Einfohound Blog

Jeff Bezos Calls Sales Tax Requirements On Amazon Unconstitutional

2011-05-17T22:03:00.001-07:00

Steve1960 writes "Amazon.com chief Jeff Bezos says the online retailer won't collect tax from most of its 90 million customers until Congress clearly mandates it. Although a growing number of states are demanding that Amazon collect and remit tax on sales within their borders, such demands are 'interference in interstate commerce' and prohibited by the Constitution, Bezos said."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/LIr7ZnoGECM/Jeff-Bezos-Calls-Sales-Tax-Requirements-On-Amazon-Unconstitutional

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Angry Birds Rio catapults into webOS App Catalog

2011-05-17T18:03:00.001-07:00

After having been available for iOS and Android for around a couple of weeks, Angry Birds Rio, the latest edition of the casual gaming megahit, has finally reached webOS as well.

Angry Birds Rio has two episodes that contain over 60 new levels at the moment, but episodic updates are promised to arrive throughout this year. Let's not forget that Angry Birds Rio brings the biggest change to the franchise yet -- you no longer aim for little green pigs. This time, in fact, your anger is directed at monkeys who are to blame for holding other fowl hostage in cages.

Buy Angry Birds Rio for webOS for $1.99 from the webOS App Catalog

Angry Birds Rio catapults into webOS App Catalog originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/angry-birds-rio-catapults-into-webos-app-catalog/

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Blood turbine to power your pacemaker, become legendary band name

2011-05-17T14:03:00.001-07:00

Why bother with risky battery-changing surgical operations when your own cardiovascular system can provide all the power your heart-shocking pacemaker will ever need? Engineers at Switzerland's University of Bern have been working on tiny turbines; turbines small enough, in fact, to fit inside a human artery. Working like a blood powered hydroelectric generator, a working prototype -- tested in a simulated artery -- has been able to produce 800 microwatts of electricity. That's roughly eighty times the power required to power the average pacemaker; such a device could provide independent, sustainable power to neurostimulators, blood-pressure sensors, and other implanted medical gizmos. Researchers are concerned, however, that a blood turbine's adding agitation of blood flow might lead to clotting, and are continuing to tweak and rework the design to minimize this risk. Similar, but unrelated cardiovascular power designs have attempted to alleviate the concern by doing away with the rotating, fluid powered components, opting to generate electricity by oscillating magnets by utilizing changes in blood pressure -- which sounds awesome, but still falls shy of "blood turbine," in the contest for most Metal medical device.

Blood turbine to power your pacemaker, become legendary band name originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 May 2011 08:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Gizmodo | IEEE Spectrum | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/blood-turbine-to-power-your-pacemaker-become-legendary-band-nam/

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AppleCrate II: Apple II-Based Parallel Computer

2011-05-17T10:03:00.001-07:00

sproketboy noted that many years ago
Michael J. Mahon built the AppleCrate — a parallel stack of Apple IIs — for no good reason. Recently he came back with the AppleCrate II, which more than doubles the number of motherboards, and at least triples the awesomeness.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdotApple/~3/JEs8mvOX8us/AppleCrate-II-Apple-II-Based-Parallel-Computer

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Opera 11.10 includes improved power saving features

2011-05-17T06:04:00.001-07:00

Just recently, the Opera 11.10 release candidate was made available for download. It brought a handful of important feature additions -- like HTML5 File API support and IMAP enhancements -- and loads of bugfixes. Nestled in amongst the other details in the Opera team's announcement is one more interesting tidbit: Opera 11.10 offers improved battery optimizations.

The timing here is certainly interesting, what with Microsoft's recent report on how much power the top five Web browsers consume. In its findings, Opera 11 was fairly low in the standings. While we've not seen any new benchmarks yet, we're curious to know whether the Opera 11.10 RC offers any significant gains.

If you're running Opera 11.10 on a laptop, let us know if you're seeing an improvement in your battery life while browsing!

Opera 11.10 includes improved power saving features originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/07/opera-11-10-includes-improved-power-saving-features/

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Barnes & Noble logs 1m Nook app downloads in first week, people are probably playing Angry Birds instead of reading

2011-05-17T02:03:00.001-07:00

We were pretty stoked when Barnes & Noble finally made Android apps a legit feature on the Nook Color (lack of Market access be damned) and, unsurprisingly, many of you were, too -- the company reports that within a week of making these applications available, it hit 1 million downloads. It would seem we can glean two stunningly obvious things from this tidbit: one, the addition of features through software updates makes people happy. Two: you people really feel the need to play Angry Birds on every device you own, don't you? According to B&N, the never-ending avian spectacle topped the paid app list, with Fliq Calendar leading the free ones. Missing from this stat, of course, is any insight into how fast this catalog is growing -- a good question, since these Android applications have to get tweaked especially for the Nook Color before you can download 'em. Self-congratulatory press release after the break.

Continue reading Barnes & Noble logs 1m Nook app downloads in first week, people are probably playing Angry Birds instead of reading

Barnes & Noble logs 1m Nook app downloads in first week, people are probably playing Angry Birds instead of reading originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 May 2011 14:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/barnes-and-noble-logs-1-million-nook-app-downloads-in-first-week/

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Philips EnduraLED A21 bulb offers bright light for big bucks

2011-05-16T22:03:00.001-07:00

If the expected price tag for Philips' latest LED light bulb is any indication, a brighter tomorrow won't come cheap. The "75W replacement," known as the EnudraLED A21, apparently reduces energy by 80 percent, lasts 25 times longer than its conventional counterpart, and is expected to cost between $40 and $45. Given that's significantly less expensive than the outfit's 60W equivalent, but for us regular folks, that's not exactly a drop in the bucket. However, if you're picking up what Philips is laying down, the bulb -- which uses a mere 17 watts of electricity to beam 1,100 lumens -- could save the US 5,220 megawatts of electricity and $630,000,000 annually (if we all switch over tomorrow). That certainly sounds good, but somehow we doubt a $45 light bulb is going to be the incandescent killer. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Philips EnduraLED A21 bulb offers bright light for big bucks

Philips EnduraLED A21 bulb offers bright light for big bucks originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 May 2011 22:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/philips-enduraled-a21-bulb-offers-bright-light-for-big-bucks/

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New Firefox Nightly and Aurora logos unearthed, and how to enable channel switching

2011-05-16T18:03:00.001-07:00

Later today, Firefox will undergo its biggest developmental upheaval ever. Mozilla-central, the source of nightly builds, will be renumbered to version 5 -- and at long last, after years of wallowing around version 1, Mozilla's rendering and layout engine, Gecko, will also have its version number updated to match Firefox.

Shortly thereafter, Firefox's new channel system will be implemented. Firefox 5a2 will be introduced as the first Aurora build, and we should also see a Firefox 6 Nightly build. While we we're not sure where they came from, one Sören Hentzschel seems to have unearthed the new Nightly and Aurora logos (see above), along with new About Firefox dialogs (after the break).

In other news, if you want to take a sneak peek at the new 'channel changing' technology that will be introduced in upcoming Firefox builds, head to about:config and create a new string called app.update.desiredChannel -- the value doesn't matter. Then open Help > About Firefox and you'll be able to switch channel, but it doesn't do anything just yet (image after the break). Here's hoping that Firefox channel switching is smoother than Chrome.

Continue reading New Firefox Nightly and Aurora logos unearthed, and how to enable channel switching

New Firefox Nightly and Aurora logos unearthed, and how to enable channel switching originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 07:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/11/new-firefox-nightly-and-aurora-logos-unearthed-and-how-to-enabl/

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Angry Birds Rio catapults into webOS App Catalog

2011-05-16T14:03:00.001-07:00

Angry Birds Rio catapults into webOS App Catalog originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/angry-birds-rio-catapults-into-webos-app-catalog/

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Skype 5.3 for Windows released, improves mobile video call quality

2011-05-16T10:03:00.001-07:00

Version 5.3 of Skype for Windows has just been released, with the main emphasis of the new release being improved call quality, and the quality of video received by mobile Skype users. Presumably one party of the video call must be using Skype for Windows 5.3, though.

Beyond improved call quality, not much has changed. You can now see your friends' presence icons when contact cards are collapsed, and the topic editing button is now always visible on the conversation header. For a complete list of changes, hit up the Skype Garage blog.

Download Skype 5.3 for Windows

Skype 5.3 for Windows released, improves mobile video call quality originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/07/skype-5-3-for-windows-released-improves-mobile-video-call-quali/

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Samsung Galaxy S II US carrier names revealed: AT&T Attain, Verizon Function, and Sprint Within

2011-05-16T06:04:00.001-07:00

Anticipation, thy name is Galaxy S II. Or is it Galaxy S 2 Attain? Perhaps it's Galaxy S 2 Function or Within, it all depends on what carrier you prefer, really. You see, the sleuths at Pocketnow have unearthed a silicone case for sale that lists those three names as the particular branding Samsung's new flagship smartphone will enjoy with AT&T, Verizon and Sprint, respectively. That, combined with earlier trademark filings by Sammy asking for Galaxy Attain, Function and Within registrations would lead us to believe that we are indeed looking at the final product monikers. T-Mobile is notably missing from the list, but we suspect that may be because its variant of the Galaxy S II is materially different in design to the original GSII. The good news for everyone else is that the same silicone case will be interchangeable among AT&T, Verizon and Sprint devices, leaving very little room for those guys to screw things up.

Samsung Galaxy S II US carrier names revealed: AT&T Attain, Verizon Function, and Sprint Within originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 May 2011 06:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Pocketnow (1), (2) | Wireless Xcessories Group | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-us-carrier-names-revealed-atandt-attain-veri/

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Spotify Challenges iTunes With iPod Support, Playlist Synching

2011-05-16T02:03:00.001-07:00

Stoobalou writes with this excerpt from thinq.co.uk: "Spotify has made a surprise announcement, and while it's still not the long-awaited US launch, it will be making a splash over the pond: the streaming music service is morphing into an iTunes competitor. In what is a clear attempt at rattling Apple's cage, Spotify has unveiled a pair of major new features: the ability to synchronise Spotify playlists with iPods, and the option to buy MP3 files to own — both key features of the iTunes platform. Any playlist created via the Spotify player can be downloaded in a single step, making 'digital mix-tape' creation significantly simpler."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdotApple/~3/bu7MEqUUvGw/Spotify-Challenges-iTunes-With-iPod-Support-Playlist-Synching

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Chocomize personalized chocolate: giveaway and discount code

2011-05-15T22:03:00.001-07:00

Okay, I know what you're thinking: chocolate on Download Squad? That's right! That's because Chocomize is one of the nerdiest ways to get chocolate online: it's a website where you customize your own bar using a multi-step process.

We've covered Chocomize before in our holiday gift guide, so when they reached out to us offering to do a giveaway, we really couldn't resist.

Chocomize is giving away ten gift certificates, each worth $50, for you to create your own customized chocolate. They sent us some pictures of their recent creations, which you can find in the gallery below.

Regardless of the giveaway, you can use the discount code switched to get 10% off any Chocomize order. The code is valid through April 20th - just in time for Easter!

To participate, simply leave a comment. Fine print is after the jump.

Gallery: Chocomize personalized chocolate

Continue reading Chocomize personalized chocolate: giveaway and discount code

Chocomize personalized chocolate: giveaway and discount code originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/06/giveaway-and-discount-code-chocomize-personalized-chocolate/

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NASA's Underwater Training Facility

2011-05-15T18:03:00.001-07:00

An anonymous reader writes "The NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations project (NEEMO) sends groups of NASA employees and contractors to live in the Aquarius underwater laboratory for up to three weeks to study human survival in preparation for future space exploration. NASA has used it since 2001 for a number of missions, usually lasting 10 to 14 days, with research conducted by astronauts and others NASA employees."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/dljw3ICjxrM/NASAs-Underwater-Training-Facility

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Screen Grabs: futuristic Nokia smartphone answers the product placement call in Real Steel

2011-05-15T14:03:00.001-07:00

Screen Grabs chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today's movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dot com.

In the futuristic world of the would-be summer blockbuster Real Steel, Rock 'em Sock 'em-esque robots have become participants in a very real sport and, it seems, Nokia is still going strong -- although you probably knew that if you've seen the latest Star Trek movie. In fact, this device bears more than a small resemblance to the one used by a young James T. Kirk, with it boasting the same translucent shell that encases what's still unmistakably a Nokia design. Head on past the break for the full trailer, and look for the phone to make an appearance around the 16 second mark -- although we wouldn't recommend taking this as a hint of what's to come for Windows Phone.

Continue reading Screen Grabs: futuristic Nokia smartphone answers the product placement call in Real Steel

Screen Grabs: futuristic Nokia smartphone answers the product placement call in Real Steel originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 May 2011 18:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/13/screen-grabs-futuristic-nokia-smartphone-answers-the-product-pl/

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Judge Issues Gag Order For Twitter

2011-05-15T10:03:00.001-07:00

the simurgh writes with this excerpt from Reuters: "A British judge has banned Twitter users from identifying a brain-damaged woman in one of the first attempts to prevent the messaging website from revealing sensitive information. The ruling follows the publication on Twitter on Sunday of a list of celebrities alleged to have tried to cover up sexual indiscretions by obtaining court gag orders. The injunction, dated May 12 and seen by Reuters on Friday, includes Twitter and Facebook in the list of media prohibited from disclosing the information. It was issued in the Court of Protection in the case of a mother who wants to withdraw life support from her brain-damaged daughter. It prevents the identification of the woman and those caring for her."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/MsVTrGTjwjY/Judge-Issues-Gag-Order-For-Twitter

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New Firefox Nightly and Aurora logos unearthed, and how to enable channel switching

2011-05-15T06:03:00.001-07:00

Continue reading New Firefox Nightly and Aurora logos unearthed, and how to enable channel switching

New Firefox Nightly and Aurora logos unearthed, and how to enable channel switching originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 07:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/11/new-firefox-nightly-and-aurora-logos-unearthed-and-how-to-enabl/

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First Firefox 6 build next week, Firefox 7 by May, and aurora channel introduced

2011-05-15T02:03:00.001-07:00

Mozilla's Engineering Project Manager, Christian Legnitto, has detailed the release schedule for Firefox 5, 6 and 7. If all goes to plan, Firefox 6.0a1 will be released next week, April 12, and Firefox 7.0a1 in the middle of May. The final build of Firefox 5 should be released on June 21, exactly three months after the release of Firefox 4.

Along with the faster 6-week release cadence, Firefox's new Chrome-like release channels have also been given names and anticipated update frequencies. The most notable change is the introduction of a new alpha channel -- which is analogous to Chrome Canary -- that will be called 'aurora' and will update nightly. Aurora will be where fixes and features are tested, and either approved for Beta, or backed out to Central. Aurora will have a new icon, too.

The Nightly (mozilla-central) channel will remain unchanged in name and frequency, but it will gain a new 'nightly icon.' The Beta (mozilla-beta) channel will remain as-is, with new builds rolling out weekly. The Release (mozilla-release) channel will also remain as-is, with security and stability updates coming every 6 to 12 weeks.

It should be noted that the names (including 'aurora') are not necessarily final, but it's unlikely that they'll change. We're also awaiting the arrival of the new 'channel switching' technology, which should arrive in the next few days -- in time for the release of Firefox 6 aurora!

First Firefox 6 build next week, Firefox 7 by May, and aurora channel introduced originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 05:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/07/first-firefox-6-build-next-week-firefox-7-by-may-and-aurora-ch/

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MOPS Shadow T800 brings analog joystick, hearts & spades to Android

2011-05-14T22:03:00.001-07:00

Sure, the Xperia Play may have that slick gamepad slider, shoulder buttons, and Sony Playstation's official blessing, but can it hold its own against the Shadow's analog pad? Probably, because despite the new contender's self described status of a "mobile Playstation," its lack of shoulder buttons won't help it play any of those Xperia-exclusive PSone games it can't download. Still, besides being known as the "Phantom of the Opera" phone (thanks, Google Translate), this MOPS Shadow T800 has a lot going for it. This analog Android packs a Froyo-powered 806MHz processor, 512MB of RAM, front and rear 5 megapixel and 0.3 megapixel cameras, respectively, a 3.5 inch 320 x 480 touchscreen, and a whole mess of standard GPS, Bluetooth, and 3G radios. Not enough? Okay, fine; the device also comes pre-loaded with a handful of emulators, as well as a legit copy of Assassin's Creed. Besides, who doesn't want a phone with card-suit face buttons? Bragging rights will set you back 2680 yuan ($410), assuming you're in China when this thing launches later this month.

MOPS Shadow T800 brings analog joystick, hearts & spades to Android originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 May 2011 07:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Netease Mobile, MOPS | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/14/mops-shadow-t800-brings-analog-joystick-hearts-and-spades-to-andr/

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Skype for Linux gets an update after almost 15 months

2011-05-14T18:03:00.001-07:00

Proving how much it cares about those people who use its app on Linux, Skype has released version 2.2 for Linux. Don't run towards the champagne though, as this is still a beta version, and, as its minor revision number implies, isn't the much-awaited big new version that achieves feature parity with its Windows and Mac brethren.

It's only been what, almost 15 months since the last Skype beta for Linux? Well, during this time, Skype's main focus has clearly been improving its Linux app, since the new version fixes the amazing number of 49 bugs. It also brings 23 'improvements', and yet somehow still manages to have a fair share of 'known issues'. Exciting, no?

What is perhaps the most important feature addition here is the support for Skype Access. This lets you easily connect to paid Wi-Fi hotspots across the globe while paying for them with Skype credit. Skype for Linux has also received support for call waiting and holding, as well as easy conference hosting. Audio and video quality have been boosted (hopefully in a way that's going to be noticeable in day-to-day use), and some of the languages have been updated.

Download Skype 2.2.0.25 for Linux

Skype for Linux gets an update after almost 15 months originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/07/skype-for-linux-gets-an-update-after-almost-15-months/

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Telus recruits Leonard Nimoy to vet your Facebook status updates

2011-05-14T14:03:00.001-07:00

Have you ever thought your Facebook status updates lacked finesse? Ever regretted saying that to the whole of Facebook about 30 seconds after hitting send? Ever wished you had your own personal Leonard Nimoy to proof read your mind-dumps before you make a fool of yourself? Yes, me too, and now you can!

Brought to you by Telus, What Would Leonard Nimoy Say (WWLNS) is a Facebook app, which allows you to run your status updates past the legendary sci-fi actor before slapping them up on Facebook. To use the app you must 'Like' it, and sacrifice your https connection if you happen to have it enabled, but that's the price you pay to have Spock proof read your inane musings.

Check out Telus on Facebook to take the app for a whirl, and jump on over to Engadget to see more Nimoy-Telus combinations.

Telus recruits Leonard Nimoy to vet your Facebook status updates originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 03:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/telus-recruits-leonard-nimoy-to-vet-your-facebook-status-updates/

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Ultrasn0w 1.2.1 carrier unlock now available for jailbroken iPhones running iOS 4.3.1

2011-05-14T09:03:00.001-07:00

Anyone who relies on a carrier unlock to use their iPhone on another GSM carrier, can now take the iOS 4.3.1 plunge thanks to ultrasn0w 1.2.1. The iPhone Dev-Team have worked their magic to make ultrasn0w functional once again for the iPhone 4 (GSM), 3GS and 3G, and to correct a signal bar issue for anyone maintaining an older baseband but not using an unlock.

It's important to note that this isn't a new carrier unlock, and still requires an older baseband. Therefore if you're intending to upgrade to iOS 4.3.1 make sure you use something like Pwnage Tool to maintain your existing baseband, and do not just upgrade using iTunes in the hope of using redsn0w to jailbreak, as that will result in ultrasn0w being locked out.

Once you've jailbroken your iPhone using Pwnage Tool, fire up Cydia and search for ultrasn0w to get your carrier unlock installed, then just reboot your phone. Voila! Carrier unlocked.

Ultrasn0w 1.2.1 carrier unlock now available for jailbroken iPhones running iOS 4.3.1 originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/11/ultrasn0w-1-2-1-carrier-unlock-now-available-for-jailbroken-ipho/

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Farewell, Internet

2011-05-14T05:03:00.001-07:00

Well, here we are. More than four years after launching, Switched and DownloadSquad are unfortunately being closed. I've been thrilled to work at these two sites that have expanded tech coverage beyond the usual gadgets and social networks to cooking, culture, design, art and more. It's been humbling to work with these incredibly dedicated and talented teams of writers, and it would have been impossible to do it without them.

Going forward, you'll still be able to get the best tech news coverage from Engadget, HuffingtonPost Tech, Joystiq and TUAW. While we're still working out some of the details, Switched and DownloadSquad will continue to live on the Web and be fully accessible via search. Understandably, our Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr presences will quiet down, but you can still follow the Switched and DownloadSquad writers on their personal accounts. Thanks for reading.

Farewell, Internet originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/12/farewell-internet/

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Robotic wheelchair uses 3D imaging to 'see' for visually impaired drivers

2011-05-14T01:03:00.001-07:00

You may not be able to control it with your mind, but this robotic wheelchair from Sweden's Luleå University of Technology can still offer something that only a few others can -- "sight." The chair uses a laser sensor to generate a 3D map of its surroundings, which is then transferred to an on-board haptic robot, allowing the bot to pick up on and navigate its way around any obstacles. A visually impaired student already took the contraption out for a spin and said he felt "safe" while traveling through crowded corridors, comparing the experience to "using a white cane." Luleå's engineers, however, still have some fine tuning to do. The laser, for instance, can only recognize objects at a specific height, while ignoring everything above or below its field of vision. Researchers are also busy developing a new 3D camera for the chair and are hoping to have it ready for commercial use within the next five years. There's a full PR waiting for you after the break.

Continue reading Robotic wheelchair uses 3D imaging to 'see' for visually impaired drivers

Robotic wheelchair uses 3D imaging to 'see' for visually impaired drivers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 May 2011 13:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink TG Daily | Lule� University of Technology | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/13/robotic-wheelchair-uses-3d-imaging-to-see-for-visually-impaire/

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ITC judge rules against Apple in patent infringement case, Kodak smiles

2011-05-13T21:03:00.001-07:00

The International Trade Commission has weighed in on one half of the ongoing Apple-Kodak legal saga, ruling in favor of the team from Rochester. In a decision handed down yesterday, ITC Judge Robert Rogers determined that Apple's allegations of patent infringement are unfounded, adding that one of the company's patents is invalid. At issue are two digital camera technologies owned by Apple. One allows a camera to process multiple photos at the same time, while the other enables users to simultaneously adjust an image's balance, color and resolution. Apple claimed that Kodak illegally used these mechanisms in its Z-series, M-series, C-series, and Slice cameras, in addition to some video cameras. Judge Rogers clearly disagreed, though he won't be able to publicly explain his reasoning until both sides have had enough time to review confidential documents. Rogers' decision will also be subject to review by the full ITC, which is expected to issue a yea or nay on September 19th. A Kodak spokesman said the company is understandably "pleased" by the decision, but it won't have much time to rest on its laurels. On May 23rd, the ITC will announce a decision in a patent lawsuit that Kodak filed against both Apple and RIM, way back in January 2010. Stay tuned.

ITC judge rules against Apple in patent infringement case, Kodak smiles originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 May 2011 08:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/13/itc-judge-rules-against-apple-in-patent-infringement-case-kodak/

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Google I/O developer session recap

2011-05-13T17:03:00.001-07:00

By now we're all back home from Google I/O and get back to work. For Android software developers, that means back to writing and building great Android apps, armed with everything they learned from a couple days at Moscone West, listening to the geniuses behind Android. And they have a full plate -- Google clearly is all about the apps now. Once you get past the exciting news from the keynotes and go past the new version announcements and assorted glamour and glitz, you see that from Chrome, to Google TV, to Android the focus is shifting to better application development.

Join us after the break to see just what Google has lined up to push Android application development to the next level.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/rqpDNaOPGC8/google-io-2011-developer-session-recap

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FL Studio coming to iOS (unicorns, leprechauns, phat beats to follow)

2011-05-13T13:03:00.001-07:00

We thought it was an impossible dream, like world peace or a second season of My So Called Life, but we finally have the answer to the immortal question: "When will FL Studio be available on operating systems besides Windows?" The answer? "Soon." That's right -- FL Studio Mobile is coming to all of your favorite iOS devices, and all things considered, it looks pretty, pretty good. 128-track sequencer, step sequencer for individual MIDI clips, a mess of drum loops, reverb, delay, equalizer, amp, and filter effects... how can you find fault with that? And when you get back to your PC, your mobile project can be mixed down to wav, exported to MIDI, or the session file can be loaded right in the desktop version of the software. Not bad, eh? At the very least, it sounds like it will give GarageBand for the iPad a run for its money. Sadly, we don't have a street date for the app right this moment, but you can get a pretty good look at what's in store in the video after the break.

Continue reading FL Studio coming to iOS (unicorns, leprechauns, phat beats to follow)

FL Studio coming to iOS (unicorns, leprechauns, phat beats to follow) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 May 2011 19:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/fl-studio-coming-to-ios-unicorns-leprechans-phat-beats-to-fol/

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Nyko Power Pack+ and Charge Base for Nintendo 3DS review

2011-04-03T15:03:00.001-07:00

When we reviewed the Nintendo 3DS (both times) there were some things we liked and others we didn't, but one thing stood out as a true flaw: the battery life. Three to four hours on a charge just doesn't cut it when portable game systems are traditionally known for shrugging off entire international flights. The 3DS would struggle with a puddle-jumper. Now, Nyko says it has a fix, and have released a battery backpack that promises twice the life of the stock console. Does it deliver? Not quite, but close.

Gallery: Nyko Charge Base and Power Pak+

Continue reading Nyko Power Pack+ and Charge Base for Nintendo 3DS review

Nyko Power Pack+ and Charge Base for Nintendo 3DS review originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/03/nyko-power-pack-and-charge-base-for-nintendo-3ds-review/

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Windows 8 welcome screen revealed, looks very Metro

2011-04-03T08:03:00.001-07:00

It's not really a secret the Microsoft had planned on bringing bits of Windows Phone 7's Metro UI to Windows 8, but we haven't seen a lot of really telling evidence. However, with the Windows 8 milestone 3 build now available to Microsoft Connect partners, it was really just a matter of time before we started to get a peek.

Thanks to Rafael Rivera and Paul Thurrott, we've now had a glimpse at what the Windows 8 welcome screen will look like. As you can see, the typography is very Metro indeed. Within Windows also mentions that the background image is customizable, and we're wondering if it might not pull from your current Windows 8 theme. This particular shot shows the CTRL + ALT + DELETE login option, but we imagine you'll still be able to log in by clicking your account picture tile as well.

Rivera and Thurrott also mention that the tablet version of the welcome screen will allow you to log in by swiping a pattern on the screen -- as you can on current Android devices.

Windows 8 welcome screen revealed, looks very Metro originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/windows-8-welcome-screen-revealed-looks-very-metro/

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Gmail Motion April Fools' gag inevitably turned into reality using Kinect (video)

2011-04-03T04:03:00.001-07:00

It had to happen. When Google showed off a new and revolutionary Gmail Motion control scheme yesterday, it failed to fool most people, but it didn't fail to catch the attention of some motion control geeks with Kinect cameras on hand. Yep, the FAAST crew that's already brought us a Kinect keyboard emulator for World of Warcraft has taken Google to task and actually cooked up the software to make Gmail Motion work. All your favorite gestures are here: opening an email as if it were an envelope, replying by throwing a thumb back and, of course, "licking the stamp" to send your response on its way. Marvelous stuff! Jump past the break to see it working, for real this time.

Continue reading Gmail Motion April Fools' gag inevitably turned into reality using Kinect (video)

Gmail Motion April Fools' gag inevitably turned into reality using Kinect (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Apr 2011 13:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/gmail-motion-april-fools-gag-inevitably-turned-into-reality-usi/

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Hotmail adds IE9 desktop notification support in Windows 7

2011-04-03T00:03:00.001-07:00

Microsoft has announced that people who use both Hotmail and Internet Explorer 9 are now able to see a desktop notification of how many messages have arrived since they last checked their Inbox. Unlike Chrome's desktop notifications, these won't be pop-up bubbles. In fact, the pinned Hotmail icon will simply change to display a number next to it -- that shows how many messages have arrived since you last did something in Hotmail. The count adjusts itself when you visit your Inbox or read a message.

To receive desktop notifications, you'll need to pin Hotmail to your Windows 7 taskbar. You can do that by going to Hotmail in IE9 and then dragging the tab it resides in onto your taskbar. If you pin Hotmail to the taskbar, you're also able to use IE9's jump list features (by right-clicking on the pinned icon) in order to quickly compose an email or go straight to your Calendar or Contacts.

Microsoft expects to finish the rollout of this feature today.

Hotmail adds IE9 desktop notification support in Windows 7 originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/hotmail-adds-ie9-desktop-notification-support-in-windows-7/

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OmmWriter brings its clean, calm writing interface to Windows

2011-04-02T20:03:00.001-07:00

I have a thing for full-screen text editing. I use WriteMonkey for my creative writing needs, and VIM in a full-screen PuTTY session for my Web development work. That being the case, I'm all over the monospace, dark-background, focused editing scene.

OmmWriter attempts to take that aesthetic and make it somehow more spiritual, with three picturesque backgrounds and ambient background audio tracks (there are seven of each in the paid version).

I'm of two minds about this app. On the one hand, yes, it's beautiful. But if you want music as a background to your writing, why not pick your own soundtrack with Winamp or Foobar2000 running in the background?

OmmWriter also offers three keyboard-clicking sounds, which are kind of nice. None of these features are groundbreaking, really. OmmWriter could be seen as a way to gently ease into the world of distraction-free writing -- in case something like WriteMonkey's dark background is just too oppressive for you.

After the fold you can see a video showcasing several of OmmWriter's features and creative soundscapes.

Continue reading OmmWriter brings its clean, calm writing interface to Windows

OmmWriter brings its clean, calm writing interface to Windows originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/ommwriter-brings-its-clean-calm-writing-interface-to-windows/

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Google's Blogger platform adds five new HTML5 Dynamic Views

2011-04-02T16:03:00.001-07:00

Google, as part of its ongoing and much-needed overhaul of its popular Blogger platform, has just enabled five dynamic, HTML5ish, AJAXy 'Dynamic Views'. There's a video introducing the new layouts after the break.

The five new views provide fresh and interesting ways to explore your favorite Blogger blogs. The Mosaic view, for example, creates a wall of thumbnails -- click one, and it zooms to fill the screen; click it again and it minimizes. Flipcard is similar to Mosaic, but not quite as eclectic. Sidebar, Timeslide and Snapshot round off the new views, with each one obviously targeted at different types of content, from photo blogs, to text-only philosophy blogs, and everything in between.

For now, you have to visit a Blogger blog and add /view to the URL to enable the new Dynamic Views. If you own a Blogger blog, you can disable the new views -- and really, why weren't they disabled by default?

If feedback is positive -- which we're sure it will be -- these Dynamic Views will soon be enabled by default. You'll also be able to edit the views in much the same way as current Blogger templates.

Continue reading Google's Blogger platform adds five new HTML5 Dynamic Views

Google's Blogger platform adds five new HTML5 Dynamic Views originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-blogger-platform-introduces-five-new-html5-dynamic-views/

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Mac OS X Lion Preview 2 released, introduces mega exciting leather bound iCal skin

2011-04-02T12:03:00.001-07:00

This is one of those posts that could probably be condensed into a tweet: Apple has released the second Preview of Mac OS X 10.7 Lion. If you're running Preview 1, it looks like you'll first receive a small update via Software Update, and then you can download Preview 2 from the Mac App Store.

There has been some speculation that Apple is getting close to a release or Golden Master build, but judging by 9to5 Mac's initial findings there's definitely some way to go. The Golden Master will probably appear at, or just before, the Apple WWDC in June.

So far, it's looking like the only changes in Preview 2 are the leather bound iCal skin that you can see above, and the main iChat window now combines your AIM, Bonjour and Jabber contacts, like Adium. We're sure that more details will emerge throughout the day, though, and there's bound to be lots of invisible changes, too. We'll update this post when we find out more.

Mac OS X Lion Preview 2 released, introduces mega exciting leather bound iCal skin originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/mac-os-x-lion-preview-2-released-introduces-mega-exciting-leath/

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MSI slips AMD's Fusion into 13-inch X370 ultraportable, hopes you'll notice

2011-04-02T08:03:00.001-07:00

Tired of Intel's Core i5 taking a beating on your X-Slim X360's battery life? Join the crowd. For those less concerned with playing Crysis 2 and more concerned with a solid overall machine, MSI's new X370 looks to strike a lovely balance. The 13.4-inch ultraportable gets a 1366 x 768 resolution display, AMD's hot-off-of-the-presses Zacate E-350 APU, Radeon HD 6310 graphics, HDMI / VGA outputs, a pair of USB 2.0 ports, an internal card reader, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, gigabit Ethernet, a 1.3 megapixel camera and (nearly) as much DDR3 memory as you can stuff into it. You'll also get a 320/500/640GB hard drive, a 4- or 8-cell battery and a chassis that weighs 3.08 pounds with the smaller of the two cells. Naturally, Windows 7 (64-bit) is the OS of choice, but the company's stopping short of providing a hard price or release date -- here's hoping it falls somewhere between "cheap" and "price mistake."

MSI slips AMD's Fusion into 13-inch X370 ultraportable, hopes you'll notice originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/msi-slips-amds-fusion-into-13-inch-x370-ultraportable-hopes-yo/

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Fake pirated Walk and Text Android app embarrasses pirates and steals sensitive data

2011-04-02T04:03:00.001-07:00

Symantec is reporting that they have detected a malicious Android app doing the rounds on file-sharing sites in the US and Asia. The fake application impersonates a pirated version of an app called Walk and Text, which lets you overlay a keyboard on a live feed from your phone's camera to avoid crashing into things while walking and texting, and is currently available in the Android Market for less than $2.

When the fake app is launched it throws up a simulated dialog showing the Walk and Text app being 'cracked,' but actually what it's doing is collecting your private information including your IMEI, phone number, username, and scanning your address book. The virus then attempts to send that information back to a remote server, but also sends out an SMS to everyone in your address book with the text shown above and a warning that the application isn't licensed with links to buy the real thing:

Symantec has dubbed the malicious application as the Android.Walkinwat Trojan and categorised it with a 'Very Low' risk level 1. While we can agree with the developer's sentiment, we can't condone their actions; but if you get hit by this Trojan and a nasty invasion of privacy, you've only got one person to blame.

Fake pirated Walk and Text Android app embarrasses pirates and steals sensitive data originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/fake-pirated-walk-and-text-android-app-embarrasses-pirates-and-s/

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Sony's XDR-S16DBP wakes up from the DAB+ doldrums

2011-04-02T00:03:00.001-07:00

Try as we might, we've never been able to get too worked up over DAB radio -- dab, just saying it rids the body of consciousness. But then we perked up after seeing the image above for Sony's retro-nouveau XDR-S16DBP micro -- a temporary burst of adrenaline nearly stifled by the more mundane XDR?C706DBP clock radio found after the break. Both are compatible with the DAB+ digital broadcasting standard rolling out across Europe and offer ten DAB/DAB+ presets with an additional ten for FM. The £79 XDR-S16DBP portable brings a pair of 0.8W stereo speakers, a 16x2 character LCD display, sleep timer, and headphone jack while the compact XDR?C706DBP is a more traditional DAB+/DAB/FM alarm clock with 0.4W speaker and 4 alarm presets. Both are available now.

Continue reading Sony's XDR-S16DBP wakes up from the DAB+ doldrums

Sony's XDR-S16DBP wakes up from the DAB+ doldrums originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 06:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/sonys-xdr-s16dbp-wakes-up-from-the-dab-doldrum/

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Apple Sues Amazon.com Over App Store Trademark

2011-04-01T20:03:00.001-07:00

tekgoblin writes "Apple is suing Amazon.com over the use of Apple's trademarked App Store name in their mobile software developer program. Apple filed the suit back on March 18th, which detailed the trademark infringement and unfair competition which Apple felt was happening. Apple's statement in the suit reads: 'Amazon has begun improperly using Apple's App Store mark in connection with Amazon's mobile software developer program.' Apple also said, 'We've asked Amazon not to copy the App Store name because it will confuse and mislead customers.'"

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdotApple/~3/5RnpsDSh-tQ/Apple-Sues-Amazoncom-Over-App-Store-Trademark

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Rogers' Xperia Arc and Xperia Play launch details leaked

2011-04-01T16:03:00.001-07:00

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee -- in this case "we" being the Xperia Arc imaging flagship and Xperia Play gaming handset. We knew this day was coming, but it now looks like Sony Ericsson's hottest new pair of Android smartphones will be available from Rogers "late April" for $99. Of course, you'll have to commit to one of those insane 3-year contracts with a minimum $45 voice and data plan for the privilege, but the Gingerbread toting Xperia Arc and Xperia Play could be yours as soon as April 19-21, which is when the devices are expected to ship to stores. While there's no indication when pre-orders will be starting, folks who pre-order could win a trip to sunny Florida. Just promise to send us pictures of Shamu taken with your new phone if you win, OK?

Rogers' Xperia Arc and Xperia Play launch details leaked originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/rogers-xperia-arc-and-xperia-play-launch-details-leaked/

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Sprint's Nexus S 4G launching April 18?

2011-04-01T12:03:00.001-07:00

Dunno from whom or where this came, but it sure looks like someone's about to get all trained up on the Sprint Nexus S 4G. (See our hands-on at CTIA.) And it sure does look like it could see an April 18 launch. The Nexus S 4G, as you'll remember, is the same as the original Nexus S, with a Wimax radio thrown in for good measure. It'll cost you $199 on-contract whenever it does launch, and you'll have to shell out extra for the Wifi hotspot.

Sprint's Nexus S 4G launching April 18? posted originally by Android Central

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/qMtrB6MoY6c/sprints-nexus-s-4g-launching-april-18

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Google's Blogger platform adds five new HTML5 Dynamic Views

2011-04-01T08:03:00.001-07:00

Continue reading Google's Blogger platform adds five new HTML5 Dynamic Views

Google's Blogger platform adds five new HTML5 Dynamic Views originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-blogger-platform-introduces-five-new-html5-dynamic-views/

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Google demands veto on OEM Android changes, stretches definition of 'open source'

2011-04-01T04:03:00.001-07:00

Google, according to reports from "a dozen executives working at key companies in the Android ecosystem" is finally locking down the open source and easily-fragmented Android operating system.

As it currently stands, Google hands over the 'final' code for each version of Android, and OEMs and developers then spend some time customizing the OS to fit their hardware, and to create a unique and marketable flavor. That's all set to change, however.

Over the last few months, according to several people familiar with the matter, Android licensees such as HTC, Motorola and Facebook, have been asked to sign 'non-fragmentation clauses.' This new contract caveat will give Google the right to review and pass judgment on all changes to the Android OS. Two executives at Facebook say that they're unhappy that Google gets to review its changes to Android -- which is understandable, given Facebook and Google are direct competitors -- and there have also been allegations that Google is preventing some Verizon devices from shipping because they include Microsoft's Bing instead of Google search.

Continue reading Google demands veto on OEM Android changes, stretches definition of 'open source'

Google demands veto on OEM Android changes, stretches definition of 'open source' originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 07:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-demands-veto-on-android-changes-stretches-definition-of/

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HTC invites us to 'see what's next' on April 12th

2011-04-01T00:03:00.001-07:00

Would you look at what dropped in our inbox this morning? Good old HTC is cooking up a little somethin' somethin' for an April 12th launch in London town, for an event kicking off at 1.30PM BST or 8.30AM EST. While consulting our solar calendars, we noticed that's when Microsoft's MIX 2011 developer gathering is also getting started, but we're sure it's just a coincidence and HTC isn't about to spring a battery of new Windows Phone 7 devices on us. In fact, if you stare at the invite's image long enough, you might just convince yourself you're looking at a bulging smartphone screen, which could indicate we're talking about the EVO 3D's European launch. You never know with these things. Whatever happens, we'd advise circling the date and making sure your popcorn supplies aren't running low.

HTC invites us to 'see what's next' on April 12th originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/htc-invites-us-to-see-whats-next-on-april-12th/

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Samsung reportedly installing keylogger software on laptops (update: it's a false-positive)

2011-03-31T19:03:00.001-07:00

We'll start by saying that we've reached out to Samsung for a response here, but as of now, no reply has been given -- neither a confirmation nor a refusal of truth. Why bother mentioning that? If this here story proves true, Sammy could have a serious problem on its hands -- a problem that'll definitely start with a rash of negative PR, and a quandary that could very well end the outfit up in the courtroom. According to a report by Mohamed Hassan over at Network World, Samsung allegedly took the initiative to install a keylogger into his recently purchased R525 and R540 laptops. The app was noticed right away after a security scan on both systems, with StarLogger popping up with the c:\windows\SL directory. Where things really get strange is on the support line; reportedly, a supervisor informed Mr. Hassan (after an earlier denial) that the company did indeed install the software at the factory in order to "monitor the performance of the machine and to find out how it is being used." Unfortunately, it's difficult to say if this is a widespread issue, or if the tale is entirely correct, but we get the feeling that Samsung will have little choice but to respond in some form or fashion here shortly. Naturally, we'll keep you abreast of the situation -- meanwhile, you may want to reconsider that hate-filled comment you're about to bang out on your Samsung laptop, and instead, feast your eyes on the video just past the break.

Update: Kudos to Samsung for hitting this head-on. An hour after we inquired for comment, a company spokesperson tossed over this official quote: "Samsung takes Mr. Hassan's claims very seriously. After learning of the original post this morning on NetworkWorld.com, we launched an internal investigation into this issue. We will provide further information as soon as it is available."

Update 2: Samsung's official Korean language blog, Samsung Tomorrow, has a posted an update calling the findings false. According to Samsung, the confusion arose when the VIPRE security software mistakenly identified Microsoft's Slovene language folder ("SL") as Starlogger, which Sammy was able to recreate from an empty c:\windows\SL folder (see image above). So yeah, move along, it's much ado about nothing -- the R525 and R540 laptops are perfectly safe.

Update 3: Even GFI Software has stepped up and confirmed the good news; furthermore, it'll be changing the way it structures things so as not to set off any more false-positives.

Samsung reportedly installing keylogger software on laptops (update: it's a false-positive) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 06:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Network World (1), (2), (3) | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/samsung-reportedly-installing-keylogger-software-on-r525-privac/

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CyanogenMod RC 4; Video calls on the Thunderbolt [from the forums]

2011-03-31T15:03:00.001-07:00

You all know what tomorrow is right? April fools day. Yes, that glorious day where everyone gets to play pranks on each other and possibly even get away with some of them. We don't have any April fools jokes lined up for you all but it'd be kind of cool if Google themselves pulled one. You all got any pranks on tap? If so, let us know in the Android Central Lounge. If you're not down with pranks then hit up the forums for some straight up Android talk:

Rumored Devices Forums - Will you avoid a Motorola Nexus? [Poll]
Motorola Droid Forums - CyanogenMod RC 4 now available!
HTC Evo 3D Forums - So how 3D is it really?
Motorola Atrix 4G Forums - SPB Shell 3D on the Atrix
HTC Thunderbolt Forums - Video chatting, not very successful

If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today.

CyanogenMod RC 4; Video calls on the Thunderbolt [from the forums] posted originally by Android Central

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/qeVWkK_BVZE/cyanogenmod-rc-4-video-calls-thunderbolt-forums

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Why Mac OS X Is Unsuitable For Web Development

2011-03-31T11:03:00.001-07:00

Hugh Pickens writes "Ted Dziuba has an interesting and amusing post on how he made a big mistake when he was offered a choice for his company laptop. His options were a Lenovo Thinkpad or a MacBook Pro, and he picked the Mac, thinking it would be closer to what he was used to. So what's wrong with using the Mac as a development machine for Milo, a Python application backed by PostgreSQL and Redis? 'I've only poked around a little, but so far I've found three separate package managers for OS X: Fink, MacPorts & Homebrew,' writes Dziuba, adding that when you are older, you will understand the value of automated version dependency satisfaction. Next is that your development platform should be as close as possible to your production platform, but 'OS X and Linux have different kernels, which means different I/O & process schedulers, different file systems, and a whole host of other implementation details that you'll write off as having been abstracted away until you have your first serious encounter with "It Works On My Machine.'" Finally, he says, Textmate sucks. 'Sooner or later, you have to face facts. Man up and learn Emacs.'"

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdotApple/~3/HrylzAE-mo8/Why-Mac-OS-X-Is-Unsuitable-For-Web-Development

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Samsung Plants Keyloggers On Laptops

2011-03-31T07:03:00.001-07:00

Saint Aardvark writes "Mohammed Hassan writes in Network World that he found a keylogger program installed on his brand-new laptop — not once, but twice. After initial denials, Samsung has admitted they did this, saying it was to 'monitor the performance of the machine and to find out how it is being used.' As Hassan says, 'In other words, Samsung wanted to gather usage data without obtaining consent from laptop owners.' Three PR officers from Samsung have so far refused comment."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/doJGvcJRjZc/Samsung-Plants-Keyloggers-On-Laptops

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Carbon nanotubes used to more easily detect cancer cells, HIV

2011-03-31T03:03:00.001-07:00

Cancer's not slowing its march to ruining as many lives as it possibly can, so it's always pleasing to hear of any new developments that act as hurdles. The latest in the world of disease-prevention comes from Harvard University, where researches have created a dime-sized carbon nanotube forest (read: lots of nanotubes, like those shown above) that can be used to trap cancer cells when blood passes through. A few years back, Mehmet Toner, a biomedical engineering professor at Harvard, created a device similar to the nano-forest that was less effective because silicon was used instead of carbon tubes. Today, Toner has teamed up with Brian Wardle, associate professor of aeronautics and astronautics at MIT, who together have redesigned the original microfluid device to work eight times more efficiently than its predecessor. The carbon nanotubes make diagnosis a fair bit simpler, largely because of the antibodies attached to them that help trap cancer cells as they pass through -- something that's being tailored to work with HIV as well. Things are starting to look moderately promising for cancer-stricken individuals, as hospitals have already began using the original device to detect malignant cells and ultimately prevent them from spreading -- here's hoping it's qualified for mass adoption sooner rather than later.

Carbon nanotubes used to more easily detect cancer cells, HIV originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 01:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Inhabitat | MIT News | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/carbon-nanotubes-used-more-easily-detect-cancer-cells-hiv/

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HTML5 MP3 player lets you listen to your music library inside your browser

2011-03-30T23:03:00.001-07:00

While this slick little HTML5 audio player might not pack all of the features of your favorite desktop media application, it's still a very cool demonstration of what a Web app can do with access to local resources -- like MP3 and OGG files.

Just fire up http://antimatter15.github.com/player/player.html in your HTML5-compatible browser and browse to the topmost folder in your music library. The app will quickly build an index of all your tunes and let you start listening right inside your Web browser. Click on the filter library text, and you can enter a search string -- results load as you type.

There's a volume control, shuffle mode, play/pause control, and you can click and drag to skip forward or rewind during playback. As OMG! Ubuntu points out, you can even save the app to your hard drive and run it offline, which is pretty darn cool.

Not all browsers are equal when it comes to HTML5 implementation, of course. We found that Chrome worked the best, and Firefox was OK. It's also worth noting that this music player comes from the same developer that created one of our favorite restartless Firefox 4 add-ons, drag2up.

HTML5 MP3 player lets you listen to your music library inside your browser originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/html5-mp3-player-lets-you-listen-to-your-music-library-inside-yo/

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FCC Giving Away Wi-fi Routers For Broadband Tests

2011-03-30T19:03:00.001-07:00

An anonymous reader writes "The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will be giving away 10,000 Wireless-N routers as part of their program to perform a number of broadband tests, for the benefit of a better connection in the future. They are striving to work on improving a number of issues including latency, packet loss, connection speeds and much more."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/t-cIa0WICZM/FCC-Giving-Away-Wi-fi-Routers-For-Broadband-Tests

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Ubuntu Software Center to offer install-free application test drives

2011-03-30T15:03:00.001-07:00

Sure, installing and removing applications in Ubuntu is a breeze -- tools like Synaptic, apt-get, and the Ubuntu Software Center are all very easy to use. Canonical thinks there's room for improvement, however, and it's delivering an interesting new feature to the Software Center: application test drives.

Find a program you'd like to try out -- but don't necessarily want to install just yet -- and click the test drive button. With the qtnx package installed and your Internet connection at the ready, the program will "buffer" and then launch, giving you an install-free look at what it can do.

Check the video after the break to see Software Center test drives of AbiWord and Chromium in action -- it really is quite slick. This feature, incidentally, will make its debut in Ubuntu 11.04, which is due to be released next month.

Continue reading Ubuntu Software Center to offer install-free application test drives

Ubuntu Software Center to offer install-free application test drives originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/28/ubuntu-software-center-to-offer-install-free-application-test-drive/

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Elephant Quest is an addictive, deep platformer

2011-03-30T11:03:00.001-07:00

When someone tells me about a "platformer", my first thought is that it's probably a simple game that mainly revolves around running and jumping around, with a minimal plot. [Play a Zelda game! -Ed]

Elephant Quest is one platformer that managed to prove me completely wrong. Yes, you do run and jump around, and you also shoot at stuff. But the game has much, much more going for it.

Basically, as you run, jump and shoot, you gain experience points and level up. Hitting Space brings you into an interface where you can convert your experience points into Charisma, Intelligence, Agility and Dexterity points. Once you've "specialized" your points, you then get to pick what exact skills you'd like to enhance in each field. For example, you could use your dexterity to enhance your weapons or increase your swiftness.

The game is played in a huge maze; you go through rooms using doors, and there's a large map. As the name implies, there are quests you can take, too. For example, one quest had me searching all over the place for ten balloons.

The bottom line is that this is a surprisingly deep game that just might ensnare you for a good bit longer than you intended to play. Beware!

Elephant Quest is an addictive, deep platformer originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/elephant-quest-is-an-addictive-deep-platformer/

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SugarSync for iOS adds remote PC file management, background music streaming

2011-03-30T07:03:00.001-07:00

SugarSync, the online backup and file sync service, has just announced the availability of SugarSync 2.2 for iOS, a version that represents the biggest ever update to SugarSync's iOS app. It adds many new features, most of them inspired by user feedback.

First of all, SugarSync for iOS now lets you remotely manage files on your computer. Be it copying, moving, or deleting, you can now do all of that from your iDevice, for files and folders, both for individual items and multiple selections -- as seen in the image to the right.

Another important new feature is the ability to publicly share any file that's available to you in SugarSync, with just a couple of taps (see image after the break). You basically navigate to the file you want to share, tap on the blue arrow next to it, then select Copy Link to Clipboard, and from then on you can paste that link into any text box (say, in your email client). The link isn't a short one, so for use on Twitter you'll probably want to feed it to a URL shortener before posting. This is an interesting feature, but can also turn into a security issue if people don't exercise caution using it and end up publicly sharing files that aren't supposed to be public.

The SugarSync music player now (finally) works in the background, allowing you to use your iDevice for other stuff while listening to your music collection stored on SugarSync's servers. Also new is the ability to import photos from SugarSync into your device's Camera Roll, and a list of frequently asked questions is now built into the app. You can even refer friends to SugarSync straight from within the app. For each referral that joins SugarSync, you'll receive 500MB of additional storage if you use the free service, and 10GB if you have a paid account.

Download SugarSync 2.2 for iOS for free from the iTunes App Store

Continue reading SugarSync for iOS adds remote PC file management, background music streaming

SugarSync for iOS adds remote PC file management, background music streaming originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/28/sugarsync-for-ios-adds-remote-pc-file-management-background-mus/

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US ITC May Reverse Judge's Ruling In Kodak vs. Apple

2011-03-30T03:03:00.001-07:00

An anonymous reader writes "Going after Apple and RIM, Kodak says, 'every digital camera and phone with a camera' infringes on its patents. A judge sided against Kodak in January, but now the US International Trade Commission has agreed to review the judge's decision. With the ITC's ability to block imports, Apple and RIM may have no choice but to fork over dough to Kodak in the event of an unfavorable decision. If the ITC can toss out court decisions like this, one wonders how much hope there is for patent reform. The patent in question is Patent Number 6292218: 'Electronic camera for initiating capture of still images while previewing motion images.'"

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdotApple/~3/tkEcweXY2lE/US-ITC-May-Reverse-Judges-Ruling-In-Kodak-vs-Apple

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Page Can't Turn Back Clock At Google

2011-03-29T23:03:00.001-07:00

rsmiller510 writes "As much as incoming CEO Larry Page would like Google to be as quick on its feet as a small company, when you're as big as Google, decision-making gets bogged down in the management structure, and it's hard to make the company something it's not."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/LJGf9rxgIvo/Page-Cant-Turn-Back-Clock-At-Google

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NASA forced to abandon plans for 3D camera in next Mars rover, James Cameron not losing faith yet

2011-03-29T19:03:00.001-07:00

Among the many great feats of his career, film director James Cameron counts the rather unorthodox achievement of being able to convince NASA to use a stereoscopic camera on its next Mars rover project. Unfortunately for him, us, and the hard working folks over at Malin Space Science Systems, technical snags have been encountered in the integration of the jumbo mastcam (pictured above) with the rover's hardware and the resulting delays have caused NASA to nix the idea altogether. You might think that 3D visuals of Red Planet gravel will be no great loss, but the MSSS cams also had zoom lenses attached, whereas the research project will now be returning to tried and true fixed focal length imaging. Ah well, such is the bumpy road to interterrestrial enlightenment. NASA's rover, titled Curiosity, is set to begin its voyage in November of this year, while Cameron and co remain upbeat about the future, saying they're "certain that this technology will play an important role in future missions."

NASA forced to abandon plans for 3D camera in next Mars rover, James Cameron not losing faith yet originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/nasa-forced-to-abandon-plans-for-3d-camera-in-next-mars-rover-j/

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Firefox 4 for Android launched, ready to Sync and speed up your browsing

2011-03-29T15:03:00.001-07:00

It was a release candidate just about a week ago and today it's all ready to go. Firefox 4 for Android has just been released from the Mozilla labs and is now prowling the mobile internet. You can get yours at the Android Market, in no less than 10 languages, though there'll be no Flash playback. Still, tabbed browsing, extreme customizability, and bookmark / tab / history coordination between desktop and mobile (via Firefox Sync) are all nice to have, as is the promised threefold improvement in speed over the stock Android browser. Pretty nice list of improvements for some freebie software, wouldn't you say?

Continue reading Firefox 4 for Android launched, ready to Sync and speed up your browsing

Firefox 4 for Android launched, ready to Sync and speed up your browsing originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Mozilla Blog | Android Market | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/firefox-4-for-android-launched-ready-to-sync-and-speed-up-your/

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Wikipedia Beautifier makes the encyclopedia more readable, removes clutter

2011-03-29T11:03:00.001-07:00

Wikipedia Beautifier is an extension for Google Chrome that removes all the clutter from Wikipedia and lets you focus on the most important aspect of the online encyclopedia: its content. Wikipedia Beautifier has been inspired by Readability, and aims to provide the same amount of article-centered beauty, while also keeping the familiar navigation menus within reach.

After you've installed the extension, all Wikipedia pages will look as good as the one in the image above. If you need to use any of Wikipedia's navigation elements, fret not. They will neatly fade back in if you just mouse over the top or the left of the page.

Wikipedia Beautifier changes the content fonts to big, serif fonts, justifies text, and adds automatic hyphenation. It also makes various margin adjustments that result in things just lining up in nicer ways on Wikipedia pages.

If you use Wikipedia daily, appreciate the information it provides but not its design, and generally enjoy beautiful fonts and minimalism, this is a must-try. And since the navigation options fade in when you want them to, you don't even have to sacrifice usability for beauty and cleanliness.

Download Wikipedia Beautifier from GitHub

Wikipedia Beautifier makes the encyclopedia more readable, removes clutter originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/wikipedia-beautifier-makes-the-encyclopedia-more-readable-remov/

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Firefox 4 Friday: 25 million downloads, anti-aliasing, and how to make it look like Firefox 3

2011-03-29T07:03:00.001-07:00

If you've had your head under a rock for the last few days, here's this week's Firefox news in brief: Firefox 4 was finally released.

Yes, 13 months after the initial release of Firefox 3.7 alpha 1 and four more alpha builds, a renumbering to 4.0 and 12 beta releases, and finally a release candidate (or two), Firefox 4 has been released into the wild.

Just like every other Firefox release, initial reception for the new browser has been nothing short of insane. 7.1 million downloads were registered in the first 24 hours and the download rate continued to accelerate, clocking in more than 15 million downloads after two days. At the time of writing, three days in, Firefox 4 has been downloaded over 25 million times. In case you're wondering, the United States accounts for 7 million of those downloads, just beating out Germany's Firefox-downloads-per-capita.

But now that you've installed Firefox 4 (you have, right?), what do you do now? Well, obviously, in true Download Squad fashion, it's time to tweak Firefox 4 using add-ons and about:config hacks!

First up is an add-on called Stratiform that lets you change every aspect of the Firefox 4 browser chrome -- including the color of that orange button!

Continue reading Firefox 4 Friday: 25 million downloads, anti-aliasing, and how to make it look like Firefox 3

Firefox 4 Friday: 25 million downloads, anti-aliasing, and how to make it look like Firefox 3 originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/firefox-4-friday-25-million-downloads-anti-aliasing-and-how-t/

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Quickoffice Pro HD launches for Android Honeycomb tablets

2011-03-29T03:03:00.001-07:00

Quickoffice has launched a version of its mobile office suite that's tailored specifically for Android Honeycomb tablets. Quickoffice Pro HD, as it's being called, was designed from the ground up for tablet use, and as such features a user interface that's meant to take advantage of the extra screen real estate tablets have compared to smartphones.

As expected, Quickoffice Pro HD allows you to create, view and edit Microsoft Office files, including Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations. The cloud storage support that's baked into Quickoffice for Android smartphones has also made it into Quickoffice Pro HD, allowing you to remotely access files from your Dropbox, Google Docs, Box.net, Huddle, SugarSync, and MobileMe accounts. Quickoffice Pro HD also comes with a built-in file manager that lets you easily access files stored on your SD card, as well as an integrated PDF viewer.

Text can be copied and pasted within the same Quickoffice app, or between different apps (from the word processor to the spreadsheet, for example). Most user actions can be undone or redone. You can insert images into documents and presentations, either directly from the camera, or from the Gallery. The app also has text-to-speech support alongside voice input dictation. Files can be shared via email, Bluetooth, SMS, and cloud services, and you can move and resize text boxes, images and shapes.

Specific to the spreadsheet app is support for advanced formulas and charts, the ability to add, delete and rename worksheets, and to apply formulas to multiple cells by tapping and dragging.

Quickoffice Pro HD is available for $14.99 for a limited time, the usual price being $24.99, and it will only work on devices running Android 3.0 Honeycomb. You can get it from the Android Market.

Quickoffice Pro HD launches for Android Honeycomb tablets originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/28/quickoffice-pro-hd-launches-for-android-honeycomb-tablets/

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China To Overtake US In Science In Two Years

2011-03-28T23:03:00.001-07:00

An anonymous reader writes "China is set to overtake America in scientific output as soon as 2013 — far earlier than expected. Chinese research spending has grown by 20% per year since 1999, now reaching over $100bn, and as many as 1.5 million science and engineering students graduated from Chinese universities in 2006. 'I think this is positive, of great benefit, though some might see it as a threat and it does serve as a wake-up call for us not to become complacent,' said Professor Sir Chris Llewellyn Smith. However, the report points out that a growing volume of research publications does not necessarily mean an increase in quality."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/IQxFlU8h0uM/China-To-Overtake-US-In-Science-In-Two-Years

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March 31 is World Backup Day 2011

2011-03-28T19:03:00.001-07:00

Those benevolent armchair philanthropist Redditors are at it again! Four days ago a 'self' post extolling the potential virtues of a Backup Day exploded with 2500 upvotes and 1000 comments -- and now World Backup Day 2011 is actually happening.

On March 31, as part of the global data-saving initiative, you are encouraged to back up all of your cherished photos and videos, and important documents. If you've ever had a hard disk fail, and not had a backup to fall back on, you'll know that it's a bit like losing a sizable fragment of your soul. If you've never backed up your important files -- or if you only back up sporadically -- do it on World Backup Day!

It's not hard to back up your data, either. A 2TB drive costs only a fistful of dollars, and it takes just a few minutes to set SyncToy for Windows, or Time Machine for Mac, to mirror your data every night. If you prefer a cloud-based solution, there's always SugarSync and Dropbox. Finally, don't forget that Bundlelytic has a charity giveaway for three excellent data-backup-and-recovery tools -- $160 of software for only $25, and 100% of the proceeds to go the Japanese Red Cross.

For even more backup options, for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux, check our list of 13 great backup programs.

March 31 is World Backup Day 2011 originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/28/march-31-is-world-backup-day-2011/

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BlackBerry OS 6.1 due this spring, will bring massive upgrades

2011-03-28T15:03:00.001-07:00

When the BlackBerry Torch debuted, public reaction was cooler than RIM anticipated -- and that didn't sit well with the Canadian company. During its annual year-end call, however, RIM revealed that it had been working away at a major update to BlackBerry OS 6 in order to deliver an experience that end-users (and the company itself) could get excited about.

BlackBerry OS 6.1 is now expected sometime this spring, and Engadget reports that the .1 appears to be a bit misleading. RIM is approaching the update as an overhaul, not merely a minor tweaking. You can probably expect to see BlackBerry OS 6.1 in action this May at BlackBerry World 2011. We'll keep you posted when a beta or final release hits.

[header image via Crackberry]

BlackBerry OS 6.1 due this spring, will bring massive upgrades originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/blackberry-os-6-1-due-this-spring-will-bring-massive-upgrades/

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Apple Wins a Round In Patent Battle With Nokia

2011-03-28T11:03:00.001-07:00

An anonymous reader writes "Apple [Friday] won a battle in an ongoing legal war with Nokia over patents that touch on pretty much all of Apple's product line. Since 2009, Apple and Nokia have sued and countersued each other into oblivion. In one particular legal action from May 2010, Nokia filed suit against Apple with a complaint to the ITC (International Trade Commission) alleging that Apple's iPhone and iPad 3G infringe on 5 of Nokia's patents."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdotApple/~3/65P6wv8m6q4/Apple-Wins-a-Round-In-Patent-Battle-With-Nokia

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Rooting the HTC Thunderbolt on a Mac [From the Forums]

2011-03-28T07:03:00.001-07:00

Have a shiny new HTC Thunderbolt, itching to be rooted, but only have a Mac with which to do the deed? You're in luck -- our very own Cory Streater happens to love his MacBook Pro, and he's the type who can't sleep well when he has an unrooted Android laying around. He's taken the time to work up an excellent tutorial, complete with a single download for all the needed files.

If you're looking for a way to root with your Mac that doesn't involve Boot Camp, you can stop. Just point your browser to the Thunderbolt hacking forums and start reading. [Android Central forums] Thanks, Cory!

Rooting the HTC Thunderbolt on a Mac [From the Forums] posted originally by Android Central

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Japanese Chip Shutdown Causing Shortages

2011-03-28T03:03:00.001-07:00

An anonymous reader writes "Japan's natural disasters and nuclear crisis have already caused silicon wafer shortages that are rippling through the global supply chain of semiconductors for everything from your garden variety PC to the biggest Google server farm. The earthquake and tsunami in Japan have shut down 25 percent of the global semiconductor raw materials production, threatening to cause shortages and price hikes in everything from smartphones to supercomputers. Intel and Qualcomm are countering that they have stockpiles and alternative manufacturing plants that can pick up the slack, but dozens of other electronics makers require critical components only manufactured in Japan."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdotApple/~3/3XgTBtldrkM/Japanese-Chip-Shutdown-Causing-Shortages

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YouTube now lets you create animated videos, no camera necessary

2011-03-27T23:03:00.001-07:00

YouTube.com/create is a page dedicated to letting you easily create videos for YouTube, without ever touching a camera. The page starts out as a collection of links to Xtranormal, Stupeflix, and GoAnimate, three services focused on letting you build videos using animated avatars and custom speech. Basically, you choose your avatars, and then write their lines. A text-to-speech engine will then magically make them utter whatever words you wanted them to.

Although they've been integrated into YouTube, all the three editors are hosted by the respective service providers. All the editors have freemium features, such as more sound options and animations, which you can get if you pay for them. YouTube has told TechCrunch that there are no financial transactions going on between the three animation providers and itself, and that the only purpose of the new integration is to give everyone a chance to have a YouTube video, whether they can afford a camera or not. Of course, it was possible to cross-post videos created with Xtranormal, Stupeflix or GoAnimate to YouTube before, but now that their features are accessible directly from YouTube, we're clearly bound to see a surge in the number of animated videos hosted on Google's video site.

YouTube now lets you create animated videos, no camera necessary originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/youtube-now-lets-you-create-animated-videos-no-camera-necessary/

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Google Music being tested internally, beta soon?

2011-03-27T19:03:00.001-07:00

One day soon, we may actually get to spend some hands-on time with the oft-delayed Google Music service.

According to CNET, Google is currently testing the service internally. Unfortunately for the rest of us, until Google works out all the licensing details with the major record labels, there's not really any chance of us being able to set up our own cloud-based music lockers on Google servers.

We know that's what the aim is -- thanks to the sync functionality in the leaked Android Music app -- but without label consent Google Music still has the whiff of vaporware.

It sure would be nice to see things finalized so that we can start synchronizing our iTunes libraries with Google Music in the cloud, though...

Google Music being tested internally, beta soon? originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/google-music-being-tested-internally/

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Samsung's 11.6-inch 9 Series laptop official at $1,199, still comes with 64GB SSD

2011-03-27T15:03:00.001-07:00

An Italian demonstrator gave us hope, but now we're empty inside -- the exceptionally thin 11.6-inch version of Samsung's 9 Series laptop will indeed come with a puny 64GB solid state drive. Well, perhaps empty is a bit of an exaggeration, as the machine's gorgeous duralumin curves fill our hearts with joy, as does the comparatively inexpensive $1,199 price tag that Sammy just confirmed on its website. And hey, we know of an Engadget editor making do with just 60GB of storage in his notebook, so it's not an untenable thing -- but when Samsung's marketing materials proudly boast that "You'll have room to bring it all with you with the 64GB drive," it's hard to repress the tears. That said, if "portable" is your middle name, you'll find all the pre-orders you need at our source link.

[Thanks, Brian]

Samsung's 11.6-inch 9 Series laptop official at $1,199, still comes with 64GB SSD originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 21:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/26/samsungs-11-6-inch-9-series-laptop-official-at-1-199-still-co/

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Steve Jobs Questioned In iTunes Monopoly Suit

2011-03-27T11:03:00.001-07:00

An anonymous reader writes "Twelve years ago Bill Gates had to deal with lawyers questioning him in regards to the Microsoft antitrust case. Now it might be that other tech mogul's turn. Steve Jobs has been ordered to answer questions regarding Apple's iTunes music monopoly. From the article: 'US Magistrate Judge Howard Lloyd, based in San Jose, California, ruled on Monday that lawyers representing the plaintiffs in the antitrust lawsuit may question Jobs for a total of two hours. Apple may appeal the decision. A company spokeswoman declined to comment, while attorneys for the plaintiffs did not respond to requests for comment.'"

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdotApple/~3/UkcQlY_MvS0/Steve-Jobs-Questioned-In-iTunes-Monopoly-Suit

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Apple looking to 'radically improve' iOS Maps experience, may look to you for help

2011-03-27T07:03:00.001-07:00

It's tough to read too much into this, but when Apple publishes a couple of job applications hoping to bring on folks who can "radically improve how people interact with maps and location-based services," we can't help but take note. The outfit's currently seeking a pair of full-timers to be labeled as iOS Maps Application Developers, and it's honing in on applicants with "excellent skills in object-oriented software design and programming." We've felt for awhile that Apple's built-in Maps application wasn't even comparable to Google Maps Navigation, but it could be time for that to change. Even now, iOS users need to fork out cash on a legitimate turn-by-turn app if they're hoping to navigate with the iPod touch or iPhone, but we can only hope that these applications are hinting at a more full-fledged internal program for the software's next major iteration.'Course, we're sure TomTom would beg to disagree...

Apple looking to 'radically improve' iOS Maps experience, may look to you for help originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 04:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/26/apple-looking-to-radically-improve-ios-maps-experience-may-lo/

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LanSchool iPad application shoots out, sends back test questions

2011-03-27T03:03:00.001-07:00

LanSchool's iPad app has been out for a tick, but the latest update adds an extra that should please both teachers and pupils alike. It's a testing feature that enables professors to send tests of up to 100 questions to students who are running the LanSchool iPad Student application; from there, the test results can be shot back and displayed in real time on the teacher's console and come back graded with the ability to export or print the results. Those in charge can establish true / false, multiple choice or short answer questions, and graphics have a green light as well. Tests have to be built out using a Mac or PC, but after that, they can then be sent to iPads, computers or thin clients. You can hit the source link to download the program for free, but you'll need a current classroom license for LanSchool to get anything accomplished. Whatd'ya -- A for effort?

Continue reading LanSchool iPad application shoots out, sends back test questions

LanSchool iPad application shoots out, sends back test questions originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 00:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/27/lanschool-ipad-application-shoots-out-sends-back-test-questions/

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Google Spreadsheets gains filtering, one more reason not to use Excel

2011-03-26T23:03:00.001-07:00

Toying with spreadsheets is just about the most mundane office work you can possibly do these days, and it's a world that is dominated by Microsoft Excel. Google's fairly basic offering, Spreadsheets, has just been bestowed with yet another reason to eschew Excel: Filtering.

Filtering allows you to instantly deep dive into both large or small amounts of data in ways which would take hours if done manually. Google's added pretty comprehensive filtering that mimics what's available in Excel. You can filter by row or column, by multiple keywords, or partial search terms, all indicated on the spreadsheet by green highlights. Add this to the existing sorting function of Spreadsheets and you've got yet another reason to use the light cloud-based Google Docs over the juggernaut that is Microsoft Office.

Google Spreadsheets gains filtering, one more reason not to use Excel originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/google-spreadsheets-gains-filtering-one-more-reason-not-to-use/

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Miro 4 will add mobile device sync and home network media sharing

2011-03-26T19:03:00.001-07:00

Miro, the open source cross-platform app that lets you easily watch and subscribe to online video and audio content, is set to add a couple of nifty features in its upcoming new major version, Miro 4.

Miro 4 will come with mobile device sync capabilities. This will allow for automatic transfers of downloaded media to mobile phones, tablets, or even external hard drives. And while it's at it, Miro will automatically convert videos to a format and resolution supported by the particular device you're syncing to. This will use the same tech that's employed in the standalone Miro Video Converter released last year.

The other highlight of Miro 4 must surely be home sharing, which will let you stream and transfer media between multiple computers running Miro on the same network. The iTunes DAAP protocol will be used to accomplish this, which means that your Miro shares will also be accessible to other DAAP-enabled devices such as Apple's iPad.

Other features are also on the way, such as an extensions API, a greater emphasis on audio content, and revamped search functionality. Miro 4 will be released sometime next month.

Miro 4 will add mobile device sync and home network media sharing originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/miro-4-will-add-mobile-device-sync-and-home-network-sharing/

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TEROOS robotic avatar gives your long-distance girlfriend a tiny, googly-eyed face (video)

2011-03-26T15:03:00.001-07:00

Do you pine for animatronic eyes and robots that whisper sweet nothings in your ear? Well, geeks with distant girlfriends rejoice, because TEROOS, the shoulder-mounted, remotely-controlled telepresence avatar has arrived. Created by researchers from Keio University in Japan, the little bot has a camera and mic so far away friends can see and hear what you do, while a directional speaker keeps your conversations private. Communication's courtesy of Skype, while some custom code lets users control the device's six-axis articulating head. It's not an independent system, however, as it relies upon a smartphone to relay commands from a PC to the avatar through Bluetooth. Users can also change the bot's facial expressions thanks to a couple of googly eyes and mechanical eyelids, though it doesn't have quite the emotional range of other androids from the land of the rising sun. Intrigued? Check the vid after the break.

Continue reading TEROOS robotic avatar gives your long-distance girlfriend a tiny, googly-eyed face (video)

TEROOS robotic avatar gives your long-distance girlfriend a tiny, googly-eyed face (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/25/teroos-robotic-avatar-gives-your-long-distance-girlfriend-a-tiny/

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Samsung starts baking 30nm 4Gb LPDDR2 chips, packaging 2GB mobile RAM in April

2011-03-26T11:03:00.001-07:00

When it comes to mobile RAM, capacity is often what pops to mind first while we overlook speed and power consumption, but Samsung's latest delivery is worth the extra attention. Earlier this month, said Korean giant started producing 30nm 4Gb 1066Mbps LPDDR2 (or simply Mobile DDR2) chips, in order to phase out its 40nm ones that topped 2Gb at a 800Mbps transmission rate. To put it in perspective, a 40nm 1GB package consists of four 2Gb chips, whereas the new 30nm one will only need two 4Gb chips, thus reducing the package thickness by 20 percent (down to 0.8mm) and power consumption by 25 percent. It's hard to tell when we'll start seeing these bits of silicon entering the consumer market, but Samsung's already stamping out 1GB modules this month, with a 2GB version to follow next month. Oh yes, we're definitely liking the sound of 2GB RAM for mobile phones.

Samsung starts baking 30nm 4Gb LPDDR2 chips, packaging 2GB mobile RAM in April originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/25/samsung-starts-baking-30nm-4gb-lpddr2-chips-packaging-2gb-mobil/

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Google launches beautiful online magazine Think Quarterly

2011-03-26T07:03:00.001-07:00

Who would've thought it: First Netflix dives into the original content foray, and now the ultimate aggregator is also getting in on the action. In a rather weird twist of fate, Google has published the first edition of its new online magazine: Think Quarterly.

Think Quarterly is, in the words of Matt Brittin, Google's UK & Ireland Operations Managing Director, "a breathing space in a busy world. It's a place to take time out and consider what's happening and why it matters." This edition is ostensibly focused on the flow, control and tabulation of data, but it touches on near field communication (NFC) and the magic of viral videos.

The site itself is beautiful. It looks and feels a lot like Google's '20 things...' HTML5 guide, but you have the option of reading individual articles, or flipping through a page-turning Flash magazine applet. The stories themselves are interesting and well-written, too.

In short, Think Quarterly looks and feels like it was intentionally designed and produced to be distinctly un-Google. As Brittin says, it's meant to represent a breathing space in a busy world -- and Google has never exactly been the cautious, analytical type. Perhaps Think Quarterly represents a shift towards a more mature and institutionalized Google -- or perhaps it's just a flight of fancy. We'll have to wait and see.

Google launches beautiful online magazine Think Quarterly originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/google-launches-beautiful-online-magazine-think-quarterly/

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Steve Jobs Questioned In iTunes Monopoly Suit

2011-03-25T23:03:00.001-07:00

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdotApple/~3/UkcQlY_MvS0/Steve-Jobs-Questioned-In-iTunes-Monopoly-Suit

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iOS 4.3.1 update now available, mostly bugfixes

2011-03-25T19:03:00.001-07:00

Apple has released iOS 4.3.1, and it's now available via the "update" button in iTunes. 4.3.1 isn't a feature update, but it does fix a graphics glitch for the 4th-gen iPod Touch and some issues with connecting to cellular networks.

The update isn't available for Verizon iPhone users -- who are still on 4.2.6 -- but it works with all other recent devices (including the iPad 2). It apparently doesn't fix rumored battery life issues with iOS 4.3, but it's still worth updating, especially if you've had connection issues with your cell carrier.

Looking for a direct download? Grab yours from the list below!

iOS 4.3.1 update now available, mostly bugfixes originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/ios-4-3-1-update-now-available-mostly-bugfixes/

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WordPress 3.2 to remove support for old tech and introduce distraction-free writing

2011-03-25T15:03:00.001-07:00

According to a developer post from WordPress, the popular content management platforms has its sights set on becoming both lighter and faster than ever before. The company is focused on moving ahead, and that means it's time to leave behind some old technologies. A minimum of PHP 5.2.4 will be required, as will MySQL 5. IE6 support is also being shoved to the back burner -- security updates which only affect the aging browser will be lowered in priority and WordPress may even consider adding an upgrade nag.

WordPress 3.2 will also see the introduction of a distraction-free writing mode, like those found in Byword or Ommwriter, and lead developer Mark Jaquith wants to ensure that the overall experience is "more lightweight and calming." He's also working with the WordPress crew to squeeze additional performance gains wherever possible.

The timeline for WordPress 3.2 is due to be released this week.

WordPress 3.2 to remove support for old tech and introduce distraction-free writing originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/23/wordpress-3-2-to-drop-support-for-outdated-tech-introduce-distr/

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Apple Removes Gay Cure App From App Store

2011-03-25T11:03:00.001-07:00

recoiledsnake writes "Apple has removed the Gay Cure app after the pressure on Apple to remove the app started to snowball, culminating in an online petition initiated by Change.org which collected over 140,000 online signatures from people who wanted the app removed. Searching for the app now yields zero search results and Exodus International President Alan Chambers tweeted the following on Tuesday night. 'It's official, the @ExodusInl App is no longer in the @AppStore. Incredibly disappointing. Watch out, it could happen to you. #freedom' Gay Cure isn't the first app Apple has removed for touting an anti-homosexual philosophy. Apple back in November removed an app called the Manhattan Declaration which advocated the dignity of marriage as the union of one man and one woman." I don't think Apple should have banned it: they should have just packaged it with an app to cure bigotry.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdotApple/~3/tVDQZ0N4M-s/Apple-Removes-Gay-Cure-App-From-App-Store

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Time Warner Cable Cuts iPad Live TV Access 50%

2011-03-25T07:03:00.001-07:00

Junior Samples writes "According to the article: 'Time Warner Cable March 16 slashed the number of channels available for live streaming on the Apple iPad — less than 24 hours after launching the TV Everywhere app. The No. 2 cable operator reduced to 15 channels from the original 32 offered up as the first-ever live TV broadcasts available for streaming on a portable media device. The concept allows participating media providers to grant unlimited on-demand access across multiple devices to monthly subscribers at no additional charge.'"

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdotApple/~3/QX9oWMAuakQ/Time-Warner-Cable-Cuts-iPad-Live-TV-Access-50

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Japanese Chip Shutdown Causing Shortages

2011-03-25T03:03:00.001-07:00

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdotApple/~3/3XgTBtldrkM/Japanese-Chip-Shutdown-Causing-Shortages

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Microsoft Buys 666,000 IP Addresses

2011-03-24T23:03:00.001-07:00

RabidMonkey writes "Microsoft has managed to purchase 666,624 IP addresses from the bankrupt Canadian company Nortel for $7.5 million. This works out to $11.25/ip. An exact list of blocks isn't available yet. There has been a lot of discussion on NANOG about whether this allowed or not, and what the implications to the dwindling IPv4 pool may be. Is this the first of many such moves as IPv4 address space has run out? Will ARIN step in and block the sale/transfer? How long will such measures drag out the eventual necessity of IPv6?"

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/Rh79EFw4_S0/Microsoft-Buys-666000-IP-Addresses

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Surfy for Windows Phone 7 is a free, tabbed Web browser

2011-03-24T19:03:00.001-07:00

While you wait patiently for Microsoft to deliver Internet Explorer Mobile 9 to your Windows Phone 7 device, you may find yourself wanting for a slightly more feature-filled browser that you can use right now. Surfy is a nice option that's worth checking out, introducing several features you won't find in the stock WP7 browser.

Surfy offers tabbed browsing, a fullscreen mode, and orientation locking so that you don't unexpectedly switch from landscape to portrait viewing. Its address bar provides suggestions as you type, and autocomplete is supported for text input fields.

There's also detailed in-app help provided, and Surfy's developer is keen on adding new user-suggested features -- you can pitch your ideas using the app's feedback system.

Surfy is available for free from the Zune Marketplace.

Gallery: Surfy for Windows Phone 7

Surfy for Windows Phone 7 is a free, tabbed Web browser originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/23/surfy-for-windows-phone-7-is-a-free-tabbed-web-browser/

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Alexander Graham Bell's sketchbook reveals ridiculously wonderful imaginings

2011-03-24T15:03:00.001-07:00

The image above is a page from Alexander Graham Bell's sketchbook, a self-portrait from the 1870's, is just one page from the large collection of the inventor's papers, now housed at the Library of Congress. Bell's sketches which document the invention of the telephone are the most fascinating of the lot, and happily, the Library has digitized them and made a large selection of them available online.

Alexander Graham Bell's sketchbook reveals ridiculously wonderful imaginings originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 10:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/alexander-graham-bells-sketchbook-reveals-ridiculously-wonderfu/

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Apple Sues Amazon.com Over App Store Trademark

2011-03-24T11:03:00.001-07:00

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdotApple/~3/5RnpsDSh-tQ/Apple-Sues-Amazoncom-Over-App-Store-Trademark

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HTC's very own 'first look' at the Evo 3D [video]

2011-03-24T07:03:00.001-07:00

YouTube link for mobile viewing

HTC has posted up a short video on their YouTube page, giving everybody a "first look" at the Evo 3D. Maybe they missed ours (but you shouldn't -- see it here). It's 48 seconds of CGI wonderment letting us all know that we want and need 3D on our phone. Even if we don't, it's still worth a look. [HTC's YouTube channel] Thanks, Ira!

HTC's very own 'first look' at the Evo 3D [video] posted originally by Android Central

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/5asacxEefvs/htcs-very-own-first-look-evo-3d-video

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Apple Removes Gay Cure App From App Store

2011-03-24T03:03:00.001-07:00

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdotApple/~3/tVDQZ0N4M-s/Apple-Removes-Gay-Cure-App-From-App-Store

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Surfy for Windows Phone 7 is a free, tabbed Web browser

2011-03-23T23:03:00.001-07:00

Gallery: Surfy for Windows Phone 7

Surfy for Windows Phone 7 is a free, tabbed Web browser originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/23/surfy-for-windows-phone-7-is-a-free-tabbed-web-browser/

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Valve's Gabe Newell hints at possible Steam port to iOS / Android, may be blowing hot air

2011-03-23T19:03:00.001-07:00

We'd recommend taking this all with a healthy grain of salt for now, but according to a fortunate Steam Powered forum member who scored a trip by Valve's headquarters, the company's considering an iOS / Android port of Steam. Yeah, Steam -- you know, that wildly popular game distribution service that's doing its darnedest to kill off boxed video game sales. As the story goes, Political Gamer was able to sit down with Valve's own Gabe Newell for a tick, and while the topics of conversation were obviously varied, one point in particular piqued our interest. Purportedly, Gabe confirmed that the company is "looking into the iOS / Android platform for possible expansions with Steam," which makes absolute sense given just how well-received the iPod touch and iPhone have been by gamers. To boot, Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play is just around the bend, and if Amazon's able to launch its own app store, why not push out a game-centric one from a name that people already know and trust? Of course, pondering the possibility is far different than investing resources into a new product, so until we hear that the latter is definitely happening, we'll be doing our best to suppress our expectations. Call it self-preservation.

Valve's Gabe Newell hints at possible Steam port to iOS / Android, may be blowing hot air originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/valves-gabe-newell-hints-at-possible-steam-port-to-ios-androi/

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Audi Connect signs contract with T-Mobile, surprised like the rest of us by the AT&T thing

2011-03-23T15:03:00.001-07:00

T-Mobile subscribers at this point are preparing for what could be a new, blue overlord, and now you can count Audi among the ranks of those wondering what's next. Yesterday the company with the rings signed on with the company with the magenta to power its Audi Connect system on US cars. It'll launch first with the 2012 Audi A7, where it will provide the wireless data pipe through which the car's MMI infotainment system will pull down Google Earth imagery, Local Search POIs, Sirius Traffic information, and even act like a Quattro hotspot for folks in the back seat. Audi's not specified how much this service will cost, but "not free" sounds like a safe bet for now.

Continue reading Audi Connect signs contract with T-Mobile, surprised like the rest of us by the AT&T thing

Audi Connect signs contract with T-Mobile, surprised like the rest of us by the AT&T thing originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 23:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/audi-connect-signs-contract-with-t-mobile-surprised-like-the-re/

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Google Doodles awarded patent for 'enticing users to access a website'

2011-03-23T11:03:00.001-07:00

If you thought the crazy, Wild West days of the United States Patent and Trademark Office were over... think again! Google has been awarded a patent for its famous Doodles. The application was originally filed in 2001, some three years after Google began using custom logos on its home page.

With the awesomely vague title "Systems and methods for enticing users to access a web site" we can only hope that Google isn't in a particularly litigious mood. Wouldn't such a patent cover animated Flash splash screens? And with the steady rise of HTML5esque Web apps and Web-based add-ons, will their shiny, enticing front pages fall under the auspices of Google's patent?

The USPTO has seen weirder days, though. Sun, the company behind Java, famously ran a contest to see which developer could secure the 'goofiest' patent -- and then there was the time that British Telecom tried to enforce a patent issued in 1976 that apparently gave it ownership of the ubiquitous HTML hyperlink. BT lost that court case, thankfully.

Google Doodles awarded patent for 'enticing users to access a website' originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/23/google-doodles-awarded-patent-for-enticing-users-to-access-a-we/

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Asus Eee PC 1015B and 1215B go on sale starting at $289

2011-03-23T07:03:00.001-07:00

It seems like just yesterday -- okay, more like three weeks ago -- we went hands-on with Asus' latest additions to the Eee PC family, and now these Fusion-equipped netbooks are getting their very own price tags. The Eee PC 1015B and 1215B offer 10-inch and 12-inch displays starting at $289 and $379, respectively. For that price, you'll get 250GB of storage, 1GB of memory, VGA, USB, and HDMI ports, and 1080p output. They grow up so fast -- don't they? Check out the source links to make one of these babies your own.

[Thanks, Daniel]

Asus Eee PC 1015B and 1215B go on sale starting at $289 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 06:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | EXCaliberPC.com (1), (2) | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/asus-eee-pc-1015b-and-1215b-go-on-sale-starting-at-289/

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Sprint's HTC EVO View 4G hands-on (video)

2011-03-23T03:03:00.001-07:00

Well, if you were keeping abreast of the happenings at Mobile World Congress, then Sprint's EVO View 4G launched today at CTIA may seem pretty familiar to the HTC Flyer you saw there. These two HTC devices are essentially the same, with just a couple of minor cosmetic differences and some UI changes shown in the video that follows. We're still not completely sure about the Scribe pen, though it certainly is an entertaining thing to play with. The Evernote app makes great use of the stylus allowing images to be scribbled on and saved, notes recorded -- with voice and your text input -- and of course everything can be shared. We're not massive humans here at Engadget, and we're happy to report that the device can still stay planted fairly comfortably in hand. A standout amenity is the ability to drop apps from the lockscreen onto a small target, and have that app open immediately rather than having to go find it once you've unlocked the device. All this and more is just below the fold.

Gallery: Sprint's HTC EVO View 4G hands-on with video

Continue reading Sprint's HTC EVO View 4G hands-on (video)

Sprint's HTC EVO View 4G hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/sprints-htc-evo-view-4g-hands-on-with-video/

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Japan's space agency considers using rockets with artificial intelligence

2011-03-22T23:03:00.001-07:00

The keyword here is obviously "considers," but it looks like Japan's space agency, JAXA, is indeed seriously thinking about using artificial intelligence to improve their rocket launches. As JAXA scientist Yasuhiro Morita explains, as opposed to simply being "automatic" as rockets are today, an "artificially intelligent" rocket would be able to keep watch on its condition, determine the cause of any malfunction, and potentially even fix it itself. According to JAXA, that would not only make rocket launches more efficient, but more cost-effective as well given the reduced manpower needs. That's not the only new measure being explored to cut costs, though -- as Space.com reports, JAXA's new Epsilon launch vehicle is also being built using fewer, but more advanced components, which promises to let it be moved to the launch pad nearly fully assembled. It's currently set to launch sometime in 2013, although it's not yet clear how much it will actually be relying on AI if such a system is put in place.

Japan's space agency considers using rockets with artificial intelligence originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/japans-space-agency-considers-using-rockets-with-artificial-int/

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