Entelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide.
The introduction of the third generation Kindle has reignites the debate over the role of dedicated vs. converged devices. Five years ago, device segmentation was easy: phones made calls, music players played music and cameras took pictures. Even two years ago, integrated devices remained differentiated from standalone devices that provided greater features and capabilities. But some now feel the market for dedicated e-book readers like the Kindle and Nook will soon disappear, subsumed by devices like tablets and smartphones capable of delivering e-books along with other content, applications and services.
It certainly feels to some degree that converged functionality is replacing the standalone and dedicated device. Look at the state-of-the-art iPod touch today and the state-of-the-art iPod of just three years ago. Compare the camera on your phone to the point and shoot digital of just four years ago. The argument seems strong for converged rather than dedicated and standalone devices.
I think the reality is a little more complicated.Continue reading Entelligence: One device to rule them all -- or notEntelligence: One device to rule them all -- or not originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | CommentsMICRON TECHNOLOGY
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Monday, August 23, 2010
10+ invaluable Android apps for the freshmen and back-to-schoolers
Filed under: Fun, Utilities, Windows, Education, Android
First up, let me congratulate you on buying an Android smartphone instead of an iPhone. You've just saved a few hundred dollars that could be better spent on beer, bitches/blokes and books. And if you have a little money left after that, you could buy a few Android apps too!
Having said that, most of the apps in this list are free with the option to pay some money if you want bonus features or you want to get rid of the ads. One or two only have paid versions, but there is almost always a free alternative.
I've broken them down into categories -- Study, Recreation and WTF?! -- just for your viewing pleasure.
Study
Yes, study comes first. You might disagree with me -- especially if you're starting your first year at university -- but I have to maintain some scruples. Remember, kids, school is all about learning! All the fun stuff begins after you graduate! In your office cubicle! For the next 40 years of your life!
Yeah right...
Note: to download an app you need to open Android Market on your phone and type in the app's name!
EverPaper (free)
EverPaper is like a glorious mix of both Evernote and Instapaper. Evernote has its own official app, but EverPaper works just fine, and it's nice to have access to both services from the same app. Both Instapaper and Evernote are 'read it later' tools, incidentally. If you're poring through Wikipedia on campus and want to save some interesting links for later, or if a lecturer gives you a link to read after class, EverPaper can help.
RepliGo Reader ($3.99) and GDocs (free)
Do you need to access your Google Docs on the move? Or perhaps your lecturer or classmate sent you a PDF attachment that you need to view? In either case, these two apps are great. Android PDF Viewer is a free alternative to RepliGo, but it's nowhere near as useful or responsive.
NewsRob (free, or $4.99)
Google Reader does have a mobile version of its website, but NewsRob is a far better solution. It's so good that you probably want to spend $4.99 on the pro version! Just type in your Google account details and watch as all of your unread RSS feeds synchronize. By default it downloads the body of stories too (including images), for offline use.
As an aside, does anyone know why this thing's called NewsRob? I bet it was developed by someone called Rob...
Barcode Scanner (free) and Document Scanner ($3.98)
Two different apps, but both equally awesome. Barcode Scanner lets you scan almost any barcode -- books, CDs, QR codes -- and then look up prices, reviews and so on. Really, download it and give it a go on a book you own; it's so, so cool. Imagine scanning a book at the university bookshop and finding out it's cheaper on Amazon...
Document Scanner converts photos of your paper documents into PDFs, which you can then email to wherever you like. It doesn't do text recognition though -- it's just a PDF with an image in, I think.
Swype (free, but closed beta) and SwiftKey (free)
If you're going to do any kind of data entry on your phone, you need Swype or SwiftKey. Swype is about 1000 times better than SwiftKey, but it's still in beta testing. SwiftKey is still a lot better than Android's default on-screen keyboard, though.
Swype is so fast that you could probably take notes in classes with your Android phone quite effectively. Who needs paper nowadays, anyway?
Fun & Recreation
Of course, after all that hard studying stuff, you need to unwind! Relax! Most students opt for the Xbox-and-beer method of unwinding, but what if you spent all your money on beer and forgot to buy the Xbox? Or maybe you like to go out and drink beer, or go to the cinema? Well, there are plenty of apps that can help you!
Fandango and IMDb (both free) (Flixster is pretty good, too)
Use Fandango to find out what films are on in your area, and IMDb to check if they're good or not! You can also book tickets with the Fandango app, which is rather handy. The IMDb app has exactly the same data as the free website, so if you ever find yourself in the pub or playground and need to break a tie, or wow your friends with an encyclopadic knowledge of film, this app's for you.
Incidentally, even if you're not into films, IMDb also does TV listings!
Yelp and Google's Places Directory (both free)
Both of these great apps can help you find somewhere to eat, drink or relax in your local vicinity -- and if Yelp doesn't return enough results, try the Places Directory! Generally you'll get the best results if you live in the USA, but most of western Europe also has good coverage.
Cab4me (free)
This app is as awesome as you think. No longer will you be tempted to drink and drive -- and no longer will one poor sod play the designated driver!
Cab4me works out either your network-based or GPS location, displays a pretty Google Map of your location, and then prompts you with the local taxi companies. For some companies it just shows a number (which you can dial directly), while for some it even shows which cars they have available and the tariffs. I've only tested it in south England, but I'm sure it's good for the entirety of America and western Europe.
Google Sky Map (free)
I wasn't sure if this one counted as educational, recreational or WTF -- to be honest, it depends if you find the sky interesting or not! Google Sky Map is new (it's still in beta), but it's one of those wondrous apps that makes the smartphone crusade a little more tolerable. If only there was a Sky Map for every app that takes photos of your friends and makes them look fat. It would all balance out...
Anyway, install Google Sky Map, go outside at night, and hold your phone up to the sky. Trust me, you'll make all sorts of odd, awed noises (or simply 'totally awweeesssome!!!', if you live on the West Coast).
WTF?!
Finally, when all's said and done, when you're laying semi-comatose on a friend's bed waiting for the sun to rise, or stuck at a bus stop in cold, driving rain, you instinctively reach for your phone and look for something to do. These apps don't really have a use, other than to put a smile on your face, or to waste a few minutes.
Twitter and Facebook (both free)
If by some divine tragedy you don't check Twitter and Facebook enough from your desktop computer, there are two very nice Android apps that you can use. They let you post updates (and pictures), or browse your friends' profiles (and pictures, in Facebook's case).
How better to while away half an hour at the bus stop than by posting 'I'm standing at a bus stop' on Facebook?
Bump (free)
The concept behind this app is great, and I can see how it might be really cool in a social setting like school or university. Basically, you just bump two phones together (both running the Bump app), and they then share some information -- a photo, your contact details, calendar events, etc. It works like a door knock -- the devices only send data out when both are knocked at the same time.
Unfortunately I haven't been able to try it out, but I can imagine it becoming the Next Big Thing at night clubs and bars. Don't shout your phone number like an enraged orangutan into his or her ear! Just bump your phones! (And later... your hips...)
Tricorder (free, of course!)
I leave you with one of the most-downloaded (250,000+!) and highest-rated (4.5 out of 5!) apps on the Market. The great thing is, it's not even a novelty app! It's a REAL APP! Tricorder actually uses real data from your phone's sensors to provide information about your acoustic environment, your location (and orientation), local cellular and Wi-Fi signals -- even solar radiation!
If that wasn't enough, it makes lots of original-series Star Trek noises. I'm not even a proper Star Trek nerd, yet Tricorder brought a huge, stupid grin to my face.
Share Tweet10+ invaluable Android apps for the freshmen and back-to-schoolers originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | CommentsLAM RESEARCH L-1 IDENTITY SOLUTIONS KINGSTON TECHNOLOGY COMPANY KEY
First up, let me congratulate you on buying an Android smartphone instead of an iPhone. You've just saved a few hundred dollars that could be better spent on beer, bitches/blokes and books. And if you have a little money left after that, you could buy a few Android apps too!
Having said that, most of the apps in this list are free with the option to pay some money if you want bonus features or you want to get rid of the ads. One or two only have paid versions, but there is almost always a free alternative.
I've broken them down into categories -- Study, Recreation and WTF?! -- just for your viewing pleasure.
Study
Yes, study comes first. You might disagree with me -- especially if you're starting your first year at university -- but I have to maintain some scruples. Remember, kids, school is all about learning! All the fun stuff begins after you graduate! In your office cubicle! For the next 40 years of your life!
Yeah right...
Note: to download an app you need to open Android Market on your phone and type in the app's name!
EverPaper (free)
EverPaper is like a glorious mix of both Evernote and Instapaper. Evernote has its own official app, but EverPaper works just fine, and it's nice to have access to both services from the same app. Both Instapaper and Evernote are 'read it later' tools, incidentally. If you're poring through Wikipedia on campus and want to save some interesting links for later, or if a lecturer gives you a link to read after class, EverPaper can help.
RepliGo Reader ($3.99) and GDocs (free)
Do you need to access your Google Docs on the move? Or perhaps your lecturer or classmate sent you a PDF attachment that you need to view? In either case, these two apps are great. Android PDF Viewer is a free alternative to RepliGo, but it's nowhere near as useful or responsive.
NewsRob (free, or $4.99)
Google Reader does have a mobile version of its website, but NewsRob is a far better solution. It's so good that you probably want to spend $4.99 on the pro version! Just type in your Google account details and watch as all of your unread RSS feeds synchronize. By default it downloads the body of stories too (including images), for offline use.
As an aside, does anyone know why this thing's called NewsRob? I bet it was developed by someone called Rob...
Barcode Scanner (free) and Document Scanner ($3.98)
Two different apps, but both equally awesome. Barcode Scanner lets you scan almost any barcode -- books, CDs, QR codes -- and then look up prices, reviews and so on. Really, download it and give it a go on a book you own; it's so, so cool. Imagine scanning a book at the university bookshop and finding out it's cheaper on Amazon...
Document Scanner converts photos of your paper documents into PDFs, which you can then email to wherever you like. It doesn't do text recognition though -- it's just a PDF with an image in, I think.
Swype (free, but closed beta) and SwiftKey (free)
If you're going to do any kind of data entry on your phone, you need Swype or SwiftKey. Swype is about 1000 times better than SwiftKey, but it's still in beta testing. SwiftKey is still a lot better than Android's default on-screen keyboard, though.
Swype is so fast that you could probably take notes in classes with your Android phone quite effectively. Who needs paper nowadays, anyway?
Fun & Recreation
Of course, after all that hard studying stuff, you need to unwind! Relax! Most students opt for the Xbox-and-beer method of unwinding, but what if you spent all your money on beer and forgot to buy the Xbox? Or maybe you like to go out and drink beer, or go to the cinema? Well, there are plenty of apps that can help you!
Fandango and IMDb (both free) (Flixster is pretty good, too)
Use Fandango to find out what films are on in your area, and IMDb to check if they're good or not! You can also book tickets with the Fandango app, which is rather handy. The IMDb app has exactly the same data as the free website, so if you ever find yourself in the pub or playground and need to break a tie, or wow your friends with an encyclopadic knowledge of film, this app's for you.
Incidentally, even if you're not into films, IMDb also does TV listings!
Yelp and Google's Places Directory (both free)
Both of these great apps can help you find somewhere to eat, drink or relax in your local vicinity -- and if Yelp doesn't return enough results, try the Places Directory! Generally you'll get the best results if you live in the USA, but most of western Europe also has good coverage.
Cab4me (free)
This app is as awesome as you think. No longer will you be tempted to drink and drive -- and no longer will one poor sod play the designated driver!
Cab4me works out either your network-based or GPS location, displays a pretty Google Map of your location, and then prompts you with the local taxi companies. For some companies it just shows a number (which you can dial directly), while for some it even shows which cars they have available and the tariffs. I've only tested it in south England, but I'm sure it's good for the entirety of America and western Europe.
Google Sky Map (free)
I wasn't sure if this one counted as educational, recreational or WTF -- to be honest, it depends if you find the sky interesting or not! Google Sky Map is new (it's still in beta), but it's one of those wondrous apps that makes the smartphone crusade a little more tolerable. If only there was a Sky Map for every app that takes photos of your friends and makes them look fat. It would all balance out...
Anyway, install Google Sky Map, go outside at night, and hold your phone up to the sky. Trust me, you'll make all sorts of odd, awed noises (or simply 'totally awweeesssome!!!', if you live on the West Coast).
WTF?!
Finally, when all's said and done, when you're laying semi-comatose on a friend's bed waiting for the sun to rise, or stuck at a bus stop in cold, driving rain, you instinctively reach for your phone and look for something to do. These apps don't really have a use, other than to put a smile on your face, or to waste a few minutes.
Twitter and Facebook (both free)
If by some divine tragedy you don't check Twitter and Facebook enough from your desktop computer, there are two very nice Android apps that you can use. They let you post updates (and pictures), or browse your friends' profiles (and pictures, in Facebook's case).
How better to while away half an hour at the bus stop than by posting 'I'm standing at a bus stop' on Facebook?
Bump (free)
The concept behind this app is great, and I can see how it might be really cool in a social setting like school or university. Basically, you just bump two phones together (both running the Bump app), and they then share some information -- a photo, your contact details, calendar events, etc. It works like a door knock -- the devices only send data out when both are knocked at the same time.
Unfortunately I haven't been able to try it out, but I can imagine it becoming the Next Big Thing at night clubs and bars. Don't shout your phone number like an enraged orangutan into his or her ear! Just bump your phones! (And later... your hips...)
Tricorder (free, of course!)
I leave you with one of the most-downloaded (250,000+!) and highest-rated (4.5 out of 5!) apps on the Market. The great thing is, it's not even a novelty app! It's a REAL APP! Tricorder actually uses real data from your phone's sensors to provide information about your acoustic environment, your location (and orientation), local cellular and Wi-Fi signals -- even solar radiation!
If that wasn't enough, it makes lots of original-series Star Trek noises. I'm not even a proper Star Trek nerd, yet Tricorder brought a huge, stupid grin to my face.
Share Tweet10+ invaluable Android apps for the freshmen and back-to-schoolers originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | CommentsLAM RESEARCH L-1 IDENTITY SOLUTIONS KINGSTON TECHNOLOGY COMPANY KEY
Nano? Mounts Turn SLRs into Movie-Cameras on the Cheap
Redrock Micro makes accessories for movie cameras, and lately it makes add-ons for the latest movie-shooting SLR-cameras. The latest addition is a range of “Nano” kits which turn your stills-cam into a film-making rig, and they do it on the cheap.
SLRs are obviously designed to shoot single photos, and access to the various exposure controls [...]MICROSOFT MILLICOM INTL. CELLULAR MOBILE TELESYSTEMS NANYA TECHNOLOGY
SLRs are obviously designed to shoot single photos, and access to the various exposure controls [...]MICROSOFT MILLICOM INTL. CELLULAR MOBILE TELESYSTEMS NANYA TECHNOLOGY
A Dual-Booting Android/Windows Tablet Could Make ViewSonic Less Boring [Tablets]
ViewSonic is one of those companies that makes my eyes droop and dribble escape from my mouth, but according to a press release they just issued, they'll be showing off a 10-inch dual-booting Android/Windows tablet at IFA. More »
VIEWSONIC VERISIGN VERIFONE HOLDINGS VEECO INSTRUMENTS
VIEWSONIC VERISIGN VERIFONE HOLDINGS VEECO INSTRUMENTS
CrunchGear Week in Review: Interrupting Animals Edition
Here are some stories from the past week on CrunchGear: Test Drive: Nissan Leaf CERAMICA: Japanese Designer Mini Speakers You Will Be Punched With An Alligator Halo 2600: Halo Redone For the Atari 2600 In Which The Parlour Cannon?s Adventures Continue Contest: Win a Ghostbusters Proton Pack*VOLT INFORMATION SCIENCES
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You Can Block Any Facebook User Except Mark Zuckerberg
The title of this post kind of says it all. As pointed out by blockzuck.com, you can block anyone on Facebook except CEO Mark Zuckerberg. If you try to do it (we did), you'll get a message saying "General Block failed error: Block failed."
This kind of thing is funny, and adds a little personality to the site. But Facebook is getting way too big and culturally important for things like this to continue. In 2005 it was cool for Zuckerberg to have a business card that said "I'm CEO...Bitch." And we can forgive early Facebook engineers from perusing confidential user data in their leisure time. But it's time for this company to go through puberty and start acting more like a teenager than a fifth grader. If you want to block Zuckerberg, you should be able to block Zuckerberg.
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This kind of thing is funny, and adds a little personality to the site. But Facebook is getting way too big and culturally important for things like this to continue. In 2005 it was cool for Zuckerberg to have a business card that said "I'm CEO...Bitch." And we can forgive early Facebook engineers from perusing confidential user data in their leisure time. But it's time for this company to go through puberty and start acting more like a teenager than a fifth grader. If you want to block Zuckerberg, you should be able to block Zuckerberg.
ECLIPSYS EASTMAN KODAK CO EARTHLINK DST SYSTEMS
EC Media launches Wink e-reader in India
While the world holds its collective breath for India to actually mass produce that $35 tablet it's been trumpeting here lately, the country's own EC Media International is taking the wraps off of a sparkling new e-reader: the Wink. This cutely titled device doesn't look much different than older generation Kindles, but it'll reportedly support 15 languages and will offer 200,000+ book titles right out of the gate. The company has managed to garner the support of publishers like Penguin, Roli, Oxford University, Harper Collins and Permanent Black, and as expected, it'll also be pushed as a substitute for traditional newspapers and magazines. As for pricing? Mum's the word on that, but we are told that the EC Media has landed Croma as a retail partner and Redington as its primary distribution partner. Oh, and we guess you'd probably be interested in the specs -- there's a 6-inch (800 x 600) e-paper display, 2GB of inbuilt storage, 802.11b/g WiFi, GPRS wireless connectivity, a battery good for 10,000 page turns (or 10 hours of music playback), 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB 2.0 socket and support for a wide variety of text and audio formats. If that's not tickling your fancy, it looks as if the outfit has three more options listed as "upcoming," so hang tight. Short hands-on video after the break.
Update: Digit TV has a hands-on video!
[Thanks, Anish and Siddarth]Continue reading EC Media launches Wink e-reader in IndiaEC Media launches Wink e-reader in India originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 08:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Wink | Email this | CommentsELECTRONIC ARTS ECLIPSYS EASTMAN KODAK CO EARTHLINK
Update: Digit TV has a hands-on video!
[Thanks, Anish and Siddarth]Continue reading EC Media launches Wink e-reader in IndiaEC Media launches Wink e-reader in India originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 08:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Wink | Email this | CommentsELECTRONIC ARTS ECLIPSYS EASTMAN KODAK CO EARTHLINK
Age of Empires Online -- the next iteration of the famous franchise is kinda, um, FarmVille...
Filed under: Games, Social Software
Do not adjust your monitor -- it's meant to look cartoony!
Age of Empires Online, the long-awaited update to one of the most famous RTS franchises, is coming, along with a truly massive deviation from its usual format. Yes, it's still an RTS; yes, there are still buildings and military and a campaign -- but that's where the similarities end!.
Age of Empires Online is actually closer to FarmVille than an Age of Empires title. Your city is saved online, accessible from anywhere (the game will be digitally distributed, so you can log in from anywhere). You will carry out quests, which will take the form of single- and multi-player cooperative missions. Of course there's in-game chat too, so you can talk to your friends while you play. Basically, it's a social MMO, but with 'real' RTS gameplay tacked on. Watch the video on its website to see some actual gameplay.
I'm not quite sure what to make of it all. The FAQ has tantalizing yet thoroughly useless hints at what to expect. There's no sign of what it will cost, but I presume it will be free, if it wants to compete with FarmVille. That opens another kettle of fish: as a full RTS, it must be cost inga lot more than other Flash-based MMOs to develop... how will they monetize it?
Age of Empires Online is slated for release sometime in 2011. You can try your chances, like me, and sign up for the Closed Beta, though! (The beta sign-up survey asks if you've played FarmVille and Mafia Wars, incidentally...)
Oh, and apparently this is a Windows PC exclusive -- I had so hoped for a mobile title to challenge Civilization for Facebook...Age of Empires Online -- the next iteration of the famous franchise is kinda, um, FarmVille... originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsCHINA MOBILE CISCO SYSTEMS COGNIZANT TECH. SOLUTIONS COMCAST
Do not adjust your monitor -- it's meant to look cartoony!
Age of Empires Online, the long-awaited update to one of the most famous RTS franchises, is coming, along with a truly massive deviation from its usual format. Yes, it's still an RTS; yes, there are still buildings and military and a campaign -- but that's where the similarities end!.
Age of Empires Online is actually closer to FarmVille than an Age of Empires title. Your city is saved online, accessible from anywhere (the game will be digitally distributed, so you can log in from anywhere). You will carry out quests, which will take the form of single- and multi-player cooperative missions. Of course there's in-game chat too, so you can talk to your friends while you play. Basically, it's a social MMO, but with 'real' RTS gameplay tacked on. Watch the video on its website to see some actual gameplay.
I'm not quite sure what to make of it all. The FAQ has tantalizing yet thoroughly useless hints at what to expect. There's no sign of what it will cost, but I presume it will be free, if it wants to compete with FarmVille. That opens another kettle of fish: as a full RTS, it must be cost inga lot more than other Flash-based MMOs to develop... how will they monetize it?
Age of Empires Online is slated for release sometime in 2011. You can try your chances, like me, and sign up for the Closed Beta, though! (The beta sign-up survey asks if you've played FarmVille and Mafia Wars, incidentally...)
Oh, and apparently this is a Windows PC exclusive -- I had so hoped for a mobile title to challenge Civilization for Facebook...Age of Empires Online -- the next iteration of the famous franchise is kinda, um, FarmVille... originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsCHINA MOBILE CISCO SYSTEMS COGNIZANT TECH. SOLUTIONS COMCAST
Will Google Drop a Chromlet on Black Friday?
Google will launch a Chrome OS tablet on the Verizon network Nov. 26, know to retailers as "Black Friday," according to the Download Squad. The device is being built by HTC, a company that's made several Android devices in the past. If true, the move will fulfill Google's announcement earlier this year that it would launch Chrome OS tablets in time for the holiday season.MILLICOM INTL. CELLULAR
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Daily Crunch: Car Train Edition
Tokyo Hotel Offers Model Trains To the Tragically Lonely The Chinese Bus That Allows Traffic To Pass Underneath Google Books Determines That There Are 129,864,880 Books In The World (For Now) Lemur Driving Monitors Spy On Your Kids, Help You Drive Eco-Friendly Contest: Like Us. Please Like UsCDW
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Sunday, August 22, 2010
Amateur Astronomer Witnesses Jupiter Getting Smacked Around By Another Meteor [Astronomy]
Jupiter, our colorfully spotted gas giant neighbor was hit, again, by a meteor on Friday. The brief flash, which astronomers now think may happen a bit more frequently than previously thought, was captured on film by amatuer astronomer Masayuki Tashikawa: More »
SYNOPSYS SYNNEX SYMANTEC SYKES ENTERPRISES INORATED
SYNOPSYS SYNNEX SYMANTEC SYKES ENTERPRISES INORATED
Droid X upgrade to Android 2.2 leaks out
What we're looking at here is allegedly the leaked over-the-air update to Froyo that Verizon plans on deploying to Droid X customers in the next few weeks, which means two critical things for customers: it should generally be faster all the way around, and -- of course -- you've got support for Flash, which was a big topic of interest at Motorola's launch event for the phone a couple months back. The update is available both in rooted and non-rooted versions, so if you're feeling adventurous today and you enjoy the thrill of doing something that offers a remote possibility of bricking your phone, you may want to go ahead and grab it. Good luck, and let us know your experiences in comments, alright?
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Droid X upgrade to Android 2.2 leaks out originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | My Droid World | Email this | CommentsEMS TECHNOLOGIES EMC ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING ELECTRONIC DATA SYSTEMS
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Droid X upgrade to Android 2.2 leaks out originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | My Droid World | Email this | CommentsEMS TECHNOLOGIES EMC ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING ELECTRONIC DATA SYSTEMS
Adobe Flash gives up on iPhone, gives out on Android?
Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen has told Telegraph that, since Apple’s just not that into Flash, he and his almost ubiquitous plugin are moving on:
“We believe in open systems. We believe in the power of the internet and in customers making choices and I think a lot of the controversy was about their decision [...]Adobe Flash gives up on iPhone, gives out on Android? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
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“We believe in open systems. We believe in the power of the internet and in customers making choices and I think a lot of the controversy was about their decision [...]Adobe Flash gives up on iPhone, gives out on Android? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
VARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATES UNITED ONLINE UNISYS TRIQUINT SEMICONDUCTOR
Exclusive: Samsung Cetus i917 bows for AT&T, shows off its Windows Phone 7 ways
Does the almost Pre-esque shape of this beast look vaguely familiar? It should, because it matches up nicely with the outline of the Samsung Cetus we saw in the FCC a little while back. Indeed, we're told this is the Cetus i917 destined for AT&T, featuring Windows Phone 7 in a glossy, black, curved shell that should fit nicely in those new skinny pants you just overpaid for. We don't know when this is hitting exactly, but we suspect everyone involved -- Microsoft, AT&T, and Samsung -- wants to have this on shelves in time for the holiday season. Hit up the gallery below for a couple more shots.
Gallery: Exclusive: Samsung Cetus i917 bows for AT&T, shows off its Windows Phone 7 waysExclusive: Samsung Cetus i917 bows for AT&T, shows off its Windows Phone 7 ways originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | CommentsMOTOROLA MOODY’S MISCROSOFT OFFICE MICROSOFT
Gallery: Exclusive: Samsung Cetus i917 bows for AT&T, shows off its Windows Phone 7 waysExclusive: Samsung Cetus i917 bows for AT&T, shows off its Windows Phone 7 ways originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | CommentsMOTOROLA MOODY’S MISCROSOFT OFFICE MICROSOFT
Mastering Places Privacy Can Be Tricky, Facebook Critics Charge
Facebook rolled out its Places feature this week to much fanfare -- so much, in fact, that the official Facebook Blog has an update note posted that users who are unable to access the service should try back soon to see if they can check in. The app allows people to indicate their location in the physical world to all their Facebook friends in the virtual world.ELPIDA MEMORY
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Phasma the terrifyingly adorable, six-legged insectoid bot
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/Phasma_the_terrifyingly_adorable_six_legged_insectoid_bot';
Is it possible for something to scamper into our heart and our nightmares simultaneously? Phasma is making a bid for that distinction. The hexapedal running robot, built by Takram Design Engineering, is based on Stanford's cockroach-inspired iSprawl, and is built to look all cold and mechanical at rest, but to move very much like an insect, churning those springy six legs in a tripod gait. At first we were terrified by the motion, depicted on video after the break, but the more we watch it the more we're struck by how eager and exuberant it looks. Eager and exuberant to dwell inside our hollowed out carcass during the end of days? May we never find out. The robot is currently on exhibition at the Science Museum in Tokyo, if you care for a look. Gallery: Phasma the terrifyingly adorable, six-legged insectoid botContinue reading Phasma the terrifyingly adorable, six-legged insectoid botPhasma the terrifyingly adorable, six-legged insectoid bot originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink DigInfo TV | Takram Design Engineering | Email this | CommentsAVNET BHARTI AIRTEL BT GROUP CANON
Is it possible for something to scamper into our heart and our nightmares simultaneously? Phasma is making a bid for that distinction. The hexapedal running robot, built by Takram Design Engineering, is based on Stanford's cockroach-inspired iSprawl, and is built to look all cold and mechanical at rest, but to move very much like an insect, churning those springy six legs in a tripod gait. At first we were terrified by the motion, depicted on video after the break, but the more we watch it the more we're struck by how eager and exuberant it looks. Eager and exuberant to dwell inside our hollowed out carcass during the end of days? May we never find out. The robot is currently on exhibition at the Science Museum in Tokyo, if you care for a look. Gallery: Phasma the terrifyingly adorable, six-legged insectoid botContinue reading Phasma the terrifyingly adorable, six-legged insectoid botPhasma the terrifyingly adorable, six-legged insectoid bot originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink DigInfo TV | Takram Design Engineering | Email this | CommentsAVNET BHARTI AIRTEL BT GROUP CANON
Virgin Mobile Bucks Trend with $40 Prepaid Mobile Broadband Plan [Mobile Broadband]
So there's this trend with mobile carriers regarding unlimited data plans where they're dropping them in lieu of tiers. Perhaps you know of it already. Virgin Mobile USA has no such plans. More »
HEWLETT-PACKARD HIGH TECH COMPUTER HON HAI PRECISION IND. HYNIX SEMICONDUCTOR
HEWLETT-PACKARD HIGH TECH COMPUTER HON HAI PRECISION IND. HYNIX SEMICONDUCTOR
Choosing Between a laptop and an iPad: A guide
Tweet One of the big questions many consumers are faced with today is whether to purchase a laptop or an iPad. We hope to take some of the pressure off and help make that decision easier for you in this guide. Since many of you are already more than well aware of what laptops can [...]NOKIA
NVIDIA
ORACLE
POWERCHIP SEMICONDUCTOR
Pico projector camera concept is, as usual, better than the real thing
Oh, don't get us wrong, we rather enjoyed our time with Nikon's S1100pj projector camera, but this here Pico concept design is on a whole other level. We're talking both in terms of cuteness and inventiveness. You might have recognized by now that one of the Pico's "eyes" is the camera lens while the other is the projector, but what of the "smile?" Why, that's your microphone's sound intake port. And its little feet -- acting as a stabilizing stand when in projector mode -- also double up as covers for the external connection jacks. Masterful. Look for it to appear in your dreams some time very soon.Pico projector camera concept is, as usual, better than the real thing originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 09:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Yanko Design | Email this | CommentsTNS
TIBCO SOFTWARE
TIBCO SOFTWARE
THQ
Gulf Spill: Is The Oil Lurking Underwater? [Oilspill]
Between 20 April and 15 July, BP released some 4.9�million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Within weeks of the leak being plugged, researchers reported on the oil's rapid disappearance. Others are now challenging those early claims. More »
COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS COMPAL ELECTRONICS COSMOTE MOBILE TELECOM. D-LINK
COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS COMPAL ELECTRONICS COSMOTE MOBILE TELECOM. D-LINK
Apple May Be Internally Testing Next-Gen iPod Touch, iPad
Apple appears to be internally testing the next-gen iPod Touch and iPad, along with an unknown mystery device, according to configuration files buried deep inside the latest iOS beta.
Apple blog AppleInsider received purported configuration files of the next iOS beta, iOS 4.1., due to ship in “the coming weeks,” showing strings of code referencing “iPod [...]SIEMENS ZORAN ZIONS BAN YAHOO!
Apple blog AppleInsider received purported configuration files of the next iOS beta, iOS 4.1., due to ship in “the coming weeks,” showing strings of code referencing “iPod [...]SIEMENS ZORAN ZIONS BAN YAHOO!
Stylebot for Chrome lets you easily customize Web pages
Filed under: Productivity, Google, Browsers
Stylebot is a Chrome add-on that provides a point-and-click interface for customizing the CSS on any page, and then it saves your customizations for next time -- and if you have bookmark sync turned on, it even syncs them for you!
The way that it works is very simple. In Selection mode, each element on the page gets a highlighted frame when you hover over it. As soon as you get the element that you want, just click it. Any CSS declarations that you then specify are applied to that element.
"Specifying CSS declarations" sounds pretty technical, but it's basically clicking a bunch of buttons. You need to know a bit of CSS to make good use of the add-on, but it's also a very good way to learn. Of course, if you do know your CSS, you can just switch to Advanced mode and hand code it instead.
A few missing features:
Up/down keys do not work for incrementing/decrementing values. That's a must-have Greasemonkey feature!
Existing font sizes (and other properties) are not displayed. This means that, if I want to increase the font size of an existing element, I need to start by guessing what the current size is. Then, I need to nudge it up by entering (say) 12, deleting, entering 13, deleting, entering 17, deleting, entering 15, etc. It rapidly gets annoying. Up/down keystroke support + showing the currently selected font size would go a long way towards alleviating this.
There's no simple way to undo a single change. You can either reset everything you've done, or you can manually edit the CSS in order to remove the change (if your CSS chops are up to the task).
Other than those few things, it's certainly a handy add-on for customizing the Web. I like that it saves your settings automatically and syncs them. I've embedded the add-on's "intro video" after the break.Stylebot for Chrome lets you easily customize Web pages originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsINTERDIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS INTEL INSIGHT ENTERPRISES INGRAM MICRO
Stylebot is a Chrome add-on that provides a point-and-click interface for customizing the CSS on any page, and then it saves your customizations for next time -- and if you have bookmark sync turned on, it even syncs them for you!
The way that it works is very simple. In Selection mode, each element on the page gets a highlighted frame when you hover over it. As soon as you get the element that you want, just click it. Any CSS declarations that you then specify are applied to that element.
"Specifying CSS declarations" sounds pretty technical, but it's basically clicking a bunch of buttons. You need to know a bit of CSS to make good use of the add-on, but it's also a very good way to learn. Of course, if you do know your CSS, you can just switch to Advanced mode and hand code it instead.
A few missing features:
Up/down keys do not work for incrementing/decrementing values. That's a must-have Greasemonkey feature!
Existing font sizes (and other properties) are not displayed. This means that, if I want to increase the font size of an existing element, I need to start by guessing what the current size is. Then, I need to nudge it up by entering (say) 12, deleting, entering 13, deleting, entering 17, deleting, entering 15, etc. It rapidly gets annoying. Up/down keystroke support + showing the currently selected font size would go a long way towards alleviating this.
There's no simple way to undo a single change. You can either reset everything you've done, or you can manually edit the CSS in order to remove the change (if your CSS chops are up to the task).
Other than those few things, it's certainly a handy add-on for customizing the Web. I like that it saves your settings automatically and syncs them. I've embedded the add-on's "intro video" after the break.Stylebot for Chrome lets you easily customize Web pages originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsINTERDIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS INTEL INSIGHT ENTERPRISES INGRAM MICRO
Saturday, August 21, 2010
OttLite POD Desk Lamp
The OttLite company is known for�producing�lamps and bulbs that provide natural lighting.� Their POD Desk Lamp has a 13W OttLite�HD bulb that will provide 10,000 hours of task lighting.� It also has a charging stand for your phone, MP3 player, or other small device built in to the base.� There’s even a wire management system [...] Filed in categories: News, Spotlight Gadgets, iPhone, iPad, iPod relatedTagged: OttLite POD Desk Lamp originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 21, 2010 at 11:00 am.ASML HOLDING
ASUSTEK COMPUTER
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The Moneysaver: Dee Wanna Wanga! [Dealtaku]
Dtay tola! Dee Jabba wanga. Nee Jabba no badda. Me chaade su goodie. Yo mahta chee toya pon Coupons. Jabba no toosa teen okabee no Moneysaver. Nudd Chaa! More »
HEWLETT PACKARD CO HEARTLAND PAYMENT SYSTEMS GOOGLE GOOGLE
HEWLETT PACKARD CO HEARTLAND PAYMENT SYSTEMS GOOGLE GOOGLE
Google TV demo shows off Dish Network integration, universal search (video)
For those still wavering over the possibility of dropping a few Ben Franklins on something rocking the Google TV logo this fall, maybe the best idea is to get to know this new flavor of Android a bit better. StuffWeLike grabbed video of a Comic-Con 2010 demo that showed off its universal search in a level of detail we hadn't previously seen. Our earlier hands-on with Google TV partner Logitech (also included after the break) focused mostly on its ability to control other devices, but this has a decided emphasis on the user interface and what Google brings to HDTVs, particularly when fully tied in to Dish Network's DVR, and its ability to shift seamlessly from internet to live or recorded TV and back. The second half of the video shifts the focus to the Google Queue, a single menu for DVR recordings and podcasts (video or audio.) The camera's a bit jerky, but there's plenty of info in those menus flashing by including icons for previously announced apps from Netflix and Pandora and an inadvertent cameo from vlogger RayWJ about two and a half minutes in.Continue reading Google TV demo shows off Dish Network integration, universal search (video)Google TV demo shows off Dish Network integration, universal search (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 06:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink GTVHub, SimplyGoogleTV | StuffWeLike | Email this | Comments
NVIDIA NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS NOVELLUS SYSTEMS NOVELL
NVIDIA NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS NOVELLUS SYSTEMS NOVELL
Sometimes it?s Worth it to Surf it
Hey I found this on Lifehacker, Hipmunk gives you a gantt-chart view of flights at a glance. Wow check out the most expensive flight -- also the longest layover. Thanks to Filed in categories: NewsTagged: Sometimes it’s Worth it to Surf it originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 19, 2010 at 11:13 am.ECLIPSYS
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Futurama Writer Invented A New Math Theorem Just To Use In The Show [Math]
A writer for Futurama created a brand new math theorem based on group theory to explain a plot twist in the show. That is like, going way beyond the call of duty, dude. More »
PALM OSI SYSTEMS ORACLE OPENWAVE SYSTEMS
PALM OSI SYSTEMS ORACLE OPENWAVE SYSTEMS
EC Media launches Wink e-reader in India
While the world holds its collective breath for India to actually mass produce that $35 tablet it's been trumpeting here lately, the country's own EC Media International is taking the wraps off of a sparkling new e-reader: the Wink. This cutely titled device doesn't look much different than older generation Kindles, but it'll reportedly support 15 languages and will offer 200,000+ book titles right out of the gate. The company has managed to garner the support of publishers like Penguin, Roli, Oxford University, Harper Collins and Permanent Black, and as expected, it'll also be pushed as a substitute for traditional newspapers and magazines. As for pricing? Mum's the word on that, but we are told that the EC Media has landed Croma as a retail partner and Redington as its primary distribution partner. Oh, and we guess you'd probably be interested in the specs -- there's a 6-inch (800 x 600) e-paper display, 2GB of inbuilt storage, 802.11b/g WiFi, GPRS wireless connectivity, a battery good for 10,000 page turns (or 10 hours of music playback), 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB 2.0 socket and support for a wide variety of text and audio formats. If that's not tickling your fancy, it looks as if the outfit has three more options listed as "upcoming," so hang tight. Short hands-on video after the break.
Update: Digit TV has a hands-on video!
[Thanks, Anish and Siddarth]Continue reading EC Media launches Wink e-reader in IndiaEC Media launches Wink e-reader in India originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 08:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Wink | Email this | CommentsHCL TECHNOLOGIES HEWLETT-PACKARD HIGH TECH COMPUTER HON HAI PRECISION IND.
Update: Digit TV has a hands-on video!
[Thanks, Anish and Siddarth]Continue reading EC Media launches Wink e-reader in IndiaEC Media launches Wink e-reader in India originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 08:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Wink | Email this | CommentsHCL TECHNOLOGIES HEWLETT-PACKARD HIGH TECH COMPUTER HON HAI PRECISION IND.
Droid X upgrade to Android 2.2 leaks out
What we're looking at here is allegedly the leaked over-the-air update to Froyo that Verizon plans on deploying to Droid X customers in the next few weeks, which means two critical things for customers: it should generally be faster all the way around, and -- of course -- you've got support for Flash, which was a big topic of interest at Motorola's launch event for the phone a couple months back. The update is available both in rooted and non-rooted versions, so if you're feeling adventurous today and you enjoy the thrill of doing something that offers a remote possibility of bricking your phone, you may want to go ahead and grab it. Good luck, and let us know your experiences in comments, alright?
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Droid X upgrade to Android 2.2 leaks out originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | My Droid World | Email this | CommentsUNITED ONLINE UNISYS TRIQUINT SEMICONDUCTOR TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Droid X upgrade to Android 2.2 leaks out originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | My Droid World | Email this | CommentsUNITED ONLINE UNISYS TRIQUINT SEMICONDUCTOR TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
Firefox Friday, the back to school edition: 10 add-ons to make education less dire
Filed under: Mozilla, Browsers, EducationYou may have noticed we've got our back to school jive on here at Download Squad. We figure it's worth interrupting your usual programming for a week or two -- after all, once the kids are back at school, we're all free to do whatever we like until Christmas! Woohoo!
Still, so that you don't feel completely abandoned, here's a paragraph dedicated to this week's Mozilla news: early builds of Firefox 4 beta 4 (and 5!) are bouncing around on Mozilla's nightly builds site; the Contacts Design Challenge has finished and the winners have been announced -- the concepts are beautiful and well worth checking out; Mozilla wants more people to submit bugs! If you're using a Beta or nightly build of Firefox 4, check this guide on how to use Bugzilla to help out.
Now, here's a list of Firefox add-ons that will look strikingly similar to Lee's list of back to school Chrome extensions.
Tab Candy/Tab Sets (only available in Firefox 4 Beta)
Perhaps the greatest ease-of-use interface invention ever, Tab Sets make academic multi-tasking (read: ADHD) much, much easier. Create a tab set for Facebook, Twitter and Gmail -- then create another for any academic portals that you belong to. Finally, have a tab set for Wikipedia and anything else you might be researching. Sweet!
It's very hard to describe tab sets, even with a screenshot, so I suggest you simply give them a go. Once you have Firefox 4 Beta installed, hit ctrl+alt+space (or ctrl+space) and EXPERIMENT!
After the Deadline
ATD is a tool that I wish more people used. I will never recoup those billions of brain cycles spent trying to decode haphazard typos and general illiteracy. After the Deadline isn't a complete panacea, but it's pretty darn bleedin' good. ATD has little or no competition in the browser-based world, but ATD can also help if you're writing an essay or report in Microsoft Word (or Open Office!)
Rather comically, you can see in the screenshot above that ATD doesn't even recognize its own name...
ReminderFox and Google Shortcuts
Part of me wants to love ReminderFox -- it's an incredibly popular and well-designed add-on! -- but why doesn't it integrate with Google Calendar, or indeed any other calendar?! Keeping reminders in the browser isn't the best idea -- what if you need to check your appointments from your mobile phone? Or if you move from home to a lab computer?
You should really be keeping your appointments and deadlines online. Google Shortcuts gives you quick access to Google Calendar. I'd like an add-on that lets you view your calendar in a little pop-up window, but it seems like there's nothing out there.
Wired-Marker
This might be the coolest (and most simple!) add-on that I've ever seen! Actually, that's a lie: Wired-Marker has a wealth of functionality, but in essence it's really simple: just select text, right click, and give it a color. Just like marking real paper with a pen!
But because it's digital -- because we live in a hypertextual world! -- you can then do very cool things, like viewing all blue fragments, or store them in different folders (one for each subject you're studying?)
QuickWiki
Sometimes you don't want to open a new tab, or move your tooltip to that fiddly little search box -- that's why you want QuickWiki! Shift+right click a word and the Wiktionary definition pops up -- Ctrl+right click and you get the Wikipedia entry! Even cooler, you can click links in that pop-up and you won't navigate away from your current page. Hitting Shift+Ctrl pops up a 'quick search' dialogue that pops up the Wiktionary definition -- again without navigating away from your current page.
The shortcut keys can be changed, but to a few predefined options. You can't (without other software) set functions to one of your mouse buttons, alas!
RescueTime and Read It Later
I was looking for an add-ons that can minimize distraction -- for when you're revising, or trying to write an important report -- but the rather neat StayFocusd is only available for Chrome. Still, I think a combination of RescueTime and Read It Later should work just as well. RescueTime is an add-on that sits in the background and continually tracks which website you're reading. You can then look at the stats (it produces very pretty graphs) and see how much time you're wasting on non-important stuff.
Read It Later lets you save any link via the right-click menu. Resist the devilish temptation of your friends' shared links! Work now; read it later!
(If anyone knows of a 'distraction free' add-on for Firefox, please let me know!)
Lazarus
Your browser has just crashed. Not only have you lost all 30 of your tabs (an experience worse than being curb stomped by a plumper), but you've also lost any and all form inputs. Blustering barnacles! Maybe it was half a blog post, or maybe you were filling in your credit card details to buy some books -- either way, it sucks the big one! Lazarus securely auto-saves while you type -- if your browser crashes, just go back to the form, right click, and voila!
The developer points out that Lazarus also works for server time-outs, or if you are logged out between starting the form and finishing it. Again, just hit the backspace button, right click, and let Lazarus save your ass.
FastestFox
Finally we have the all-round champion of add-ons; an add-on that will give your Firefox more oomph than the full brunt of Thor's mighty hammer. FastestFox improves your browsing experience in so many ways (check the feature list), but I'll focus on just a few.
It extends the Awesome Bar (address bar) -- if it wasn't awesome enough, Google search results now also appear!
Next, and almost as cool, FastestFox has a quick-launch menu accessed with Ctrl+Space (it has Download Squad on!) -- you can also use it to search Google, all without touching the mouse.
Finally, FastestFox has a feature that auto-loads the next page of (almost) any website. That way when you click 'next', or 'read more', the page loads almost instantly!
* * *
If I missed a 'killer' back to school add-on, do leave a comment!
Share TweetFirefox Friday, the back to school edition: 10 add-ons to make education less dire originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | CommentsARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ARROW ELECTRONICS ASML HOLDING ASUSTEK COMPUTER
Still, so that you don't feel completely abandoned, here's a paragraph dedicated to this week's Mozilla news: early builds of Firefox 4 beta 4 (and 5!) are bouncing around on Mozilla's nightly builds site; the Contacts Design Challenge has finished and the winners have been announced -- the concepts are beautiful and well worth checking out; Mozilla wants more people to submit bugs! If you're using a Beta or nightly build of Firefox 4, check this guide on how to use Bugzilla to help out.
Now, here's a list of Firefox add-ons that will look strikingly similar to Lee's list of back to school Chrome extensions.
Tab Candy/Tab Sets (only available in Firefox 4 Beta)
Perhaps the greatest ease-of-use interface invention ever, Tab Sets make academic multi-tasking (read: ADHD) much, much easier. Create a tab set for Facebook, Twitter and Gmail -- then create another for any academic portals that you belong to. Finally, have a tab set for Wikipedia and anything else you might be researching. Sweet!
It's very hard to describe tab sets, even with a screenshot, so I suggest you simply give them a go. Once you have Firefox 4 Beta installed, hit ctrl+alt+space (or ctrl+space) and EXPERIMENT!
After the Deadline
ATD is a tool that I wish more people used. I will never recoup those billions of brain cycles spent trying to decode haphazard typos and general illiteracy. After the Deadline isn't a complete panacea, but it's pretty darn bleedin' good. ATD has little or no competition in the browser-based world, but ATD can also help if you're writing an essay or report in Microsoft Word (or Open Office!)
Rather comically, you can see in the screenshot above that ATD doesn't even recognize its own name...
ReminderFox and Google Shortcuts
Part of me wants to love ReminderFox -- it's an incredibly popular and well-designed add-on! -- but why doesn't it integrate with Google Calendar, or indeed any other calendar?! Keeping reminders in the browser isn't the best idea -- what if you need to check your appointments from your mobile phone? Or if you move from home to a lab computer?
You should really be keeping your appointments and deadlines online. Google Shortcuts gives you quick access to Google Calendar. I'd like an add-on that lets you view your calendar in a little pop-up window, but it seems like there's nothing out there.
Wired-Marker
This might be the coolest (and most simple!) add-on that I've ever seen! Actually, that's a lie: Wired-Marker has a wealth of functionality, but in essence it's really simple: just select text, right click, and give it a color. Just like marking real paper with a pen!
But because it's digital -- because we live in a hypertextual world! -- you can then do very cool things, like viewing all blue fragments, or store them in different folders (one for each subject you're studying?)
QuickWiki
Sometimes you don't want to open a new tab, or move your tooltip to that fiddly little search box -- that's why you want QuickWiki! Shift+right click a word and the Wiktionary definition pops up -- Ctrl+right click and you get the Wikipedia entry! Even cooler, you can click links in that pop-up and you won't navigate away from your current page. Hitting Shift+Ctrl pops up a 'quick search' dialogue that pops up the Wiktionary definition -- again without navigating away from your current page.
The shortcut keys can be changed, but to a few predefined options. You can't (without other software) set functions to one of your mouse buttons, alas!
RescueTime and Read It Later
I was looking for an add-ons that can minimize distraction -- for when you're revising, or trying to write an important report -- but the rather neat StayFocusd is only available for Chrome. Still, I think a combination of RescueTime and Read It Later should work just as well. RescueTime is an add-on that sits in the background and continually tracks which website you're reading. You can then look at the stats (it produces very pretty graphs) and see how much time you're wasting on non-important stuff.
Read It Later lets you save any link via the right-click menu. Resist the devilish temptation of your friends' shared links! Work now; read it later!
(If anyone knows of a 'distraction free' add-on for Firefox, please let me know!)
Lazarus
Your browser has just crashed. Not only have you lost all 30 of your tabs (an experience worse than being curb stomped by a plumper), but you've also lost any and all form inputs. Blustering barnacles! Maybe it was half a blog post, or maybe you were filling in your credit card details to buy some books -- either way, it sucks the big one! Lazarus securely auto-saves while you type -- if your browser crashes, just go back to the form, right click, and voila!
The developer points out that Lazarus also works for server time-outs, or if you are logged out between starting the form and finishing it. Again, just hit the backspace button, right click, and let Lazarus save your ass.
FastestFox
Finally we have the all-round champion of add-ons; an add-on that will give your Firefox more oomph than the full brunt of Thor's mighty hammer. FastestFox improves your browsing experience in so many ways (check the feature list), but I'll focus on just a few.
It extends the Awesome Bar (address bar) -- if it wasn't awesome enough, Google search results now also appear!
Next, and almost as cool, FastestFox has a quick-launch menu accessed with Ctrl+Space (it has Download Squad on!) -- you can also use it to search Google, all without touching the mouse.
Finally, FastestFox has a feature that auto-loads the next page of (almost) any website. That way when you click 'next', or 'read more', the page loads almost instantly!
* * *
If I missed a 'killer' back to school add-on, do leave a comment!
Share TweetFirefox Friday, the back to school edition: 10 add-ons to make education less dire originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | CommentsARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ARROW ELECTRONICS ASML HOLDING ASUSTEK COMPUTER
CrunchGear Week in Review: In A New Light Edition
Here are some stories from last week on CrunchGear: Bag Week These Concept OLED Lights Are Brilliant Kindle And iPad Displays Go Under The Microscope Review: Leica M9 Just a Dr. Marten Limited Edition USB Drive Just A Turtle Mouse, That?s AllQUALCOMM
QUANTA COMPUTER
RESEARCH IN MOTION
ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS
PowerPhone patent approved for sending MMS messages to 911
We've seen 911 call centers that accept text messages, and now if PowerPhone gets its way you'll some day be able to use MMS messages to further pinpoint the source of your distress. Patent number 7,764,769, "Integrated Call Handler and E-Mail Systems and Methods," has just been approved by the Patent and Trademark Office, detailing the use of the company's Incident Linked Multimedia (ILM) software to receive and prioritize multimedia messages at a call center near you. There is also something there about the software integrated with "existing Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management Systems," which we imagine must be good news for someone looking to implement these features. But let's be honest: we're just looking forward to watching the inevitable "World's Most Embarrassing Drunken Videos to 911" special on Fox. PR after the break.Continue reading PowerPhone patent approved for sending MMS messages to 911PowerPhone patent approved for sending MMS messages to 911 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Mobile Burn | Google Patents | Email this | CommentsMISCROSOFT OFFICE
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MICROS SYSTEMS
Fluid Water Simulation is a lovely Java toy - Time-Waster
Filed under: Fun, Time-Wasters
Fluid Water Simulation is like one of those executive desk toys. There are no levels, there's no goal, and you can't win.
What you can do, though, is control approximately 5,500 particles of water, oil, or foam. You can draw walls, sketch air emitters (which create turbulence in the water), or draw very powerful "wind" with your mouse. What you see on the screenshot is wind blowing in from the right side and causing a ton of water to splash over the barrier and into the other side of the board.
While the graphics are simplistic, the particle motion is incredibly real and lifelike. It's just like playing with water and sand, but it's a lot more fun and less of a gritty mess.
Speaking of sand, this is a different take on the old "sand" game where endless particles would come down from the top of the screen, and you would get to layer them, etc. This is different because the particles here are not static; they all keep moving and rolling about, even after they've dropped into the level. It's pretty sweet!Fluid Water Simulation is a lovely Java toy - Time-Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsNIKON NINTENDO NOKIA NVIDIA
Fluid Water Simulation is like one of those executive desk toys. There are no levels, there's no goal, and you can't win.
What you can do, though, is control approximately 5,500 particles of water, oil, or foam. You can draw walls, sketch air emitters (which create turbulence in the water), or draw very powerful "wind" with your mouse. What you see on the screenshot is wind blowing in from the right side and causing a ton of water to splash over the barrier and into the other side of the board.
While the graphics are simplistic, the particle motion is incredibly real and lifelike. It's just like playing with water and sand, but it's a lot more fun and less of a gritty mess.
Speaking of sand, this is a different take on the old "sand" game where endless particles would come down from the top of the screen, and you would get to layer them, etc. This is different because the particles here are not static; they all keep moving and rolling about, even after they've dropped into the level. It's pretty sweet!Fluid Water Simulation is a lovely Java toy - Time-Waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsNIKON NINTENDO NOKIA NVIDIA
Games (including EA's) to be front and center in Chrome Web Store
Filed under: Games, OS Updates, Google
Right now, the jury's out on Chrome Web Apps -- but there seems to be more than a little confusion about what they are and how they'll work. Sure, some of them will be little more than packaged versions of web apps you use right now like Gmail and Seesmic with support for some nifty Chrome features like notifications -- but others will make use of Native Client, Pepper, and O3D... And that includes full-on games, baby!
We're not just talking Plants vs. Zombies or Bejewelled here either (no offense intended). In the top right corner of 1Up's screenshot you can clearly see FIFA 10 -- and you've got to think that if EA is on board with one title, they'll be bringing more to the table as well.
1Up's post also shows Google demonstrating other in-browser games like the Quake demo their own devs released, Freeciv.net, Google Pac Man, and a Flash version of Lego Star Wars. The page for Plants vs. Zombies is also shown with a price of $3.99 -- not to bad for one of the most addictive little games I've played in a long time. There's also a 'try it free' button so you can count on being able to test drive at least some of the games and apps in the store prior to plunking down your cash.
I don't know about you, but the more details that surface the more excited I'm getting about the Chrome Web Store opening its doors. Now, when am I going to get my hands on a shiny piece of Chrome OS hardware....?Games (including EA's) to be front and center in Chrome Web Store originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSUN MICROSYSTEMS STANDARD MICROSYSTEMS SRA INTERNATIONAL SPSS
Right now, the jury's out on Chrome Web Apps -- but there seems to be more than a little confusion about what they are and how they'll work. Sure, some of them will be little more than packaged versions of web apps you use right now like Gmail and Seesmic with support for some nifty Chrome features like notifications -- but others will make use of Native Client, Pepper, and O3D... And that includes full-on games, baby!
We're not just talking Plants vs. Zombies or Bejewelled here either (no offense intended). In the top right corner of 1Up's screenshot you can clearly see FIFA 10 -- and you've got to think that if EA is on board with one title, they'll be bringing more to the table as well.
1Up's post also shows Google demonstrating other in-browser games like the Quake demo their own devs released, Freeciv.net, Google Pac Man, and a Flash version of Lego Star Wars. The page for Plants vs. Zombies is also shown with a price of $3.99 -- not to bad for one of the most addictive little games I've played in a long time. There's also a 'try it free' button so you can count on being able to test drive at least some of the games and apps in the store prior to plunking down your cash.
I don't know about you, but the more details that surface the more excited I'm getting about the Chrome Web Store opening its doors. Now, when am I going to get my hands on a shiny piece of Chrome OS hardware....?Games (including EA's) to be front and center in Chrome Web Store originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSUN MICROSYSTEMS STANDARD MICROSYSTEMS SRA INTERNATIONAL SPSS
Friday, August 20, 2010
Pandigital Novel review
It's our guess that the Pandigital Novel has been turning quite a few heads at retailers across the US during the last few weeks. How could it not? It's got a full-color, 7-inch touchscreen, 2GB of on-board memory, runs a skinned version of Android and is priced around $180 (depending on where you're shopping). Oh, and it's got access to Barnes & Noble's e-book store. About one-third the price of the iPad, we sure can see the attraction, but after attempting to read an entire novel on it we can't help but wonder how it found its way past product development and into the stock rooms of Walgreens, Bed, Bath & Beyond and JCPenny, to name a few. Hit the break for our full review and to see just exactly we're talking about. Gallery: Pandigital Novel reviewContinue reading Pandigital Novel reviewPandigital Novel review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | CommentsAMAZON.COM
AMERICA MOVIL
AMKOR TECHNOLOGY
AMPHENOL
Tales From the Recession: The Ins and Outs of Manhattan's $200,000 Fish Tanks [Luxury]
If you hate your life, pause, and consider that it could be much worse: "I get calls at quarter to 12 on New Year's Eve," says Ralph Ammirati, who tends to the maxed out aquariums of New York's megarich. More »
NCR NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MOTOROLA
NCR NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MOTOROLA
80s Cube Clock
This Cube Clock from Vat19 looks like a Rubik’s Cube, and it packs a lot of functionality in 27 cubic inches (3″ per side).� You turn the top to select the following functions:� clock, alarm, date/day of the week calendar, and temperature (degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius).� It’s powered by one AA battery (not included).� The [...] Filed in categories: News, Watches and ClocksTagged: Alarm Clock, Rubik's Cube80s Cube Clock originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 20, 2010 at 1:00 pm.FORMFACTOR
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Why Buy Chairs When You Can Cut Holes In Your Floor? [Design]
Plain ol' chairs, couches, sofas, and similar furniture take up too much space and can be too costly, but you've gotta sit somewhere. The easy solution? Cut some holes in your floor and say that you've made an OOoo Chair. More »
FISERV GOOGLE GRUPO IUSACELL HARRIS
FISERV GOOGLE GRUPO IUSACELL HARRIS
LG's Tablet Will Be "Surprisingly Productive" and "Better Than the iPad" [Tablets]
In an interview with the WSJ, LG's VP of Marketing made the bold statement that "our tablet will be better than the iPad." Why so confident, LG? It's "going to be surprisingly productive," apparently. More »
QUALCOMM QUANTA COMPUTER RESEARCH IN MOTION ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS
QUALCOMM QUANTA COMPUTER RESEARCH IN MOTION ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS
You Can Power Your Magic Trackpad With Magic USB After All [Hacks]
I get it, Magic Trackpad. You don't want any gaudy cords messing up the smooth lines of your industrial design. But some of us prefer USB power over batteries—and we will not be denied. More »
MOODY’S MISCROSOFT OFFICE MICROSOFT MICROSEMI
MOODY’S MISCROSOFT OFFICE MICROSOFT MICROSEMI
Facebook Apologizes Over ?Pull To Refresh? Code Lift. Attribution Added.
If you own an iPhone, you've undoubtedly used an app that has the "Pull to Refresh"�functionality. You know, where you pull a screen down to refresh the contents on the page. That was originally the work of Loren Brichter, now a Twitter employee who built it for his Tweetie 2 iPhone app (now called Twitter for iPhone). Another group of developers, Enormego, rebuilt the functionality and open-sourced it (apparently with Brichter's blessing) a while back. Which brings us to yesterday, when it landed in Facebook's new iPhone app.
The fact that Facebook is using it isn't an issue at all. The problem is that they then wrapped it into their Three20 iOS library (which they also open-source), but did so without proper attribution. The Enormego guys looked at the code and quickly realized it was nearly an exact copy of theirs. They immediately put up a post entitled "What ever happened to common courtesy?" And rightly so.BT GROUP CANON CDW CHINA MOBILE
The fact that Facebook is using it isn't an issue at all. The problem is that they then wrapped it into their Three20 iOS library (which they also open-source), but did so without proper attribution. The Enormego guys looked at the code and quickly realized it was nearly an exact copy of theirs. They immediately put up a post entitled "What ever happened to common courtesy?" And rightly so.BT GROUP CANON CDW CHINA MOBILE
First iPad Magazine to be Offered Free to Print Subscribers is People [IPad Apps]
After making headlines for its potentially-industry-changing photo agency wrangling, People magazine's iPad app will go on record as being the first title to be offered free to those who subscribe to the magazine as well. Wired, GQ—wha? More »
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TOTAL SYSTEM SERVICES TNS TIBCO SOFTWARE TIBCO SOFTWARE
10+ invaluable Android apps for the freshmen and back-to-schoolers
Filed under: Fun, Utilities, Windows, Education, Android
First up, let me congratulate you on buying an Android smartphone instead of an iPhone. You've just saved a few hundred dollars that could be better spent on beer, bitches/blokes and books. And if you have a little money left after that, you could buy a few Android apps too!
Having said that, most of the apps in this list are free with the option to pay some money if you want bonus features or you want to get rid of the ads. One or two only have paid versions, but there is almost always a free alternative.
I've broken them down into categories -- Study, Recreation and WTF?! -- just for your viewing pleasure.
Study
Yes, study comes first. You might disagree with me -- especially if you're starting your first year at university -- but I have to maintain some scruples. Remember, kids, school is all about learning! All the fun stuff begins after you graduate! In your office cubicle! For the next 40 years of your life!
Yeah right...
Note: to download an app you need to open Android Market on your phone and type in the app's name!
EverPaper (free)
EverPaper is like a glorious mix of both Evernote and Instapaper. Evernote has its own official app, but EverPaper works just fine, and it's nice to have access to both services from the same app. Both Instapaper and Evernote are 'read it later' tools, incidentally. If you're poring through Wikipedia on campus and want to save some interesting links for later, or if a lecturer gives you a link to read after class, EverPaper can help.
RepliGo Reader ($3.99) and GDocs (free)
Do you need to access your Google Docs on the move? Or perhaps your lecturer or classmate sent you a PDF attachment that you need to view? In either case, these two apps are great. Android PDF Viewer is a free alternative to RepliGo, but it's nowhere near as useful or responsive.
NewsRob (free, or $4.99)
Google Reader does have a mobile version of its website, but NewsRob is a far better solution. It's so good that you probably want to spend $4.99 on the pro version! Just type in your Google account details and watch as all of your unread RSS feeds synchronize. By default it downloads the body of stories too (including images), for offline use.
As an aside, does anyone know why this thing's called NewsRob? I bet it was developed by someone called Rob...
Barcode Scanner (free) and Document Scanner ($3.98)
Two different apps, but both equally awesome. Barcode Scanner lets you scan almost any barcode -- books, CDs, QR codes -- and then look up prices, reviews and so on. Really, download it and give it a go on a book you own; it's so, so cool. Imagine scanning a book at the university bookshop and finding out it's cheaper on Amazon...
Document Scanner converts photos of your paper documents into PDFs, which you can then email to wherever you like. It doesn't do text recognition though -- it's just a PDF with an image in, I think.
Swype (free, but closed beta) and SwiftKey (free)
If you're going to do any kind of data entry on your phone, you need Swype or SwiftKey. Swype is about 1000 times better than SwiftKey, but it's still in beta testing. SwiftKey is still a lot better than Android's default on-screen keyboard, though.
Swype is so fast that you could probably take notes in classes with your Android phone quite effectively. Who needs paper nowadays, anyway?
Fun & Recreation
Of course, after all that hard studying stuff, you need to unwind! Relax! Most students opt for the Xbox-and-beer method of unwinding, but what if you spent all your money on beer and forgot to buy the Xbox? Or maybe you like to go out and drink beer, or go to the cinema? Well, there are plenty of apps that can help you!
Fandango and IMDb (both free) (Flixster is pretty good, too)
Use Fandango to find out what films are on in your area, and IMDb to check if they're good or not! You can also book tickets with the Fandango app, which is rather handy. The IMDb app has exactly the same data as the free website, so if you ever find yourself in the pub or playground and need to break a tie, or wow your friends with an encyclopadic knowledge of film, this app's for you.
Incidentally, even if you're not into films, IMDb also does TV listings!
Yelp and Google's Places Directory (both free)
Both of these great apps can help you find somewhere to eat, drink or relax in your local vicinity -- and if Yelp doesn't return enough results, try the Places Directory! Generally you'll get the best results if you live in the USA, but most of western Europe also has good coverage.
Cab4me (free)
This app is as awesome as you think. No longer will you be tempted to drink and drive -- and no longer will one poor sod play the designated driver!
Cab4me works out either your network-based or GPS location, displays a pretty Google Map of your location, and then prompts you with the local taxi companies. For some companies it just shows a number (which you can dial directly), while for some it even shows which cars they have available and the tariffs. I've only tested it in south England, but I'm sure it's good for the entirety of America and western Europe.
Google Sky Map (free)
I wasn't sure if this one counted as educational, recreational or WTF -- to be honest, it depends if you find the sky interesting or not! Google Sky Map is new (it's still in beta), but it's one of those wondrous apps that makes the smartphone crusade a little more tolerable. If only there was a Sky Map for every app that takes photos of your friends and makes them look fat. It would all balance out...
Anyway, install Google Sky Map, go outside at night, and hold your phone up to the sky. Trust me, you'll make all sorts of odd, awed noises (or simply 'totally awweeesssome!!!', if you live on the West Coast).
WTF?!
Finally, when all's said and done, when you're laying semi-comatose on a friend's bed waiting for the sun to rise, or stuck at a bus stop in cold, driving rain, you instinctively reach for your phone and look for something to do. These apps don't really have a use, other than to put a smile on your face, or to waste a few minutes.
Twitter and Facebook (both free)
If by some divine tragedy you don't check Twitter and Facebook enough from your desktop computer, there are two very nice Android apps that you can use. They let you post updates (and pictures), or browse your friends' profiles (and pictures, in Facebook's case).
How better to while away half an hour at the bus stop than by posting 'I'm standing at a bus stop' on Facebook?
Bump (free)
The concept behind this app is great, and I can see how it might be really cool in a social setting like school or university. Basically, you just bump two phones together (both running the Bump app), and they then share some information -- a photo, your contact details, calendar events, etc. It works like a door knock -- the devices only send data out when both are knocked at the same time.
Unfortunately I haven't been able to try it out, but I can imagine it becoming the Next Big Thing at night clubs and bars. Don't shout your phone number like an enraged orangutan into his or her ear! Just bump your phones! (And later... your hips...)
Tricorder (free, of course!)
I leave you with one of the most-downloaded (250,000+!) and highest-rated (4.5 out of 5!) apps on the Market. The great thing is, it's not even a novelty app! It's a REAL APP! Tricorder actually uses real data from your phone's sensors to provide information about your acoustic environment, your location (and orientation), local cellular and Wi-Fi signals -- even solar radiation!
If that wasn't enough, it makes lots of original-series Star Trek noises. I'm not even a proper Star Trek nerd, yet Tricorder brought a huge, stupid grin to my face.
Share Tweet10+ invaluable Android apps for the freshmen and back-to-schoolers originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | CommentsINGRAM MICRO INFORMATICA INFOCUS IMS HEALTH
First up, let me congratulate you on buying an Android smartphone instead of an iPhone. You've just saved a few hundred dollars that could be better spent on beer, bitches/blokes and books. And if you have a little money left after that, you could buy a few Android apps too!
Having said that, most of the apps in this list are free with the option to pay some money if you want bonus features or you want to get rid of the ads. One or two only have paid versions, but there is almost always a free alternative.
I've broken them down into categories -- Study, Recreation and WTF?! -- just for your viewing pleasure.
Study
Yes, study comes first. You might disagree with me -- especially if you're starting your first year at university -- but I have to maintain some scruples. Remember, kids, school is all about learning! All the fun stuff begins after you graduate! In your office cubicle! For the next 40 years of your life!
Yeah right...
Note: to download an app you need to open Android Market on your phone and type in the app's name!
EverPaper (free)
EverPaper is like a glorious mix of both Evernote and Instapaper. Evernote has its own official app, but EverPaper works just fine, and it's nice to have access to both services from the same app. Both Instapaper and Evernote are 'read it later' tools, incidentally. If you're poring through Wikipedia on campus and want to save some interesting links for later, or if a lecturer gives you a link to read after class, EverPaper can help.
RepliGo Reader ($3.99) and GDocs (free)
Do you need to access your Google Docs on the move? Or perhaps your lecturer or classmate sent you a PDF attachment that you need to view? In either case, these two apps are great. Android PDF Viewer is a free alternative to RepliGo, but it's nowhere near as useful or responsive.
NewsRob (free, or $4.99)
Google Reader does have a mobile version of its website, but NewsRob is a far better solution. It's so good that you probably want to spend $4.99 on the pro version! Just type in your Google account details and watch as all of your unread RSS feeds synchronize. By default it downloads the body of stories too (including images), for offline use.
As an aside, does anyone know why this thing's called NewsRob? I bet it was developed by someone called Rob...
Barcode Scanner (free) and Document Scanner ($3.98)
Two different apps, but both equally awesome. Barcode Scanner lets you scan almost any barcode -- books, CDs, QR codes -- and then look up prices, reviews and so on. Really, download it and give it a go on a book you own; it's so, so cool. Imagine scanning a book at the university bookshop and finding out it's cheaper on Amazon...
Document Scanner converts photos of your paper documents into PDFs, which you can then email to wherever you like. It doesn't do text recognition though -- it's just a PDF with an image in, I think.
Swype (free, but closed beta) and SwiftKey (free)
If you're going to do any kind of data entry on your phone, you need Swype or SwiftKey. Swype is about 1000 times better than SwiftKey, but it's still in beta testing. SwiftKey is still a lot better than Android's default on-screen keyboard, though.
Swype is so fast that you could probably take notes in classes with your Android phone quite effectively. Who needs paper nowadays, anyway?
Fun & Recreation
Of course, after all that hard studying stuff, you need to unwind! Relax! Most students opt for the Xbox-and-beer method of unwinding, but what if you spent all your money on beer and forgot to buy the Xbox? Or maybe you like to go out and drink beer, or go to the cinema? Well, there are plenty of apps that can help you!
Fandango and IMDb (both free) (Flixster is pretty good, too)
Use Fandango to find out what films are on in your area, and IMDb to check if they're good or not! You can also book tickets with the Fandango app, which is rather handy. The IMDb app has exactly the same data as the free website, so if you ever find yourself in the pub or playground and need to break a tie, or wow your friends with an encyclopadic knowledge of film, this app's for you.
Incidentally, even if you're not into films, IMDb also does TV listings!
Yelp and Google's Places Directory (both free)
Both of these great apps can help you find somewhere to eat, drink or relax in your local vicinity -- and if Yelp doesn't return enough results, try the Places Directory! Generally you'll get the best results if you live in the USA, but most of western Europe also has good coverage.
Cab4me (free)
This app is as awesome as you think. No longer will you be tempted to drink and drive -- and no longer will one poor sod play the designated driver!
Cab4me works out either your network-based or GPS location, displays a pretty Google Map of your location, and then prompts you with the local taxi companies. For some companies it just shows a number (which you can dial directly), while for some it even shows which cars they have available and the tariffs. I've only tested it in south England, but I'm sure it's good for the entirety of America and western Europe.
Google Sky Map (free)
I wasn't sure if this one counted as educational, recreational or WTF -- to be honest, it depends if you find the sky interesting or not! Google Sky Map is new (it's still in beta), but it's one of those wondrous apps that makes the smartphone crusade a little more tolerable. If only there was a Sky Map for every app that takes photos of your friends and makes them look fat. It would all balance out...
Anyway, install Google Sky Map, go outside at night, and hold your phone up to the sky. Trust me, you'll make all sorts of odd, awed noises (or simply 'totally awweeesssome!!!', if you live on the West Coast).
WTF?!
Finally, when all's said and done, when you're laying semi-comatose on a friend's bed waiting for the sun to rise, or stuck at a bus stop in cold, driving rain, you instinctively reach for your phone and look for something to do. These apps don't really have a use, other than to put a smile on your face, or to waste a few minutes.
Twitter and Facebook (both free)
If by some divine tragedy you don't check Twitter and Facebook enough from your desktop computer, there are two very nice Android apps that you can use. They let you post updates (and pictures), or browse your friends' profiles (and pictures, in Facebook's case).
How better to while away half an hour at the bus stop than by posting 'I'm standing at a bus stop' on Facebook?
Bump (free)
The concept behind this app is great, and I can see how it might be really cool in a social setting like school or university. Basically, you just bump two phones together (both running the Bump app), and they then share some information -- a photo, your contact details, calendar events, etc. It works like a door knock -- the devices only send data out when both are knocked at the same time.
Unfortunately I haven't been able to try it out, but I can imagine it becoming the Next Big Thing at night clubs and bars. Don't shout your phone number like an enraged orangutan into his or her ear! Just bump your phones! (And later... your hips...)
Tricorder (free, of course!)
I leave you with one of the most-downloaded (250,000+!) and highest-rated (4.5 out of 5!) apps on the Market. The great thing is, it's not even a novelty app! It's a REAL APP! Tricorder actually uses real data from your phone's sensors to provide information about your acoustic environment, your location (and orientation), local cellular and Wi-Fi signals -- even solar radiation!
If that wasn't enough, it makes lots of original-series Star Trek noises. I'm not even a proper Star Trek nerd, yet Tricorder brought a huge, stupid grin to my face.
Share Tweet10+ invaluable Android apps for the freshmen and back-to-schoolers originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | CommentsINGRAM MICRO INFORMATICA INFOCUS IMS HEALTH
British retailer outs HTC Desire Z, confirms Desire HD again
mobiles.co.uk -- which is a subsidiary of European phone giant Carphone Warehouse -- seems to be talking in some very matter-of-fact terms about a couple new Android models from HTC, presumably devices that we'll see at this upcoming September 15 event. First up is the well-leaked Desire HD, which these guys list as a Froyo device equipped with a 4.3-inch display, 1GHz core, 8 megapixel camera with 720p video capture, and 4GB of internal storage (in other words, precisely what we were expecting). More interesting to some, though, will be the Desire Z, which is described as an Android 2.1 device (yes, 2.1, not 2.2) with a full sliding keyboard -- quite likely the Vision, if we had to guess. Gonna be hard to wait for the next month to find out, isn't it?
[Thanks, Richard and Pete S.]British retailer outs HTC Desire Z, confirms Desire HD again originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | mobiles.co.uk | Email this | CommentsMOTOROLA MOODY’S MISCROSOFT OFFICE MICROSOFT
[Thanks, Richard and Pete S.]British retailer outs HTC Desire Z, confirms Desire HD again originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | mobiles.co.uk | Email this | CommentsMOTOROLA MOODY’S MISCROSOFT OFFICE MICROSOFT
Gadget Deals of the Day [Dealzmodo]
Have no fear, #Dealzmodo is here to save you some money. Check out the super deals on the just-released 1080p Core i3 Lenovo IdeaCentre, a PS3 Wireless Dualshock Controller, and some free 1&1 Web Hosting. More »
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TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED TRIDENT MICROSYSTEMS TRANSACTION SYSTEMS ARCHITECTS TOTAL SYSTEM SERVICES
Polaroid and RealD team up for premium 3D eyewear, mutual back-patting
Polaroid's iconic instant camera may have retreated into the annals of yuppie history, but the company's original business remains: sunglasses, whose light-spinning lens technology is indeed directly responsible for the Polaroid name and whose new RealD-certified Polaroid Premium 3D variant is the latest attempt to make the brand relevant again. Yes, only seven decades after introducing polarized theater to the world the firm's at it once more, with a line of designer 3D glasses endowed with upstart RealD's enthusiastic recommendation. The glasses should appear at theaters near you soon, though we think it's safe to say that you won't see them distributed in little plastic baggies at the counter -- there's no word on price, but Polaroid's probably calling them "premium" for a reason. PR after the break.Continue reading Polaroid and RealD team up for premium 3D eyewear, mutual back-pattingPolaroid and RealD team up for premium 3D eyewear, mutual back-patting originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | CommentsELECTRONIC DATA SYSTEMS
ELECTRONIC ARTS
ECLIPSYS
EASTMAN KODAK CO
Thursday, August 19, 2010
USB Dongle Claims to Deliver First Easy Hack for PS3
If it works as advertised, a USB dongle could soon break the PlayStation 3’s seemingly hackproof seal.
An obscure group called PS Jailbreak is selling a USB dongle that will supposedly modify the PS3 so users can dump backed up (aka pirated) games onto the system’s hard drive to play them just like legitimate copies.
We write [...]COSMOTE MOBILE TELECOM. D-LINK DIGITAL CHINA HOLDINGS DIRECTV GROUP
An obscure group called PS Jailbreak is selling a USB dongle that will supposedly modify the PS3 so users can dump backed up (aka pirated) games onto the system’s hard drive to play them just like legitimate copies.
We write [...]COSMOTE MOBILE TELECOM. D-LINK DIGITAL CHINA HOLDINGS DIRECTV GROUP
Daily Crunch: Hip Pad Edition
Bag Week Reviews: Timbuk2 Extra Credit Messenger Review: Orb Home Theater Speakers The Google Store, Now With A Fresh Supply Of Android Merchandise Just a Dr. Marten Limited Edition USB Drive Bag Week Review Blitz, Back To School EditionDIODES INORATED
DIEBOLD
DELL
CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR
CVS to sell $100 Sylvania netbook and $179 e-reader this fall, Tylenol not included
Watch out Kmart, CVS is getting its very own $100 smartbook and $180 e-reader and there's nothing you can do about it! We've gotten a hold of some marketing materials which confirm that this fall your neighborhood drugstore will be stocking a Sylvania netbook running Windows CE and a color e-reader. There aren't too many details on the little laptop itself, although we can only guess that the thing will be very similar to many of the other cheap smartbooks we've seen lately. Oh, it does claim to be able to stream video / YouTube, but we'll believe it when we see it play Bieber's Segway escape without freezing up. There are a few more details on the 7-inch LookBook e-reader after the break, but it will pack 512MB of storage space, a full keyboard and will have access to Kobo's e-book store. Seems like some good old cheap tech to us, but we're willing to bet that more than a few CVS shoppers will be tempted to throw one of these into the basket along with the deodorant and shampoo.Continue reading CVS to sell $100 Sylvania netbook and $179 e-reader this fall, Tylenol not includedCVS to sell $100 Sylvania netbook and $179 e-reader this fall, Tylenol not included originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | CommentsD-LINK
DIGITAL CHINA HOLDINGS
DIRECTV GROUP
ELPIDA MEMORY
Is Droid Pro Just the Global Droid 2? [Unconfirmed]
It may not be as big a revelation as "Einhorn Is Finkle", but still: according to Engadget, it looks as though the rumored Droid Pro is actually the Droid 2 with a GSM/HSPA radio thrown in for global calling. Given that there's little separating Droid 2 from Droid, one can happily imagine a future in which Motorola keeps making the same phone over and over again, forever, the end. And I'd be perfectly okay with that. [Engadget] More »
LAWSON SOFTWARE LAND SOFTWARE LAM RESEARCH L-1 IDENTITY SOLUTIONS
LAWSON SOFTWARE LAND SOFTWARE LAM RESEARCH L-1 IDENTITY SOLUTIONS
Daily Crunch: Hip Pad Edition
Bag Week Reviews: Timbuk2 Extra Credit Messenger Review: Orb Home Theater Speakers The Google Store, Now With A Fresh Supply Of Android Merchandise Just a Dr. Marten Limited Edition USB Drive Bag Week Review Blitz, Back To School EditionDISCOVER FINANCIAL SERVICES
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Canon SELPHY CP800 photo printer takes cue from Flickr with 'Shuffled' collage option
Laugh all you want, Digital Elite, but there still exist those out there who like holding physical representations of their capture memories -- but how does a company stand out in the field of photo printer? Canon's giving it a shot with the SELPHY CP800 and a random standout feature or two. In addition to a 2.5-inch tilting LCD screen and numerous image optimization features, there's also a Shuffle feature that'll take randomly selected shots and create a 4 x 6-inch collage. A neat trick, sure, and it looks okay as our Flickr Collections icon, but even there we have more of a say in what shows up -- and it doesn't waste expensive ink to try again. Still, the less picky out there might enjoy the convenience, and it's not mandatory that you use it. PR after the break and pre-order via Amazon; the magic print box will cost just under $100 on arrival, but when that might be is still an elusive mystery.Continue reading Canon SELPHY CP800 photo printer takes cue from Flickr with 'Shuffled' collage optionCanon SELPHY CP800 photo printer takes cue from Flickr with 'Shuffled' collage option originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Amazon | Email this | CommentsLAWSON SOFTWARE
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Microsoft Games Studios is establishing a new Mobile Gaming studio to develop Windows Phone 7 games
Filed under: Games, Windows Mobile, MicrosoftNeowin has the scoop: according to the Microsoft Careers website, a new game studio that specializes in Windows Phone games is being created as we speak. This news comes just a few hours after details of Sony Ericsson's 'PlayStation Phone' emerged. The new studio's 'mission statement' follows:
MGS Mobile Gaming - focused on bringing games and entertainment to the mobile life that people lead. Our vision is to deliver games and entertainment so good that people will want them always with them, on a service that makes them social, connected and relevant anywhere their life goes. The Mobile Gaming team is building industry leading products that showcase our Windows Phone platform as well as emerging mobile platforms, and will help realize Microsoft's connected entertainment vision. The Mobile Gaming studio will be the hub for MGS franchises and titles on mobile devices and a center of excellence for mobile games.
I can't add much to the story other than speculation. What are the other 'emerging mobile platforms' that are alluded to? Experience with Xbox Live and C# are listed as 'highly desired', so I can't imagine them making games for iOS devices -- but who knows what Microsoft has planned?
Microsoft definitely managed to carve itself a nice chunk of the console industry with the Xbox -- can it do the same with the mobile segment? Before today, the mobile phone industry lacked a big-money developer and now we have both Sony and Microsoft weighing in! Things are about to get very interesting -- and right now, if I happened to be a Nintendo executive, I'd be wondering when and where the mobile phone and portable gaming markets will collide...
Share tweetmeme_url = 'http://www.downloadsquad.com/2010/08/12/microsoft-games-studios-is-establishing-a-new-mobile-gaming-stud'; tweetmeme_source='DownloadSquad'; tweetmeme_style = 'compact'; Microsoft Games Studios is establishing a new Mobile Gaming studio to develop Windows Phone 7 games originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAPPLIED MATERIALS ARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ARROW ELECTRONICS ASML HOLDING
MGS Mobile Gaming - focused on bringing games and entertainment to the mobile life that people lead. Our vision is to deliver games and entertainment so good that people will want them always with them, on a service that makes them social, connected and relevant anywhere their life goes. The Mobile Gaming team is building industry leading products that showcase our Windows Phone platform as well as emerging mobile platforms, and will help realize Microsoft's connected entertainment vision. The Mobile Gaming studio will be the hub for MGS franchises and titles on mobile devices and a center of excellence for mobile games.
I can't add much to the story other than speculation. What are the other 'emerging mobile platforms' that are alluded to? Experience with Xbox Live and C# are listed as 'highly desired', so I can't imagine them making games for iOS devices -- but who knows what Microsoft has planned?
Microsoft definitely managed to carve itself a nice chunk of the console industry with the Xbox -- can it do the same with the mobile segment? Before today, the mobile phone industry lacked a big-money developer and now we have both Sony and Microsoft weighing in! Things are about to get very interesting -- and right now, if I happened to be a Nintendo executive, I'd be wondering when and where the mobile phone and portable gaming markets will collide...
Share tweetmeme_url = 'http://www.downloadsquad.com/2010/08/12/microsoft-games-studios-is-establishing-a-new-mobile-gaming-stud'; tweetmeme_source='DownloadSquad'; tweetmeme_style = 'compact'; Microsoft Games Studios is establishing a new Mobile Gaming studio to develop Windows Phone 7 games originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAPPLIED MATERIALS ARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ARROW ELECTRONICS ASML HOLDING
Little Black Book: An Open and Shut Case for iPhone 4
Remember when we actually used to carry a little black book? It may not have actually been black, but a little pocket notebook was essential if you wanted to remember a phone number, address or any of the snippets that today make their way into our cellphones. But what if you could combine the aesthetic [...]KDDI
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That Was Fast. Apple?s ?Delicious? iPad Ad Remixed�Already
Who in the world has the time in the middle of the working day to make flamebait changes to an Apple ad? Who could this handsome mystery man be? We'll never know.ALLTEL
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Loopy Art-Trike Bends the Mind
This trike would fit right into a remake of The Shining, only instead of being ridden by the bowl-haired Danny Torrance, it would be piloted by a stretched, nightmarish cross between a creepy child and a psychedelic, broken-backed dachshund. The movie would, of course, be directed by Terry Gilliam.
The tricycle is in fact a sculpture [...]DELL CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR ACCENTURE ACER
The tricycle is in fact a sculpture [...]DELL CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR ACCENTURE ACER
Deal of the Day ? HP ENVY 14 ?14.5 Core i3/i5/i7 Laptop + 1GB Radeon HD 5650 switchable graphics
The LogicBUY Deal for Wednesday is for the��HP�ENVY 14 14.5-inch Laptop starting at $999.99 – $100 off Coupon =�$899.99 with free shipping.� Customize with an�Intel Core i3 to�Core i5 (i5-430M, -450M, -520M)�or Core i7 with Quad Core (i7-720QM, i7-740QM, i7-840QM). The Envy 14 is�only 1.1″ thick and weighs 5.25 pounds. It’s equiped with ATI Mobility [...] Filed in categories: NewsTagged: Deal of the DayDeal of the Day ? HP ENVY 14 “14.5 Core i3/i5/i7 Laptop + 1GB Radeon HD 5650 switchable graphics originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 18, 2010 at 6:00 am.ORACLE
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Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Sansa Fuze+ leaks out with slotRadio support, 24 hours of battery life
And here we thought SanDisk had up and buried its once-thriving Sansa PMP line. After all -- it was this company's CEO that said "you can't out-iPod the iPod." For whatever reason, it looks as if the memory mainstay is about to try its hand once more in the saturated media player market, with a Sansa Fuze+ rumored for release in the near term. As you can clearly see above, there won't be anything too special about the Fuze+, though the 2.4-inch QVGA display, capacitive touch controls and inbuilt FM tuner are certainly appreciated. It'll ship in 4GB, 8GB and 16GB flavors, supporting the usual file formats (AAC, MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, Audible, MPEG4, H.264, WMV, etc.) and offering a rechargeable battery good for 24 hours on the audio side and 5 hours on the video side. USB 2.0 support is thrown in, as is the absolutely riveting confirmation that it'll be "ready for slotRadio and slotMusic memory cards." Knowing that, we aren't so sure if our minds can take the wait till September 12th, but we'll do our best.Sansa Fuze+ leaks out with slotRadio support, 24 hours of battery life originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
SILICON LABORATORIES SI INTERNATIONAL SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY SCIENTIFIC GAMES
SILICON LABORATORIES SI INTERNATIONAL SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY SCIENTIFIC GAMES
Grab a Vibrant on T-Mobile for $99, Today Only [Deals]
T-Mobile is offering its Vibrant (AKA Samsung Galaxy S and Captivate and Epic 4G) for a mere $99, today only. That's a 50% discount! If you want it, get on it post-haste. [T-Mobile via Engadget] More »
MANTECH INTERNATIONAL MANHATTAN ASSOCIATES LSI LINEAR TECHNOLOGY .
MANTECH INTERNATIONAL MANHATTAN ASSOCIATES LSI LINEAR TECHNOLOGY .
Another augmented reality, pico-projecting lamp threatens desktops, brings tablet reinforcements (video)
How long have dumblamps been ruling our desktops for? Their reign of evenly scattered light might finally be coming to a close. A few months back it was MIT student Natan Linder putting a pico projector in a lamp to create LuminAR. Now, researcher Li-Wei Chan from National Taiwan University has crafted something similar, again with a pico projector replacing a bulb, this time relying on an IR camera to detect position. The lamp projects an image into a surface that users can interact with, while tablets (also augmented with use IR cameras) can be used to display a 3D view of the 2D projected content, allowing a user to look around and zoom in dynamically. The voice-over in the video below talks of potential military applications, generals analyzing battlefields, but for once we'd like to think that this sort of thing would be used for peace. You know, planning nature walks, watching virtual horsies romp around in a pretend field, that sort of thing.Continue reading Another augmented reality, pico-projecting lamp threatens desktops, brings tablet reinforcements (video)Another augmented reality, pico-projecting lamp threatens desktops, brings tablet reinforcements (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Gearlog | NewScientist | Email this | CommentsFISERV
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SeeqPod Founder Returns With Another Search Startup, This Time For Mobile Apps
Kasian Franks, an engineer and researcher mostly known for being the technical founder of music search venture SeeqPod (more about its tumultuous history here), is back with another startup in the search space.
This time, he's set his sights on the world of mobile applications - obviously quite the booming space.
Meet Mimvi, which aims to combine its proprietary search, recommendation and personalization technology and thus enable consumers to rapidly discover mobile apps and content across all devices and platforms.INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES INVENTEC KDDI KLA-TENCOR
This time, he's set his sights on the world of mobile applications - obviously quite the booming space.
Meet Mimvi, which aims to combine its proprietary search, recommendation and personalization technology and thus enable consumers to rapidly discover mobile apps and content across all devices and platforms.INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES INVENTEC KDDI KLA-TENCOR
We finally, really did it: Engadget gets a new commenting system
Some things seem like they might never happen: man traveling at light-speed, AI that is truly sentient, a striped shirt that doesn't make you look fat... and a respectable Engadget commenting system. Well folks, today you can cross one of those lofty goals off of the bucket list. Yes, you read that right. Starting today -- right now -- Engadget has a brand-spanking-new comment system powered by the dynamic and insanely flexible Disqus architecture. Even if you don't know the name, you've probably seen Disqus in one form or another -- it's used on CNN, Mashable, All Things Digital, and a slew of other sites you likely frequent.
So what's new with Engadget comments? Pretty much everything. For starters, the inner and outer workings of our system have changed substantially -- for the better. We've added multiple, threaded reply levels (hello 1998!), real-time updating of new comments, image and video attachments inline, and yes... comment editing. That means next time you write "dandroid" instead of "fandroid," you can actually make the fix (unless you were nicknaming your friend Dan -- then carry on). Using Disqus also allows us to make commenting on Engadget easier than ever before (for new and old users alike) by providing login connectivity with Facebook, Twitter, and OpenID. That also means that you can tweet or post to your wall when commenting, and we've got future plans for all kinds of funky integration with the services you know and love. If you don't want to use those pesky social networking services, you can create a Disqus account as well (you'll be able to comment on other Disqus sites using that account too). We're also scrapping the down- and up-ranking scheme we've had for voting on comments. If you like something, give it the +1 you've been talking about for years. And of course, if something is offensive or out of line, report it to us so we can deal with it properly. Which brings us to... moderation.
Switching over to Disqus in comments also means that our ability to moderate is dramatically and drastically upgraded, which is bad, bad news for the trolls and spammers who have made commenting life on Engadget a royal pain in the backside at times. Thanks to a set of pretty powerful tools we'll be deploying, we'll be better equipped than ever before to deal with rogue commenters -- from minor pains to major trollbursts. From here on out, the editors' and moderators' ability to track, control, delete, and ban inside and outside of comments will be markedly improved, meaning that we'll act quicker and more precisely to scrap the bad eggs and keep the conversation civil. Fanboys, you're officially on notice. For those of you who love Engadget and are responsible commenters, keep up the good work, because we're toying with moderator promotions for those of you who have what it takes to keep the troublemakers in check.
Active commenters -- you should know that the one thing we leave behind along with our commenting system is your Engadget account. Starting with this post, you'll need to either create a Disqus account, or use one of the aforementioned services to login and comment. Older comments and accounts won't go away, but the ability to comment on older posts will cease after a short while. We think this is a minor tradeoff considering the benefits, and we know that a lot of readers who have had some trepidation about getting into the Engadget commenting pool will finally have a chance to get their feet wet. We know everyone is going to take a little time adjusting, but we'll be on-hand to try and answer questions, and we'll also be keeping a close watch on comments for rising stars and early abusers.
So, with that said, we think it's a good time to remind everyone of what we think commenting should be like on the site, so we're including our Human's Guide to Commenting on Engadget below. Enjoy... and get writing!
Update: Just a note, if you see weirdness, don't panic! We're still working out a few kinks and tweaking stuff like the comment count and mobile app implementation.Continue reading We finally, really did it: Engadget gets a new commenting systemWe finally, really did it: Engadget gets a new commenting system originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | CommentsSYNNEX SYMANTEC SYKES ENTERPRISES INORATED SYBASE
So what's new with Engadget comments? Pretty much everything. For starters, the inner and outer workings of our system have changed substantially -- for the better. We've added multiple, threaded reply levels (hello 1998!), real-time updating of new comments, image and video attachments inline, and yes... comment editing. That means next time you write "dandroid" instead of "fandroid," you can actually make the fix (unless you were nicknaming your friend Dan -- then carry on). Using Disqus also allows us to make commenting on Engadget easier than ever before (for new and old users alike) by providing login connectivity with Facebook, Twitter, and OpenID. That also means that you can tweet or post to your wall when commenting, and we've got future plans for all kinds of funky integration with the services you know and love. If you don't want to use those pesky social networking services, you can create a Disqus account as well (you'll be able to comment on other Disqus sites using that account too). We're also scrapping the down- and up-ranking scheme we've had for voting on comments. If you like something, give it the +1 you've been talking about for years. And of course, if something is offensive or out of line, report it to us so we can deal with it properly. Which brings us to... moderation.
Switching over to Disqus in comments also means that our ability to moderate is dramatically and drastically upgraded, which is bad, bad news for the trolls and spammers who have made commenting life on Engadget a royal pain in the backside at times. Thanks to a set of pretty powerful tools we'll be deploying, we'll be better equipped than ever before to deal with rogue commenters -- from minor pains to major trollbursts. From here on out, the editors' and moderators' ability to track, control, delete, and ban inside and outside of comments will be markedly improved, meaning that we'll act quicker and more precisely to scrap the bad eggs and keep the conversation civil. Fanboys, you're officially on notice. For those of you who love Engadget and are responsible commenters, keep up the good work, because we're toying with moderator promotions for those of you who have what it takes to keep the troublemakers in check.
Active commenters -- you should know that the one thing we leave behind along with our commenting system is your Engadget account. Starting with this post, you'll need to either create a Disqus account, or use one of the aforementioned services to login and comment. Older comments and accounts won't go away, but the ability to comment on older posts will cease after a short while. We think this is a minor tradeoff considering the benefits, and we know that a lot of readers who have had some trepidation about getting into the Engadget commenting pool will finally have a chance to get their feet wet. We know everyone is going to take a little time adjusting, but we'll be on-hand to try and answer questions, and we'll also be keeping a close watch on comments for rising stars and early abusers.
So, with that said, we think it's a good time to remind everyone of what we think commenting should be like on the site, so we're including our Human's Guide to Commenting on Engadget below. Enjoy... and get writing!
Update: Just a note, if you see weirdness, don't panic! We're still working out a few kinks and tweaking stuff like the comment count and mobile app implementation.Continue reading We finally, really did it: Engadget gets a new commenting systemWe finally, really did it: Engadget gets a new commenting system originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | CommentsSYNNEX SYMANTEC SYKES ENTERPRISES INORATED SYBASE
Three simple ways to watch YouTube (and other) videos with no distractions
Filed under: Utilities, Video, Browser Tips
It turns out people don't like clutter. Surprise! Not that YouTube's interface is all that cluttered, but sometimes I just want to watch my video without having to see it in full screen.
Well, it turns out that there's a whole genre of websites which specialize in removing all the crud and leaving the video: in other words, they generate spartan pages with your video embedded right into them, on a white or black background.
I found all three of these on the excellent MakeUseOf, which never fails as a source for a ton of cool web-related news and tools. Here goes:
ViewPure gives you a short link, and a blank/white background. What I like about it is that it also provides a text box for creating a new page; other sites only give you a bookmarklet which you're supposed to click while on the page for the video you want to watch. Very nice.
Silentube gives you a bookmarklet, but it actually worked also when I just appended the video URL to Silentube's URL, although it claimed that "Seemes something went wrong". If you're into bookmarklets, Silentube is a nice one.
Quietube is apparently a fierce competitor of Silentube (at least if you go by the name). It has one-upped its rival, since my URL-pasting trick worked just fine on this one. You also get a bookmarklet which you can just click when you're on the video page.
One thing I would like each of these sites to do -- that they currently don't -- is to take the highest-quality video from the site, or at least let me choose the quality. I suspect that if I use the bookmarklet they display whatever quality I am currently watching, though.
These are particularly handy when you want to send someone a link to a video, and you want to show them just the video so they can focus on how hilarious/interesting it is.Three simple ways to watch YouTube (and other) videos with no distractions originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMETHODE ELECTRONICS MENTOR GRAPHICS MCAFEE MAXIMUS
It turns out people don't like clutter. Surprise! Not that YouTube's interface is all that cluttered, but sometimes I just want to watch my video without having to see it in full screen.
Well, it turns out that there's a whole genre of websites which specialize in removing all the crud and leaving the video: in other words, they generate spartan pages with your video embedded right into them, on a white or black background.
I found all three of these on the excellent MakeUseOf, which never fails as a source for a ton of cool web-related news and tools. Here goes:
ViewPure gives you a short link, and a blank/white background. What I like about it is that it also provides a text box for creating a new page; other sites only give you a bookmarklet which you're supposed to click while on the page for the video you want to watch. Very nice.
Silentube gives you a bookmarklet, but it actually worked also when I just appended the video URL to Silentube's URL, although it claimed that "Seemes something went wrong". If you're into bookmarklets, Silentube is a nice one.
Quietube is apparently a fierce competitor of Silentube (at least if you go by the name). It has one-upped its rival, since my URL-pasting trick worked just fine on this one. You also get a bookmarklet which you can just click when you're on the video page.
One thing I would like each of these sites to do -- that they currently don't -- is to take the highest-quality video from the site, or at least let me choose the quality. I suspect that if I use the bookmarklet they display whatever quality I am currently watching, though.
These are particularly handy when you want to send someone a link to a video, and you want to show them just the video so they can focus on how hilarious/interesting it is.Three simple ways to watch YouTube (and other) videos with no distractions originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMETHODE ELECTRONICS MENTOR GRAPHICS MCAFEE MAXIMUS
How to reboot Google Chrome sync when you're having problems
Filed under: Google, How-Tos, Browsers
Google Chrome's sync features can be incredibly handy for those of use who run the browser on multiple computers. Every now and then, however, you may run into a problem. In my case, I had certain bookmarks which kept popping back up even though I'd previously deleted them.
Today I got an email from a reader, John, who was having a similar issue with his extensions. "Recently LastPass has found a way to stay in there, but all my other extensions are gone, no where to be found, not even at chrome://extensions," he wrote.
So, how does he fix this? I've tried a couple things in the past which seem to help.
Sign out of Chrome Sync and sign back in. To do this, click the wrench menu icon and then click options. Once the window appears, click the Personal Stuff tab and press Stop syncing this account. Confirm by pressing Stop syncing.
This method will work best when you're not signed in to Chrome elsewhere -- so remember to close your browser on your secondary machine before you begin.
Change your Google account password. Also recommended as a quick way to kill 3rd-party app access to your Twitter account, a quick change of your Google password will break sync and give you a chance to start fresh. This link should take you to the password change page, or you can visit your Google Dashboard.
This will prevent all your systems from re-syncing, regardless of whether or not you closed the browser first.
If you've been having issues with Chrome sync, let us know if either of these solutions worked for you!How to reboot Google Chrome sync when you're having problems originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | CommentsSANDISK SALESFORCE COM SAIC ROCKWELL AUTOMATION
Google Chrome's sync features can be incredibly handy for those of use who run the browser on multiple computers. Every now and then, however, you may run into a problem. In my case, I had certain bookmarks which kept popping back up even though I'd previously deleted them.
Today I got an email from a reader, John, who was having a similar issue with his extensions. "Recently LastPass has found a way to stay in there, but all my other extensions are gone, no where to be found, not even at chrome://extensions," he wrote.
So, how does he fix this? I've tried a couple things in the past which seem to help.
Sign out of Chrome Sync and sign back in. To do this, click the wrench menu icon and then click options. Once the window appears, click the Personal Stuff tab and press Stop syncing this account. Confirm by pressing Stop syncing.
This method will work best when you're not signed in to Chrome elsewhere -- so remember to close your browser on your secondary machine before you begin.
Change your Google account password. Also recommended as a quick way to kill 3rd-party app access to your Twitter account, a quick change of your Google password will break sync and give you a chance to start fresh. This link should take you to the password change page, or you can visit your Google Dashboard.
This will prevent all your systems from re-syncing, regardless of whether or not you closed the browser first.
If you've been having issues with Chrome sync, let us know if either of these solutions worked for you!How to reboot Google Chrome sync when you're having problems originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | CommentsSANDISK SALESFORCE COM SAIC ROCKWELL AUTOMATION
Wikileaks May Get Immunity Thanks to Swedish Pirate Party [Freedom]
After offering help against US government pressure in July, the Swedish Pirate Party has signed an agreement with Wikileaks. After the deal, if the party wins a Swedish parliament seat in September, it'll be impossible to legally shut them down. More »
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QIMONDA QUALCOMM QUANTA COMPUTER RESEARCH IN MOTION
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