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Karsa Flash Payer Offers Bait And Switch Model For Video Monetization Karsa Flash Payer offers a way for content creators to monetize their online video using a bait and switch model in which payment is only requested mid-viewing, once the user is already hooked. The service was developed by UK-based Steven Carroll, the guy behind Documentary-film.net, which came very close to entering the Dead Pool after he found it difficult to generate enough revenue to cover the hosting and bandwidth costs of the site.
Instead of forcing the viewer to commit to paying up front for content that they may not yet consider worth their cash, Karsa allows for it to be viewable for free for a set amount of time, after which the video pauses and the user is prompted for payment. Once paid-for, playback of the video can be resumed.
Source: TechCrunch | 20 Jul 2010 | 4:20 am DECE announces digital locker for universal movie access - TG Daily
Source: Sci/Tech - Google News | 20 Jul 2010 | 4:10 am Nokia jumps on hope of Kallasvuo exit (Reuters)Reuters - Shares in Nokia jumped on Tuesday after the Wall Street Journal reported the world's top cellphone maker has sent out headhunters to find a replacement for Chief Executive Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo.Source: Yahoo! News: Technology News | 20 Jul 2010 | 4:06 am Amazon: E-Books Outsell Hardcovers - Wired (blog)
Source: Sci/Tech - Google News | 20 Jul 2010 | 4:05 am It Took Serious Hounding to Get Apple to Show "Black Lab" [Digital Daily]
I know this because on Friday I was part of a small group of journalists given a tour of the company’s antenna design and testing facilities which are as impressive and confounding to an outsider as you’d expect them to be — massive anechoic chambers, CT scanners, prosthetic heads and hands filled with fluids designed to match the dielectric characteristics of the human body, all manner of RF measurement equipment and similarly equipped vans for field testing. The facilities are referred to internally as “black labs,” because their purpose had until that day been a closely held company secret. Quipped an Apple PR rep, “The existence of this lab used to be secret. Now it’s not.” And as Friday’s revelations went, this was perhaps the most interesting of all. Because it’s not like Apple to pull back the curtain like this. Nor is it like Apple to make so many executives available to answer questions. Leading Friday’s golden ticket tour, Ruben Caballero, a Senior Director of Engineering responsible for antenna design. Also on hand and answering questions: Bob Mansfield — Senior VP of Mac Hardware Engineering, Phil Schiller — Senior VP of Worldwide Product Marketing and Greg Joswiak, VP of iPod and iPhone Product Marketing. That’s hardly the behavior of a company whose obsession with secrecy borders on monomania. And it says something about how much of an affront criticisms of the iPhone 4’s antenna design were to Apple. “Right now the state of the art of the industry is that no one has solved this [attenuation] problem,” Steve Jobs said during the preceding press conference. The tour of Apple’s black labs bore that out. Caballero said the iPhone 4 spent 2 years in those labs before it was released to the public. 2 years. The company tested the hell out of the device and any suggestion that it didn’t is ludicrous. Apple was clearly well aware that the iPhone 4 can suffer some signal degradation when held a certain way, but in its eyes that’s the original sin with which ALL cell phones are born. Let he who is without sin cast the first phone, right? Of course, this is precisely what Apple wants me to say. And based on Apple’s unusually frank and detailed elaborations, it rings true. Smartphone antenna design requires compromises. The trouble is, the public doesn’t expect compromises from Apple. Source: All Things Digital | 20 Jul 2010 | 4:00 am Amazon: E-Books Outsell Hardcovers
Kindle e-books are outselling hardcover books by almost 50%, according to Amazon. For the past three months, Amazon has sold 143 Kindle books for every 100 dead-tree books. Paperbacks are not included in these figures. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos:
This has accelerated in the last month, with Amazon shifting 180 Kindle copies for every 100 hardbacks, and this is due to the price drop which saw the Kindle go from an expensive $260 to an affordable $190. Breaking the magic $200 mark has caused Kindle sales to rocket. Bezos again: “The growth rate of Kindle device unit sales has tripled since we lowered the price from $259 to $189.” While the “growth rate of unit sales” is far too cryptic a metric to go buy (note that the actual sales have not tripled) it shows that people are ready for e-books and e-readers, if they are priced right. It also shows that they completely disregard the big advantage of the paper book: buy it and it is yours. Whereas a Kindle book is pretty much still the property of Amazon, and can be deleted from afar whenever it likes, a paper book can be lent, resold and used to prop up a wobbly table. The same limitations never held up the iTunes MP3 store, however. And the fact that you can read your Kindle books on almost any platform certainly helps to hide these problems. One thing is certain: with the number of e-book-capable screens we carry around today, it won’t be long before the paperbacks also fall into a minority market. Kindle Device Unit Sales Accelerate Each Month in Second Quarter [Amazon. Thanks, Kinley!] Photo: Charlie Sorrel See Also: 
Source: Wired: Gadget Lab | 20 Jul 2010 | 4:00 am Yellow alert over Windows shortcut flaw - Register
Source: Sci/Tech - Google News | 20 Jul 2010 | 3:56 am UPDATE 1-SAP, Sybase deal set to win EU OK this week-sourceBRUSSELS, July 20 (Reuters) - German software maker SAP AG is set to gain unconditional EU regulatory approval this week for its $5.8 billion takeover of Sybase to move ahead of rival Oracle , a source...Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 3:44 am UPDATE 1-Deals of the day -- mergers and acquisitionsJuly 20 (Reuters) - The following bids, mergers, acquisitions and disposals involving European, U.S. and Asian companies were reported by 1020 GMT on Tuesday.Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 3:35 am PopSugar Launches Retail Therapy, A FarmVille For Shopaholics [Video]Sugar Inc., the media company behind the popular collection of sugar-centric blogs (PopSugar, FabSugar, BellaSugar), is now dipping its well manicured toe into virtual gaming with the launch of PopSugar’s Retail Therapy. As the name suggests, this Facebook app aims to be the FarmVille of shopping. After a quiet, soft launch last week, the site has grown from 50 users to nearly 4,000, says Sugar’s founder and CEO, Brian Sugar. That’s a far cry from the tens of millions of users who diligently fertilize crops on Farmville’s acres, but PopSugar’s Retail Therapy has potential. The game has the power and eyeballs of Sugar’s network at its disposal (the consortium averages 16 million uniques per month) and Retail Therapy has already forged partnerships with several high-profile fashion labels, including Diane Von Furstenberg, Gap, Barneys New York, Juicy Couture, Tory Burch and TopShop. The basic format of the game is simple. Each user owns and manages a boutique and builds the store from the bottom up. When a user signs up, she receives $2,500 in coins (and yes, it is always a she— in the world of Retail Therapy there are no male avatars available). She can then use that money for virtual clothing, to design the boutique with furnishings and to purchase inventory for the store. The user selects inventory from a catalog of virtual goods which are actually replicas of real life, in-season products from the retail partners (the ultimate product placement). That inventory, Sugar says, will be refreshed frequently to reflect any real world changes. Once a user has retrieved and unpacked inventory, computer generated avatars intermittently shuffle into the store to peruse and purchase goods. Facebook friends on Retail Therapy can also visit and make purchases or sign up to be your store’s sales representatives (anyone can simultaneously manage a boutique and work for a friend’s store). With every purchase you earn new coins and for various actions (like ordering inventory, unpacking it, etc. ), you also earn experience points which will help you access new levels. With each new level— there are currently more than 40— you unlock new products for purchase. Furthermore, if you want to get additional coins for Retail Therapy, you also have the option to purchase them through Facebook Credits.
Fundamentally, Retail Therapy is not radically different from rival Facebook games like Fashion World and Mall World, but PopSugar’s version is the best at bridging virtual and real world shopping. In the game, avatars can explore virtual TopShop and Diane Von Furstenberg stores, get additional information on those real world products and find links to make actual purchases. Although Facebook Credits is an obvious revenue stream, the game’s real worth could ultimately lie in these retail partnerships. Depending on the evolution of these partnerships and the site’s success, major vendors may be willing to sign lucrative contracts in exchange for creative marketing opportunities. Sugar says he’s concentrating on building out the user base for now but he would like to explore new retail opportunities, like offering loyal customers discounts at their favorite retailers or special in-house sample sales. As the business strategy develops organically, Sugar says he will also definitely create a high level of integration with Sugar’s various websites, through cross-promotion and the creation of special events built around editorial content. For example, during Oscars coverage, PopSugar might promote a limited supply of Red Carpet items on Retail Therapy. For all its potential, Retail Therapy has significant challenges. From a current base of 4,000, the site will need to number in the millions in order to matter in this market. Mall World has more than 4 million active users, Fashion World has more than 2 million. Unlike other virtual world gaming services, like Zynga or IMVU, Sugar is also walking in foreign territory. The network has built a business on creating influential blogs, not viral Facebook games. Sugar acknowledges that they will have to build out their current team, with additional game managers, to establish a sufficient support network for Retail Therapy.
     
Source: TechCrunch | 20 Jul 2010 | 3:23 am Official: Google's China changes in line with law (AP)
Source: Yahoo! News: Technology News | 20 Jul 2010 | 3:20 am Official: Google's China changes in line with lawChina renewed Google's Internet license after it pledged to obey censorship laws and stop automatically switching mainland users to its unfiltered Hong Kong site, an official said Tuesday.Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 3:20 am Notebooks 'able to hold off iPads in Asia-Pacific' (AFP)
Source: Yahoo! News: Technology News | 20 Jul 2010 | 2:58 am Honda plans electric vehicle, plug-in in 2012Honda will start selling an electric vehicle as well as a plug-in hybrid in 2012 in the U.S. and Japan, joining the race to manufacture green cars in which rivals have already taken slight...Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 2:52 am Free iPhone SMS Provider Pinger Is Rocking: Disrupting Carriers With 600m Free SMSThe San Francisco Chronicle on Pinger, a Silicon Valley startup whose iPhone app, "Textfree Unlimited," has now been used to send and receive more than 2.6 billion text messages, up from 1 billion earlier...Source: RSS feed - channel BNBlogTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 2:51 am In Oregon, Wind Power Surges Disrupting Gridcpm99352 writes "The Oregonian reports gusts of wind cause synchronized power surges, more than the transmission lines can handle. Windmill farms are ordered to fan their blades, despite tremendous demand for 'green' power from California."
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Source: Slashdot | 20 Jul 2010 | 2:47 am China satisfied with Google search engine tweaks (Reuters)Reuters - China is satisfied that U.S. Internet giant Google Inc is complying with Chinese laws after it tweaked the way it directs users to an unfiltered search page, a senior official said on Tuesday.Source: Yahoo! News: Technology News | 20 Jul 2010 | 2:46 am How Mobile Technology is a Game Changer for Developing AfricaMashable on how cell phones are impacting health, education, agriculture in Africa and how they are bridging the gap between isolated communities and a global market eager for knowledge and talent. ...Source: RSS feed - channel BNBlogTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 2:36 am RBS gets trio of bids for WorldPay unit -sourceLONDON, July 20 (Reuters) - Royal Bank of Scotland received three bids for its $4 billion payment processing business WorldPay by Monday's deadline, a person familiar with the matter said.Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 2:31 am SAP, Sybase deal set to win EU ok this week-sourceBRUSSELS, July 20 (Reuters) - German software maker SAP AG is set to gain unconditional European Union regulatory approval this week for its $5.8 billion takeover of Sybase , a source close to the case...Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 2:17 am Nokia Conducting Search for New CEO [Voices]By Joann S. Lublin and Niraj Sheth, Reporters, The Wall Street Journal Mobile phone maker Nokia Corp. (NOK) has launched a search for a new chief executive, people familiar with the situation said Monday. The move comes as the current chief executive, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, struggles to find traction for the company in the market for high-end smartphones. While Nokia continues to sell more cellphones than any other manufacturer, it has failed to keep up with advances by such rivals as Apple Inc. (AAPL) and makers of smartphones running Google Inc. (GOOG) operating software. The Espoo, Finland, company’s failure to get back in the race has taken a toll. Its stock rose eight cents to $8.82 in 4 p.m. New York Stock Exchange trading Monday but is off nearly 42% since April 19. Read the rest of this post on the original site » Source: All Things Digital | 20 Jul 2010 | 2:17 am Web infomercial for Hedonism 2: Party on the beach will make you reach for eye-bleach Why has this middle-aged gentleman ventured to Hedonism 2 in Negril, Jamaica more than 40 times, and what could possibly explain the fervent, amorous grind of his pastywhite sexytime speedo dancypantsing? "The wild women, the wild women, the rippin' and the tearin', the rippin' and the tearin." Update: Commenters say the fellow's name is "Hedo Rick," and he is a well-known fixture at the resort (which is said to cater to swingers and part-time nudists, as the name suggests).
(thanks, Richard Metzger)
Web infomercial for Hedonism 2: Party on the beach will make you reach for eye-bleachWhy has this middle-aged gentleman ventured to Hedonism 2 in Negril, Jamaica more than 40 times, and what could possibly explain the fervent, amorous grind of his pastywhite sexytime speedo dancypantsing?...Source: RSS feed - channel BNBlogTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 2:16 am French workers agree to General Motors factory plans* Workers agree benefit cuts, salary freeze as part of dealSource: RSS feed - channel BNewsTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 2:11 am Banksy does DetroitThe recently-applied work of street artist Banksy at an abandoned Packard auto plant in Detroit, Michigan. A local gallery promptly dug up and relocated the wall to their space, sparking controversy...Source: RSS feed - channel BNBlogTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 2:10 am Banksy does Detroit The recently-applied work of street artist Banksy at an abandoned Packard auto plant in Detroit, Michigan. A local gallery promptly dug up and relocated the wall to their space, sparking controversy. (via Oxblood Ruffin).
BranchOut Unlocks The LinkedIn In Facebook
Everyone you know is on Facebook, and most people have added their resume information. But you can’t search by companies and even searching within your friends for company names is virtually impossible. So if you want to research which of your friends work at a specific company, or which friends of friends do, you head on over to LinkedIn. Well, not anymore. BranchOut launched this evening, a new Facebook application that makes career networking a snap. The application unlocks massive amounts of career data about my friends and friends of friends that was just impossible to get to before. Search on a company name and see which of your Facebook friends work there (or used to). If those friends have installed the app, you can also see how many of their friends have worked at that company. You can then reach out to them for an introduction if you like. My network of 5,000 friends have worked at 4,664 unique companies. My 20,607 friends of friends have worked at 17,901 unique companies. Basically, someone I know or someone that they know works at any place I want access to. BranchOut tells me that 5 of my friends worked at Sun. 68 worked at Microsoft, and 53 worked at Google. I also have three friends who were in the Navy, apparently. The application also has job listings, currently free for thirty days to your direct network. Soon, says founder and CEO Rick Marini, they’ll let people put up job postings that reach all users, for $30/month. Given who’ll be using this, that should be a no brainer. We’ll certainly list TechCrunch jobs there. Test it out and let us know what you think. It’s just out of beta and there are a few bugs, so go easy. Or not. Information provided by CrunchBase      
Source: TechCrunch | 20 Jul 2010 | 2:06 am With DECE’s UltraViolet, We’re About To See Just How Powerful Apple Really Is
Of course one very important member of the ecosystem is absent from this coalition: Apple. While DECE may have nearly 60 entertainment and consumer companies on board, they don’t have Apple. And that means this upcoming UltraViolet content won’t work on iPods, iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs — and maybe not even Macs. In other words, this is going to be the biggest test yet to see just how much power Apple has over the entertainment content business. UltraViolet is the technology DECE came up with in order to make content both interoperable and secure as it travels between devices made by supporting manufacturers. It’s DRM, but it’s a form of DRM that DECE hopes consumers will go along with because of all the consumer electronics and content it should work with. Companies like Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., Sony, Comcast, Netflix, and Microsoft are all on board. The basic idea is that rights to content are all stored online and transfered to various UltraViolet-compatible equipment. This could allow you to stream movies or TV shows encoded with UltraViolet, but it may also allow you to do something like burn DVDs with the encoding. Eventually, the members hope to extend this to music as well. The problem with all of this (beyond that it’s DRM) is that it sounds like it’s going to get fairly complicated awfully quick. With this many partners trying to work together (again, around 60), who knows if it’s something consumers will ever actually adopt — especially with this many big companies (all with different agendas) involved. Of course, the same thing was thought about Hulu before it launched. And that has proven to be a success. But again, UltraViolet won’t have Apple support — the company which is arguably the most important single player in content-consuming devices these days. Apple, it seems, will continue to go its own way with its own formats (DRM for movies and TV — DRM-free for music). Disney is also not on board with DECE. This may not be all that surprising when you consider that Apple CEO Steve Jobs is Disney’s largest shareholder. So without Disney’s content and Apple’s devices, is UltraViolet DOA? That may ultimately depend on if the other studios are willing to pull their content out of Apple’s ecosystem in order to support their format. If that happens, Apple may be forced to go with UltraViolet. Otherwise, it will be a kingdom divided. And we’ll see just how much pull Apple has. Memo to DECE: if you have any interest is enticing Apple to join, perhaps make a site that isn’t entirely done in Flash.
Information provided by CrunchBase      
Source: TechCrunch | 20 Jul 2010 | 2:03 am Foursquare 'in talks with Google, Microsoft and Yahoo!' about search partnershipsAccording to The Telegraph, Foursquare is in talks with Google, Microsoft and Yahoo! about a search partnership which could let people look up the most popular bar or restaurant in their area in real-time...Source: RSS feed - channel BNBlogTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 2:03 am Radiohead hits covered on ukelele: Amanda PalmerPunk cabaret diva Amanda Palmer today released a 7-track digital album of Radiohead ukelele covers. Choose from 320k mp3, FLAC, and other formats, download for all of a whopping 84 cents. Includes many...Source: RSS feed - channel BNBlogTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 1:54 am Radiohead hits covered on ukelele: Amanda Palmer Punk cabaret diva Amanda Palmer today released a 7-track digital album of Radiohead ukelele covers. Choose from 320k mp3, FLAC, and other formats, download for all of a whopping 84 cents. Includes many of my own favorite Radiohead tracks: Fake Plastic Trees, High And Dry, No Surprises, Idioteque, Creep, and Exit Music (For A Film). Amanda Palmer Performs The Popular Hits Of Radiohead On Her Magical Ukulele
(amandapalmer.net via Kristie Lu Stout)
Mobile Phone Use Increases Risk of Ear Ringing, Study IndicatesProlonged use of the mobile phone may be associated with an increase in the risk of developing chronic ringing in the ears, according to a study published today in Occupational & Environmental Medicine,...Source: RSS feed - channel BNBlogTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 1:40 am Digital movie locker `UltraViolet' nears launch (AP)AP - A group of media and electronics companies will soon start testing a system that will let you watch the movies you buy wherever you are, regardless of formats and other technical hurdles. Like ATMs, your account would follow you, no matter what brand of machine you use.Source: Yahoo! News: Technology News | 20 Jul 2010 | 1:39 am Dual-SIM Phones Gaining Popularity in India (PC World)PC World - Demand for mobile phones that can accept two SIM (subscriber identity module) cards has picked up strongly in India, but Nokia, the dominant handset vendor in India, is late to the market.Source: Yahoo! News: Technology News | 20 Jul 2010 | 1:20 am Viral Video: Undercover Karaoke With Jewel [BoomTown]
The set-up for this new Funny or Die video, described thus, is flawless: “Jewel, disguised as a mild mannered businesswoman, drops by a local karaoke bar and performs some of her classic songs to a completely dumbfounded audience.” It’s been so popular, with 2.8 million views so far since it debuted six days ago, the concept might even become a new reality television show. Oh, just watch the video:
Source: All Things Digital | 20 Jul 2010 | 1:15 am Internet Has 'Not Become The Great Leveller’ [Voices]By Jonathan Fildes, Technology Reporter, BBC News, Oxford “The internet has not become the great leveller that it was once thought it could be,” according to Harvard academic Ethan Zuckerman. Mr Zuckerman was speaking at the TED Global (Technology Entertainment and Design) conference in Oxford. Read the rest of this post on the original site Source: All Things Digital | 20 Jul 2010 | 1:05 am Anatomy of an AchievementWhether they annoy you or fulfill your nerdy collection habit, achievements have spread across the gaming landscape and are here to stay. The Xbox Engineering blog recently posted a glimpse into the creation of the Xbox 360 achievement system, discussing how achievements work at a software level, and even showing a brief snippet of code. They also mention some of the decisions they struggled with while creating them: "We are proud of the consistency you find across all games. You have one friends list, every game supports voice chat, etc. But we also like to give game designers room to come up with new and interesting ways to entertain. That trade-off was at the heart of the original decision we made to not give any indication that a new achievement had been awarded. Some people argued that gamers wouldn't want toast popping up in the heat of battle and that game designers would want to use their own visual style to present achievements. Others argued for consistency and for reducing the work required of game developers. In the end we added the notification popup and its happy beep, which turned out to be the right decision, but for a long time it was anything but obvious."
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Source: Slashdot | 20 Jul 2010 | 1:05 am Government Vs. Google [Voices]By Berin Szoka and Adam Thierer, Progress & Freedom Foundation Is an Internet Fairness Doctrine a good idea? The New York Times (NYT) seems to think so. The editors last week demanded Google (GOOG) be subject to “search neutrality” — without specifying how this would work. Read the rest of this post on the original site Source: All Things Digital | 20 Jul 2010 | 1:04 am Bad Connection: Inside the iPhone Network Meltdown [Voices]By Fred Vogelstein, Contributing Editor, Wired Magazine For iPhone fans, it really was too good to be true. A pair of Apple (AAPL) executives had just described the latest model of the iPhone — the 3GS — onstage at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2009. The audience loved it. Read the rest of this post on the original site Source: All Things Digital | 20 Jul 2010 | 1:03 am Why I'm Ignoring Your Facebook Request [Voices]By Mary Elizabeth Williams, Staff Writer, Salon A few days ago, as a birthday dinner for a close friend wound down, the bright, witty woman I’d been seated next to asked the inevitable. “So … can I find you on Facebook?” she ventured. “Kind of,” I replied, “but how about I give you my e-mail instead?” Read the rest of this post on the original site Source: All Things Digital | 20 Jul 2010 | 1:02 am Post-Mortem: No Hair Shirt for Steve Jobs [Voices]By David Carr, Columnist, The Media Equation, New York Times By now, most people know what happens when your fingers come in contact with the lower left-hand corner of the iPhone 4 — are you there? — but it took the touch of an old-line, nontech tester of technology to get Apple (AAPL) to admit as much. When Steve Jobs took the stage on Friday to defend the iPhone 4 against criticism that it had reception problems, he made his feelings about the press abundantly, peevishly clear. Read the rest of this post on the original site Source: All Things Digital | 20 Jul 2010 | 1:01 am iPad projector concept displays objects in 3D
N-3D DEMO from aircord on Vimeo. Tonight seems to be the night for 3D. A design team released a proof of concept video showing how it’s possible to use an iPad to project a 3D image to the naked eye. It requires some special hardware, but it’s still pretty damn amazing. Check out the video after the jump. Currently, viewers can move around and view an image as if it was an object literally floating in space. Of course, right now it’s just a proof of concept, but if the team at Aircord Labs can pull it off, this has the chance to be an amazing bit of technology. [via Gizmodo]
Source: CrunchGear | 20 Jul 2010 | 1:00 am Xilinx Say New Chips Adept at Surviving Space Radiation [Voices]By Don Clark, Reporter, The Wall Street Journal With all the chatter lately about cellphone reception it’s easy to forget that some companies have much tougher technical challenges–particularly those that make hardware that is sent into space. Xilinx thinks it can help. The Silicon Valley company, which specializes in programmable chips, on Monday announced what it believes is a major leap in making such components impervious to the radiation that strikes spacecraft after they leave the earth’s atmosphere. Harmful streams of high-energy particles can play havoc with semiconductors, causing damage such as interrupting the switching functions of individual transistors on chips. Radiation is an enormous problem, says Scott Anderson, founder and owner of SEAKR Engineering, a company in Centennial, Colo. that designs specialized computers and other hardware used in satellites and other space-oriented applications. “If you don’t design for it properly, it can take down your whole system,” he says. Read the rest of this post on the original site Source: All Things Digital | 20 Jul 2010 | 1:00 am This Week’s Groupon Clone ActionA week rarely goes by that we don’t see someone clone all or part of hot group buying site Groupon. See, for example, Copy/Paste Innovation: Groupon Gets Cloned In Russia And China and this post discussing the hundred or so Groupon clones in China alone. ScoutMob isn’t one of the guys copying the Groupon website wholesale. But our guess is they certainly took a look at the video Groupon plays when a user unsubscribes from the daily email. ScoutLabs does their own video whenever someone subscribes. If something works, other people will grab it and evolve it. And that seems to be ok with Groupon CEO Andrew Mason. In a video interview earlier this year, he said he’s more focused on growing his company than tracking down people who copy part or all of the service. So the good news is this – if you like what you see in the video above, feel free to copy it. Groupon certainly won’t be coming after you. Information provided by CrunchBase Information provided by CrunchBase      
Source: TechCrunch | 20 Jul 2010 | 12:58 am Ancient Hindu Wunderkammers: The Art of the Composite Beast"The Mughal miniature paintings of fantastic animals... are mosaics of intertwined animal and human forms. In the Hindu tradition such paintings possibly represent the belief in the internal unity of all...Source: RSS feed - channel BNBlogTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 12:45 am Ancient Hindu Wunderkammers: The Art of the Composite Beast "The Mughal miniature paintings of fantastic animals... are mosaics of intertwined animal and human forms. In the Hindu tradition such paintings possibly represent the belief in the internal unity of all beings and illustrate the doctrine of the transmigration of souls through successive reincarnations. It is possible, though precise documentation does not exist, that Arcimboldo was stimulated to experiment with composite figures after seeing Indian miniature paintings on ivories or in books that belonged to the imperial collection of curiosities. In Arcimboldo's works also, and in the calligraphic Indian portraits of animals, as well as in the interesting and provocative displays of the Wunderkammer, an effort was obviously made to stress the mystical and ambiguous relationship of man to the natural world. It is even possible that Arcimboldo, like the Indian painters, was trying to express a belief in metempsychosis, a popular doctrine of his day and one that almost certainly had appeal for his enigmatic imperial master."Arcimboldo Riding a Composite Camel (A JOURNEY ROUND MY SKULL, via Bibliodyssey)  Source: Boing Boing | 20 Jul 2010 | 12:45 am Last chance to RSVP for London event tonight with China Mieville, me and Rob Sharp of English PEN
Reminder for Londoners! I'm doing a live event tonight at 7PM with China Mieville in Exmouth Market (EC1R 4QE), through the excellent Clerkenwell Tales bookstore. We've outgrown the store, so Pete, our host, has booked the Church of the Redeemer next door; but we're nearly full there, too! If you'd like to come, RSVP (quickly!) to info@clerkenwell-tales.co.uk or tweet @booksellerpete. We'll be emceed by the wonderful Rob Sharp of English PEN.
Source: Boing Boing | 20 Jul 2010 | 12:43 am Last chance to RSVP for London event tonight with China Mieville, me and Rob Sharp of English PENReminder for Londoners! I'm doing a live event tonight at 7PM with China Mieville in Exmouth Market (EC1R 4QE), through the excellent Clerkenwell Tales bookstore. We've outgrown the store, so Pete, our...Source: RSS feed - channel BNBlogTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 12:43 am Top Secret America: 2-year investigation by Washington Post into huge, post-9/11 security buildup The Washington Post today unveiled a two-year investigative journalism project, "Top Secret America." To ensure that the country's most sensitive duties are carried out only by people loyal above all to the nation's interest, federal rules say contractors may not perform what are called "inherently government functions." But they do, all the time and in every intelligence and counterterrorism agency, according to a two-year investigation by The Washington Post.Top Secret America project home. Story archive here, and interactive map here. More about the project here. Source: Boing Boing | 20 Jul 2010 | 12:29 am Top Secret America: 2-year investigation by Washington Post into huge, post-9/11 security buildupThe Washington Post today unveiled a two-year investigative journalism project, "Top Secret America." To ensure that the country's most sensitive duties are carried out only by people loyal above all...Source: RSS feed - channel BNBlogTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 12:29 am Romania - Factors to Watch on July 20BUCHAREST, July 20 (Reuters) - Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Romanian financial markets on Tuesday.Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 12:27 am Original Mac Software Source Code Now Available for Download (PC World)PC World - Fire up your Pascal compilers! The Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California has the source code of two software components from the original Macintosh available for your download and study with Apple's blessing.Source: Yahoo! News: Technology News | 20 Jul 2010 | 12:21 am SPIDERBOAT: Ship denied docking in Guam after thousands of spiders stream forth from cargoA ship from Korea carrying supplies to build housing for military buildup workers in the American territory of Guam was denied permission to dock when inspectors discovered thousands of spiders in its cargo:
I like this article for two reasons: the use of the word "stevedores," and the use of the word "critters." I do not, however, like spiders. Nor, I imagine, do the poor ship's crew members who just spent months trapped on a boat with thousands of frickin' spiders. After the sneaky arachnids made their presence known, the housing materials in which they'd been chilling were then re-loaded back on the ship. The ship was then sent back to anchorage, further out from land. Incidentally: all of this stuff, other than the spiders, was part of a $200 million contract with Korean construction firms to build housing for temporary workers laboring on American military buildup projects. Photo courtesy guampdn.com. Anyone know the species? According to the report, all of this went down on July 16th, and officials planned to do analysis to determine the spider species. Thousands of spiders found aboard cargo vessel (guampdn.com via AP)
Here's a related article in the military paper Stars and Stripes that helps put the story in context (both military, and arachnological): "It was because of the quantity,' [the Guamanian Agricultural Department director] said of the spiders, the largest of which had bodies as big as quarters. 'It behooved us to take the most extreme measure."
UPDATE 1-Spain's Enagas H1 net profit up 18 pct* H1 net profit 165.1 million euros vs 164 million in pollSource: RSS feed - channel BNewsTech | 20 Jul 2010 | 12:15 am Chasing the unicorn A different kind of aspirational unicorn chaser, from Threadless's Allan Faustino!
Runnin' Rhino by Allan Faustino
UPDATE 1-Actelion Q2 profit lags fcast, confirms guidance* Confirms 2010 revenue guidance, raises non-GAAP EBIT goalSource: RSS feed - channel BNewsTech | 19 Jul 2010 | 11:42 pm Netflix streaming is coming to Canada - Afterdawn.com
Source: Sci/Tech - Google News | 19 Jul 2010 | 11:42 pm Sony 360-Degree display coming to AmericaNot a huge update here, but that 360-Degree display that we told you about last year is going to be on display is the US. The display is still a prototype, but it is an excellent proof of concept. It’ll be interesting to see what Sony does with the technology. [via The Awesomer]
Source: CrunchGear | 19 Jul 2010 | 11:41 pm Google Chrome Now Has Resource-Blocking AdblockMackieChan writes "It seems to have slipped under the radar, but Google Chrome now has resource-blocking abilities, and may have had the ability for some time. Using the 'beforeload' event on the document, an extension can now intercept resources from loading. Adblock for Chrome has already added it, and I expect the other 'ad-blocking' extensions have as well. Before you start praising Google, however, it's the WebKit team that deserves your credit; one Chromium developer responded to praise by stating '... thank Apple — they added it to WebKit, we just inherited it.' Firefox vs Chrome just got a bit more exciting."
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Source: Slashdot | 19 Jul 2010 | 11:36 pm Stephen H. Schneider, Climatologist, Is Dead at 65 - New York Times
Source: Sci/Tech - Google News | 19 Jul 2010 | 11:13 pm Motorola Droid X smartphone powerful but not all that impressive - MiamiHerald.com
Source: Sci/Tech - Google News | 19 Jul 2010 | 11:01 pm Digital Musical Chairs: Google Exec to Scribd, Apple Exec to AOL, Yahoo Exec to Google! [BoomTown]Oh, the game of musical chairs in the digital sector never seems to stop. Here’s today’s Silicon Valley roundelay:
Rob Macdonald (pictured here), head of traditional media and publisher partnerships at Google (GOOG), just joined as online publishing and document-sharing start-up Scribd as SVP of business development. He will be based in New York, where Scribd is opening an office too.
Over at AOL (AOL), former Yahoo (YHOO) exec Brad Garlinghouse has snagged longtime Apple veteran, Alan Eyzaguirre (pictured here), as the new VP of AOL Mail. Eyzaguirre, was was most recently Director of Software Product Marketing in Europe at Apple. will be based in Mountain View, Calif.
But Google is not without seat at this job switcheroo–it has hired Venkat Panchapakesan (pictured here), a high-ranking former Yahoo tech exec and a longtime company veteran, who left the Internet giant last year to be an Entrepreneur in Residence at Greylock Partners. At Yahoo, Panchapakesan was last EVP of the Audience Technology Group and at Google will be VP of Enterprise Engineering, according to his new LinkedIn status. Source: All Things Digital | 19 Jul 2010 | 10:56 pm .CO Domain Names Now Available (Mashable)Mashable - Missed out on a great .com domain name? Well, maybe you can still get the .co variety. Registry operator of .co domains, .CO Internet S.A.S., today announced that .co domains are available through registers such as GoDaddy.com, Register.com, Network Solutions, and others.Source: Yahoo! News: Technology News | 19 Jul 2010 | 10:20 pm Wagon ruts from Oregon Trail still visible today
More than 400,000 people traveled the Oregon Trail during the 19th century—so many that there are spots where wagon ruts are still visible. This photo was taken at Three Island Crossing, better known to children of the 1980s as the Snake River Crossing. (Don't ford it! Never ford it!) When I first saw this photo, taken by Flickr user gharness, I thought, "No freakin' way." But, I've been assured by both the Associated Press and Idaho State University that this is for real. Wagons really did wear down certain patches of ground so much that nothing grows there to this day. The National Parks Service, Bureau of Land Management and other groups have marked many of these spots (you can see a marker in the above photo on the right) and have taken steps to preserve them. Mind-blowing history. (Via Johanna Harness) Image used via CC Source: Boing Boing | 19 Jul 2010 | 10:01 pm New Market Research: Social Media Sites as Annoying to U.S. Customers as Cable Providers, AirlinesA new study by ForeSee Results and the American Customer Satisfaction Index finds that U.S. consumers regard social media sites Facebook and Myspace as lowly as they regard cable providers, airlines and the I.R.S. The Annual E-Business Report for the A.C.S.I. study encompassed thirty online media brands in the categories of: portals and search engines, news and information sites and for the first time in July 2010, social media sites. Social media companies Facebook, Myspace, Wikipedia and YouTube were included for the first time this year, but achieved the worst “satisfaction” scores within the “e-business” group. On a 0-100 point scale, Facebook scored just 64 points but Wikipedia scored 77. YouTube scored 73, and MySpace scored 63. By way of comparison, Netflix ranks at 87. ForeSee Results expects to add Twitter next year but did not include Twitter in 2010 because so many people access the site through third-party applications (like TweetDeck) creating a varied user-experience said ForeSee Results chief executive Larry Freed. Regarding Facebook’s low score, but dominance in the social media U.S. market, Freed notes: “Customer satisfaction is a combination of what you get and what you expect [from a website]. The business model of starting out free and ad-free, then turning your site into something else over time works somewhere in tech, but from the average consumer standpoint it doesn’t work.” Privacy issues and promotional content — including everything from display ads to information posted by a user’s “friends” about Mafia Wars or Farmville — all frustrated Facebook customers. Wikipedia, in contrast, has adhered to a non-profit business model where “it’s about the content more than anything else,” Freed says, and Wikipedia hasn’t added revenue generating features that make it “troubling for people to access and utilize an ever-changing site.” The ForeSee Results study found that Wikipedia users are less frequent visitors compared to users of other social media sites. About one in five Wikipedia users visits daily compared to more than half of Facebook users. According to July 2010 Hitwise data, Facebook is the top website in the U.S. with 9% of all website visits — Google has 7.4% — and 55% of all social media site visits. Despite lower customer satisfaction numbers than researchers expected, people aren’t leaving Facebook and going to newer social media networks, Freed notes. Some are using it less frequently, he says, but they’re not jumping ship. He compares Facebook’s position to eBay’s: “[EBay] has all these buyers and sellers, a large dominant group. If you want to sell, where are you going? Until consumers get a seriously viable alternative, they’re going nowhere.” In total, the A.C.S.I. measures 223 companies online and off, with only ten of these scoring below a 65, including Facebook, Myspace, and airlines and cable providers. Among goverment agencies and websites ranked by A.S.C.I. only 10% score lower than 65 including the I.R.S. The full report is available for free from ForeSee Results with registration. UPDATE: In response to this study, a Facebook representative writes: “We haven’t reviewed the survey methodology in detail, but clearly we have room to improve. Building a simple, useful service is the best way to earn and sustain the trust people put in us. That’s why we spend so much of our time and energy focused on improving the products we offer and introducing new ones.”      
Source: TechCrunch | 19 Jul 2010 | 10:00 pm July 20, 1969: One Small Step ... One Giant Leap ...It was 41 years ago today that U.S. astronauts first landed on the moon.
Source: Wired Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 10:00 pm It’s Hard To Feel Sorry For AT&T
In this scenario as laid out by Vogelstein, Apple seems a bit like the uncaring and demanding husband. While AT&T is the timid and overwhelmed wife. The way Vogelstein ends up painting it, it’s hard not to feel a bit bad for AT&T. Their situation has always been sort of a lose-lose. And it could be a very big loss when the iPhone exclusivity ends. But let’s not feel too bad for AT&T. As noted in Vogelstein’s post, since early 2007 when the iPhone was first announced, AT&T’s wireless revenue is up 43 percent. Meanwhile, the number of subscribers are up about 40 percent. But much crazier is that profit has risen roughly 200 percent. Profit. Up. 200%. Yes, AT&T is spending a lot on network upgrades. But every carrier does this (Verizon has spent about $20 billion in the past three years, for example). And AT&T would be even if they didn’t have the iPhone. Are they spending more because of the data demands of the iPhone? No doubt. But as one chart in the story shows, AT&T is actually spending far less than they did in 2008 on network upgrades. This is despite income rising each year — and data usage rising each year. It may be hard to fault AT&T for wanting to squeeze out more profit. But by not pouring every dime that they can into upgrading their network, they’re sealing their own fate when it comes time for the iPhone to move on. And you can argue that no matter what AT&T does, it won’t be enough (that’s at least part of what Vogelstein is saying). But if that’s the case, AT&T should have been smart enough to know that for the long-term betterment of the company, it may have been wise to get out of the iPhone exclusivity agreement earlier. Instead, all indications have been that they’ve lobbied hard to keep that agreement in place. And despite Apple thinking about walking away at least “a half dozen times” that hasn’t happened. Meanwhile, AT&T has shown their overall customer service to be far less than adequate. I keep going back to this example — but it’s a good one. When Netflix has a hiccup in movie streaming, even just for a few minutes, I automatically get an email alerting me that I can have a partial refund if I want it. When I drop a call on AT&T what do I get? Another dropped call if I try to call customer support. I’ve never once gotten any money taken off of my bill from AT&T despite every single one of those months being filled with dropped calls and overall shit service. If I called to complain I might be able to get something back — but I’d have to do that each month. And even if I didn’t drop the call when calling them up, have you ever tried calling one of those customer support numbers? Kill me. And I loved when AT&T tried to spin their recent termination of unlimited data plans as a good thing for customers. Almost all customers will be paying less under the new plans, is how the company line read. Sure, right now. But in a couple years (when you’re still under contract, by the way), these plans are going to screw you. This is all about AT&T taking precautionary measures so they can make more money down the road. It’s not about saving their customers any money. It’s a lucky side-effect of their larger agenda to get data consumption under control. It’s total bullshit. Vogelstein’s takeaway seems to be that all customers should get used to high prices and declining service as wireless demands continue to increase. Sadly, that’s probably true. As he notes, AT&T has been relegated to a “parsimonious gatekeeper.” And the other U.S. carriers are likely to join them there. Apple (and Google) have effectively body-slammed them and changed the entire wireless industry by deflating their positions of power. But the carriers still control the pipes and unless the wireless industry truly changes with the upcoming opening of the Spectrum (which is mainly thanks to companies like Google — and against the wishes of the carriers), we’re all going to be paying the price — literally. But at least it seems more likely than ever that sometime soon — either the end of this year or the beginning of next year — iPhone users in the United States are going to have a choice of which carrier to sell their soul to. If nothing else, the Wired story shows that the dysfunctional relationship between Apple and AT&T can’t continue forever. Or probably even much longer. The two would kill one another. Instead, they’ll date other people. And they’ll share custody of their little girl, the iPhone. Though I still suspect she may get along better with her new mother, Verizon. [image: AppAdvice]      
Source: TechCrunch | 19 Jul 2010 | 9:55 pm HP requests trademark on ‘PALMPAD’Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Software / Applications  Are you eagerly awaiting the day HP launches a tablet device running webOS? Even though a tablet is on the horizon for HP, not much is known about the possible webOS running tablet, other than hopefully a 2010 launch. According to UPSTO, HP filed for a trademark on PALMPAD, which sounds an awful lot like a tablet device powered by Palm’s mobile OS. It is categorized under “Computers, computer hardware, computer software, computer peripherals, portable computers, handheld and mobile computers, PDAs, electronic notepads, mobile digital electronic devices” which makes it more likely the name PALMPAD will be used to describe a tablet device. Now we can keep our eyes and ears peeled for any rumors regarding a PALMPAD. Read [UPSTO] Via [Pre Central]
Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Source: Gadgetell | 19 Jul 2010 | 9:49 pm Blurry image leak shows new Motorola handset on VerizonSection: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones
A few images of a new Motorola handset were leaked online and there is good reason to believe it will join the Droid lineup of Android smartphones on Verizon. The picture above confirms a few things: one it will launch as a Droid phone, two it features a slide-out portrait QWERTY keyboard, and three it will be a mid-range phone on the Verizon network. The familiar red-eye depicted on the phone is the brand commonly associated with Verizon Wireless’ Droid. For those familiar with Verizon smartphones, it has a similar appearance to the Palm Pre Plus in terms of a slide-out keyboard. Given the relatively small screen size, the unknown Motorola phone will most likely be an entry-level device on the Verizon network. Since Verizon already boasts the Droid, Droid X, Droid Incredible, and the upcoming Motorola Droid 2, a mid-range device should work well. Maybe this device is the Motorola WX445 we saw a little over a week ago? Via [AndroidandMe]
Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Source: Gadgetell | 19 Jul 2010 | 9:11 pm Chris Sacca: “The Obama Administration Didn’t Fully Embrace the People Who Got it Elected” [Video]
I first met Chris a couple of years ago at the Silicon Valley Comes to Oxford, an event in which the best minds of the Valley educate Oxford students about technology innovation and business creativity. What I liked about him then, as now, was his pugnacious humility, his very vivid memories of failure and poverty, his uniquely American optimism, and his unashamed commitment to global social justice. The Wall Street Journal cited Sacca as “possibly the most influential businessman in America”. But what they forgot to add was that he’s also amongst the most provocative businessman in this country – a perennial start-up guy who can cram more ideas into a five minute interview than most corporate execs can come up with in a lifetime. Part One: Sacca on what Obama learnt from Google, on the under-definition of the Presidential campaign, and on what the President now needs to learn from his diverse followers. Part Two: Sacca on radical under-definition, on community innovation, on why @ev is one or two steps ahead of everyone else, and on what Twitter can learn from Google. Part Three: Sacca on solving end user problems, on what Google needs to learn, and on whether Google might get social by buying Facebook or Twitter. Part Four: Sacca on Africa and Oxford, on why being worldly makes you a better entrepreneur, on the bold humility of the best entrepreneurs, and on what Silicon Valley can teach the rest of the world. Part Five Sacca on the disappearance of the barriers to creativity, on investing in URLs rather than ideas, on why small ideas are more valuable than big ones, and on why the future is mobile. Watch previous episodes of Keen On here.      
Source: TechCrunch | 19 Jul 2010 | 9:04 pm Some Droid X displays having issues
Yes, there are a few reports of that big ol’ display not functioning correctly. It’s far from an epidemic. But if you’re having problems, it always helps to know you’re not the only one. It could be a corrupted display driver (my guess) or a problem in the LCD controller itself — too early to tell. I’m sure we’ll hear from Motorola or one of their customers before long. If you’re having this issue, chime in. [via Engadget]
Source: MobileCrunch | 19 Jul 2010 | 8:43 pm AT&T announces Sharp FX quick messaging phone for $99Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones  AT&T recently announced a new, quick messaging phone aimed for teenagers and adults. The Sharp FX supports AT&T’s Mobile TV, allowing users to watch full length episodes from FLO TV, including content from ABC Mobile, Adult Swim Mobile, CBS Mobile, CNBC, CNN Mobile, COMEDY CENTRAL, Disney Channel, ESPN Mobile TV, FOX Mobile, msnbc, MTV, NBC 2Go, Nickelodeon and the movie channel Crackle. However, subscription to Mobile TV is $9.99 a month. The Sharp FX features a touch screen, full QWERTY keyboard, 2MP camera, video recording, Bluetooth, AT&T Social Net, and AT&T Navigator. By looking at the picture, I’m assuming it only comes in the jet black finish and it sports a Sidekick-esque form factor. The phone runs its own OS, which is a shame because Android running on this entry-level baby would be pretty awesome. The quick messaging phone costs $99 after a $50 MIR on a new two year contract. The FX will officially launch on July 25 on AT&T’s online store and all physical retail stores. Full press release is below. Via [PRNewswire]
Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Source: Gadgetell | 19 Jul 2010 | 8:33 pm Catching Satnav Errors On Google Street ViewBarence writes "Most of the satnav companies allow users to report errors with their maps, but do they ever get fixed? PC Pro's Paul Ockenden uses Google StreetView to highlight glaring and dangerous flaws in Tele Atlas maps — which are used by TomTom and Google Maps itself — but the company has failed to respond to numerous reports of map errors posted over the course of several years. 'About half a mile from where I live, a Tele Atlas-based satnav will instruct you to turn off at a junction where there's only an on-ramp,' Ockenden reports. 'I've witnessed some confused and dangerous driving at this junction as people try to find the non-existent exit, so I wouldn't be surprised if major mapping errors like this are a danger to road safety.'"
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Source: Slashdot | 19 Jul 2010 | 8:29 pm Glowing algae turn Australian lakes electric blue
This time-lapse photo was taken in eastern Victoria, Australia, and features Noctiluca Scintillans, a type of algae that naturally produces a light-emitting chemical reaction. You can't see it during the day, but, at night, the algae glow electric blue, illuminating portions of the shoreline where wind pushed the blooms during the day. Call it Mother Nature's little light-switch rave. The backstory of this algae outbreak is every bit as interesting as the photos themselves. As told by photographer Phil Hart, this infestation of shiny is the direct result of (in this exact order) raging forest fires, massive floods and a potentially deadly outbreak of Cyanobacteria. Epic! Check out Phil Hart's full gallery of Noctiluca Scintillans photos. Source: Boing Boing | 19 Jul 2010 | 8:08 pm Appletell reviews the iHome iP90 Clock Radio for iPhone/iPodFROM APPLETELL - The iHome iP90 alarm clock or iPhone and iPod comes with everything the “i” generation needs to get you (or your millennial) out of bed in the morning. Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Source: Gadgetell | 19 Jul 2010 | 8:01 pm So F*cking Special: The Social Network International Trailer Has A Bonus
The trailer is set to Radiohead’s “Creep,” as covered by Scala & Kolacny Brothers. If you liked music at any point in the 1990s, it’s probably one of your favorite songs. But the American trailer neutered it by changing the key lyric “you’re so fucking special” to “you’re so very special.” So lame. I cringe every time I hear it. Luckily, those outside the U.S. aren’t quite as prude as we are. The international version of the trailer has hit the web at thesocialnetwork-movie.net (not to be confused with the U.S. version at thesocialnetwork-movie.com). As SlashFilm notes, the trailer is the exact same as the U.S. version except that it restores the original “fucking” lyric. As a commenter notes on YouTube, “Pretty much the same as the US version, but also a million times better.” Amen. This version also goes along well with Reznor’s early review: “It’s really fucking good. And dark!“ Related: only one of Fincher’s major movies has been rated anything other than “R” — that was 2008′s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. If The Social Network really is as “dark” as Reznor says, could it get an “R” rating too? Would Sony allow that to happen since it would basically cut off anyone under 17 from seeing the movie (without a parent) in the U.S.? I’m betting it comes in at PG-13.
Information provided by CrunchBase      
Source: TechCrunch | 19 Jul 2010 | 7:48 pm TechCrunch TV: Inside Windows Phone 7
In today’s episode of TechCrunch NOW, we explore the operating system’s key highlights, including its clean design, swift transitions, and revamped contacts (“people”) tab. However, while, Microsoft earns high marks for effort in our review, Kumparak remains cautious on the product’s real world marketability. Windows Phone 7′s success, Kumparak says, hinges on its ability to woo the developer community and create an app marketplace of iPhone/Android proportions. Video above.      
Source: TechCrunch | 19 Jul 2010 | 7:35 pm Will the next HTC Droid Incredible OTA update feature Android 2.2?Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones
Back in early July, we reported a user experiencing a new OTA software update which revealed 3G Mobile Hotspot and 720p video recording. At the time, we weren’t sure when HTC would roll out this update to all other Droid Incredible owners, but according to latest reports, HTC began the roll out just a few days ago. For some reason, only a handful of users received the update, and even though roll outs generally take a long time, more users should have already received the update. BGR is reporting that HTC might pull the OTA update and add Google Android 2.2 to the list of features in the update. If the rumor pans out, users should stop receiving the update and receive the official update either late July or early August, which will include Froyo. HTC initially planned to issue two different OTA updates, one being the 3G Mobile Hotspot, 720p video recording, etc. and the other would only be Android 2.2. However, it does make more sense to roll out just one update with every new feature. Of course, we’re still waiting for official confirmation on this one, but it looks like Android 2.2 is right around the corner for HTC Droid Incredible owners! The full email is below:
Via [BGR] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Source: Gadgetell | 19 Jul 2010 | 7:20 pm IBM lifts 2010 forecast but economic worries loom (AP)
Source: Yahoo! News: Technology News | 19 Jul 2010 | 7:17 pm Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Increases Quarterly Common Stock Dividend 10.4% and Declares Common and Preferred Stock DividendsSAN FRANCISCO, July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: DLR), a leading owner and manager of corporate and Internet gateway datacenters, today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized quarterly common and preferred stock dividends for the third quarter of 2010. "We are increasing the quarterly common stock dividend by 10.4% to $0.53 per share in anticipation of increased REIT taxable income and distribution requirements for 2010," commented A. William Stein, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Digital Realty Trust. "With this increase the annual dividend payment for 2010 equates to $2.02 per share, up 37% from the full year 2009 dividend payment of $1.47 per share. This is a result of our growing cash flow primarily due to our recent acquisitions and leasing activities." Common Stock Dividend Digital Realty Trust's Board of Directors authorized a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.53 per share to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 15, 2010. The common stock dividend will be paid on September 30, 2010. Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividend The Company's Board of Directors authorized a quarterly preferred stock dividend of $0.53125 per share to holders of record of the Company's 8.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock as of the close of business on September 15, 2010. The series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock dividend will be paid on September 30, 2010. Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividend The Company's Board of Directors authorized a preferred stock dividend of $0.492188 per share to holders of record of the Company's 7.875% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock as of the close of business on September 15, 2010. The series B cumulative redeemable preferred stock dividend will be paid on September 30, 2010. Series C Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock Dividend The Company's Board of Directors authorized a preferred stock dividend of $0.273438 per share to holders of record of the Company's 4.375% Series C Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock as of the close of business on September 15, 2010. The series C cumulative convertible preferred stock dividend will be paid on September 30, 2010. Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock Dividend The Company's Board of Directors authorized a preferred stock dividend of $0.34375 per share to holders of record of the Company's 5.500% Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock as of the close of business on September 15, 2010. The series D cumulative convertible preferred stock dividend will be paid on September 30, 2010. About Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Digital Realty Trust owns, acquires, redevelops, develops and manages technology-related real estate. The Company is focused on providing Turn-Key Datacenter® and Powered Base Building® datacenter solutions for domestic and international tenants across a variety of industry verticals ranging from information technology and internet enterprises, to manufacturing and financial services. Digital Realty Trust's 92 properties, excluding one property held as an investment in an unconsolidated joint venture, contain applications and operations critical to the day-to-day operations of technology industry tenants and corporate enterprise datacenter tenants. Comprising approximately 16.1 million square feet as of July 19, 2010, including 2.0 million square feet of space held for redevelopment, Digital Realty Trust's portfolio is located in 27 markets throughout Europe and North America. For additional information, please visit Digital Realty Trust's website at http://www.digitalrealtytrust.com. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements related to the amount and timing of expected payment of dividends on our common stock and preferred stock and statements related to our financial performance and expected REIT taxable income and distribution requirements for 2010, which are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, the following: the impact of the recent deterioration in global economic, credit and market conditions; current local economic conditions in our geographic markets; decreases in information technology spending, including as a result of economic slowdowns or recession; adverse economic or real estate developments in our industry or the industry sectors that we sell to (including risks relating to decreasing real estate valuations and impairment charges); our dependence upon significant tenants; bankruptcy or insolvency of a major tenant or a significant number of smaller tenants; defaults on or non-renewal of leases by tenants; our failure to obtain necessary debt and equity financing; increased interest rates and operating costs; our failure to repay debt when due or our breach of covenants or other terms contained in our loan facilities and agreements; financial market fluctuations; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; our ability to manage our growth effectively; difficulty acquiring or operating properties in foreign jurisdictions; our failure to successfully operate acquired or redeveloped properties; risks related to joint venture investments, including as a result of our lack of control of such investments; delays or unexpected costs in development or redevelopment of properties; decreased rental rates or increased vacancy rates; increased competition or available supply of data center space; our inability to successfully develop and lease new properties and space held for redevelopment; difficulties in identifying properties to acquire and completing acquisitions; our inability to acquire off-market properties; our inability to comply with the rules and regulations applicable to public companies; our failure to maintain our status as a REIT; potential adverse changes to tax laws; restrictions on our ability to engage in certain business activities; environmental uncertainties and risks related to natural disasters; changes in foreign laws and regulations, including those related to taxation and real estate ownership and operation; and changes in real estate and zoning laws and increases in real property tax rates. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports and other filings by the Company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For Additional Information: -------------- A. William Stein Pamela Matthews Chief Financial Officer and Director of Investor Relations Chief Investment Officer Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. +1 (415) 738-6500 +1 (415) 738-6500 SOURCE Digital Realty Trust, Inc.Source: RedOrbit News - Technology | 19 Jul 2010 | 7:08 pm Patent hints at new Sony multiplayer split-screen
Looks like Sony may be up to something, two new patents recently showed up with a possible alternative to the traditional split screen view. This may just be an alternative use for a 3D TV. Sony’s new patents cover creating two images on the same screen, which are filtered by glasses worn by the players. This could create a scenario where two players could be in the same room, with each seeing something different on the TV. The patents were actually filed a year ago, and just recently were published where the public might get a glimpse of them. [via Kotaku]
Source: CrunchGear | 19 Jul 2010 | 7:00 pm How Mark Zuckerberg Intends to Repair Facebook's Battered Image (Mashable)Mashable - On Wednesday, Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg will sit across from ABC News' Diane Sawyer in his most high-profile interview since 2008, when Sawyer interviewed him on 60 Minutes.Source: Yahoo! News: Technology News | 19 Jul 2010 | 6:58 pm Samsung responds to Apple’s antennagate mentionSection: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile  Just like Nokia, RIM, and HTC, Samsung has officially responded its antenna in the Samsung Omnia II. Apple’s mention of the BlackBerry Bold 9700, HTC Droid Eris, Nokia, and the Samsung Omnia II surprised all four manufacturers and prompted them to response to Apple’s assertion. Shin Young-joon, a spokesperson for Samsung, had this to say on the matter:
He also questioned the legitimacy of Jobs’ demonstration by questioning the circumstances and conditions under which the test was performed. Samsung didn’t release a complete statement like Nokia and RIM, probably because Samsung still manufacturers parts for the iPhone 4, and starting a war of words with Apple wouldn’t bode well for the giant manufacturer. Since all four manufacturers have pretty much stated they create superior antennas which hardly anyone complains about, is Steve Jobs’ demonstration true? Or was it a petty attempt to prove all smartphones have antenna defects? Via [KoreaHerald] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Source: Gadgetell | 19 Jul 2010 | 6:54 pm TechnoMarine Cruise Sport Watches Review After looking at the new Cruise Sport watches and wearing them, I must say that they actually look better while on the wrist. That is a rare quality, but I feel that it is correct for this collection. For example, once you put the Cruise Sport Chrono on your wrist, you realize how nicely its curved round case with integrated strap, has a nice flowing look on the wrist. You just don't get that view of it sitting on a table.
Source: CrunchGear | 19 Jul 2010 | 6:21 pm Verizon confirms the end of the Microsoft KinSection: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile
Microsoft first announced the end of the Kin production back on June 30 and scrapped plans for a European launch. On Sunday, we noticed the Verizon store marked the Kin ONE and Kin TWO as “unavailable at this time.” Logically, marking the phone as unavailable meant that the end was nearby for Microsoft’s unsuccessful project. Today, Verizon Wireless confirmed to Engadget that it had officially ended the sale of the Kin ONE and Kin TWO. However, for the few Kin owners out there, you’ll be pleased to know Microsoft will continue maintenance and operation for the Kin. It’s sad to think what could have been for the Kin had Verizon offered a different data plan for the phone and marketed the phone differently. Via [Engadget]
Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Source: Gadgetell | 19 Jul 2010 | 6:19 pm 'Chia Wall' To Muffle Highway SoundA giant Green Noise Wall that works like a Chia Pet is coming to I-70, east of Columbus, Ohio.Source: Discovery News - Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 6:06 pm Wooden NES sculpture fails to sell on eBay
Really, though. It’s a kind of sculpture — “Craftsmanship is so precise it appears to be a functional Nintendo at first glance.” Yes, although the wood-finish NES didn’t really catch on, if I remember correctly. The detail really is nice, though:
It didn’t sell on eBay, but lots of things don’t go right away. If you’re interested, I’m sure you can contact the creator directly. [via Technabob, GameSniped, and Nerd Approved]
Source: CrunchGear | 19 Jul 2010 | 5:53 pm Gadgetell Review: CyberClean cleaning compound for electronicsSection: Gadgets / Other, Household, Reviews, Features
Read[CyberClean.net] Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Source: Gadgetell | 19 Jul 2010 | 5:48 pm Coherent, Inc. Announces Live Webcast of Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2010 ResultsSANTA CLARA, Calif., July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Coherent, Inc. (Nasdaq: COHR) today announced that it plans to report its third quarter fiscal year 2010 results after market close on July 29, 2010. The Company will host a conference call to discuss its financial results at 1:30 P.M. Pacific (4:30 P.M. Eastern) on July 29, 2010. A listen-only broadcast of the conference call can be accessed on the Company's website at either http://www.coherent.com/Investors/ or http://www.earnings.com For those who are not available to listen to the live broadcast, the call will be archived for approximately three months on both web sites. Founded in 1966, Coherent, Inc. is a world leader in providing photonics based solutions to the commercial and scientific research markets and part of the Russell 2000. Please direct any questions to Leen Simonet, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at 408-764-4161. For more information about Coherent, visit the Company's web site at www.coherent.com. SOURCE Coherent, Inc.Source: RedOrbit News - Technology | 19 Jul 2010 | 5:47 pm 4 Cores? 6 Cores? Do You Care?An anonymous reader writes "Intel has updated its processor price list earlier today. Common sense suggests that Intel may not care that much anymore whether its customers know what they are actually buying. One new six-core processor slides in between six-core and quad-core processors – and its sequence number offers no clues about cores, clock speed, and manufacturing process. If we remember the gigahertz race just a decade ago, it is truly stunning to see how the CPU landscape has changed. Today, processors carry sequence numbers that are largely meaningless."
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Source: Slashdot | 19 Jul 2010 | 5:40 pm Gallery: New Species of Frogs Disappearing as Fast as They're FoundNew species of frogs in Panama are being found nearly as fast as they are being lost to a deadly fungal disease that is sweeping through the region.
Source: Wired Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 5:40 pm Blog Platform Shut Down as FBI Probes al-Qaida PostsThe host for blogging platform Blogetery.com says it shuttered the platform amid inquiries from the FBI that the site was being used by al-Qaida as a recruitment tool.
Source: Wired Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 5:38 pm Taiwan news recreates “Antennagate” in animated form [video]FROM APPLETELL - Apple-1 News of Taiwan has posted an animated recreation of Apple’s iPhone “Antennagate.” And despite the name of their station, it’s hard to call this hilarious video “Pro-Apple.” Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Source: Gadgetell | 19 Jul 2010 | 5:04 pm DIY: Build your own Iron Man repulsor weaponSo you’re really into cosplay, and want to build the ultimate Iron Man armor. Easy enough right? It’s the flying thing and weaponry that’s the problem. Well, here’s a little help with the weapons. Ok, so maybe it’s not really a repulsor, but if you build it properly you could use it to temporarily blind your enemy. This build is simple enough, construct an arm mounted framework, and then use LEDs and some parts from a disposable camera and you are all ready to go. For detailed instructions, just go here. [via Hackaday]
Source: CrunchGear | 19 Jul 2010 | 5:00 pm Control Software's Hard-Coded Password Circulated Online for YearsA default password coded into Siemens' SCADA system, recently targeted by sophisticated malware, has been available online since at least 2008 when it was posted to product forums in Germany and Russia.
Source: Wired Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 5:00 pm iBooks gets a major update
iBooks just received an update that adds dictionary look-up of words as well as quick, closer views of in-line images, and updated PDF controls for quicker browsing. Generally, it adds a number of features missing both from iBooks and the iPad Kindle app. Generally, I like the new features. I really missed the standalone Kindle’s in-built dictionary and being able to view images in full size – as well as embedded audio and video in some books – is a big improvement. The update is free and available now.
Source: CrunchGear | 19 Jul 2010 | 4:56 pm Nokia Siemens To Buy Motorola Unit For $1.2Bsylverboss writes with news that Nokia Siemens is buying Motorola's wireless networks division for $1.2 billion. "The deal gives Nokia — the world's leading supplier of mobile handsets — an invigorated entrance to the US market where it has lagged far behind other handset suppliers." According to BusinessWeek, "Motorola’s sale of the wireless-network unit prepares it for a broader restructuring. The company is planning to spin off its mobile-phone and set-top box operations into a company that will be led by co-Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Jha. The spinoff is on schedule for the first quarter, Jha said last month."
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Source: Slashdot | 19 Jul 2010 | 4:53 pm Founders Fund Raises $250 Million for Third Venture FundSAN FRANCISCO, July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Founders Fund, the venture backer of companies including Facebook, Spotify, and SpaceX, has closed its third venture fund. The Founders Fund III LP and its parallel funds were oversubscribed, reaching the firm's cap of $250 million in commitments, making the Fund III suite the firm's largest yet. The substantial majority of commitments came from limited partners of the firm's prior funds, joined by a small number of new investors. Founders Fund is managed by Peter Thiel, Ken Howery, Luke Nosek, and Sean Parker, all of whom were company founders before becoming venture capitalists. Founders Fund seeks to eliminate the traditional tensions between venture capitalists and start-ups through a unique, founder-friendly approach. "Our goal is to provide as much support for a company as it requires, without interfering with an entrepreneur's vision for that company," said Peter Thiel. "In our experience that leads to the best returns for our investors." "Founders Fund has been an incredible partner for Quantcast; they've offered outstanding advice and guidance while giving us the freedom to grow the business in the ways we think best. Quantcast's tremendous growth testifies to the effectiveness of that model," said Konrad Feldman, CEO of Quantcast, the audience insights and targeting company backed by Founders Fund. Fund III intends to leverage the firm's experience in consumer-internet, as well as to expand its investments in companies pursuing revolutionary solutions to major science and engineering problems. "As companies like Spotify make clear, consumer internet continues to present tremendous opportunities," said managing partner Sean Parker, who previously served as the founding president of Facebook and co-founder of Causes (both Founders Fund investments), and who also co-founded Napster and Plaxo. "And as the launch of SpaceX's Falcon 9 demonstrates, ambitious engineering projects can also generate terrific value," said Luke Nosek, a Founders Fund managing partner and a director of SpaceX. According to Ken Howery, "Despite years of cynicism and low returns in the industry, our companies show that there are compelling opportunities in several categories for bold investors." "I worked with the partners of Founders Fund when I was at PayPal, and their expertise in consumer internet is second to none. Having worked with them at Palantir and now at RoboteX, I can say that they are the rare VC that understands both consumer-side and hard engineering and that they invest with conviction," said Nathan Gettings, CEO of RoboteX, which makes multi-purpose robots used by police agencies, SWAT teams, and civilian users. Gettings is also CTO of Founders Fund portfolio company Palantir, the analytical software firm that helped track down the perpetrators of the attacks on the Dalai Lama's computers. "We're delighted that our limited partners have backed us for a third fund," said Howery, "and we'll use that fund to continue supporting transformational companies." ABOUT FOUNDERS FUND Founders Fund is managed by seasoned entrepreneurs Peter Thiel, Ken Howery, Luke Nosek (co-founders, PayPal) and Sean Parker (founding president, Facebook; co-founder Plaxo, Causes, Napster) to support early-stage companies. Founders Fund has made early investments in some of the most prominent ventures of the past decade, including Facebook, Causes, Palantir Technologies, Quantcast, and SpaceX. The firm, headquartered in San Francisco, pursues a founder-friendly investment strategy that provides maximum support and minimum interference to world-class entrepreneurs. CONTACT: Bruce Gibney bruce@foundersfund.com 415 230 5800 SOURCE Founders FundSource: RedOrbit News - Technology | 19 Jul 2010 | 4:37 pm I’ll believe Apple when I see iPhone 5FROM APPLETELL - It’s a pretty convenient position when Apple advertises a product as “magic,” “revolutionary” and “unique,” and when things go south, it turns out it’s just a phone. Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article » Source: Gadgetell | 19 Jul 2010 | 4:36 pm Funtalk China Holdings Limited Announces Public Offering of Ordinary SharesBEIJING, July 19 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Funtalk China Holdings Limited ("Funtalk" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: FTLK) today announced that it intends to offer, subject to market and other conditions, approximately 10,392,000 ordinary shares in a public offering. In addition, certain selling shareholders intend to offer, subject to market and other conditions, approximately 1,608,000 ordinary shares of the Company in this offering. In connection with this offering, the underwriters will have an option to purchase up to an additional 1,558,800 ordinary shares from the Company and up to an additional 241,200 ordinary shares from the selling shareholders. The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the offering to expand its retail network, including acquiring interests in other retail chains and establishment of new retail outlets. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the ordinary shares by the selling shareholders. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated will act as the sole bookrunner and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., Roth Capital Partners, LLC and Rodman & Renshaw, LLC will serve as co-managers for this offering. The Company is conducting the offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form F-1 initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 9, 2010. The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, the securities described herein, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Copies of the preliminary prospectus may be obtained from BofA Merrill Lynch, 4 World Financial Center, New York, NY 10080, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by e-mail to dg.prospectus_requests@baml.com. An electronic copy of the Company's registration statement on Form F-1 and the preliminary prospectus is also available on the web site of the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov. About Funtalk China Holdings Limited The Company is a retailer and distributor of wireless communications devices, accessories and content in 30 provinces and municipalities in China. The Company has branch offices and regional distribution centers, operates a chain of mobile phone retail stores, and has an internet retailing platform. Safe Harbor and Informational Statement This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "will," "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements, and investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements made by the parties as a result of a number of factors, some of which may be beyond the Company's control. These factors include the risk that the Company will not use the proceeds from the offering in the manner contemplated, as well as the other risk factors detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its registration statement on Form F-1, as amended from time to time. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. For more information, please contact: Bill Zima ICR Inc. (US) Phone: +1-203-682-8200 SOURCE Funtalk China Holdings LimitedSource: RedOrbit News - Technology | 19 Jul 2010 | 4:25 pm iTunes 9.2.1 arrives with bug fixes, sync improvements
Source: CrunchGear | 19 Jul 2010 | 4:24 pm Blogetery Shutdown Due To al-Qaeda InfoArchness1 writes "Over the weekend we discussed news that blog host Blogetery.com had been shut down at the request of the US government. Now, it appears the site was shut down because some of the blogs it was hosting contained information on al-Qaeda hit lists and bomb making. According to the article, Burst.net shut down Blogetery of its own accord after the FBI made a request to the host for information on the people who made the posts. '[Burst.net CTO Joe Marr] said the FBI contacted Burst.net and sent a Voluntary Emergency Disclosure of Information request. The letter said terrorist material, which presented a threat to American lives, was found on a server hosted by Burst.net and asked for specific information about the people involved. In the FBI's letter, the agency included a clause that says Web hosts and Internet service providers may voluntarily elect to shut down the sites of customers involved in these kinds of situations.'"
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Source: Slashdot | 19 Jul 2010 | 4:10 pm QinetiQ’s solar-powered Zephyr aircraft attempting to stay aloft for 14 days
Unlike the Solar Impulse, the Zephyr is intended to be a long-flight, low-payload craft, meaning you won’t be strapping yourself into one any time soon. At 50kg/110lb gross weight, the Zephyr is about as light as a functioning solar craft of that size can be; its construction is carbon fiber and the paper-thin solar cells are connected to a handful of Li-S batteries. Despite its growth in the latest version, the Zephyr still is essentially just a frame with a control module attached to operate the rudders, prop speed, and so on. The goal of these things, other than to advance the state of the art, is ultimately military. While no ultralight solar craft will ever be able to create any serious destruction, the “eye in the sky” is becoming an increasingly valuable tactical asset, this type of design could easily carry a lightweight camera array or a few units to improve units’ communications. The military and green interests don’t often align, but reducing fuel usage will simplify the supply chain and decrease costs in a big way. Ultra-lightweight construction and efficient solar architecture are also, of course, extremely marketable and essential to other green technology. The craft was launched some time ago and is still aloft; if all goes well, it’ll fly around above Yuma for another couple days, or, if the weather is fine, even longer. We’ll update once it sets down and the record is official. [via Treehugger]
Source: CrunchGear | 19 Jul 2010 | 4:00 pm Valve Releases Updated Alien Swarm For Free With Code Basebaronvoncarson tips news that today Valve released an updated version of Alien Swarm, a popular Unreal Tournament 2004 total conversion mod. The creators of the mod were hired by Valve, and they've helped turn it into a stand-alone game running on the Source engine. Valve is also releasing the code base for Alien Swarm and an SDK. The game is available for free on Steam.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Source: Slashdot | 19 Jul 2010 | 3:47 pm Apple's iPhone 4 Antenna-gate Gambit Pays Off - PC World
Source: Sci/Tech - Google News | 19 Jul 2010 | 3:46 pm Amazon Sells More E-Books Than HardcoversE-books have hit the mainstream, and for the first time are consistently outselling their pulp-and-ink brethren, according to Amazon.com.
Source: Wired Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 3:46 pm Need a Vacation? Visit Titan's 'Exotic' Ontario LacusTired of terrestrial vacations? We have the destination for you! A beautiful lake-side retreat on Saturn's moon, Titan. (We accept no liability for sickness and death associated with excessive methane inhalation.)Source: Discovery News - Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 3:29 pm HP PalmPad trademark foretells WebOS slate - CNET
Source: Sci/Tech - Google News | 19 Jul 2010 | 3:29 pm Attackers Using Social Networks For Botnet ControlTrailrunner7 writes "Bot herders and the crimeware gangs behind banker Trojans have had a lot of success in the last few years with using bulletproof hosting providers as their main base of operations. But more and more, they're finding that social networks such as Twitter and Facebook are offering even more fertile and convenient grounds for controlling their malicious creations. New research from RSA shows that the gangs behind some of the targeted banker Trojans that are such a huge problem in some countries, especially Brazil and other South American nations, are moving quietly and quickly to using social networks as the command-and-control mechanisms for their malware. The company's anti-fraud researchers recently stumbled upon one such attack in progress and watched as it unfolded."
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Source: Slashdot | 19 Jul 2010 | 3:27 pm Will HP put the Palmpad and Windows 7 Slate head to head?
We all know the story. HP bought Palm for a billion dollars, partly for the webOS mobile phone platform. Said operating system will soon be found in other HP devices, including printers and tablet computers. However, HP is unlikely to rest its tablet’s future on someone else’s defunct brand name. There will be more than one tablet model from HP right from the beginning. HP is the king of multi-model product lines. HP has too many notebooks to count between the HP and Compaq brands, and there are even more when their business line-up is considered. The price points between them are often as little as $20, which allows HP to have a notebook for nearly everyone. There’s no reason to expect anything different from HP’s tablet offering and the Palmpad trademark — if it’s ever used — clearly indicates that. Perhaps the plan all along was to keep the Palm name intact (as with Compaq) and produce webOS devices under that brand. This would allow HP to test the water in the Windows 7’s pool with an HP-branded model instead of relying solely on a Palm-branded tablet. Palm really hasn’t had a good last five years. Their last hit was the the Palm Treo line, but they held onto Palm OS and WinMo to long. WebOS should be considered a hit, as it’s a phenomenal user experience, but the Pre’s and Pixi’s underwhelming hardware and slow launch ultimately put the last nail in Palm’s coffin. Consumers know this, too. Palm was the BlackBerry of the late 90’s with a cult-like following and the best mobile experience. But then they slowly died away from the public’s view. However, most consumers know the name and that’s a good thing. As long as HP (and the remaining Palm employees) can show the world they still have the stuff again, the Palmpad might make the run as the real iPad-killer. Back to the tablets, though. Spec-wise, they would probably be similar, with the Win7 slate likely getting a slightly more powerful CPU and GPU to meet the demands of the desktop OS. The main difference is really the target market. The Palmpad will no doubt get a lot of social media-ish marketing and flashy TV spots like its direct competitor, the iPad. But the Windows 7 HP Slate — that is if there is one — might be able to get by with just retailer marketing from Best Buy, Office Max and others. After all, the consumer market is only part of its target demographic. Like it or not, the world runs on Windows and HP makes big money on the small business and enterprise market. A Windows-based tablet could be used in everything from the medical field, to inventory management/logistics, to even the government. Yes, similar apps could be developed for webOS as well, but businesses do not like change and already have the expensive licenses for their existing software. A Windows 7 tablet wouldn’t rock the boat too much, and for some, that’s a good thing. I’ve said it a dozen times that Windows is horrible on a small-ish touchscreen, but that doesn’t mean HP won’t push forward and sell one anyway simply because the tablet platform is already developed and it could turn out to be a legitimate market. Then there’s the other possibility that HP will also have a line of self-branded webOS tablets in the beginning competing for the same market as the Palmpad. After all for the first time in HP’s history, they own an operating system and they might want to put their billion dollars to work right away by saturating the tablet market in HP’s traditional fashion. Hopefully we’ll find out by the end of 2010.
Source: CrunchGear | 19 Jul 2010 | 3:16 pm Aristotle's Misuse of FEC Data Subject of FEC ComplaintWASHINGTON, July 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A complaint was filed today against Aristotle International at the Federal Election Commission (FEC) by NGP Software, citing Aristotle's commercial use of downloaded FEC contributor data to enable its clients to solicit contributions. FEC law states that commercial use of FEC data is illegal, as is using such data for soliciting contributions. In Aristotle's "360" fundraising product, it advertises a "Relationship Manager" feature which plainly uses FEC contributor information, displaying the federal contribution history for individuals with whom a given Aristotle customer has no relationship. Aristotle's web page with a demo of the feature states in as a second sentence, "Our powerful web-based system quickly uncovers relationships that can be targeted for votes, dollars, or grass-roots support." (http://www.aristotle.com/content/view/232/161, emphasis added). An Aristotle ad about the feature states "Only Aristotle can provide the data needed to point the way to the thousands of donors predisposed to contributing to your campaign, PAC or grassroots group. Our powerful web-based system tells you everything you need to know about a prospect or contributor." (Advertisement in Politics Magazine, 3/10/10, emphasis added) Federal law prohibits selling or using individual contributor data copied from FEC reports: "no information copied from [FEC] reports or statements may be sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions or for commercial purposes". (2 U.S.C. section 438(a)(4)) "Aristotle's marketing documents and their online demo clearly offer access, for a fee, to FEC contributor data for the purposes of solicitation, all of which is at the core of what the sale and use prohibition is meant to prevent," said Joe Birkenstock, former Chief Counsel for the Democratic National Committee. Birkenstock is campaign finance counsel to NGP Software, which filed the complaint against Aristotle. The issue of use of FEC contributor data is particularly relevant this year: the Supreme Court upheld disclosure requirements in the Citizens United decision, and under the DISCLOSE Act passed by the U.S. House on June 24th in response, the types of entities required to report to the FEC would be expanded to include non-profits. In an earlier FEC enforcement case regarding Aristotle's use of FEC data in their earlier product (Campaign Manager 5/CM5), three FEC Commissioners voted that Aristotle had broken the law, stating, "We cannot ignore the clear statutory language prohibiting any FEC reports or statements from being sold or used by any person for the purpose of soliciting contributions or for any commercial purpose. Accordingly, we voted to find probable cause to believe that Aristotle violated 2 U.S.C. 438(a)(4)." (MUR 5625, FEC Commissioners Statement of Reasons 5/19/10, p. 8) Aristotle made excuses in that case, saying that the ads stating that clients could use the data for solicitation were a "mistake" that had been corrected; that it was an incidental feature and "nobody uses it"; that its actual purpose was for compliance; and that "you can't download" contribution data. (FEC Hearing Transcript, 9/23/09) Three Commissioners found these excuses to be inaccurate, noting that Aristotle's advertising still promoted using the FEC data for solicitation, and that the feature's use for compliance was "negligible at best." (FEC Commissioners Statement of Reasons 5/19/10, p3 and p. 5) However, the three Republican-appointed Commissioners believed Aristotle's excuses about their CM5 product, and the Commissioners deadlocked 3-3 on whether to proceed against Aristotle. None of the excuses Aristotle made about their CM5 product are available to Aristotle regarding the 360 product. As noted above, Aristotle is explicitly marketing the use of FEC data in 360 for solicitation. Aristotle itself calls the 360 feature "important" and filed for a patent on it this year. And Aristotle's own demo of the 360 feature states, "You can export your connection map to many different standard formats for customized use." So Aristotle cannot use the same excuses again in this case. Given the importance that Aristotle has given this matter by trying to patent their use of FEC contributor data, NGP believes that the FEC Commissioners will take a hard look at the complaint, and provide a definitive ruling regarding Aristotle's use of FEC data. About NGP Software NGP is the leading provider of fundraising and compliance software for Democratic campaigns. NGP is used by over 75% of the Democrats in the U.S. House and Senate; the DNC, DSCC, DCCC, and DGA; over 90% of Democratic state parties; and in total over 1,700 total clients. For 12 years, NGP has helped clients succeed and win by delivering a unique mix of products, political and technology expertise, and outstanding client services. http://www.ngpsoftware.com SOURCE NGP SoftwareSource: RedOrbit News - Technology | 19 Jul 2010 | 3:01 pm Chicago Career Tech Now Accepting Applications for Technology Job RetrainingCHICAGO, July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately 30,000 of Chicago's unemployed residents are former middle-income workers, yet they are largely left out of public programs aimed at supporting and retraining dislocated workers. Chicago Career Tech, an innovative job retraining program providing unemployed white-collar workers with the training and education necessary for high-demand technology-based careers, announced today that applications are being accepted for its second class session. Capacity has been expanded to accommodate 325 participants -- approximately double the size of a pilot program launched in May of this year. The program hopes to enroll 2,100 participants over the next three years. "Chicago Career Tech is an exciting idea that has the potential to put a great number of Chicagoans back to work by providing paths to jobs in areas such as healthcare, information technology, telecommunications and others - all fast growing industries with increasing career opportunities," said Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, who envisioned the program while speaking with residents who had been laid off. "Chicago is the only city in the nation that is currently focusing on retraining this 'forgotten class' and helping displaced middle-class residents of our city rebuild their careers." The six-month, six-day-a-week Chicago Career Tech program features classroom training, hands-on employer- and service-based learning with a corporation and nonprofit organization, and career and professional development. Upon completion of the program, participants will have the skills necessary to succeed in technology-based careers, including opportunities in high-demand fields such as: Digital Media, Healthcare Help Desk, Healthcare Information Technology, Microsoft Certified Tech Specialist, Project Management and Telecommunications. Chicago Career Tech participants receive a weekly stipend in addition to any unemployment benefits to which they may be entitled. Applications are available exclusively online at www.chicagocareertech.com through August 13 for the upcoming class session, which will run mid-October 2010 through April 2011. To be eligible to qualify for the program, potential participants must meet the following minimum requirements: City of Chicago residentMinimum of a high school diploma or GEDUnemployed (after January 1, 2008), with previous annual income of $25,000 to $75,000Currently collecting or have exhausted unemployment insurance in the State of Illinois Not currently enrolled in another job training program"Chicago Career Tech is a very exciting public-private partnership that assists Chicago residents who need new or different skills to compete in today's job market," said Marie Lynch, executive director of Chicago Career Tech. "The program's unique design has the potential to strengthen the city's position as a premier global business location by providing a strong technology workforce." Funded by grants, foundation support and private sector donations, Chicago Career Tech, which currently operates out of the nonprofit World Business Chicago, is helping to build Chicago's technology workforce and attract prospective employers to the city, while assisting displaced white-collar workers in securing the skills needed to succeed in today's competitive job market. Many of these unemployed middle-income workers had held professional and administrative jobs for years or even decades. After being displaced through layoffs and other workforce reductions, these individuals often do not have the resources available to secure the training they need to be marketable in today's technology-driven economy. Chicago Career Tech is an innovative job retraining program developed to provide unemployed middle-income workers with the training and education necessary for high-demand technology-based careers. Leveraging public-private partnerships, Chicago Career Tech provides high-quality education and career counseling to participants, complemented by hands-on learning at local businesses and nonprofits. Supported by the business community and operated out of World Business Chicago, the program strengthens Chicago's position as a technology center, while providing a path into technology jobs for displaced workers. For more information, visit www.chicagocareertech.com. World Business Chicago is a nonprofit economic development organization promoting metropolitan Chicago. WBC markets Chicago's competitive advantages, coordinates business retention and attraction efforts, and seeks to enhance Chicago's business-friendly environment. WBC's Board of C-level corporate executives is chaired by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. For more information, visit www.worldbusinesschicago.com. SOURCE Chicago Career TechSource: RedOrbit News - Technology | 19 Jul 2010 | 2:53 pm Media Availability: RightOnline Conference Coming to Las Vegas, July 23-24Americans for Prosperity Foundation President Tim Phillips and RightOnline Executive Director Erik Telford available for interview LAS VEGAS, July 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the political battleground state of Nevada, hundreds of grassroots activists will gather together at the Venetian in Las Vegas on July 23 and 24 for AFP Foundation's (AFPF) 3rd annual RightOnline® Conference to learn how to become more effective in online activism and new media strategy. While the Left's Netroots Nation brings Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Las Vegas, RightOnline attendees will hear from Rep. Sharron Angle, candidate for U.S. Senate and Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.). On Saturday, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) will host a "November Is Coming" rally where concerned Nevadans will be urged to hold Senator Harry Reid accountable for his big government voting record. Tim Phillips, president of AFPF and Erik Telford, Executive Director of RightOnline, will be available for interviews to discuss the future of online activism within the conservative movement and the effects of Harry Reid's big government policy initiatives on Nevada taxpayers. Last year, 800 activists gathered in Pittsburgh for RightOnline and the event was broadcast LIVE by CSPAN and covered in the Wall Street Journal, US News and World Report, Politico, and others. Please contact Mary Ellen Burke at (202) 309-1129 to schedule an interview. For more information, please visit www.RightOnline.com Americans for Prosperity Foundation (AFPF) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual's right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFPF believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFPF educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. AFPF has more than 1 million members, including members in all 50 states, and 30 state chapters and affiliates. More than 60,000 Americans in all 50 states have made a financial investment in AFP Foundation and Americans for Prosperity. SOURCE RightOnlineSource: RedOrbit News - Technology | 19 Jul 2010 | 2:45 pm Anti-HIV Gel Cuts Infection Risk in HalfThe new gel would be a huge benefit to African women bearing the brunt of the AIDS pandemic.Source: Discovery News - Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 2:45 pm How IT Pros Can Avoid Legal Troublesnydeq writes "InfoWorld's Peter S. Vogel reports on the kinds of inadvertent transgressions that could land IT pros into legal trouble without realizing it. From confidentiality and privacy negligence, to copyright and source code violations, IT staff are legally liable for a lot more than they might think — in some cases because the law will not stop at your employer, instead holding individual IT employees responsible for violations even if the individuals are just 'doing their job.' Worse, as the recent case against Terry Childs has shown, judges and juries are often not technically savvy enough to understand what IT pros do. 'That lack of understanding can lead them to conclude you're at fault or should have known better,' Vogel writes. 'After all, many people think anyone technical is a whiz kid or brainiac on any topic.'" What legally questionable scenarios have cropped up at your job?
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Source: Slashdot | 19 Jul 2010 | 2:45 pm TI reports financial results for 2Q10DALLAS, July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today announced second-quarter revenue of $3.50 billion, net income of $769 million and earnings per share of 62 cents. "Our Analog and Embedded Processing businesses turned in double-digit sequential growth, outpacing their respective markets and again confirming their ability to positively impact the financial performance of TI. As a result, we delivered our highest-ever quarterly operating profit," said Rich Templeton, TI chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Orders were strong in the quarter, backlog increased and we expect to grow revenue again in the third quarter. Our steady investments in production capacity, even through last year's downturn, are now allowing us to meet higher demand levels from customers and simultaneously reduce lead times, which we believe is not only in the best interest of our customers, but will also help us gain share. "As we continue our transformation to an Analog and Embedded Processing company, we believe we can significantly outgrow these markets by offering products that are optimized to the needs of our customers and by putting manufacturing capacity in place before it's needed," Templeton said. 2Q10 financial summary Amounts are in millions of dollars, except per-share amounts. 2Q10 2Q09 vs.2Q09 1Q10 vs.1Q10 ---- ---- ------- ---- ------- Revenue $3,496 $2,457 42% $3,205 9% Operating profit $1,107 $ 343 223% $ 950 17% Net income $ 769 $ 260 196% $ 658 17% Earnings per share $ 0.62 $ 0.20 210% $ 0.52 19% Cash flow from operations $ 562 $ 557 1% $ 710 -21% TI's operating profit increased compared with the second quarter of 2009 and the prior quarter of 2010 due to higher gross profit, which primarily reflects higher revenue. In addition, compared with a year ago, higher gross profit also reflects the benefit associated with higher utilization of manufacturing assets. 2Q10 segment results 2Q10 2Q09 vs. 2Q09 1Q10 vs. 1Q10 ---- ---- -------- ---- -------- Analog: Revenue $1,512 $970 56% $1,367 11% Operating profit $ 472 $103 358% $ 398 19% Embedded Processing: Revenue $ 516 $350 47% $ 440 17% Operating profit $ 115 $ 28 311% $ 73 58% Wireless: Revenue $ 727 $614 18% $ 717 1% Operating profit $ 165 $ 51 224% $ 158 4% Other: Revenue $ 741 $523 42% $ 681 9% Operating profit $ 355 $161 120% $ 321 11% Note: 2Q09 has been restated to reflect the 1Q10 transfer of a low-power wireless product line from the Analog segment to the Wireless segment. During all of 2009, revenue from this product line was $68 million, and it operated at a loss of $17 million. Analog: (includes high-volume analog & logic, high-performance analog and power management products) Compared with a year ago, the increase in revenue was due to growth in all three major product areas, especially high-volume analog & logic products. Compared with the prior quarter, the increase in revenue was due to growth in all three major product areas, especially high-performance analog products. The growth in operating profit compared with both a year ago and the prior quarter was due to higher gross profit. Embedded Processing: (includes digital signal processor and microcontroller catalog products that are sold across a wide variety of markets, as well as application-specific products that are used in communications infrastructure and automotive electronics) In both comparisons, revenue growth was primarily due to catalog products. Revenue from products for automotive and communications infrastructure applications increased to a lesser extent.The gains in operating profit compared with both a year ago and the prior quarter were due to higher gross profit. Wireless: (includes connectivity products, OMAP(TM) applications processors and baseband products) Compared with a year ago, revenue grew due to strength in connectivity products and applications processors. Revenue from baseband products was about even with a year ago. Compared with the prior quarter, revenue was about even as higher revenue from connectivity products was partially offset by lower revenue from baseband products. Operating profit increased from a year ago and from the prior quarter primarily due to higher gross profit. Other: (includes DLP(®) products, custom ASIC products, calculators and royalties) Compared with a year ago, revenue grew primarily due to DLP products. Revenue from royalties, custom ASIC products and calculators also grew.Compared with the prior quarter, revenue grew primarily due to seasonally higher calculator sales, which more than offset lower royalties. Operating profit increased from a year ago and from the prior quarter due to higher gross profit. Restructuring charges were as follows: 2Q10 2Q09 1Q10 ---- ---- ---- Analog $ 7 $34 $ 4 Embedded Processing $ 3 $18 $ 2 Wireless $ 5 $24 $ 3 Other $ 2 $ 9 $ 1 Total $17 $85 $10 2Q10 additional financial information Orders were $3.73 billion, up 33 percent from a year ago and up 2 percent from the prior quarter.Inventory was $1.35 billion at the end of the quarter, up $286 million from a year ago and up $73 million from the prior quarter.Capital expenditures were $283 million in the quarter compared with $47 million a year ago and $219 million in the prior quarter. Capital expenditures in the quarter were for analog wafer manufacturing equipment and for assembly/test manufacturing equipment. The company used $750 million in the quarter to repurchase 29.7 million shares of its common stock and paid dividends of $147 million.Outlook For the third quarter of 2010, TI expects: Revenue: $3.55 - 3.85 billionEarnings per share: $0.64 - 0.74TI will update its third-quarter outlook on September 9, 2010. For the full year of 2010, TI expects approximately the following: R&D expense: $1.5 billionCapital expenditures: $1.2 billion, up from the prior expectation of $0.9 billion Depreciation: $0.9 billionAnnual effective tax rate: 31%The tax rate estimate is based on current tax law and does not assume reinstatement of the federal R&D tax credit, which expired at the end of 2009. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Income (Millions of dollars, except share and per-share amounts) For Three Months Ended --------------------------------- June 30, June 30, Mar. 31, 2010 2009 2010 --------- --------- --------- Revenue $ 3,496 $ 2,457 $ 3,205 Cost of revenue 1,602 1,333 1,516 --------- --------- --------- Gross profit 1,894 1,124 1,689 Research and development(R&D) 392 369 370 Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) 378 327 359 Restructuring expense 17 85 10 --------- --------- --------- Operating profit 1,107 343 950 Other income (expense) net 4 13 7 --------- --------- --------- Income before income taxes 1,111 356 957 Provision for income taxes 342 96 299 --------- --------- --------- Net income $ 769 $ 260 $ 658 ========= ========= ========= Earnings per common share: Basic $ .63 $ .20 $ .53 ========= ========= ========= Diluted $ .62 $ .20 $ .52 ========= ========= ========= Average shares outstanding (millions): Basic 1,208 1,267 1,233 ========= ========= ========= Diluted 1,221 1,272 1,246 ========= ========= ========= Cash dividends declared per share of common stock $ .12 $ .11 $ .12 ========= ========= ========= Percentage of revenue: Gross profit 54.2% 45.7% 52.7% R&D 11.2% 15.0% 11.5% SG&A 10.8% 13.3% 11.2% Operating profit 31.7% 14.0% 29.7% TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets (Millions of dollars, except share amounts) June 30, June 30, Mar. 31, 2010 2009 2010 --------- --------- --------- Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,138 $ 1,765 $ 1,217 Short-term investments 1,167 792 1,574 Accounts receivable, net of allowances of ($21), ($23) and ($20) 1,715 1,244 1,526 Raw materials 98 81 95 Work in process 812 699 812 Finished goods 439 283 369 --------- --------- --------- Inventories 1,349 1,063 1,276 --------- --------- --------- Deferred income taxes 566 668 556 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 195 208 174 --------- --------- --------- Total current assets 6,130 5,740 6,323 --------- --------- --------- Property, plant and equipment at cost 6,831 6,739 6,763 Less accumulated depreciation (3,591) (3,799) (3,601) --------- --------- --------- Property, plant and equipment, net 3,240 2,940 3,162 --------- --------- --------- Long-term investments 557 632 641 Goodwill 926 926 926 Acquisition-related intangibles 97 150 111 Deferred income taxes 915 909 893 Capitalized software licenses, net 229 140 219 Overfunded retirement plans 22 20 54 Other assets 48 53 41 --------- --------- --------- Total assets $ 12,164 $ 11,510 $ 12,370 ========= ========= ========= Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $542 $421 $556 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 823 931 756 Income taxes payable 18 56 317 Accrued profit sharing and retirement 155 60 90 --------- --------- --------- Total current liabilities 1,538 1,468 1,719 --------- --------- --------- Underfunded retirement plans 470 502 425 Deferred income taxes 70 54 68 Deferred credits and other liabilities 331 273 353 --------- -------- --------- Total liabilities 2,409 2,297 2,565 --------- --------- --------- Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, $25 par value. Authorized -- 10,000,000 shares. Participating cumulative preferred. None issued. -- -- -- Common stock, $1 par value. Authorized -- 2,400,000,000 shares. Shares issued: June 30, 2010 -- 1,739,888,675; June 30, 2009 -- 1,739,734,081; Mar. 31, 2010 -- 1,739,818,725 1,740 1,740 1,740 Paid-in capital 1,127 1,045 1,095 Retained earnings 23,194 21,163 22,573 Less treasury common stock at cost: Shares: June 30, 2010 -- 544,693,240; June 30, 2009 -- 478,309,646; Mar. 31, 2010 -- 517,592,342 (15,652) (14,061) (14,976) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes (654) (674) (627) --------- --------- --------- Total stockholders' equity 9,755 9,213 9,805 --------- --------- --------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 12,164 $ 11,510 $ 12,370 ========= ========= ========= TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Millions of dollars) For Three Months Ended --------------------------------- June 30, June 30, Mar. 31, 2010 2009 2010 --------- --------- --------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 769 $ 260 $ 658 Adjustments to net income: Depreciation 215 221 211 Stock-based compensation 49 47 47 Amortization of acquisition- related intangibles 13 12 13 Deferred income taxes (7) 6 (11) Increase (decrease) from changes in: Accounts receivable (188) (116) (251) Inventories (73) 37 (74) Prepaid expenses and other current assets 14 (15) (10) Accounts payable and accrued expenses 38 101 (66) Income taxes payable (338) (52) 203 Accrued profit sharing and retirement 66 26 (23) Other 4 30 13 --------- --------- --------- Net cash provided by operating activities 562 557 710 --------- --------- --------- Cash flows from investing activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment (283) (47) (219) Purchases of short-term investments (613) (343) (599) Sales and maturities of short-term investments 1,033 544 768 Purchases of long-term investments -- (3) (2) Redemptions and sales of long-term investments 67 43 1 Acquisitions, net of cash acquired -- (51) -- --------- --------- --------- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 204 143 (51) --------- --------- --------- Cash flows from financing activities: Dividends paid (147) (139) (149) Sales and other common stock transactions 50 19 29 Excess tax benefit from share-based payments 2 -- -- Stock repurchases (750) (251) (504) --------- --------- --------- Net cash used in financing activities (845) (371) (624) --------- --------- --------- Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (79) 329 35 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 1,217 1,436 1,182 --------- --------- --------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 1,138 $ 1,765 $ 1,217 ========= ========= ========= Safe Harbor Statement "Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as TI or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "forecasts," "estimates" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe TI's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. We urge you to carefully consider the following important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations of TI or its management: Market demand for semiconductors, particularly in key markets such as communications, entertainment electronics and computing;TI's ability to maintain or improve profit margins, including its ability to utilize its manufacturing facilities at sufficient levels to cover its fixed operating costs, in an intensely competitive and cyclical industry;TI's ability to develop, manufacture and market innovative products in a rapidly changing technological environment;TI's ability to compete in products and prices in an intensely competitive industry;TI's ability to maintain and enforce a strong intellectual property portfolio and obtain needed licenses from third parties;Expiration of license agreements between TI and its patent licensees, and market conditions reducing royalty payments to TI;Economic, social and political conditions in the countries in which TI, its customers or its suppliers operate, including security risks, health conditions, possible disruptions in transportation networks and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;Natural events such as severe weather and earthquakes in the locations in which TI, its customers or its suppliers operate;Availability and cost of raw materials, utilities, manufacturing equipment, third-party manufacturing services and manufacturing technology;Changes in the tax rate applicable to TI as the result of changes in tax law, the jurisdictions in which profits are determined to be earned and taxed, the outcome of tax audits and the ability to realize deferred tax assets;Changes in laws and regulations to which TI or its suppliers are or may become subject, such as those imposing fees or reporting or substitution costs relating to the discharge of emissions into the environment or the use of certain raw materials in our manufacturing processes;Losses or curtailments of purchases from key customers and the timing and amount of distributor and other customer inventory adjustments;Customer demand that differs from our forecasts;The financial impact of inadequate or excess TI inventory that results from demand that differs from projections;The ability of TI and its customers and suppliers to access their bank accounts and lines of credit or otherwise access the capital markets;Impairments of our non-financial assets;Product liability or warranty claims, claims based on epidemic or delivery failure or recalls by TI customers for a product containing a TI part; TI's ability to recruit and retain skilled personnel; andTimely implementation of new manufacturing technologies, installation of manufacturing equipment and the ability to obtain needed third-party foundry and assembly/test subcontract services.For a more detailed discussion of these factors, see the Risk Factors discussion in Item 1A of the Company's most recent Form 10-K. The forward-looking statements included in this release are made only as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. About Texas Instruments Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through design, sales and manufacturing operations in more than 30 countries. For more information, go to www.ti.com. TI trademarks: OMAP DLP Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. TXN-F SOURCE Texas Instruments IncorporatedSource: RedOrbit News - Technology | 19 Jul 2010 | 2:30 pm Deep-Sea Discovery Sets Depth Record for Hydrothermal LifeA hydrothermal vent found more than 16,000 feet under the sea could harbor life unlike any other yet found, adapted for conditions so extreme that water gas and liquid no longer have separate states.
Source: Wired Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 2:30 pm Judge Says Constitution Protects Right to Lie About Purple HeartA federal judge has declared unconstitutional a little-known law making it a crime to falsely claim to have been awarded a military medal.
Source: Wired Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 2:25 pm What Does the Seep Mean for the Gulf?The broken well in the Gulf of Mexico has been capped. A new seep has been detected nearby that could be natural, or a worrying sign that the worst is yet to come.Source: Discovery News - Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 2:24 pm KLA-Tencor Announces Live Webcast of Fourth Quarter and Full Fiscal Year 2010 ResultsMILPITAS, Calif., July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- KLA-Tencor Corporation® (Nasdaq: KLAC), the world's leading supplier of process control and yield management solutions for the semiconductor and related industries, today announced that the company will provide a live audio webcast of a conference call to review its fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2010 operating results on Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. The live webcast will be available on the Investor Relations page of KLA-Tencor's website at http://ir.kla-tencor.com/, and a replay of the webcast will remain available on KLA-Tencor's Investor Relations web page for twelve months following the conference call. About KLA-Tencor: KLA-Tencor Corporation, a leading provider of process control and yield management solutions, partners with customers around the world to develop state-of-the-art inspection and metrology technologies. These technologies serve the semiconductor, data storage, LED, photovoltaic, and other related nanoelectronics industries. With a portfolio of industry-standard products and a team of world-class engineers and scientists, the company has created superior solutions for its customers for more than 30 years. Headquartered in Milpitas, California, KLA-Tencor has dedicated customer operations and service centers around the world. Additional information may be found at www.kla-tencor.com. (KLAC-F) SOURCE KLA-Tencor CorporationSource: RedOrbit News - Technology | 19 Jul 2010 | 2:15 pm Dr. Paul Gosar Announces Sarah Palin's EndorsementPRESCOTT, Ariz., July 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Governor Sarah Palin endorsed Dr. Paul Gosar for Congress. Gosar is running in the Republican Primary Election in Arizona's First Congressional District. In announcing her endorsement on Facebook, Governor Palin stated: "I'm also proud to endorse Dr. Paul Gosar for Arizona's 1st Congressional District. Thankfully, Paul shares our belief that the federal government's reckless spending is putting us on a dangerous path towards insolvency - and he's determined to do something about that. In addition to being a proud family man, Paul is a dentist, and as a small business owner running his practice, Paul understands the challenges confronting job creators when DC stifles us with endless mandates, over-regulation, plans to impose new energy taxes, and just generally (and unnecessarily) overreaches into the private sector. The good doctor knows that true job creation comes from the private sector, not government; and he will work to rein in the fed's long arm and get our economy moving again by getting government out of the way. "Paul stands firmly behind Governor Jan Brewer's efforts to protect Arizonans, and the rest of us for that matter, by securing the border. He's endorsed by three of Arizona's leading sheriffs because they know America needs Dr. Paul Gosar to hold Washington accountable on this imperative national security issue. "Paul is a bold man! He deserves our support, so please join me in helping him help this great country. You can visit his website at www.gosarforcongress.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter." "I am very honored to have received the endorsement and support of Governor Sarah Palin," said Dr. Gosar. "I ask that Republican voters join her in supporting my campaign and together we will take back Congress." Dr. Gosar is a small businessman who knows how to create and protect jobs. He has been named the Arizona Dental Association's "Dentist of the Year" and has been inducted into the ADA Hall of Fame. He served as President of the Northern Arizona Dental Society and the Arizona Dental Association and as Vice-Chair of the ADA Council on Governmental Affairs. Dr. Gosar is a 25 year resident of Flagstaff. He has been married to Maude for 22 years. They have three children. Contact: J.P. Twist Mobile: 602-689-7647 jp@GosarforCongress.com SOURCE Paul Gosar for CongressSource: RedOrbit News - Technology | 19 Jul 2010 | 2:09 pm The Loris Lives! First Pictures of Primate Thought To Be ExtinctAfter 200 hours of searching in Sri Lanka, scientists captured the first ever pictures of the Horton Plains slender loris, which was thought to be extinct since 1939.
Source: Wired Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 1:55 pm BP’s Cap Showing Seepage, Government Calls For PlanBP has been ordered by the U.S. government to submit an emergency plan for reopening the cap it has placed on the Gulf of Mexico oil well after experts detected seepage from the surrounding seabed. BP acknowledged earlier that some bubbles appeared near the wellhead, however the company expressed optimism that the cap installed three days earlier could stay on. U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen said Sunday that BP must plan out its next step in writing for "reopening the choke valve as quickly as possible without damaging the well should hydrocarbon seepage near the well head be confirmed."Allen wrote to BP chief managing director Bob Dudley that the company must report to the government in no more than four hours when the seeps are detected. "Given the current observations from the test, including the detected seep a distance from the well and undetermined anomalies at the well head, monitoring of the seabed is of paramount importance during the test period," he wrote.BP's chief operating officer Doug Suttles told the AFP news agency that pressure was rising slowly in the well as expected and touted "encouraging signs" that would allow the new cap to remain on the well until relief wells can be completed. "In two different locations we've seen a few bubbles. This is not uncommon but clearly it's important that we check everything very closely so we're monitoring that," Suttles said."We have done some simple tests to determine if these bubbles appear to be from hydrocarbons or from something else and at this point we don't believe they are from hydrocarbons," he added.The U.S. government was granting extensions to exhaustive well tests on a 24-hour basis, while BP said the valves on the containment cap would remain shut as long as no leaks are discovered. "Clearly we don't want to re-initiate flow into the Gulf if we don't have to," said Suttles.The start of the operation to plug the well permanently is now less than two weeks away as engineers only have 100 feet left vertically to drill. Gulf residents reacted cautiously to news that the cap was holding back the crude, wary of being given false hope. "I don't know if it's going help. It's still a short-term fix," New Orleans resident and medical researcher Ashok Pullikuth told AFP. "The permanent fix is the relief wells. This cap has saved a months worth of spill damage."Measuring devices on BP's latest containment cap have shown steadily increasing high-pressure readings since tests began Thursday on the well bore. Robotic submarines have been filming in the Gulf in order to determine whether any oil or gas was leaking through the rock formations on the sea floor. Allen did not say what sort of "seepage" or "anomalies" the testing had found but warned earlier: "ultimately, we must insure no irreversible damage is done which could cause uncontrolled leakage from numerous points on the sea floor."Since the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded on April 20, oil has washed up on the coast of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. BP said in a statement Monday that the current cost of its response to the spill so far included 67,500 compensation payouts totaling $207 million.---On the Net:BPGovernment Response WebsiteSource: RedOrbit News - Science | 19 Jul 2010 | 1:50 pm Wikileaks Reopens for LeakersWikileaks is now accepting online submissions of secret docs, after silently disabling its upload function more than a month ago. Other new features include support for file sharing and communicating better with the public.
Source: Wired Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 1:45 pm Bad Connection: Inside the iPhone Network MeltdownAT&T and the iPhone -- a pairing that truly was too good to be true. Here's how the partnership between AT&T and Apple went so terribly wrong.
Source: Wired Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 1:30 pm Is Wind Power Green?The future of green energy is written in the wind. As the U.S. energy industry inches away from reliance on fossil fuels, experts have heralded various greener technologies, such as ethanol, solar and geothermal power, as choice alternatives. And while ...Source: Discovery News - Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 12:24 pm 1 part Palm Pre, 1 part Droid: What is this weird Droid-branded portrait slider?
When a momma Droid and a daddy Pre love each other very, very much, they get trashed and make sweet, sweet handset love like the sun won’t rise tomorrow. Nine months later, the awkward Pre-esque Droid Mini love child is born — and if we’re really lucky, someone will be there on the scene with a camera slathered in butter, waiting to take the blurriest photos in the history of photography.
As you might have guessed from the paragraph above, we’re not entirely sure what’s going on here. Someone at the Chinese Android forum Hiapk leaked a handful of photos and the video you see below, but provided just about no details to go along with’em. Along with a portrait sliding keyboard, these photos clearly (well, you know what we mean) show the signature red eye of Verizon’s Droid line, suggesting that this one’s intended for Big Red at some point — but right now, these could just as well be some insanely blurry shots of a Chinese bootleg handset manufacturer’s latest Droid-inspired creation. We’ll keep our eyes pealed and let you know if we spot this guy anywhere else. Drop us a line if you know anything, won’t you? [Via AndroidAndMe]
Source: MobileCrunch | 19 Jul 2010 | 12:19 pm In-Depth Look at Windows Phone 7 Reveals Promise, Polish
by Matt Buchanan, Gizmodo “What’s this?” a girl at a party asked, as I handed her my phone. She touched a square, and everything flipped away. “It’s Microsoft’s brand new phone. Kind of like a fresh start,” I explained. “Oh. It’s … neat.” That’s the most apt way to describe Windows Phone 7, really. It’s a fresh start, and it’s neat. It’s a clean slate that Microsoft can use as a foundation to build something entirely new, and it’s not like any other phone you’ve used. It manages to do something that’s sadly rare for Microsoft, which is to leverage all of these different Microsoft products and services — Bing, Xbox Live, Zune to name a few — and seamlessly bring them together in a single, polished product. Which is exactly what Windows Phone 7 needs to be. Windows Phone 7 is coming out this year, in the next few months — October, possibly — and the basic rundown of “What is Windows Phone 7?” can be found here and here. The version that I’ve been using for the last few days on prototype hardware (a Samsung phone which will never be sold) has been variously described to me by Microsoft as “beta 2,” a “close-to-release-candidate build” and a “technical preview.” Developers will be getting phones loaded with it shortly in order to have apps ready for launch. It’s representative of what the final Windows Phone 7 interface and experience will be like, though two critical parts were missing, because they’re still under heavy construction: Xbox Live and the Apps Marketplace. The InterfaceThe phrase “authentically digital” makes me want to barf rainbow pixels, but Microsoft’s description of the Windows Phone 7 interface is truth: It doesn’t try to feel like anything but a flat, digital interface. There is no attempt to depict three dimensionality or any kind of real-world mimesis. No gradients, shadows, gloss or shading. Everything is crisp and flat. Everything pops, bright primary colors and white text on a black landscape. Touch a tile on the main screen, and the interface flies away like exploding puzzle pieces, revealing the app you wanted to see. Oversized text is the order of the day. (Yes, it still runs off the screen in lots of place.) It feels gloriously modern. I love it. I wonder how gracefully it’ll age.
Microsoft doesn’t treat the main components of the phone — like Music+Video, People, Pictures, Xbox Live — as apps. They’re “hubs.” Which means they’re panoramas with two or three or even four screens that you swipe left or right to move from one screen to another. For instance, in the People hub, one screen is all of my contacts. Flick to the right, and it’s recent contacts. Flick again, and it’s “what’s new,” which is a news feed of my friends’ updates from Facebook and Windows Live. (Well, it would have Windows Live friend updates, if I had any friends that used Windows Live, or the Twitter service was turned on yet — but more on that later.) You can get a sense of how developers will be able to expand on hubs in a way that’s more integrated than separate apps you install. Overall, the concept works really well, once you get it. Live Tiles are what make the start screen good, and mostly eliminate the need for widgets. They’re the giant squares of, um, stuff that make up the home page. The tile for every application is dynamic, so one for my account mail will show me how many messages I have, while the tile for a person I have pinned to the start screen will show me their latest photo. Unfortunately, weather isn’t a built in app, so you can’t see what’s up at a glance — at least not with the early app that Microsoft made available in the Marketplace. But there’s a lot of potential in this concept, ridding the need to go through the motions of opening an app when all that’s needed is a shot of info. There are three buttons that’ll be on the front of every Windows Phone 7 phone: Start, Back and Search. Start works just like the home button the iPhone — it takes you back to the start page. Back is much like Android — it shoots you back a screen. Search is contextual, which means sometimes you don’t know what it’ll bring up. In Maps, it looks up where you want to go; in People, it looks through contacts; from the start screen, it’s Bing search, which is comprised of a general web search, local listings, and news. I didn’t think to use the search button as often as I should have. Like the Zune HD, WP7 is a very list-oriented interface when it comes to displaying a lot of information or options (versus, say, a grid). The main contacts page in the people is a very long list, since it brings in all of your Facebook contacts, without a way to filter them by network. The right side of the start screen is a long list of installed apps — you get the idea. Microsoft wants you to search for things or use voice commands to quickly get to them, but the most natural reaction would be to scroll for a long time.
Notifications, like for text messages, unobtrusively show up at the top of the screen, where you can ignore them or act on them. It’s how notifications should be. Pressing the volume key neatly brings up Zune player controls too at the top of the screen too. There’s a few other quirks to Windows Phone 7’s deliberately windowless interface. The cell signal typically isn’t visible; you have to tap the top of the screen to make it pop up. The indication that it’s syncing or updating is subtle, a series of dots running across the top of the screen.
The app bar, seen here, is exemplary of Windows Phone 7’s most aggressively iconographic tendencies. It’s a small menu bar that runs alongside the bottom of many, if not most apps; it’s where the buttons to do things are often located, like composing a new message in Outlook. The buttons have no labels, just hieroglyphs. There’s an ellipsis in the top right hand corner of the bar — it’s supposed to indicate “press here, or drag up,” which will reveal the app bar in its full glory, with text labels for the buttons, along with a list of other things you can do, like access settings. While app bar’s behavior will be consistent across every app — kind of like a more obvious, onscreen version of Android’s menu button — it’s something people will definitely have to learn to use. The major issue is that it doesn’t eliminate the need for long presses — pressing and holding down, like on a picture in the gallery app, is still the only way to trigger certain things, and you can never quite tell when to use it. The touch keyboard looks stark, almost advertising that it’s a crappy experience. Tiny little letters set against unforgivingly pointy little rectangles. It’s deceptive, since in terms of typing ease, it’s second to the iPhone. It’s a wonderful keyboard: fast, smooth, intuitive and totally natural, even this phone’s narrowish screen. Text selection is weird, but workable — pressing and holding over editable text brings up a fat green text cursor that you can slide between the letters, sticking it wherever you need it. Given that it’s a beta OS running on prototype hardware, the interface’s speed was impressive. It’s exactly like a Zune HD. No stuttering or slowdown, just zoomy flips and swoops, back and forth between apps and the start screen. Of course, it needs this kind of speed, since it like’s a return to iPhone pre-iOS4—there’s no multitasking for third-party apps. (No, not even Pandora will run in the background.) It seems appropriate to mention now that there’s no copy and paste. A throwback to the halcyon days of 2009, Windows Phone 7 is the only modern smartphone that’ll be left in this position. It’s clearly going to be painful. Maybe agonizing. The price of Windows Phone 7’s modernity, its difference, is something of a learning curve — or at least, that impression was more solidified after I handed the phone to a half dozen or so people over the weekend. All of them were lost, at least for a few minutes. Then I explained things. Then most of them said some variation of, “It’s cool, I guess.” But, day to day, Windows Phone 7’s interface does work. Well. It’s quick, fluid, clean, modern. It’s not perfect. It’ll take a day to get used to. But I think most people will like it, if not love it. I do. The question is what it’ll be like in a year, or two years, when it’s more complete and filled out, less of a clean slate.
People and AccountsPeople and accounts on Windows Phone 7 is a cross between Android and WebOS. A Microsoft Live ID is the core account that ties everything together. Which theoretically, can be a lot of stuff. It’ll pull in your contacts, Hotmail/Windows Live mail, Office Live, Zune, Xbox Live avatar, Pictures, SkyDrive — pretty much all of Microsoft’s online services are tied in, one way or another, through the Live ID. The iPhone feels archaic in this regard. Like a lot of people, I don’t use Live except for Xbox and Zune. Fortunately, Microsoft’s support for other services, like Google and Facebook is solid. Particularly Facebook, which is the privileged secondary account here. I signed in to Google and Facebook, and magically, the People hub was populated with all of my contacts from both services, neatly linked with profile pictures from Facebook. The result it’s a epic list of people, which you can jump between using letters, like in the Zune HD interface, but if you’ve got a ton of Facebook contacts, you’re either going to be tapping search a lot, pinning people to the start menu, or you’re screwed. Most recent contacts get another screen.
There’s no separate Facebook app — instead, all updates, the news feed, if you will, are part of the “what’s new” screen in People. If you click on a contact’s card (which you can pin to the front page for instant access), you get the same kind of experience — “what’s new” will show you everything they’re up to, from all of the services you’re linked to. Some of the Facebook experience is lost in translation, but overall, the People hub concept works. It feels natural and seamless in the way it aggregates info from multiple services. The major missing piece is Twitter, but supposedly, support is on the way via Windows Live, which’ll aggregate Twitter updates and then pipe them down to the phone. It sounds like Google Buzz, but it should be much faster. Twitter support is mission critical for this app-less concept to work — so it has to happen. 
Source: Wired: Gadget Lab | 19 Jul 2010 | 12:12 pm In-Depth Look at Windows Phone 7 Reveals Promise, PolishWindows Phone 7 is coming out in the next few months. We take an in-depth look at the beta version of Microsoft's next mobile operating system.
Source: Wired: Gadgets | 19 Jul 2010 | 12:12 pm The Essential Ingredients Of Supportive Sibling RelationshipsMany moms and dads say the toughest part of parenting is keeping the peace when their kids squabble and bicker. But making an end to conflict your primary focus is a mistake, said Laurie Kramer, a University of Illinois professor of applied family studies and co-editor of a special section of Child Development Perspectives devoted to sibling relationships.Parents should concentrate more on all the positive things they can do to help their children get along, Kramer said in an article she wrote for the special section."Even if you're successful at reducing conflict and antagonism, research suggests that you'll probably be left with little positive interaction between siblings. Do you really want your kids to head for their rooms and spend time mainly on their own interests and with their own friends?" she asked.She urges parents to think about the relationship they want their kids to have with each other--now and as adults--and to be intentional in helping them create that positive, supportive bond."Most parents would like for their kids to be able to talk with each other, have fun together, and be a source of support for each other during stressful times in their lives," she said.Kramer knows siblings can learn the skills that enable them to be more supportive brothers and sisters because her own research has demonstrated it. She is the creator of the U of I's extremely successful More Fun with Sisters and Brothers program.Here are some ways parents can support these positive changes in their own families:? Help your children learn to see things from their sibling's perspective and to respect other people's points of view.? Teach them to identify and manage their emotions and behaviors when they're in challenging and frustrating situations.? Teach your kids not to assume the worst about their sibling's or anyone else's intentions.? Show them that conflict is a problem that can be solved and teach them how to do it.? Try to meet each child's unique needs without showing favoritism.? Teach them to use their unique knowledge of each other to strengthen their bond rather than taking advantage of each other's weaknesses.? Promote play, conversation, mutual interests, and fun.? Praise your kids when they help, support, and cooperate with each other.Kramer encourages parents to examine the goals they have for their children's current and eventual relationship, and then to take actions that will help their kids achieve those goals."If you love the idea of your kids just having fun together, schedule more family activities and help to make that happen. If you do have big problems with fighting among your kids, help them learn and practice strategies for solving problems and managing conflicts," she said."Problems have solutions, and there's a logical process that you go through to achieve consensus. Make sure both siblings understand what the fight is about, have them practice telling their own viewpoint and taking the other person's perspective, then help them to brainstorm different ways of solving the problem that have a win-win solution. If the solution doesn't work, well, you try again," she said.Kramer knows that parents are busy and may believe they don't have time for coaching perspective taking and problem solving."Helping your children acquire these skills does take time and energy, but they soon become part of family life. Besides, your efforts will have lasting benefits. Your kids are developing positive ways of dealing with others that will be useful outside the family as well," she said.There's no doubt that sibling relationships are complicated. Brothers and sisters who differ in age and temperament often seem to delight in pushing each other's buttons; however, normal sibling relationships actually feature many fluctuations between very positive and very negative behaviors. Kids can even have these opposing feelings simultaneously, she said.Because children's emotions regarding their siblings are complex and confusing, it's important for parents to be good role models, she added."If parents think it's important for people to remain calm during an argument, to talk things out, and try to see the issue from the other person's point of view, they should behave that way with each other and with other adults. Their kids are watching and learning from those interactions," she said.Katherine J. Conger of the University of California-Davis co-edited the three-article special section, "Perspectives on Sibling Relationships: Advancing Child Development Research," in which Kramer's article appears. The section is part of the current issue of Child Development Perspectives. ---On the Net:ACESSource: RedOrbit News - Science | 19 Jul 2010 | 12:04 pm Livescribe Updates its Digital Smart Pen With the Echo
Livescribe’s Pulse smart pen that can automatically digitize written notes is a big hit among students and business professionals who want to move away from paper. Now the company has introduced a slimmer version of the its pen called Echo that offers more storage and improved features including support for PDF files. The Echo pen has double the capacity of the Pulse and is available in 4 GB and 8 GB models that record 400 and 800 hours of data respectively. The 4 GB version will cost $170 and the 8 GB version is priced at $200. The 2 GB Pulse pen will cost $130, down from $200 when it was first introduced. Livescribe has also added a 3.5 mm audio jack so consumers can use their own headphones, instead of having to buy specifically designed ones from LiveScribe. Livescribe introduced its first smart pen Pulse in March 2008. Users write notes on Livescribe’s sheets of paper, just as they would on a notepad. The Pulse pen captures everything the user hears using a audio record feature. As for the notes, they can be accessed by simply tapping the pen at any point on the sheet of the paper or through a computer using the Livescribe desktop software. The only drawback is that the pen will work only with Livescribe’s proprietary paper. The company also launched an app store that now has more than 60 apps including study aids and dictionaries. With Echo, Livescribe has updated the user interface so it is easier to access apps, added features such as password protection so the audio recorded on the smartpen can have more privacy, and introduced the idea of custom notebooks so users can group and organize notes more easily. Later this year, Livescribe plans to add new software called Connect, which will allow users to email notes, audio and PDFs from the smartpen and paper when the pen is is docked to a Mac or PC. The company also plans to introduce a collaboration software called Paper Tablet, that will allow consumers to communicate directly from a Livescribe notebook to a computer using the Echo pen and a USB cable. That means if you draw an image on the Livescribe notebook then it can directly appear on the screen in real time–a feature that should be very useful for creating graphics and for artists. Check out Livescribe’s video of the Echo pen and some of its key features: See Also:
Photo: Livescribe 
Source: Wired: Gadget Lab | 19 Jul 2010 | 11:58 am Adaptation In Mole Blood Aids Tunnelling'Super hemoglobin' allows moles to thrive underground. Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Evolutionary Biology have made the first identification of an adaptation in the blood of Eastern moles which allows more efficient transport of carbon dioxide, facilitating the moles' burrowing behavior.Kevin Campbell from the University of Manitoba, Canada, worked with a team of researchers to study the blood of three underground species of North American moles. He said, "Unlike terrestrial animals, moles are routinely exposed to conditions of low oxygen and high carbon dioxide. Burrowing is difficult in itself, but is made even more challenging by the requirement to re-breathe their own expired air. We've found that one species, the Eastern mole, appears to be uniquely adapted to underground life through the evolution of a special kind of hemoglobin in their blood that greatly enhances its carbon dioxide carrying capacity".The researchers determined the genetic code for different hemoglobin components in the three mole species and measured how well these components bind to their usual target molecules. They also tested the oxygen binding properties of whole blood samples. Speaking about the results, Campbell said, "It has been speculated that the main mechanism for the moles adaptation to subterranean life revolves around the molecule 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, or DPG, that modulates hemoglobin's oxygen binding inside the blood cells. However, in the hemoglobin of the eastern mole, the key sites which would normally bind DPG are deleted, thereby allowing for the binding of additional carbon dioxide molecules".Adds co-author Roy Weber, University of Aarhus, Denmark, "It would be interesting to see if the hemoglobins of other burrowing species exhibit comparable specializations". The team envisions that this line of research could lead to the development of improved artificial human blood substitutes with specially engineered properties.---On the Net:BioMed CentralBMC Evolutionary BiologySource: RedOrbit News - Science | 19 Jul 2010 | 11:58 am Licensed Florida Tech Research Makes Lab Work EasierChemical compound that facilitates work of neuroscientistsAs a national research university, Florida Institute of Technology not only involves its students in research, but also seeks to license and patent its many innovations. An example of recently licensed university technology is a chemical compound that facilitates the work of neuroscientists in the laboratory.Associate Professor Nasri Nesnas was familiar as a chemist with the chemical compound CDNI-Glu, a commonly used laboratory research tool. Most often, neuroscientists use it to study the brain's neural networks by improving the localization of synaptic stimulation.Nesnas thought it could be made faster and less expensively. He set to work to improve on the currently existing production method. As a result, he developed a streamlined process for its synthesis with the help of graduate student Yannick Ouedraogo."We cut the steps nearly in half and reduced the time to make it from 150 hours to 24 hours," said Nesnas.Now Nesnas is working on derivatives of the compound with collaborators from the Howard Hughes Institute and the Department of Neuroscience at Columbia University. The researchers are improving its sensitivity to light and seeking to increase its potency.To make Nesnas' original compound commercially available, Florida Tech is licensing it to the U.K. company, Tocris, a supplier of innovative, high performance life science research reagents. ---On the Net:Florida Institute of TechnologySource: RedOrbit News - Science | 19 Jul 2010 | 11:34 am Mysterious Black Jellyfish Crowd California CoastGiant black jellyfish are congregating in coastal waters off California. Scientists are mystified about where they come from and why their strange appearances are growing more frequent.Source: Discovery News - Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 10:56 am A 'Real' Virtual HumanMicrosoft has shown off a "virtual human" that reacts to a person's emotions, body movements and voice.Source: Discovery News - Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 10:56 am Hurricane-Hunting Drone Joins NASA FleetAn unmanned aerial vehicle will fly over the Atlantic to help us understand how tropical storms are formed.Source: Discovery News - Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 10:23 am Faster Forward: Google nixes Nexus One - Washington Post
Source: Sci/Tech - Google News | 19 Jul 2010 | 10:16 am Mayan King's Tomb Found in GuatemalaGuatemala’s jungle-covered Peten region has offered up a Mayan royal tomb packed with a hoard of carvings, ceramics and children's bones.Source: Discovery News - Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 9:59 am Video Lab: First Look and Hands On With Windows Phone 7What it is: A not quite yet finished version of Windows 7 Mobile, Microsoft’s latest operating system for smartphones. What’s new about it: Redesigned from the ground up. Our first thoughts: Major, major improvements here.
Source: Wired: Gadgets | 19 Jul 2010 | 9:46 am Fancy a game of badminton on your iPhone?
It’s $5, and provides pretty good gameplay. You control your player with an on-screen D-pad or virtual joystick on the left of the display. You can toggle between D-pad and virtual joystick quickly and easily to find the control mechanism that works best for you (I preferred the D-pad). You serve and swing with two on-screen buttons on the right of the display: one for high and one for low. There’s a third on-screen button on the right for smashing, if you want to do that. Obviously, you play while holding the iPhone in landscape mode. Tilting your phone will change the direction of your shot, giving you some real variability and strategy. It’s no Wii Table Tennis, but I found it reasonably pleasant to play. It took me a little to get a hang of the controls, but after that I enjoyed it. I didn’t try any of the tournaments, mostly because I’m more interested in casual time-killing gaming on my phone. If you’re the competitive sort, Super Badminton 2010 has three tournaments in which you can compete, with eight different players with different strengths and weaknesses. One thing I particularly liked about this game is that it provides a progress meter for the start-up screen, so you have some indication of how long it’ll take. I’m tired of long-loading games that just sit silently at the start-up screen. Other nice bits include little badminton trivia displayed while loading a match (and who doesn’t want to be able to quote badminton trivia to their friends?), and one-touch controls to toggle the viewing angle in a match. Interestingly, the folks at Rolocule also have the only squash game for iPhone.
Source: MobileCrunch | 19 Jul 2010 | 9:30 am Mysterious Primate Photographed for the First TimeA mysterious primate, so rare that it was once believed to be extinct, has just been photographed.Source: Discovery News - Top Stories | 19 Jul 2010 | 9:23 am First Ever Photos Of Rare Primate RevealedThe first ever pictures of the Horton Plains slender loris, a rare and endangered breed of primate that had long been thought extinct, have been captured by scientists at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), according to a Monday press release from the conservation organization.According to the ZSL, there were only four sightings of this loris subspecies from 1939 through 2002, which led many scientists to believe that they had all died out. However, as part of the ZSL's "Edge of Existence" program, researchers were able to snap the world's first photograph of a Horton Plains slender loris--officially known as Loris tardigradus nycticeboides.The photographed subject is an adult male, roughly 8 inches long, with short limbs and thick fur.The pictures come after more than 200 hours of work, as ZSL researchers conducted over 1,000 evening surveys in a Sri Lankan forest area in search of the nocturnal, wide-eyed primate. Furthermore, according to Andrew Hough of the Telegraph, they were able to capture and measure three live subjects, despite the belief that there are only 60-100 such creatures still alive today."We are thrilled to have captured the first ever photographs and prove its continued existence--especially after its 65 year disappearing act," Dr. Craig Turner, a conservation biologist with the ZSL, said in the July 19 press release. "This is the first time we have been able to conduct such a close examination of the Horton Plains slender loris.""The discovery improves our knowledge of this species, but we need to focus our efforts on the conservation and restoration of the remaining montane forest where this species still exists," he continued. "Currently this accounts for less than one per-cent of the land area of Sri Lanka.""This discovery is a great reward for the ongoing field research we undertake across much of south-western Sri Lanka," added research leader Saman Gamage. "Nearly 1,000 nocturnal surveys have been completed in 120 different forest areas looking for all loris species to assess their status, ecological needs and current threats. We are now conducting further studies to establish whether the Horton Plains slender loris could even be a species in its own right."---On the Net:Zoological Society of London (ZSL)Source: RedOrbit News - Science | 19 Jul 2010 | 8:55 am Apple Shipping IPad to Nine More Countries on July 23 - PC World
Source: Sci/Tech - Google News | 19 Jul 2010 | 8:13 am IPad and iPhone 4 International Launch Dates Announced
If you live in one of the following countries, and you want to buy an iPad, we have some good news: It’ll be in local stores this Friday. Here’s the list.
For people in some of those countries, availability was little more than a quick border-crossing away. Others had to have the magic tablet shipped in at great cost. Apple is sticking to its line about recommended prices, and is listing everything in US dollars. Anyone in a country outside the US knows that this is little more than marketing bunk. When Apple’s products are shipped from China to anywhere other than the US, the prices mysteriously climb. Thus, it can actually still be cheaper to get a unit delivered from the Homeland, even with import duties and shipping costs. This official press release from Apple joins the news from the iPhone 4 antenna-gate conference last Friday that the iPhone 4 will also be going properly worldwide. The new iPhone will be available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland on July 30th. Good luck actually getting your hands on one, though. iPad Available in Nine More Countries This Friday [Apple] iPhone 4 to launch in 17 countries July 30, white model soon [iLounge] Photo: Rego Korosi/Flickr 
Source: Wired: Gadget Lab | 19 Jul 2010 | 8:02 am Stormwater Model To Inform Regulators On Future Development ProjectsNorth Carolina State University researchers have developed a computer model that will accurately predict stormwater pollution impacts from proposed real-estate developments – allowing regulators to make informed decisions about which development projects can be approved without endangering water quality. The model could serve as a blueprint for similar efforts across the country.“The model is designed to evaluate the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus found in stormwater runoff from residential and commercial developments – particularly runoff from a completed project, not a site that is under construction,” says Dr. Bill Hunt, an associate professor and extension specialist of biological and agricultural engineering at NC State who helped develop the model. “To comply with regional water-quality regulations, cities and counties have to account for nutrient loads,” Hunt says, “but the existing tools are antiquated and aren’t giving us sufficiently accurate data.”The researchers developed the model using chemical, physical and land-use data specific to North Carolina and surrounding states. This allowed them to account for regional conditions, which will improve the model’s accuracy. “Because the model uses regional data, it could be modified easily for use east of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina and adjoining states,” Hunt says.The model could also serve as a blueprint for similar efforts nationally. “The primary obstacle to applying this model outside North Carolina – in Florida or Colorado, for example – would be collecting relevant data from those areas and incorporating it into the model’s framework,” Hunt says. “The actual model itself would be fairly easy to modify.”State and local government officials, as well as developers, can plug proposed development plans into the model and get an accurate estimate of the level of nutrients that would likely be included in stormwater runoff from the completed development site. This would give officials key data that they can use to determine whether a proposed development project should be allowed to move forward or require additional stormwater treatment.The model was designed in response to state regulations limiting the amount of nutrients that can flow into Jordan Lake in central North Carolina. The regulations affect a host of North Carolina municipalities, including Durham, Greensboro, Chapel Hill, Cary and Chatham County.In addition to its long-term applications elsewhere, the model will likely be used to help implement forthcoming stormwater treatment requirements for North Carolina’s Falls Lake Watershed.The model will be unveiled July 23 at a workshop on stormwater controls to be held at NC State’s McKimmon Center on the university’s Raleigh campus. The model was developed by Hunt, NC State biological and agricultural engineering extension associate Kathy DeBusk, and Rich Gannon of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR). The work was funded by a grant from NCDENR and was completed with assistance from the Center for Watershed Protection.NC State’s Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering is a joint department of the university’s College of Engineering and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.---Image Caption: The new model is designed to evaluate the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus found in stormwater runoff from residential and commercial developments.---On the Net:North Carolina State UniversitySource: RedOrbit News - Science | 19 Jul 2010 | 7:57 am Nokia Siemens buys Motorola’s switching business for $1.2 billion
With the unit, Nokia Siemens gets 50 large customers like China Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon. Motorola will still own the iDEN “push-to-talk” system but has sold off their manufacturing systems for GSM, WiMax, and LTE switches. In short, Motorola is now a handset manufacture that dabbles in set-top boxes and headphones. Here’s hoping Moto survives this change. It’s an odd move by an odd company and clearly Schaumburg is betting the farm on their handsets.
Source: MobileCrunch | 19 Jul 2010 | 7:52 am ‘Jackpot Slots’ Dock Turns iPhone into One-Armed-Bandit
Experience a little bit of Las Vegas in your own home or office with Jackpot Slots for the iPhone: a USB dock with a knob-topped lever on the side which turns the phone into a one-armed-bandit. The plastic block costs $40, and the accompanying application is free in the App Store. Just pull the lever and “enjoy” the slot-machine experience. There’s even a proper contest which buyers can enter: score enough points and you’ll be included in a competition to win a real trip to Vegas, or even money. Sadly, the real experiences of Las Vegas aren’t replicated. While you could sit in your office chair with a cup full of quarters, tossing them in the trash as you play, nobody will bring you free drinks, and no arrogant idiots in too-short shorts, sandals, socks and baseball-caps will be blighting an otherwise well-designed gaming floor and worst of all, there will be no hidden speakers tootling out musak from the bushes, trees and fake rocks lining the streets. Still, as docks go, Jackpot Slots isn’t a bad one. It works just like any other to charge and sync, and if you pull the lever all the way forwards, your iPhone or iPad Touch will pop out. Just like the eye of that cheating gambler in Scorsese’s Casino when they squeezed his head in a vice. Jackpot Slots [New Potato via Cult of Mac] Jackpot Slots [iTunes] 
Source: Wired: Gadget Lab | 19 Jul 2010 | 7:22 am Sprint announces the Motorola i1’s launch details
Here’s the complete press release.
Source: MobileCrunch | 19 Jul 2010 | 7:20 am Proporta takes advantage of your pain
We generally like Proporta, but this move is baffling. After all, Apple will give you a free case no matter what. Perhaps Proporta is currently feeling a massive drop in sales as iP4 users flock to the Apple store for their perceived fix? Why not offer two for one? Oh well.
Source: MobileCrunch | 19 Jul 2010 | 7:05 am Pre-Review Preview: Windows Phone 7
To make a short story shorter: for the last three days, I’ve been one of but a handful of people carrying around a handset running Microsoft’s unreleased Windows Phone 7 operating system. This specific handset isn’t one that’s ever intended for release, and, while it’s looking pretty close to done, the build running on the handset is by no means finalized. With these bits in mind along with my new personal policy of not reviewing big-ticket items until I’ve really lived with them (even if that means not being first out of the gate with a review; for logic, see here), I present our pre-review of Windows Phone 7 in its nascent state. As mentioned, the handset I’ve been carrying isn’t something that’s ever intended to go on sale. Codenamed the Samsung “Taylor”, it’s one of three handsets given to select developers and partners to get a feel for Windows Phone 7 as development is underway. This review is in no way about the handset itself, but for those wondering: for a mostly-internal prototype never intended to hit the shelves, this thing is actually pretty dang decent. Chunky? Yes. Original in its design? Heck no. Would I be ashamed to pull it from my pocket? Not one bit. The Disclaimer: It’s an early build: As is to be expected from an Operating System still months from release, there are lots of things that.. well.. don’t work. In the sense of fairness in reviewing this crazy early, we won’t be railing too much on the things that are obviously just unfinished. That’d be like walking in on a sculptor five minutes after they began their latest work only to yell “Hey! This is crap! It’s just a block of cement with dents in it!” With all that said, lets begin.. The General Rundown:
You tap the power button. A lockscreen appears; a picture of a meadow fills the background, and icons at the bottom tell you that new e-mails and text messages await. There’s no immediate indication as to how to go about unlocking it — but touch it any way but the right way, and it bounces up and down as a way of saying, “Hey. Slide me up.” Once unlocked, the home screen is two separate entities, represented as separate pages: on the left is your “Start” screen; on the right is the full list of applications installed on the device. If we’re using Windows as an analogy here, the left page is like your desktop, while the right page is like the Start Menu’s “All Programs” option. The left page is where any applications or contacts you’ve chosen to “pin” show as tiles. These tiles, either one or two squares wide, can be as basic as text and an icon, or as complex as an animated patchwork of profile photos pulled down from Facebook. Microsoft tells us these tiles can display just about whatever a developer wants, and can be updated on the fly with push messages. Some applications — the alarm, maps, calculator, etc — are just that: applications, with whatever single purpose their name implies. Others, however, are what Microsoft calls “Hubs”. Hubs are centralized places where you can go to find the content pertaining to that given subject, spread out across a seamless series of horizontally scrolling views. The “Games” hub, for example, dedicates one view to my Xbox Live profile/avatar, one to any incoming game invites, one to a list of all the games on my device, and one to show off new games on the platform. Developers can also tie their applications into hubs (Pandora adding radio stations to the music hub was given as an example). We’ll talk more about hubs later. The Looks – Stunning, yet depressing:
Initially turning on the device, I had two obstacles to overcome: 1) The shock of seeing that this looked absolutely nothing like anything from Windows Mobile of yesteryear — which, by all means, is a good thing. The conversation that went down at Microsoft, as I imagine it: “So, hey. Windows Mobile 6? It looks terrible. Lets get rid of it.” “Okay. Which parts?” “All of it. Get rid of absolutely all of it. I want no similarities.” “But.. then… how..” “Fine. They can both use letters and numbers and other aspects of language. Everything else? Gone!” End scene. 2) The little Human-Interface-Guideline-trained voice inside my head that demands things like standardized margins and consistent font sizes. Windows Phone 7 takes such ideas and more or less throws them out the window.. and yet.. Once I tackled those two hurdles, I realized: Windows Phone 7 is actually really, really pretty. It’s not pretty in the same sense as the iPhone, where its beauty comes from order — and it’s not pretty in the same sense as webOS, where its beauty comes from gradients, translucency, and rounded corners. It’s pretty in its own, intensely-minimalist way. It is, as everyone says when they first see it, very Zune-esque. Screenshots don’t do it justice, primarily because everything is animated. Tap an icon, and it floats in the air as the other applications glide out of view. Click into a date on the calendar, and the camera zooms through it like it’s a rabbit hole, emerging in front of the respective day’s agenda. There’s a fine line between animations adding to the experience and animations being so overly flashy that they make the entire thing seem unresponsive, and Microsoft is tiptoeing it well. Alas, animations only go so far. After a few minutes with Windows Phone 7, something clicks: holy crap, they used a lot of black. Nearly every screen of nearly every included application is backed by an endless sea of black, with the alternative being.. and endless sea of white. Some of the “Hubs” have rich, sometimes-customizable backgrounds — but for the most part, it’s a whole lot of black (or a whole lot of white). While this is undoubtedly an intentional aspect of the minimalist design, it gets, for the lack of a better word, depressing. There’s a reason people generally avoid solid colored wallpapers on their desktops, and it’s not just because of a dire need to have one more place to put a picture of their family or dog: solid colors get old, fast. The empty-void look was something I complained about with the iPhone before iOS 4 introduced custom wallpapers, and that void was limited to the homescreen. Here, it’s bred into the entire operating system This is offset a bit by the fact that Windows Phone 7 allows the user to pick an “accent” color, which determines the hue of the aforementioned tiles on your Start screen and various bits of text and flavor tucked around the OS. It helps, but only so much. The Keyboard:
Who the hell did Microsoft hire to make this keyboard? Because whatever they’re being paid, they deserve a raise. I’ve got no idea what sort of sorcery Microsoft used to build this thing, but it rocks. I’ve typed the character-count equivalent of a novel or two on just about every smartphone platform’s software keyboard, and this … this just might be the best one. I could type as well on this immediately after picking it up as I could on my iPhone after weeks of practice. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. Auto-correct works as expected, and if it misfires on a word it just doesn’t know, switching it back is a matter of tapping the word once at any time. The word you originally typed will lead a list of potential alternative corrections — tap the original, and all is returned to normal. As we already knew, there is no copy and paste. That sucks, a lot. There’s a fully functional highlighting feature, but it seems to only work in the Office application. Still, it gives us hope that a copy/paste mechanism could come in the future — but in the mean time, it’s a rather unfortunate limitation. Windows Phone, as a Phone:
It’s no secret: over the past few years, smartphones have become more “smart” and less “phone”. Just about gone are the days of little green dial buttons jumping you directly to the number pad, and the number of clicks required to actually use your phone as a phone is going nowhere but up. On just about any smartphone platform around, this number is generally anywhere between 3 and 4; Windows Phone 7 is no different. (Tangent time! Like those of Windows Mobile before it, the dial tone sounds played when you punch in phone numbers on Windows Phone 7 are ridiculously loud. Gratingly so, even. I barely care to hear the tones as I dial, why the hell would someone across the room?) Once a call is initiated, you’ve got the standard array of options at your fingertips: speaker, mute, hold, and add call. In other words: Windows Phone is markedly average as a phone. As a contacts manager, however, it shines. It’s all about the People:
The People Hub is Windows Phone 7’s take on an contact book — and it’s pretty dang slick. Sure, its got your standard list of contacts (all pulled down effortlessly from Facebook and Gmail, with overlapping contacts automatically linked together flawlessly) — but tap into a contact, swipe over to the “What’s New” view, and you’re looking at their latest social network updates. Want a broader view of what’s going on? Pop back to the list of all your contacts, slide over to that layer’s “What’s New” view — tada! It’s a Facebook news feed, comments and all. It’s not the first time we’ve seen an OS try to bring all of this stuff to one place, but Windows Phone 7 does a damned decent job of it. The Marketplace:
If the “People” hub is the core for whenever you’re feeling talkative, “Marketplace” is the hub for whenever you’re feeling spendy. Be it apps, games, or music, all sales go through here. Outside of the Music section (which, being based off Microsoft’s Zune store, is pretty much fully functioning already), the Market hub is in a pretty early state in this technical preview. They’ve got a handful of basic applications loaded into the Apps section for testing purposes, but its understandably pretty empty right now. Even so, I’m intrigued. You see, every app store faces the same problem: discoverability. To be considered successful, an app store needs lots and lots of apps. More apps seems to bring more users to the platform — but as more apps fill the market, it becomes harder and harder for new applications to be discovered. At least from our cursory glance, it appears that Microsoft is going at this problem with sub-categories. Here’s how it works: When you first enter the app layer of the Marketplace, you’ll see at least 4 views: Top apps, new apps, featured apps, and categories. Click into a category, and you’ll be offered the same views for that respective category, except with a view of that category’s free apps instead of the featured apps view. Lifestyle category? You’ll see top lifestyle apps, new lifestyle apps, free lifestyle apps, and then a list of sub-categories within that category. These categories, in turn, have their own top lists. What does this mean? Instead of only battling for the top of an all encompassing “Games” category, developers will theoretically also be able to duke it out for the top spot in the “Action Games” or “RPG” categories. By allowing users to drill down into sub-categories, they’re giving more applications the opportunity to get their time in a spotlight, even if said spotlight is slightly smaller than that of a main category. More exposure = more sales. As a Camera:
The camera user experience joins the keyboard on the list of pleasant surprises. While the quality of pictures will obviously vary from one piece of hardware to the next, the job of getting the user to the point of closing that shutter is Windows Phone 7’s, and that’s a job it does well. Here’s how it works: Snap a picture, and it slides almost completely out of view to the left, with the main view returning to a live camera feed prepped for the next picture. Want to see that last picture again? Just grab the little bit left hanging and slide it back into view — bam, you’re looking at a linear film strip of your photos. Want to get back to the camera? Just slide back over to the live view. It’s perhaps the most intuitive photo taking interface I’ve ever seen. Another neat little trick: even when your phone is locked, holding the camera button on the side of the handset will launch it directly into the photo snapping interface. No more losing that once in a lifetime shot just because you couldn’t unlock the thing and find the camera app in time. If you’ve set a password for the lockscreen, the aforementioned film strip feature will be disabled until you punch in your code; in other words, if you’ve got naughty shots stored on your phone (bad idea!), don’t worry about would-be peepers gettin’ a peek at the goods just by holding the camera button. E-Mail:
As a long time, devout Gmail user, I’d wrap up the entire e-mail experience thusly: pretty, but basic. The horizontally scrolling view between sections (all, unread, flagged, and urgent) introduces a pretty pleasing way of perusing messages — but unfortunately, like just about every other smartphone OS that offers Gmail as one of the default configurations, it lacks everything that makes Gmail worthwhile. Archiving? Nope. Labels? Nope — just folders. Starring? Sort of; there’s flagging, but that’s local to the handset. As much as I want to cut Microsoft some slack (Gmail is, after all, a competitor to multiple Microsoft products), I just can’t. Gmail is just too prevalent to not support beyond the utmost basic functionality. I’ll give the e-mail client one point, though: I can attach images to my e-mails after I start writing them. 3+ years later, that’s something my iPhone still can’t do. Browser – Internet Explorer Mobile 7:
The subject of the browser is a complex beast, and one worth waiting to really dive into until it’s considered absolutely final. We’ll give it a proper run through once this thing goes gold — but our notes on it in its current state:
Surfing the Inconsistent Seas
There’s a problem with minimalism: At a certain point, you stop stripping away all the stuff the user doesn’t need to see and start stripping away the stuff they do. I’ve been using Windows Phone for a few days now, and there are still plenty of things I don’t entirely understand. Why does a certain group of pictures show up in its own splayed-out view on the top layer of the Photos hub one time, and not the next? Why is it that I can tap-and-hold a note’s icon in one view to bring up a prompt to delete it, but I can hold that same note’s icon until my thumb goes numb on another view without anything happening at all? These aren’t the only inconsistencies. In single purpose applications, you access the settings screen by tapping a little ellipses (a fancy word for “…”) in the bottom right; in Hubs, you hold your thumb in any open space until the prompt appears. In one view, tapping the hardware search button will bring up a search option relevant to that context; in another view (even within the same application), tapping that same search button will bring up Bing search — and there’s never really any indication as to which you’ll be getting. Conclusion:I look forward to Windows Phone 7 with a dash of excitement, and a heaping cup of wariness. Tinkering with Windows Phone 7 is like finding out that the little girl who was kind of a punk to you in second grade somehow managed to grow up kind of cool — and to top it off, she’s actually sort of hot. But is she really that cool, or is she still that little punk deep down? Does she really get you, or does she just read your Facebook enough to pretend she does? Will developers build things for her that make her worthwhile? I think that analogy just fell apart, but you get my drift. While lovely, Windows Phone 7 has an absolutely ridiculous mountain to climb. Microsoft is returning as an underdog in an arena where they once reigned as champion — and they’re an underdog with weights tied to their feet and a reputation of being too old to fight. They’re miles behind the competition, both in timing and functionality. While Microsoft was busy fiddling with Windows Mobile 6.5 and the travesty that was the Kin, Google managed to build Android’s name, get it onto dozens of devices, fill its Market up with 70,000 applications, all whilst giving the whole damn thing away for free to hardware manufacturers. Windows Phone 7’s biggest strength is that the set-in-stone hardware specifications prevent fragmentation from complicating things — is that anywhere near enough to convince handset makers to shift focus from Android and go back to paying royalties? With these obstacles in mind and a few days of experience with the platform under my belt, I look at Windows Phone 7 the same way I’ve always looked at webOS: with restrained hope. Given a bit of luck, a monumental amount of resources, and an influx of developer interest, it has the potential to be a massive success. I don’t, however, think it will be.
Source: MobileCrunch | 19 Jul 2010 | 7:00 am MIT: Imaging Fish On The FlyNew MIT technology allows high-speed study of zebrafish larvae, often used to model human diseases.One of the most commonly studied laboratory animals is the zebrafish — a tiny fish with transparent embryos, or larvae, whose internal organs can be easily seen as they develop.Because they are genetically similar to humans and have complex organs, biologists often use zebrafish as a model for human diseases such as cancer, liver disease and heart disease. However, one limitation of zebrafish studies is that it takes several minutes to visually examine each larva. This has kept researchers from using the fish in experiments that require a large number of animals, such as testing the effects of many different drugs.With the aim of speeding up the process and enabling large-scale studies, engineers at MIT have developed a new technique that can analyze larvae in seconds. The researchers, led by Mehmet Fatih Yanik, associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science, describe the new technology in the July 18 issue of the journal Nature Methods. First authors of the Nature Methods paper are graduate students Carlos Pardo-Martin and Tsung-Yao Chang.“There is significant need for high-throughput [automated] studies on whole animals, at high resolution,” says Yanik. “People are currently doing this manually, which is too slow. Ours is the only system that can take a large library of chemicals and screen it on thousands of vertebrates.”Although humans and zebrafish may not appear to be closely related, many zebrafish organs and much of its biochemistry are similar to those of humans. For example, zebrafish and humans share the same liver enzymes, so the fish are useful for testing drugs that might cause liver damage. They also make good subjects for studies of cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other diseases, says Yanik.Zebrafish take only seven days to fully develop, and most of their organs are formed by the third day of development, which makes zebrafish studies faster than those with mice or other slow-growing mammals. Best of all, the transparency of the larvae lets researchers directly see the effects of drugs or genetic mutations.However, inspecting the animals is tedious and time-consuming. “We have to manually look at each embryo in a dish, which involves a lot of positioning and repositioning,” says Leonard Zon, professor of hematology and oncology at Harvard Medical School, who was not involved in the research. “Having the ability to flow the embryos through a machine and image them on the fly is going to be very helpful.”With the new MIT system, larvae are pumped from a holding area to an imaging platform, where they are automatically rotated so the area of greatest interest can be seen. This is important because if the larvae are in the wrong position, the yolk or pigmentation on the skin may block the organs that the researcher wants to observe. The animals remain unharmed throughout the process.The microscope’s resolution is high enough to image individual cells, and the entire process takes about 19 seconds per animal, compared to about 10 minutes for manual inspection. To demonstrate the system’s effectiveness, the MIT team imaged the neurons that project from the zebrafish retina to the brain. The system could also be used to observe tumor growth, organ regeneration or stem-cell migration, says Yanik.Development of the new technology was partially funded by a National Institutes of Health Director’s Innovator Award, the Packard Award in Science and Engineering, an Alfred Sloan Award in Neuroscience, and a SPARC grant from the Broad Institute.Yanik’s team has applied for a patent on the device and is now looking into commercial applications to use the technology to screen large numbers of drugs on various zebrafish disease models. The researchers are also working on further speeding up the system and developing ways to process the huge amounts of data generated by the imaging machine.Anne Trafton, MIT News Office---Image 2: Zebrafish embryos, seen here, are transparent and have internal organs that can be easily seen as they develop.---On the Net:MITMehmet Fatih YanikNature MethodsSource: RedOrbit News - Science | 19 Jul 2010 | 6:50 am Fluid-Filled, Adjustable Eye-Glasses
I wear glasses. I like them. I like how they look, and I like that they stop me poking things in my eye. But I can afford to buy them. For many, especially in developing countries, spectacles are an out-of-reach luxury. Why? They’re just plastic, right? Some of that is the styling (or application of a designer label to a pair of commodity frames), but a lot os the actual shaping of the lenses. Enter a new breed of spec: adaptable, adjustable eyeglasses. Instead of solid, one-off lenses, these glasses have a hard lens at the front and a softer, flexible plastic sheet at the back. In between is a layer of viscous liquid with a high refractive index (light-bending ability). By pumping more of less of this liquid between the layers, you can custom fit your glasses to yourself, no expensive opticians or lens-grinding needed. The main difference between manufacturers is the method of adjustment. Adlens’ specs (pictured) have a knob on the side which you turn to adjust the amount of fluid in the lens. Those from TruFocals have a slider on the bridge of the frames to do the same thing. Why would you need adjustable lenses? For the elderly, one pair of adjustable glasses could replace glasses for reading and regular use. For the young, whose prescription can change rapidly, one pair of glasses could last a lot longer (assuming they don’t get smashed at school). And hopefully, should this technology become widespread, identical pairs of glasses (with basic, non-astigmatic corrections) could be made in bulk for the developing world and adjusted by the new owners themselves. The biggest limitation right now is the shape. In order to work, the lenses need to be a perfect circle. Good news if you’re John Lennon or a high-school poet, bad news for everyone else. Adlens product page [Adlens] Trufocals product page [Trufocals. Thanks, Jessica!] See Also: 
Source: Wired: Gadget Lab | 19 Jul 2010 | 6:37 am Nations To Meet On Clean Energy CooperationDuring an upcoming meeting in Washington DC the world’s top economies will look for ways to work together on clean energy, bringing a rare act of cooperation amid a deadlock in drafting a new climate change accord. Energy officials and delegates from 21 nations will meet Monday and Tuesday in Washington in an initiative by President Barack Obama's administration, which has made the creation of green jobs a top priority. The two-day meeting will feature announcements of joint initiatives among the top economies, who together account for 80 percent of the world’s gross domestic product, said the US Energy Dept. The major economies have been in disagreement over the shape of the next climate treaty, with developed nations seeking binding commitments from growing economies, such as China, to cut carbon emissions blamed for global warming. Clean energy has been a common topic for the two biggest polluters -- China and the US. During a trip to China last year Obama signed a five-year, 150 million-dollar plan for the two nations to collaborate on developing electric vehicles and clean coal. US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said Friday at the White House: “the development of clean energy and energy-efficient technologies could spur the greatest economic opportunity of the 21st century.” “The race is wide open for which country will become the epicenter of innovation, and the destination for the capital, businesses and jobs that come with it,” he added. The Obama administration has repeatedly made it clear that the United States is behind many European and Asian nations in the development of green technology. It said the meeting will look for ways in which all nations can work together to bring about clean energy. Topics that will be open for discussion at the meeting will include energy-efficiency standards, solar and wind power, and ways to provide energy to those without, said US assistant secretary of energy for international affairs David Sandalow. Alden Meyer, director of strategy and policy at the Union of Concerned Scientists, did not think the meeting would sort out issues pertaining to the Kyoto Protocol, whose obligations expire in 2012. “But if this is the low-hanging fruit that can show that countries can cooperate to get something done together, that could improve the mood,” he told the AFP news agency. Terje Riis-Johansen, Norway’s petroleum and energy minister praised the US for assembling the meeting and hoped it would “establish a global partnership to raise production of and access to clean energy.” “A greater reliance on clean energy is needed to solve climate change,” he said. Riis-Johansen plans to visit New Orleans to learn lessons of the BP oil spill for Norway, whose oil industry is almost entirely offshore. The meeting in Washington comes as Obama presses Congress to approve the first-ever US plan to require carbon emission cuts. The House of Representatives approved a plan more than a year ago, but legislation has faced stiff opposition in the Senate. Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates and the United States are the 21 nations taking part in the two-day clean energy gathering. Indonesia was invited but its minister had a scheduling conflict, Sandalow said. EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger will also attend the meeting. ---On the Net:US Energy DeptWhite HouseSource: RedOrbit News - Science | 19 Jul 2010 | 6:37 am Droid X update coming today (maybe)
Droid Life’s sources have said that version 1.13.604.en.US of the Droid X software may just start popping up on handsets today. But what changes does it bring? Well, according to a super-secret pdf unearthed at the Android Central forums, the update includes:
Excited? Well, calm down, dude! Remember the grains of salt, and try not to think about it until you get the special pop-up on your new toy. [via Phandroid]
Source: MobileCrunch | 19 Jul 2010 | 6:34 am Oil Spill Could Have Long-term Effect On Marine LifeThe massive BP oil spill has scientists and experts fearing a decades-long “cascading” effect on marine life that could lead to alterations in the entire biological network in the Gulf of Mexico. With more than 400 species at risk in the Gulf -- from bacteria to shrimp and crabs, sea turtles, marine birds and sperm whales -- experts warn that the impact of oil and chemical dispersants on the food chain has already set in, and could grow exponentially. Ron Kendall, director of the Institute of Environmental and Human Health at Texas Tech University, told the AFP news agency that a “major environmental experiment is underway.” “We are already impacting the base of the food chain,” he said, including plankton, which provide crucial food for fish, and juvenile shrimp in intertidal marshes along the Gulf Coast. Kendall helped study effects of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil disaster on wildlife in Alaska’s Prince William Sound. With that disaster, a finite amount of oil poured into the sea -- about one 17th of that which has gushed from the Gulf of Mexico ruptured well -- and rose to the surface to coat the shoreline. “This is so much more complex, what we're dealing with now,” he said. The nearly 2 million gallons of chemical dispersants used to fight the spill have kept some oil from contaminating shores, but have also created potentially drastic problems by breaking up the oil into droplets that may never be recovered. Kendall explained that the dispersants release aromatic hydrocarbons and allow small oil droplets to be consumed by marine life, which can potentially threaten the food supply for humans. No contaminated Gulf seafood has reached markets yet, according to experts, but authorities have closed 35 percent of all fishing waters, threatening the livelihoods of thousands and putting the region’s seafood industry in peril. Researchers say they have observed major die-offs of organisms such as pyrosomes, cucumber-shaped creatures that are favorite meals of endangered sea turtles, which have been dying by the hundreds. “We’re at the early stages of documenting the scientific effects of what’s occurring,” said Kendall, who acknowledged that species shifts are very possible. The US government and BP say they have found more than 2,600 dead marine birds, mammals and turtles, but that could only be the tip of the iceberg, warned Doug Inkley, senior scientist at the National Wildlife Federation. Many fish and sharks sink when they die, so their numbers may never be accounted for. Inkley fears there may be a delayed disaster in the Gulf, similar to when Prince William Sound’s Pacific herring population collapsed four years after the Exxon Valdez spill, likely due to few of the herring that spawned in 1989 reached maturity. Many marine and bird species were beginning their breeding season in April when the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded and sank, setting off the huge disaster. It is possible that a population crash may occur later “because of the failure of many of the young to survive this year,” Inkley said, adding that he expects the impact on wildlife “will last for years, if not decades.” Congressman Ed Markey, chairman of a House subcommittee on energy and the environment, said in a letter to the FDA that evidence showed “the marine food chain in the Gulf of Mexico has already been contaminated.” He pointed out research that has found uncovered oil droplets found inside crab larvae harvested in the Gulf. “This finding is particularly disconcerting because these larvae are a source of food for numerous aquatic species and this is therefore the first sign that hydrocarbons have entered into the food web,” Markey said. Complicating the scenario, the Gulf will soon host millions of fowl on autumn and winter migrations. “Who knows what impact that will bring?” Kendall lamented. ---Image Caption: A controlled burn of oil from the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill sends towers of fire hundreds of feet into the air over the Gulf of Mexico June 9. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer First Class John Masson.---On the Net:BPGovernment Response WebsiteInstitute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech UniversityNational Wildlife FederationSource: RedOrbit News - Science | 19 Jul 2010 | 5:50 am Panasonic ‘Leaks’ New LX5 Digicam
It’s tempting to call this information a leak, but when Panasonic posts a new camera in full on its store, and then leaves it there, its more of a “stealth launch” than a leak. The camera in question is the LX5, the successor to the well-regarded LX3. The LX3 is Panasonic’s high-end point and shoot, characterized by a high-ISO, low-noise sensor and a fast, wide Leica lens, opening to ƒ2.0 and 24mm. The new LX5 keeps the same 10.1 MP sensor (although adds a wishful ISO 12,800 to the top end of sensitivity) and the same fast and wide maximum lens settings, but makes a lot of tweaks to an already very good camera. First, the lens can now zoom out to 90 mm (against 60 mm) but the maximum aperture drops from ƒ2.8 to ƒ3.3 at the long end (still better than the widest aperture on most point-n-shoot cameras). The shutter speed now tops out at 1/4000th sec (previously 1/2000th sec), there is an option to use an electronic viewfinder (the LX3 only had an add-on optical finder), a jog dial instead of a nubbin for manual-focus, and the LX5 gets HDMI-out and VieraLink outputs. There are other small changes, but they are incremental and incidental. What about price? As the LX5 has yet to appear in the Panasonic store, we can only guess. And my guess is that it will replace the LX3 and cost the same $500 RRP. LX5 product page [Panasonic] See Also: 
Source: Wired: Gadget Lab | 19 Jul 2010 | 5:24 am Fix Apple’s boo-boo with a Band-Aid
Apple, while trying to wiggle out of it, made a bit of a boo-boo with the iPhone 4’s antennae. And what makes boo-boos all better? A band-aid, of course! Taking this logic its physical manifestation, Antenn-aid have created a series of coloured band-aid look-a-like vinyl stickers that cover the sensitive spot responsible for the death grip. $4.99 (+ shipping) nets you a six pack (I guess you can distribute them to some friends, or stick ‘em somewhere else), containing each of the available colours: gray, light-gray, green, blue, peach, and purple. ’nuff said, really. [via iPhone Saviour]
Source: MobileCrunch | 19 Jul 2010 | 5:17 am Google to Stop Selling Nexus One
After a long and painful decline, Google has finally put the Nexus One phone out of its misery. After it has shifted the last batch of handsets, the search company will stop selling its first – and possibly last – true Googlephone. The Nexus One was not the first Android phone, but it was the first one to be designed and sold by Google itself. After a big launch back in January, the Nexus One went into decline. It was sold only through Google’s own web store, and the lack-of a hands-on, try-before-you-buy option kept this online store a “a niche channel for early adopters”, according to Google. Google dropped the web store in May, putting the Nexus One into bricks-and-mortar stores, but it seems that even that couldn’t help. As soon as Google’s “last shipment of Nexus One phones” is sold out, you’ll only be able to find the handset via a few retail partners in (Vodafone in some parts of Europe and KT in Korea). Developers will still be able to buy the hardware, too. It will be available through an as-yet unnamed partner. While the hardware dies, though, the software is still going strong. Android continues to grow, and its open-source nature means that handset makers are doing all sorts of great things like adding unremovable bloatware or preventing the user from running an unapproved version of the OS on their own handset (Motorola’s eFuse). Kidding aside, Android is shaping up to dominate the mobile OS market the same way Windows has dominated the desktop market, and we’re excited to see the first of the Android tablets as they become available. And Android 2.2 Froyo, despite taking rather a long time to make it to Google’s own handset, is a pretty neat OS. Now that the Nexus One is gone, it’s looking like the Motorola Droid (pictured), Droid X, or HTC Evo are the likely front-runners in the Android race. Nexus One changes in availability [Google] Photo (Motorola Droid): Jon Snyder/Wired.com See Also:
Source: Wired: Gadget Lab | 19 Jul 2010 | 4:54 am Video: NTT Docomo’s 3D phone display shown off in glorious 2D
NTT Docomo — Japan’s biggest mobile provider — has shown of some 3D lenticular displays at Wireless Japan 2010. Now, you and me both will have to take their word as proof, as it’s at least a little difficult to show off 3D tech on video. So, prepare yourselves to be amazed at the amazing 2D 3D-screen video, below! [via Daily Mobile]
Source: MobileCrunch | 19 Jul 2010 | 4:46 am Video: Hilarious Animated Synopsis of iPhone 4 SagaThere’s really nothing I can say to make this amazing video any more entertaining. It really is the best thing a tech-nerd like you or me is going to see not today, but this week. A recreation of the entire iPhone story compressed into two hilarious minutes, the CGI-animation from Taiwanese NMA News characterizes Steve Jobs as a be-cowled Darth Vader and AT&T as a literal ball-and-chain around customers’ ankles. I really don’t want to spoil the surprises, so just watch for Steve’s solution to the antenna problem (inspired by Alexander the Great?), and the police raid on the “Jason Chen residence.” Fantastic stuff. One warning. Put your coffee, or any other liquids, down, and away from the computer. You will spill them. Reality distortion field remains strong with Steve Jobs after antenna-gate [NMA News on YouTube via ★] See Also:
Source: Wired: Gadget Lab | 19 Jul 2010 | 3:38 am
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When I hear the name UltraViolet as it pertains to Hollywood, good things don’t come to mind. Namely, I think about the
Perhaps now you’ve read Fred Vogelstein’s feature about the relationship between AT&T and Apple in this month’s Wired magazine. If not, you definitely should, it’s 
The best investors are learners rather than teachers. Micro venture capitalist 
When I saw 
I recently received a jar of CyberClean to review and couldn’t wait. CyberClean is bright yellow and looks like the jars of slime popular with kids. However this stuff actually serves a useful purpose. To use, slide it into your hands and knead it for a few seconds. Unless your hands are sweaty it won’t feel slimy at all. Once it’s pliable, simply press it down onto your keyboard and lift. I used it on my husband’s cordless keyboard and my laptop keyboard, both with excellent results. It doesn’t stick or leave any kind of residue and you’ll be amazed at the gunk it pulls out of your keyboard! I had no idea my laptop keyboard was as dirty as it was until I used CyberClean on it. It pulled up a ton of crumbs, dust, and cat hair (I have two!) It’s a lot easier, safer, and more efficient than using canned air or just turning the keyboard over and tapping it (which is difficult and dangerous for laptops!). CyberClean also claims to kill 99.9% of germs. It can be used on cellphones, remote controls, iPods, and other gadgets and is reusable up to 70 times. Give it a try and let me know what you think! It’s available at most major retailers for about $8-$10.
