available to American users, it's simply not in the same league as SHOUTcast. At the time of writing there are 44,454 free SHOUTcast radio stations, and the Android app can listen to any single one of them. If you're not excited by that, let me know: I'll send some goons around to forcibly remove your smartphone.
[Download Squad and Nullsoft, the developers of Winamp, are both owned by AOL.]
Gallery: Winamp for Android, now with SHOUTcast integrationFiled under: Audio, AOL, AndroidAn early look at Winamp for Android's SHOUTcast integration originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Alright Microsoft, I guess I was wrong?.
When I first saw that Microsoft was putting in a retail store three doors down from one of my local Apple Stores, I was betting it was going to be a ghost town within the first week/month. I was skeptical Microsoft and its partners had anywhere near the draw Apple does. But this monolithic store [...]
Online Egg Timer is another slick, stylish timer
Along with pornography, it seems that online egg timers are a driving force for change and innovation on the Internet. I'm not sure there's any other way to explain the proliferation of egg timers. Granted, people may be using these timers for more than just eggs, but this burgeoning market segment never ceases to amaze and surprise me. My latest find is simply called Online Egg Timer, which is a great name for SEO.
The interface is dead-simple and very friendly, and it sports a friendly URL format as well. You can just go to www.online-eggtimer.com/90/120/240 to instantly start three timers: one for ninety seconds, one for two minutes, and one for four minutes.
Granted, the URL format could have been a tad friendlier if it allowed for other time units too, like CD allows for /2h4m15s. But Online Egg Timer does have one alarming advantage over CD: it emits a very loud ringing sound once the time is up.Filed under: Internet, UtilitiesOnline Egg Timer is another slick, stylish timer originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 20 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
The interface is dead-simple and very friendly, and it sports a friendly URL format as well. You can just go to www.online-eggtimer.com/90/120/240 to instantly start three timers: one for ninety seconds, one for two minutes, and one for four minutes.
Granted, the URL format could have been a tad friendlier if it allowed for other time units too, like CD allows for /2h4m15s. But Online Egg Timer does have one alarming advantage over CD: it emits a very loud ringing sound once the time is up.Filed under: Internet, UtilitiesOnline Egg Timer is another slick, stylish timer originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 20 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Multitasking For iPad Arrives With iOS 4.2
Multitasking for the iPad is finally here with the latest iOS 4.2 update. This is a feature many iPad owners have been patiently waiting for and now the wait is over. For example now you can listen to your favorite online radio station while simultaneously browsing the web among many other things. Over 100 new [...]
The City Where Everything Awesome Happens All the Time [Video]
I don't want to spoil any part of this video for you, other than to say this: think of everything incredible that your imagination could stuff into a metropolis in three and a half minutes. Most of it's here. More »
Opera Mobile 10.1 beta for Android emerges, much the same as Opera Mini
Late last night Opera released version 10.1 of its browser for Android. It's a beta build, and don't be fooled by the version number: it's obviously meant to show that this is the desktop browser, but ported to your phone -- just like Firefox 4 Mobile.
If you've used Opera Mini, the light-weight, designed-for-dumbphones browser, Opera Mobile will feel very familiar to you.
Mobile keeps the ability to 'remotely render' websites, both reducing bandwidth use and speeding up site loads -- but you can now turn that off and have every site rendered locally with the excellent Presto layout engine.
Amongst other changes, Opera Mobile brings SVG support to Android, a rather lovely tab management pane and support for Opera's sync tool, Link. A full feature list can be found on the Opera website.
You can grab a copy of Opera 10.1 for Android from the Market, or grab the APK directly. The QR code is on the right.Filed under: Browsers, AndroidOpera Mobile 10.1 beta for Android emerges, much the same as Opera Mini originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
If you've used Opera Mini, the light-weight, designed-for-dumbphones browser, Opera Mobile will feel very familiar to you.
Mobile keeps the ability to 'remotely render' websites, both reducing bandwidth use and speeding up site loads -- but you can now turn that off and have every site rendered locally with the excellent Presto layout engine.
Amongst other changes, Opera Mobile brings SVG support to Android, a rather lovely tab management pane and support for Opera's sync tool, Link. A full feature list can be found on the Opera website.
You can grab a copy of Opera 10.1 for Android from the Market, or grab the APK directly. The QR code is on the right.Filed under: Browsers, AndroidOpera Mobile 10.1 beta for Android emerges, much the same as Opera Mini originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The Best Notebooks of 2010 [Bestmodo]
To find out the best laptops of 2010, we checked in with Mark Spoonauer who, as editor-in-chief of Laptop Magazine and Laptopmag.com, oversaw 140+ notebook and netbook reviews this year. If you're buying, buy one of these. More »
Firefox 4 UI update brings snazzy, new alert pop-ups
Lest you think blogger Long Zheng is all about Microsoft apps, our Australian friend has a keen eye on all kinds of bleeding-edge software. -- including Firefox 4. Today he noticed a change in the Firefox 4 nightly build -- sexier, semi-translucent alert dialogs, complete with a blur effect to obscure the webpage content in the background.
The new alerts fit well with Firefox 4's default Strata theme, and they definitely look nicer than those with the native Windows chrome. The blur effect is also a nice tweak, and it helps ensure your focus goes where it should when an alert box appears -- to the alert.
Download a nightly build of Firefox 4 to see the alerts in action. To test, just visit a page like this one and paste javascript:window.alert("Downloadsquad copypasta for testing shiny new Firefox 4 alerts") in your address bar and hit the enter key.Filed under: Mozilla, BrowsersFirefox 4 UI update brings snazzy, new alert pop-ups originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 20 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
The new alerts fit well with Firefox 4's default Strata theme, and they definitely look nicer than those with the native Windows chrome. The blur effect is also a nice tweak, and it helps ensure your focus goes where it should when an alert box appears -- to the alert.
Download a nightly build of Firefox 4 to see the alerts in action. To test, just visit a page like this one and paste javascript:window.alert("Downloadsquad copypasta for testing shiny new Firefox 4 alerts") in your address bar and hit the enter key.Filed under: Mozilla, BrowsersFirefox 4 UI update brings snazzy, new alert pop-ups originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 20 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Chrome OS launch won't happen this year
Last month, it looked like Google Chrome OS was still on track for a Q4 2010 release -- as originally promised by Google when it announced the project. Back in June, VP of Product Management Sundar Pichai told Reuters that it was going to arrive earlier than expected. That didn't happen.
Later, our cohorts at TechCrunch got wind of a potential release this week -- but a comment by Eric Schmidt at the Web 2.0 Summit seems to have doused the flames. According to Schmidt, Chrome OS will launch "in the next few months." That, of course, means no Christmastime Chromebooks, and it makes launching in time for CES seem unlikely as well, since that's just seven weeks off.
[via The Register]Filed under: OS Updates, GoogleChrome OS launch won't happen this year originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Later, our cohorts at TechCrunch got wind of a potential release this week -- but a comment by Eric Schmidt at the Web 2.0 Summit seems to have doused the flames. According to Schmidt, Chrome OS will launch "in the next few months." That, of course, means no Christmastime Chromebooks, and it makes launching in time for CES seem unlikely as well, since that's just seven weeks off.
[via The Register]Filed under: OS Updates, GoogleChrome OS launch won't happen this year originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Hands-on video review of Office for Windows Phone 7
If you weren't aware, it's impossible to take screenshots with Windows Phone 7. Perhaps once it's rooted we'll be able to -- but until then, screenshotting apps for reviews is laborious -- you have to take a photo of the screen -- and the quality is inevitably low.
So, looking for an alternative, I decided to do a video review of Office for Windows Phone 7. It's about 10 minutes long, and the video quality is excellent. You should be able to clearly see the text on the screen, and the audio commentary should be informative (and perhaps even funny).
In the video I step through the three key features of Office for WP7: OneNote (and its integration with SkyDrive); Word and Excel (viewing and editing); and SharePoint integration (though I sadly couldn't get it to work). OneNote definitely stands out as one of WP7's killer features, especially when combined with SkyDrive synchronization. Word and Excel, which lack the ability to sync, seem rather useless in comparison -- but still, being able to view Word and Excel documents on the move is surely a good thing.
The video review is after the break.
Continue reading Hands-on video review of Office for Windows Phone 7Filed under: Windows Mobile, MicrosoftHands-on video review of Office for Windows Phone 7 originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
So, looking for an alternative, I decided to do a video review of Office for Windows Phone 7. It's about 10 minutes long, and the video quality is excellent. You should be able to clearly see the text on the screen, and the audio commentary should be informative (and perhaps even funny).
In the video I step through the three key features of Office for WP7: OneNote (and its integration with SkyDrive); Word and Excel (viewing and editing); and SharePoint integration (though I sadly couldn't get it to work). OneNote definitely stands out as one of WP7's killer features, especially when combined with SkyDrive synchronization. Word and Excel, which lack the ability to sync, seem rather useless in comparison -- but still, being able to view Word and Excel documents on the move is surely a good thing.
The video review is after the break.
Continue reading Hands-on video review of Office for Windows Phone 7Filed under: Windows Mobile, MicrosoftHands-on video review of Office for Windows Phone 7 originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Why That Baby Birth On Google Streetview Is Fake
A child is born on a roadside as a Google Streetview car swishes by. It's almost good too good to be true. And it is.
The photo, which was apparently taken in the German suburb of Wilmersdorf, exactly outside No. 37 Hubertusallee, Berlin, looks like it was snapped by one of Google's camera cars. It's doing the rounds of Twitter and Facebook right now.
A man cradles a newborn baby in his hands beside a car which has been parked hurriedly on the street with its door open. Uh huh...
German website pcgames.de has called it out as a hoax, and it's not hard to see why.
Here's where the photo is supposed to have been taken. Notice how close it is to a nearby hospital?
The photo, which was apparently taken in the German suburb of Wilmersdorf, exactly outside No. 37 Hubertusallee, Berlin, looks like it was snapped by one of Google's camera cars. It's doing the rounds of Twitter and Facebook right now.
A man cradles a newborn baby in his hands beside a car which has been parked hurriedly on the street with its door open. Uh huh...
German website pcgames.de has called it out as a hoax, and it's not hard to see why.
Here's where the photo is supposed to have been taken. Notice how close it is to a nearby hospital?
Flash Free: Aviary Hatches A Lightweight HTML5 Photo Editor For The Web
Aviary is very good at what they do. That is, offering relatively powerful tools for amateur artists to edit content online. But all of those tools are Flash-based. And some of Aviary's partners didn't like that too much, feeling they were too cumbersome. And some users were interested in the tools, but also wanted something more lightweight. So Aviary went to work, and came up with a new editor built entirely with HTML5.
The project, which they codenamed "Feather", is an HTML5 photo editor that resides on both Aviary's site, and can be easily integrated with any third party site. The tool, which appears as a small square widget overlay, allows people to quickly edit photos without Flash. And it gives third-party sites an option for a light tool that their users can use right on the site.
The project, which they codenamed "Feather", is an HTML5 photo editor that resides on both Aviary's site, and can be easily integrated with any third party site. The tool, which appears as a small square widget overlay, allows people to quickly edit photos without Flash. And it gives third-party sites an option for a light tool that their users can use right on the site.
Snyderphonics Manta controller takes on Ableton Live, looks (and sounds) great doing it (video)
We sure do love our obscure instruments here at Engadget. Even something as simple as the Monome, with its grid of 64 pads (and little else) can get the creative juices flowin' when partnered with the right software. Well, we just received word that SevenUpLive, the driver that gets Monome to play nice with Ableton Live (via Max / MSP), has just received support for Snyderphonics' handsome Manta controller. What's this all mean? Well, besides looking great, Manta features velocity sensitive plates and polyphonic aftertouch, which means a higher level of control than many of your boutique controllers. But you need a demonstration, right? Why didn't you say so? Video after the break.Continue reading Snyderphonics Manta controller takes on Ableton Live, looks (and sounds) great doing it (video)Snyderphonics Manta controller takes on Ableton Live, looks (and sounds) great doing it (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 17:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Create Digital Music | SevenUpLive, Snyderphonics | Email this | Comments
Online Holiday Spending To Reach $32B; E-Commerce Sales Already Up 13 Percent
Good news for online retailers this holiday shopping season. According to data collected by comScore, e-commerce spending should increase by 11 percent this holiday shopping season. Already, consumers have spent $9 billion online in the first 21 days of November, which is an 13 percent increase versus the corresponding days last year.
comScore is forecasting that online spending from the November to December period will reach $32.4 billion, representing an 11 percent gain versus year ago. In 2009, consumers spent $29 billion on holiday e-commerce purchases. Last year's e-commerce holiday spending rose by 4 percent from 2008.
comScore is forecasting that online spending from the November to December period will reach $32.4 billion, representing an 11 percent gain versus year ago. In 2009, consumers spent $29 billion on holiday e-commerce purchases. Last year's e-commerce holiday spending rose by 4 percent from 2008.
Nissan Leaf blessed with 99MPG 'equivalent' sticker, roundtable arguments ensue
Cue the pundits. Nissan's incoming Leaf has just nabbed an official EPA sticker, with a mind-melting 99MPG "equivalent" rating set to grace every single window. That'll undoubtedly catch eyes, but it's also likely to spur a huge debate on what "miles per gallon" truly means when you're throwing a battery into the mix. We actually had the pleasure of driving one ourselves late last month, but we weren't able to take off on any extended joyrides to really put MPG claims to the test. At any rate, the 99 rating breaks down to 106MPG in the city and 92MPG on the highway, but there's quite a bit of fuzzy math here that gas guzzlers aren't accustomed to considering. Nissan claims that the EPA uses a formula where 33.7 kWhs are equivalent to one gallon of gasoline energy, and that the entity also found the Leaf's efficiency to be 3.4 miles per kWh. Given that the car has a 24 kWh battery pack and can go 73 miles officially, then the EPA says it could theoretically go 99 miles if it had a 33.7 kWh pack. Still, the Leaf has to await its other label from the FTC, but it's apt to show a range of 96 to 110 miles of range. Head on past the break for the full presser.Continue reading Nissan Leaf blessed with 99MPG 'equivalent' sticker, roundtable arguments ensueNissan Leaf blessed with 99MPG 'equivalent' sticker, roundtable arguments ensue originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 06:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Autoblog | | Email this | Comments
Twitter for Windows Phone 7 reviewed, thoroughly unexciting
Perhaps my expectations were too high as I eagerly unwrapped my HTC Trophy, plugged it into my computer and booted up Zune. Installing apps is so easy! Search, click, blam. In moments I was booting up Twitter, its comforting, peaceful blue emanating from the phone's bright screen.
You're greeted with a 'top tweets' (lower-case is obviously still in), 'trends,' 'suggested,' and 'nearby' panorama. You don't have to log in to use this section, which is nice, as a lot of people use Twitter for the newsy aspect, rather than actually tweeting.
That's where the good news ends.
Twitter for WP7 is slow. Sliding between pages is spluttery and nowhere near as smooth as the main WP7 menus. Scrolling down through tweets is worse; the frame rate drops just enough to create a bit of a 'blinking' effect that will probably cause epileptic seizures amongst sensitive users.
Unfortunately... it gets worse.Continue reading Twitter for Windows Phone 7 reviewed, thoroughly unexcitingFiled under: Windows Mobile, Social SoftwareTwitter for Windows Phone 7 reviewed, thoroughly unexciting originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
You're greeted with a 'top tweets' (lower-case is obviously still in), 'trends,' 'suggested,' and 'nearby' panorama. You don't have to log in to use this section, which is nice, as a lot of people use Twitter for the newsy aspect, rather than actually tweeting.
That's where the good news ends.
Twitter for WP7 is slow. Sliding between pages is spluttery and nowhere near as smooth as the main WP7 menus. Scrolling down through tweets is worse; the frame rate drops just enough to create a bit of a 'blinking' effect that will probably cause epileptic seizures amongst sensitive users.
Unfortunately... it gets worse.Continue reading Twitter for Windows Phone 7 reviewed, thoroughly unexcitingFiled under: Windows Mobile, Social SoftwareTwitter for Windows Phone 7 reviewed, thoroughly unexciting originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Can You Die Inside a Washing Machine? [Accidents]
I thought drowning in a washing machine was impossible in the 21st Century. I thought all machines had safety measures to avoid accidents, like kids falling inside. Apparently, I was mistaken. More »
Daily Crunch: Bacon Soda Edition
Jones Soda Jumps On The Bacon Train Sharp Shows Cell Phone With Built-In Projector iPads Used For Studio (Or Non-Studio) Lighting CrunchDeals: 10% Off Megapots and V-Vessels The Weirdest Meetings Ever: Best Of 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
SpaceX, You're Cleared For Reentry [Space]
The FAA granted aerospace outfit SpaceX the first-ever commercial license to reenter spacecrafts to earth from orbit. What it really means, however, is that SpaceX can finally start testing the reentry capabilities of the the Falcon 9 craft. More »
Is iOS 4.3 Just Around the Corner? [Rumor]
iOS 4.2 is only a day old, and already the iOS 4.3 rumors have started. According to MacStories, Apple's eying a mid-December release for an update that'll bring with it iPad magazine subscriptions. Let's hope so. More »
ZAGGmate for iPad
The people at ZAGG say you’ll wonder how you ever used your Apple iPad� without�a ZAGGmate case.� The ZAGGmate�cases are�made of aircraft-grade aluminum with a bead-blasted, hard-anodized finish to match the iPad.��They are 9.75″ tall X 7.63″ wide.��A case�fits on your iPad as a screen cover and adds 0.25″� or less (depending on the style) [...]
Macally Bluetooth Keyboard and Stand for iPad
The Macally BTKeyMini is a keyboard with a plastic dust shield.� The keyboard is Bluetooth 2.0 with 77 Enhanced Scissor-Key-Switches(TM) for thin keycaps with sensitive and responsive touch.� The keyboard and stand is 9.25″ X 5.6″ X 1.1″.� The keyboard dust cover acts as a stand for your iPad, and it can hold the iPad [...]
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