Digital Chaperon

The New Mac Mini from Apple

2011-07-22T02:45:00.000+08:00

I am not a MAC user but everytime Apple release their computer products, I always got curious because of how they fit all those specs inside a small package, unlike the PCs where you got a huge casing.

Anyway, Apple company just released their new version of Mac Mini and is available now at Apple store.

This new mini is powered by a a 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 or 2.7GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i7 processor, with a superfast 1066MHz frontside bus and 3MB of L2 cache which provides the tiny device with a welcomed performance boost and 2x the performance of the previous generation.

It is mini and you can Fit this for any desk. Just 7.7 inches square and 1.4 inches thin, who wouldn’t love to have this place in their desk? Of course aside from the fact that it is fast because of its superfast processor so it can save you time to do your job, it also save you space on your desk.

Upgrade with ease. Because a removable panel lets you add memory with a twist. Now featuring OS X Lion. The world's most advanced desktop operating system. You can bring on the big screen by connecting the Mac mini to your HDTV with a single HDMI cable.

It is also equipped with the latest 802.11n wireless technology designed to automatically connect to your Wi-Fi network. At the back there is also a built in SD card slot together with Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, Mini Display port, 4 x USB 2.0 Ports, Firewire 800 and audio in and out, and as expected the Mac Mini is equipped with a Thunderbolt port offering two 10-Gbps channels for data transfer.

Wow! All those things can be fit on this mini computer gadget! Not only that… because it also includes Turbo Boost 2.0 for intensive application use which increases the clock speed up to 3.4GHz together with Hyper-Threading which lets each core run two threads, so OS X multitasks even more efficiently.

Cisco Cius: Made for Business People and not for ANGRY BIRD Gamers

2011-07-11T02:11:00.000+08:00

So here comes a newly launched tablet, the Cisco Cius. Many would say Cisco is already 40 years late to join in the arena of tablet wars. But I would say, they are just at the right time. If they were late then why would they praise HP TouchPad that was just launched recently and I never heard anyone say they are too late?

Anyway, Cisco Cius was made for business people and not for people who just want to buy a tablet and play ANGRY BIRD and/or brag to their friends about their new cool gadget.

Cius uses Google Android software which is used in a number of smartphones and a growing number of tablet PCs nowadays, which will also allow the company's business customers to tap into the growing Android developer community, which is developing new business-class products.

I am sure if you are a business man I am sure this tablet will awe you because it has front- and rear-facing cameras that record in high definition for video conferencing meeting and a 7-inch high-resolution screen. The device will be integrated with Cisco's TelePresence video conferencing system to provide one-click access to video conferences. And it will also be integrated with the WebEx meeting products. Cius tablet can connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi or whether you are on the road, it is not a problem because you can also connect through a 3G cellular network.

Product Overview
Cisco Cius™ (Figure 1) is a mobile collaboration tablet built for business. It is designed to help organizations capitalize on the value of mobility by enabling anywhere, anytime access to important business features:
• Campus mobility with IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n, and broad mobility with 3G (4G planned) cellular support
• High-resolution multi-touch color display with an intuitive user interface
• High-definition (HD) video with Cisco TelePresence™ solution interoperability
• Virtual desktop client integration (VDI) and cloud computing
• Full range of Cisco Collaboration and Unified Communication applications
• Open access to the Google Android Market with appropriate IT controls
• Expanded Android applications for business, linking Cisco Collaboration APIs through a software developer kit (SDK)
• Accessories, sold separately, which include base stations for enhanced capabilities and carrying cases for stylish yet functional protection while mobile

Read more about the product at Cisco Cius site to learn more about the tablet.

The New HP webOS-based TouchPad

2011-07-02T01:03:00.005+08:00

Hewlett-Packard or HP's webOS-based TouchPad is creating buzz since it was launched. This is really the time of the tablets since almost all the brands are competing on creating the best tablet in the market today.

HP Touchpad has been anticipated since the company bought the Palm last year (2010) for $1.2 Billion. We have been waiting for this since then and finally they just launched their first tablet to compete the world’s overrated Apple Tablet, the iPad. Well, I have nothing against the iPad but I just can’t comprehend why people are going crazy everytime Apple launches a new product in the market.

Anyway, let’s get back to HP Touchpad.

The tagline says: Works like nothing else. But I don’t really think it works like nothing else, though this one make an impression for its fast performance and user-friendly interface. The brilliant 9.7-inch, 1,024-by-768-pixel touch-screen LCD makes it best for videos and photos. The ability to multitask like a champion of multitasking is powerful, plus the ability to do wireless printing to compatible HP printers makes it perfect for busy workers like you, and it is also great to wind down after your busy job because it has more than 300 of apps from the App Catalog, but according to their ads it says thousands.

Good for social networking sites such as Facebook, I think every brand have Facebook to consider everytime they make a new gadget nowadays, so that one is really expected because buyers will whine about it if there’s no application for their beloved FB.

No rear-facing camera or video-recording capabilities – Well, this is a touchpad and not a video recording or photography gadget, why should I complain if it has nothing of it. But well, I would be happy if there’s rear camera, though not necessarily because the front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera suits for the gadget everytime you are chatting with somebody that needs to see your face or your background. There’s no need to demand for a rear camera because it would be weird for me to take pictures at concerts or along the street with the HP Touchpad.

With solid hardware and a user-friendly operating system based around multitasking and intuitive organization, what else can you ask for in a tablet like HP Touchpad that packs 16 or 32GB of internal storage for $499 and $599, respectively? What’s more awesome is that it runs by Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-core APQ8060 1.2GHz processor. There’s a Bluetooth keyboard available, along with a case and a touchstone charger that lets you charge the TouchPad without connecting a single cable.

One thing I can say… “Android Honeycomb tablet manufacturer, what can you say with this one, huh?”

Check out this HP Touchpad Ads with Manny Pacquiao and see how he can flick, stack and move between active apps on the new HP TouchPad with webOS.

You think he can't? But he DEAD!

CheckIn for Facebook Places Apps

2011-06-23T08:58:00.000+08:00

Check in to Facebook fast, or automatically!
Check into Facebook Places with two quick taps, or check in automatically to places with wifi!

CheckIn opens immediately to a list of nearby places, which you can check in to with just one tap. The official app typically takes seven taps to open, check in, and exit.
Includes an undo button for removing your latest check-in from Facebook.
Add places to your list of favorites for easier access, and so you don't have to wait for a location fix.
Automatically check into your favorites by turning on auto check-ins. Your device will periodically check your location and check you in when you're in range of a favorite without you touching your phone.

Android is a trademark of Google Inc. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions (http://www.google.com/permissions/).

THIS APPLICATION HAS ACCESS TO THE FOLLOWING:

YOUR LOCATION

FINE (GPS) LOCATION

Access fine location sources such as the Global Positioning System on the device, where available. Malicious applications can use this to determine where you are, and may consume additional battery power.

NETWORK COMMUNICATION

FULL INTERNET ACCESS

Allows an application to create network sockets.

STORAGE

MODIFY/DELETE USB STORAGE CONTENTS MODIFY/DELETE SD CARD CONTENTS

Allows an application to write to the USB storage. Allows an application to write to the SD card.

SYSTEM TOOLS

PREVENT DEVICE FROM SLEEPING

Allows an application to prevent the device from going to sleep.

Show all

HARDWARE CONTROLS

CONTROL VIBRATOR

Allows the application to control the vibrator.

NETWORK COMMUNICATION

VIEW WI-FI STATE

Allows an application to view the information about the state of Wi-Fi.

VIEW NETWORK STATE

Allows an application to view the state of all networks.

SYSTEM TOOLS

AUTOMATICALLY START AT BOOT

Allows an application to have itself started as soon as the system has finished booting. This can make it take longer to start the device and allow the application to slow down the overall device by always running.

Buy the Apps here.

Google TV Remote apps for Android phone and iOS devices

2011-06-23T08:34:00.000+08:00

A mobile application that can be used to control Google TV from your Android phone and iOS devices.

This application’s function is to make your iOS and Android Phone into a fully functional Google TV remote control with on-screen mouse pad, arrow keys and full range of buttons.

Key features of the Google TV Remote app includes:

Able to turn TV and AVR on/off from the Android phone and iOS devices.
Navigate Google TV menus and content by swiping and tapping direction pad.
Control mouse pointer and use gestures to scroll and zoom into webpages.
Use voice to quickly search for content.
Supports multiple phones to control same TV.
Share videos and web pages with the TV.

Available in two version, Google TV Remote app for iPhone and Android. Both versions of the Google TV Remote app is available as a free download at Android market (Android version) and App Store (iPhone version). Those users who like to turn their phone into Google TV remote control, just connect their device to the same network as their Google TV and install respective version of Google TV Remote app.

Nokia Play 360, Nokia's first Portable Hi-fi Speaker

2011-06-23T02:54:00.000+08:00

Introducing Nokia Play 360° - Nokia's first portable hi-fi speaker with groundbreaking NFC, wireless Bluetooth and wired 3.5mm connection together with 20 hours play time with standard Nokia battery.

Available in three colors: blue, black and white. Light build with strong Aluminum cover. Ideal for playing your music from your mobile phone or laptop, everywhere you go. Deep sounds, handy carrying pouch and universal compatibility.

Now, getting high quality sounds from your mobile device is made easier with the Nokia Play 360. It can connect with your mobile phone, laptop and/or MP3 player that supports Bluetooth technology or connect your device directly to the 3.5mm cable.

The design simply makes the distributions of the sounds evenly around the place. NFC equipped so pairing and connecting is fast and easy with just a tap and your device is paired and just play. Aside from the built-in battery, you can also power it by cord to protect the life of your battery when you are at home or you office. The battery can be charge using the micro USB cable.

What is cool with this speaker is that, everytime you get a call, the speaker will automatically mute by itself to give way on your phone conversation with the other party.

That’s Nokia Play 360!

Nokia N9 Simply Beautiful - All it Takes is a Swipe Away

2011-06-23T02:10:00.002+08:00

Who said Nokia cannot compete with the latest of mobile phones today, like android and iOS phones? Well, I think I did with my Nokia E7 blogpost. But here comes Nokia's newly launched mobile phone, the Nokia N9 is Nokia's long-awaited MeeGo smartphone.

Finally, I can say that Nokia is coming back to try to assume back their reputation as number one mobile phone company.

Nokia N9 has a great three core home views/screens, Menu application launcher view where all the applications installed in the device, multitasking where you can switch from one application to another application and the notifications windows which will be populated by phone calls, calendar alerts, and social network updates. That alone showed a good impression from me. I love the well organized of the applications.

The 3.9-inch AMOLED screen (854 x 480) which covers the whole phone makes it looks like the iPhone, as what some people commented that the industrial design cues were taken from Apple. But who cares? That’s the new dimension of mobile phone today. What’s important is the performance and that’s where mobile companies are competing today.

Nokia N9 comes with 16GB or 64GB of onboard memory and 1GB of RAM but it has no microSD expandability, but you can hot-swap the MicroSIM card without needing to reboot the handset.

The cover of the phone are made of a polycarbonate shell that's colored all the way through, so scratches won't show, unless that’s a really deep scratch.

The camera button for the 8 megapixel wide-angle shooter, which is capable of aperture F2.2 for low light picture taking and true 16:9 720p video recording. And gladly! They didn’t forget to put AF shooter, with just a touch anywhere on the screen, you can select which part to focus on when taking a picture.

With OMAP3630 1 Ghz processor and a PowerVR SGX530 GPU makes it fast and easier to use. Nokia is known as the user-friendly phone and they still didn’t fail to keep that reputation because N9 is easy to use and it all takes is a swipe to enjoy this beautifully simple Nokia N9.

Nokia E7 Communicator

2011-06-21T04:43:00.002+08:00

Over the pass 2 years, I can see that Nokia phones has been declining its visibility and its number of users around the world, specially in Asia’s text capital of the world where Nokia became the national phone of the Philippines. Maybe because of the great marketing strategies Apple has been doing with their over-rated iPhones.

This year, iPhone swiftly soar its sales leaving other phone brands behind. Even myself was brainwashed that the only phone people are using today are iPhones. (JK) But seriously, Apple company did a great job on it’s marketing that even iPad is competing the market nowadays threatening to make laptops an old-fashioned portable computers.

Anyway, I know this phone has been released in the market few months ago, but I wasn’t able to pay attention to this because I was busy with the APPLEs. But today, while browsing some youtube videos, I saw an ads on the side about Nokia E7 the latest communicator of Nokia. I think it is because of Apple that Nokia signed a partnership with Microsoft to compete on the market.

Okay, so I checked about this new flagship device of Nokia phone.

On the first glance it looks like the bigger version of Nokia N8 but thinner than the latter. But I love the sliding QWERTY key of E7 aside from its 4" ClearBlack AMOLED touch screen, but I have hesitations on using a sliding or flip phones, as I have been using few of that kind before and with a little mishandling... few breaks on the gadgets are sure to be visible.

Of course, it has camera with 8 megapixel picture resolutions. Not bad for a camera phone when we talk about resolutions but is not good enough because it has no auto focus… how can I get closer pictures with that? But I don’t look for camera when purchasing a phone, so camera won’t impress me that much.

E7’s OS is definitely Symbian, if in computers I consider symbian of windows XP right now that there are higher versions of Windows OS. Android and iOS phones are best in the market today that supports a lot of apps available online that most users nowadays considers when buying phones.

The $679 price of this phone for me is not so justifiable for a not so impressive phone. That is why it didn’t reach the top of the Mobile phone market this year.

With that... I still go for Android phones.

HP Veer Smartphones

2011-06-03T11:53:00.000+08:00

Compared to regular smartphones today like iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones and other big bulky smartphones that has been out in the market for awhile now, HP Veer smartphone is trying to go on different track by making this powerful smartphone smaller than the conventional smartphones.

Yes, HP Veer is tiny and I want my smartphone portable as possible I want. iPhone and the likes are already bulky for me and that makes me lazy to bring it anywhere I go. HP Veer is just a size of your ATM or Credit card and that is what portability means. Being small doesn't mean it can only do small things.

The screen is just 320 x 400 pixels but mind you... I have been using a larger smartphones and as a person as busy as me, I don't spend a lot of time browsing with my phone and a lot of applications I have on my iPhone are rarely used and that means they are useless. I used my Smartphones for checking emails on the go, browsing or reading news on the road but browsing or watching streaming videos online... that I rarely do, so BIG and BULKY smartphones for me is not an absolute yes, that is why I go for smaller ones.

800-MHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor is just right for basic browsing and doing some screen thingy to work. It can also share internet connection by making it as a mobile hotspot to share internet access up to 5 devices. It also supports HSPA+the GSM version of 3G wireless Technology.

Though its tiny keyboard slides below the screen are tiny, but that is not a problem because I used phones with tiny buttons before and I am doing fine with them.

Tweet, update your status, and upload photos and videos from where you’re standing and those are what I usually been doing with my Bulky Big smartphones. It also supports a lot of mobile apps available that most people are going gaga with their iPhones and other BIG smartphones. So this small but powerful enough to compete with the BIG ones is very affordable and I like it because it can do multitasking!

iPad 2 has been Launched in Asia (Beijing, China)

2011-05-06T14:47:00.000+08:00

A massive crowd of hundreds waiting outside an Apple store in Beijing for the first day release and launching of the iPad 2 in Asia. The Wi-Fi version of the iPad 2 finally launched in China on Friday, almost two months after it went on sale in the U.S.

Everytime Apple launched a new product it is always hard to get one, but I think and I am sure it is part of their strategy. Apple is selling the iPad through its own stores, resellers, and online, they make sure there are not enough of stocks over the few days of the release to make the people want them even more. It creates curiosity and the people will surely get the lure and will buy the product even if they don’t really need them.

A lot of people are eager to wait for a day and even sleep outside the Apple store just to be the first few individual to buy the Apple products.

I don’t have a tablet gadget yet, but this tablet generation of technology really attracts me to get one. I will but my first Tablet this month or maybe next month, though I don’t really need them right now because I still have my old gadgets (Laptop and Smart Phones) that are still practical for my jobs.

iPad and other Apple devices can still wait for me at the Apple Store. I don’t really need to be in a hurry to get one. The advantage of getting the gadget later than the other is that you can still read real personal reviews about the products and prices can get lower as time goes by.

Sony PlayStation’s Massive Data Breach, Chief Executive has Apologized

2011-05-06T14:27:00.000+08:00

We all heard and read on the news about the Sony PlayStation’s Massive Data Breach in its video game online network that happened weeks ago. The breach could led to the theft of names, addresses and possibly credit card data belonging to 77 million user accounts in what is one of the largest-ever Internet security break-ins. So the Sony company shut down the network instantaneously after they first learned about it, that also led to another problem because it prevented owners of Sony's video game console from buying and downloading games, as well as playing with rivals over the Internet.

"This is a huge data breach," said Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter, who estimated Sony generates $500 million in annual revenue from the service. "The bigger issue with Sony is how will the hacker use the info that has been illegally obtained?"

The company said user account information for the PlayStation Network and its Qriocity service users was compromised between April 17 and April 19.

Today, Sony Corp. Chief Executive Howard Stringer has apologized for "inconvenience and concern" caused by the big security breach that compromised personal data from more than 100 million online gaming accounts.

The Japanese technology giant sought to reassure customers, saying the company is focused on investigating and fixing the hacker attack.

"We are absolutely dedicated to restoring full and safe service as soon as possible and rewarding you for your patience," Stringer wrote in his first public comments since Sony shut down its PlayStation Network on April 20.

Delicious is now Owned by the Youtube Founders after Acquiring it from Yahoo

2011-04-28T17:41:00.000+08:00

Could this be a promise that we will experience a new level of Delicious service? Hope so, because I am now excited to find out what are new with Delicious, and will it be more Delicious? We will find out soon.

Yahoo’s statement:

Today YouTube founders Chad Hurley and Steve Chen announced they have acquired the Delicious technology from Yahoo!. They plan to continue the service that users have come to know and love and make the site even easier and more fun to save, share and discover the web’s “tastiest” content.
Providing a smooth transition for users is important to both companies. There will be a transition period where users can elect to sign up for a new account. Users’ public and private bookmarks will be maintained through the transition period and transferred as they are today when it is complete.
As we have said, part of our product strategy involves shifting our investment with off-strategy products to put better focus on our core strengths and fund new innovation. We believe this is the right move for the service, our users and our shareholders and look forward to watching the Delicious technology develop.

Delicious blog:

YouTube Founders Acquire Delicious
Today, we’re pleased to announce that Delicious has been acquired by the founders of YouTube, Chad Hurley and Steve Chen. As creators of the largest online video platform, they have firsthand experience enabling millions of users to share their experiences with the world. They are committed to running and improving Delicious going forward.
Providing a seamless transition for users is incredibly important for both companies. Yahoo! will continue to operate Delicious until approximately July 2011. When the transition period is complete, your information will be moved over to Delicious’ new owner.
Starting today, we will ask you to login to Delicious again and agree to let Yahoo! transfer your bookmarks to the new owner. That way, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted use of the service and will keep your account and all of your bookmarks when we make the transition. For more information on the Delicious transition, please refer to this FAQ.
Thank you for your patience in this time of transition and thank you for using Delicious!

Google Video is also Closing Down

2011-04-28T17:35:00.000+08:00

From: “Google Video” Date: Apr 15, 2011 9:56 PM Subject: Google Video Hosted Content To Be Removed After May 13Dear Google Video User,Later this month, hosted video content on Google Video will no longer be available for playback. Google Video stopped taking uploads in May 2009 and now we’re removing the remaining hosted content. We’ve always maintained that the strength of Google Video is its ability to let people search videos from across the web, regardless of where those videos are hosted. And this move will enable us to focus on developing these technologies further to the benefit of searchers worldwide.On April 29, 2011, videos that have been uploaded to Google Video will no longer be available for playback. We’ve added a Download button to the video status page, so you can download any video content you want to save. If you don’t want to download your content, you don’t need to do anything. (The Download feature will be disabled after May 13, 2011.)We encourage you to move to your content to YouTube if you haven’t done so already. YouTube offers many video hosting options including the ability to share your videos privately or in an unlisted manner. To learn more go here. Here’s how to download your videos:1. Go to the Video Status page. 2. To download a video to your computer, click the Download Video link located on the right side of each of your videos in the Actions column.Once a video has been downloaded, “Already Downloaded” will appear next to the Download Video link.If you have many videos on Google Video, you may need to use the paging controls located on the bottom right of the page to access them all. Please note: This download option will be available through May 13, 2011. Thank you for being a Google Video user.Sincerely, The Google Video Team

That means you need to download your videos by May 13 or they’re gone forever.

Finally, Google‘s decided to shut down its Google Video service since they already have Youtube dominating the video sharing world. They should’ve been done this since they acquired Youtube in 2006.

Goodbye Friendster as a Social Network, Welcome as a Social Entertainment Site

2011-04-28T17:23:00.001+08:00

Friendster’s giving way to Facebook is a ‘news’, I heard it since yesterday and links posted about the news are posted on FB statuses and Twits are clogging on my accounts today. Friendster is a social network pioneer. I can still remember how people are addicted to this site, even celebrities are plugging on TV shows about their FS account to be added.

But since Friendster started those personalized pages, I started to dislike it. It hurts my eyes to see those FS pages with brightly colored backgrounds that you can hardly read the profile information of the account. Then little by little users starting to abandon the site from using it until completely most of them forgot it existed.

Compared to what people love today the ‘Facebook’, Friendster doesn’t have video comments and status updates, these are the things that we like with FB. These options are what we think fun nowadays; we love to see the notifications of our FB pages turned red everytime and we get excited who commented or tagged or poked us and those are the things we never experienced with Friendster.

Friendster the social network as we knew it will be no more by the end of next month.

Friendster is making the changes under the guise of reinventing themselves as a service focused on “entertainment and fun” (which sounds exactly like Myspace when they started feeling the Facebook heat for real)

Our improved site is designed to create new profiles that allow you to connect differently with people and do things differently than other networking sites. Basically, the new site will complement your existing online presence in other social networking sites.

The new Friendster should be going live in the coming weeks and focus mainly on Asian users.

Friendster will be repositioned as a social entertainment site for people to play games and music, and that it will leverage Facebook Connect.

So, we will never really say goodbye to Friendster completely, because they will just give the ‘Social Network’ title to Facebook and will re-open and launch its new them as a social entertainment site.

Checkout this video from Onion Network. "The Onion's Lost Friendster Video"

"Friendster was only meant to exist temporarily."

Facebook Chat on Mobile Devices (iPhone, Android Phone, Sony PSP etc.)

2011-04-08T12:42:00.001+08:00

We have been trying to see around how we can chat on Facebook using our mobile phones, iPhone, Android phones and other portable devices like Sony PSP and Nintendo DS, but we just can’t do it because Facebook application and mobile browsers doesn’t support FB chat as of this writing. Now you can do it but you need to install the application called eBuddy. Continue your chat on your Sony PSP or Nintendo DS with eBuddy.

There are mobile devices that are ready for Yahoo and MSN chats but not with FB chats. eBuddy is your online messenger for MSN, Yahoo, Gtalk, Facebook, ICQ, MySpace and AIM (AOL). Whether you're at home, school, work or traveling; with eBuddy you can chat online everywhere anytime. eBuddy is available as a web based and mobile version. eBuddy provides instant messaging on every computer, it even works when you are behind a firewall! eBuddy means no downloads, no installation of software or upgrades and no registration. Best of all it's free.

I have tried using the application with my nokia mobile phone and I am enjoying chatting with friends and business partners anywhere and anytime with eBuddy.

It is easy, install the application on your mobile devices and you are ready to chat anytime and anywhere you want. eBuddy application is available on the following devices:

eBuddy for iPhone

eBuddy for Android

eBuddy Mobile Messenger for some supported mobile devices

eBuddy Lite Messenger for mobile, PSP, Nintendo DS & more

TechWorld Facebook Page for your Techie Stuff Questions and Solutions

2011-03-30T15:10:00.001+08:00

Having trouble with your PC, laptop and/or other technology devices? TechWorld facebook page is the right page you want to ask help with. Ask anything you want to know to find solutions about technology specially about Computers, Hardware and Software problems, Mobile phones, programs, systems etc.

I just solved my laptop’s networking problem because of the help of the people at TechWorld Facebook page. So join their page on facebook (TechWorld), it is an open group so it will be easy for you to access that page and the next time you have problems with your computers and other techie stuff, just ask the people there (specially Karlo John Lao) and you will get help in less than an hour unless the people there are all asleep, but they are always online most of the time so you will get updates within the day.

How to Change your Firefox Browser's Default Search Engine into Google

2011-03-24T12:01:00.001+08:00

Want to change your default search engine in your Firefox browser? You can change it by doing this:

Type in your address bar: "about:config" and press enter.

On the filter search box, type in: "browser.search.defaultenginename"

Then right-click and choose Modify, then type in the name of search Engine you want to be your default Search Engine. In this case you want Google so type in "Google" make sure you type in the name correctly.

Other search engine names are:

Ask.com
Yahoo
Bing

The New Mozilla Firefox 4

2011-03-23T01:19:00.000+08:00

With all these new updates and new features of Firefox 4, I don't think you want to be left behind by this cutting edge technology that firefox did. So, install and explore how awesome this new version of Firefox 4.

Just a note: There are still few extensions that are not compatible with this new version of Firefox so make sure or check out first which of the extensions that you are regularly using are compatible with this. But sooner or later extensions will update to match and be compatible with the Firefox 4.

All your menu items are now in a single button for easy access, and tabs have been given top visual priority so you can focus on the content of the sites you visit.
No need to remember clunky URLs - the Awesome Bar helps you find favorite sites in seconds.
The Add-ons Manager has been redesigned to let you discover and install add-ons without ever leaving Firefox.
Reloading a page or stopping a page from loading has been combined into a single button located next to the Awesome Bar.
The Home buutton has moved right next to a handy button for one-click bookmarking of your favorite sites.

App Tab
Take sites you always keep open - like Web mail - off your tab bar and give them a permanent home in your browser.

Private Browsing
Turn this feature on and protect your browsing history. You can slip in and out of private browsing mode quickly, so it's easy to go back to what you were doing before as if nothing ever happened.

Firefox Menu Button
ALl your menu items are now found in a single button for easy access.

Instant Website ID
Want to be extra sure about a site's legitimacy before you hand over your personal info? Click on its favicon for an instant identity overview.

Tabs on Top
Tabs are now located above the Awesome bar to make it easier to focus on the content of the sites you visit.

Awesome Bar
Get to your favorite sites quickly - even if you don't remember the URLs. Start typing and the Awesome Bar will include possible matches from your browsing history, bookmarked sites and open tabs.

Switch to Tab
As you're opening a new tab, Firefox will check to see if you already have that site open. If you do, you'll be directed to the existing tab so you don't open duplicate.

Add-ons Manager
The Ass-ons Manager lets you discover and install ass-ons without ever leaving Firefox. Browse ratings, recommendations, descriptions and pictures of the add-ons in action to help you make your selection.

Password Manager
Firefox can remember your passwords, but does so without intrusive pop-ups. Instead, look for the Remember Password notification integrated seamlessly into your view at the top of the site page.

Customize Toolbar
You can adjust Firefox's interface to be exactly the way you like it: re-arrange, organize, add or remove buttons or fields to change your browsing experience however you want.

Personas
Change the look of your Firefox in a single click with Personas, easy-to-install themes created by users from around the world (or that you make yourself!).

Bookmark Button
Manage your bookmarks in a single button. Find your favorite links without getting bogged down!

Sync
Sync seamlessly connects your desktop and mobile Firefoxes, so you can access your browsing history, passwords, bookmarks and even open tabs no matter which device you use.

What's new with Blogger this 2011?

2011-03-21T23:45:00.000+08:00

Introducing template designer, real-time stats, comments spam filtering, mobile templates, web fonts, and more. 2011 is gonna be an exciting year for Blogger because of the major changes they've been doing to make Blogger even more better for Bloggers.

I thought Google won't consider a major changes on the way Blogger looks and function. A lot of blogger users used to transfer to Wordpress because it seems wordpress blog is updated regularly and blogger updates is so slow. But I was so amazed by the new changes and improvements they did on the new interface of the new Blogger.

They showed the next-generation user interface of the new Blogger for 2011 at SXSW.

The new design uses Google Web Toolkit, to deliver the latest in web technology and to make your blogging experience the best!

From its old post editor interface:

To the new post editor:

The current Dashboard looks like this:

They developed it to a new looks:

AT&T and T-Mobile Merged!?

2011-03-21T23:25:00.000+08:00

America's biggest network AT&T decides to buy wireless competitor T-Mobile for $39 Billion. This is a huge deal indeed and there are a lot of questions from their subscribers.

But for me when 2 certain big companies merge into one like this it will give a good possibility that will further make their services better. Maybe this merger of AT&T and T-Mobile will give access to few more devices and flexibility of their scope of services.

If this merge of AT&T and T-Mobile succeed and in-fact the two have compatible networks, will it be a possibility that Verizon will become far more behind on this market? Competion is also good because it will be the meter stick for making each services better.

From the Shayndi Raice and Anupreeta Das at the Wall Street Journal:

On Sunday, AT&T pitched the deal as a way to solve network congestion, by combining two operators using the same technology and alleviating a spectrum shortage that would keep T-Mobile from building a next-generation network.

At $39 billion, AT&T would be paying a significant premium to most analysts' estimates for T-Mobile. Bank of America Merrill Lynch valued the subsidiary in December at about $23.2 billion, while a team from JPMorgan Cazenove valued it at about $25.5 billion.

The deal is expected to be a boon for Wall Street with more than half a dozen firms collecting hundreds of millions of dollars in fees. Andrew Ross Sorkin, Michael J. de la Merced and Jenna Wortham from the New York Times explained.

Well, I am pretty sure that this move by AT&T is for the good of their company and for the good of their subscribers. SO let's just be positive about the things happened like this.

Introducing the New iPad 2

2011-03-03T11:20:00.002+08:00

All-new Design
Less in your hands, more at your fingertips. iPad 2 is thin, sleek, and flat-out amazing. So why hide it in a bulky case? The slim yet sturdy Smart Cover protects your iPad screen without covering up its durable aluminum back.1 So your iPad still looks and feels like an iPad — just with a little extra protection. Even better, the Smart Cover doubles as the perfect movie-watching, game-playing, web-surfing, do-it-all companion. It folds in all the right places so you can quickly create a stand that holds iPad upright. Or one that lets you tilt iPad into a comfortable typing position. If you prefer to hold iPad, the Smart Cover flips back and out of the way like a page in a magazine. And if you want to shoot some HD video on the fly, the Smart Cover folds in half to expose the back-facing camera. Now that’s something to smile about.

iPad is now 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter. You will feel the difference when you pick it up. But beware because you just can't put it down.

Dual-core A5 chip
It's fast, times two.
Two powerful cores and faster graphics mean better surfing, better watching, better gaming in short... better in everything. All with the same 10 hours of battery life.

Two cameras
FaceTime, HD video and lots more to smile about.
Share big laughs with friends and family over FaceTime. Film your life in HD and put a twist on your snapshots with Photo Booth.

iPad Smart Cover.
One great idea on Top of another. A cover that’s smart. And bright.

iPad already has your content. Now give it your style. Take your pick of ten bright colors — five in rich, aniline-dyed Italian leather.2 No matter which color you choose, the Smart Cover stays put when you toss iPad in your bag, rest it on a table, or sling it under your arm. And since the microfiber lining gently buffs off any smudges or fingerprints as you move, iPad always looks good on arrival.

A magnetic attraction.

When the Smart Cover and iPad get together, you can’t help but notice an instant connection. That’s because we designed iPad to work with the Smart Cover — and the other way around. For starters, iPad has magnets built right into its frame — magnets that align perfectly with the Smart Cover hinge for an effortless fit. On the opposite side, magnets inside the Smart Cover help it stay put. It’s ingenious yet simple. Secure yet easy to remove. In fact, the Smart Cover and iPad work so well together, it’s easy to think of them as one device. It attaches magnetically and aligns perfectly. Open and close it and iPad 2 wakes up and goes to sleep. Fold it into a stand for watching and typing. It's smart in more ways than one.

With the all-new design and amazing built-in apps, iPad changes the way you work. When you learn on a whole new kind of device, it's a whole new kind of learning.

Starting March 11 you can buy iPad at the Apple Online Store.

The new MacBook Pro has arrived

2011-02-25T16:03:00.002+08:00

With state-of-the-art processors, all-new graphics, and breakthrough high-speed I/O, MacBook Pro takes three very big leaps forward.

State-of-the-art Intel processors.
The 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro now feature quad-core Intel Core i7 processors. And the 13-inch models jump to dual-core Intel Core i5 and i7 processors. All models are up to 2x faster.

Thunderbolt. The next generation of I/O.

New Thunderbolt technology lets you connect high-performance peripherals and high-resolution displays to a single port—with data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps.

Game-changing graphics.
AMD Radeon graphics on the 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro are up to 3x faster than those in previous models,** so you can take everything from games to CAD to HD video projects anywhere.

A long-lasting battery. Charge less. Do more.
The new MacBook Pro delivers amazing battery life. And that’s with more powerful processors and faster graphics. An energy-efficient processor architecture with an integrated video encoder, along with automatic graphics switching in the 15- and 17-inch models, all help improve battery life.

It’s very well connected.
When you’re out and about, the latest 802.11n wireless technology in MacBook Pro makes it easy to get connected just about anywhere.7 MacBook Pro automatically finds available networks and allows you to join them with a click. Bluetooth wireless technology is also built in, so you can use your favorite wireless accessories right out of the box.

Visit Apple.com/mac for more info.

iPad 2 to be Launch on March

2011-02-24T00:55:00.000+08:00

The hottest technology device of 2010, selling nearly 15 million units since its launching last year. Now will set to launch its new iPad 2 version in the same seasonal schedule as the first iPad on March 2, 2011, contrary to speculation of a delay of the latest version of the popular tablet computer. The first iPad was announced on January 27, 2010 and went on sale first in US stores on April 3, 2010.

The speculation over the timing of the iPad unveiling comes as unverified tabloid reports of the faltering health of its iconic chief executive, Steve Jobs, cloud perceptions of the company's ability to maintain its global technology leadership over the long term.

The Apple’s chief operating officer , Tim Cook is likely to take Job’s place on the stage at the annual shareholders meeting on Wednesday.

More than 50 million tablets are expected to be sold this year, with Apple capturing the bulk of the demand.

According to the note, component makers had to change their production processes after Apple made design changes to the iPad2 before the Lunar New Year at the beginning of February.

Manufacturing sources have previously said the new model would have cameras on the front and back of the device and would be slimmer, lighter and have a better resolution display than the first iPad.

So, just like iPhone which conquers the world of mobile phones, now iPad will again try to steal the fame on mobile computers with its 2nd version.

Where and How to get the Golden Eggs on Angry Birds Game?

2011-02-14T12:10:00.003+08:00

I was kinda hooked up with the Angry Birds game eventhough the game is so simple, one can get addicted to it just like the old Super Mario Bros. and Plants versus Zombies lately. I finished all the levels on Angry Birds, but I didn’t get all 3 stars on every level. What really keeps me hooked to this game is finding the hidden golden eggs on some levels and that’s what I really need to find out. I still have to find more more golden eggs right at this writing, so good luck to me.

By the way, here are some few tips on where to find some golden eggs on some levels and how to get it. Credits to videogamesblogger.com.

This are the golden eggs I've collected so far...

Where to find and collect Golden Eggs #1-9 in Angry Birds

Golden Egg #1: Let the credits scroll, you’ll find a Golden Egg at the conclusion. – This is the easiest to find a golden egg for me, so go and let the credits scroll till the end and click the golden egg as it appears.

Golden Egg #2: Tap on the Sun in the background after clicking “Play”. – This is also one of the easiest to collect the golden egg. After starting the game, click the “PLAY” and then click on the sun at the background at the center bottom of the screen and there you’ll have the golden egg.

Golden Egg #3: While on any level, click “II” followed by the Question Mark. Now play the picture of the White Birds. – This also is simple, on any level of the game, press pause and then keep pressing the “Check” button to keep the picture playing until such time you see a golden egg on the fourth picture.

Golden Egg #4: Get all of the Stars for Theme’s 1, 2 and 3. Alternatively, you can beat your previous high score in each theme to find the Golden Egg. – I haven’t tried this yet but as you mastered the game this will be easy for you but you just have to keep playing to master it.

Golden Egg #5: Earn all three Stars on Themes 4 and 5. Alternatively, beat a high score on Themes 4 and 5. – And good luck on this one, it requires mastery on the game and familiarization on how to get 3 stars.

Golden Egg #6: Click on the Treasure Chest underneath the building on level 1-8. – I think I already got the egg and just forgot if I really do because when I tried it once more while writing this it seems no golden egg on it that will appear after clicking it.

Golden Egg #7: On level 2-2, find the Beachball and smash it. – This golden egg will be easy to get since the materials around it are made of glasses so breaking it until you hit the ball is effortless.

Golden Egg #8: In level 4-7, first zoom out. You’ll notice a yellow bird in the top right corner that gives you this Golden Egg. – Easy just zoom out the screen and golden egg will be seen.

Golden Egg #9: In level 5-19, first Zoom Out. You’ll find it above the rocket, it’s outside your viewing area but you’ll see it when the screen scrolls up a bit. Use a Yellow Bird or drop a bomb with a White Bird in order to make the carcass’ fly up. Either of these methods can net you this Golden Egg. – I kept on trying but this one is a bit harder than I thought. Since you can’t see where to aim it should waste your time trying to get it.

Where to find and collect Golden Eggs #10-14 in Angry Birds

Golden Egg #10: In level 6-14, you’ll see a yellow balloon underneath a treehouse on the right side. Use a new bird and a Boomerang to hit the balloon and score this Golden Egg. – It would be a little bit harder to get this using the first boomerang bird. What I did was smash first the obstacles with the first 3 birds and the last boomerang bird will get the yellow balloon easy for you.

Golden Egg #11: To the right of the “Coming Soon” screen, the eighth theme, you can find the Golden Egg by sliding the page to the left. The Golden Egg will be on your right.

Golden Egg #12: You get this new egg by getting 3 stars on Themes 6, 7 and 8 (Episode 3, Danger Above).

Golden Egg #13: This egg is found on Levels 8-15 in the left hand bottom corner, where you have to get a bird past the boxes to hit the golden egg. – Just use the bouncy balloon to get you to the bottom where there are two boxes hiding the golden egg.

Golden Egg #14: Go to Levels 9-14 and zoom out, it’s in the right hand bottom corner. Fling a bird towards it to grab it. – After zooming out, you will see a golden egg wearing a construction yellow hard hat, just don’t use the pink bird because it cannot ever reach to that area since it is a heavy one. I used the Boomerang bird to reach it without using its boomerang power.

Ok, good luck on finding some golden eggs on Angry Birds.

After I got all the golden eggs, next will be where to find and collect stars.

5 Ways the Verizon iPhone Is Different from AT&T's

2011-02-11T02:23:00.000+08:00

Since Apple Store launched its Verizon iPhone, people come to think what is the difference between Verizon and AT&T's iPhone units. Here's what pcmag.com found out after teardown analysis on the unit.:

PCMag.com - The Verizon iPhone is out in the wild, and predictably several sites have posted teardowns of the device. Although it's ostensibly a CDMA version of the iPhone 4, this model of the iPhone actually has more than a few relevant differences from the AT&T version, according to reports by iSuppli, iFixyouri and iFixit. Our dissection of the news:

1. World-Mode CDMA/GSM Chip
The guts of the Verizon iPhone obviously contain a chip that can access Verizon's CDMA-based network. As PCMag reported yesterday, what was unexpected is that the chip is capable of accessing GSM networks, too. While there's a difference between having a GSM chip and having a GSM phone, the presence of Qualcomm's MDM6600 baseband processor does suggest the possibility of a phone from Apple that works on both GSM and CDMA networks down the line.

2. Dual-Antenna Design
When the Verizon iPhone was unveiled, observers could plainly tell that the external antenna had been adjusted slightly (there were more notches visible), and Apple's Tim Cook even said that the antenna needed to be optimized for CDMA networks. iSuppli says it suspects this is part of a "dual-antenna design" based on "early indications" (the site hasn't published its full teardown yet). iSuppli analyst Wayne Lam told PCMag that the dual design would be on the receiver side, allowing the phone to receive signals from two different antenna segments to improve reception. Given the antenna issues the iPhone 4 has been criticized for, it's no surprise that Verizon may have taken extra steps to prevent its phone from having a "death grip."

3. New, uh, Vibrator
If you have a Verizon iPhone, not only will you actually be able to make calls, but you'll be alerted about them more pleasantly, if that's possible. According to iFixit, the entire vibration mechanism has been replaced for the Verizon model, utilizing an oscillating vibrator instead of a rotational electric motor and counterweight. The site's tests say the new design has a "quieter, softer feel, and makes a better sound when on a table." I'm sure we're all relieved to hear that.

4. Integrated GPS
iSuppi's "early analysis" says Apple has opted not to include an discrete GPS chip and instead the Verizon iPhone relies on the Qualcomm MDM6600 for its GPS abilities. Although performance is likely similar if not identical, it's probably a cost-cutting move, says Ma, since by having a single component do the work of many, Apple simplifies design and needs fewer parts.

5. Lighter Battery
Though the Verizon iPhone's battery looks nearly identical to AT&T model's, iFixit says it has a different model number and shaves off 1.3 grams, or about one-twentieth of an ounce. So you're not going to lighten your pocket much by switching, but in the game of mobile electronics, there's no such thing as a negligible reduction in weight.

By Peter Pachal

Apple Store relaunches with new Verizon iPhone 4

2011-02-09T17:16:00.000+08:00

At midnight, Apple replaced its "be back soon" notice with an active online storefront offering the new iPhone 4 on both US carriers: AT&T and Verizon Wireless.

Starting today, US shoppers buying iPhone 4 can now choose between AT&T and Verizon for service, with the Apple Store offering links to both carrier's plans and service maps.

Wait times for AT&T are still listed as shipping within 24 hours, while the new Verizon iPhone 4 model is currently stating an shipping availability of February 18th for orders set to be mailed to the user.

When we placed an order for the new phone, the shipping receipt stated our order would ship "by February 18th," and be delivered "within 5 business days after shipping," potentially as late as February 25.

A choice to reserve a Verizon iPhone for pickup in a retail Apple Store was not listed as an available option, and the black model remained the only version currently listed for sale. Buyers who prefer to pick up their new phone will want to "check back soon."

Apple offers free shipping on its online orders, while in-store pickups are stated to include free setup. Existing AT&T customers who enter their account information will have their phone number switched over to new Verizon service when they receive their new phone and connect it to iTunes to initiate setup. Users who purchase or pickup a new phone in the store will be switched over in the store. The actual switchover process may take between one to three hours, according to Apple's site.

------

This is a good news for all Apple users but doesn't want an AT&T service. Verizon wireless is also a good network service and I hope they (Apple) could open it's products to more reliable networks like T-Mobile, Sprint, Nextel etc. But I think Apple will just be very strict on venturing to other networks. But I am sure Apple cannot stop people from jailbreaking their iPhone specially outside America where AT&T and Verizon Wireless aren't operating.

Nintendo chief says Sony portable is different

2011-01-28T12:40:00.000+08:00

It's is so hard on today's generation to keep your technology a secret because everything can be copied or leaked no matter what you do. So with things like Cellphones, gaming consoles, computers, etc. it's not new to people to see different brand names with same features and dimensions or whatever. In this world of competition whoever got the great marketing strategy will surely win and between Nintendo's 3-D portable game machine versus Sony Corp.'s successor to the PlayStation Portable, code-named NGP, Good luck on promoting each's products. But i will surely try both and check which one is better.

TOKYO (AP) — Nintendo President Satoru Iwata said Friday rival Sony was taking a different tack from his company and so he remains upbeat about his 3-D portable game machine going on sale next month.

Iwata was responding to a question from an analyst about the possible threat from Sony Corp.'s successor to the PlayStation Portable, code-named NGP, or "next generation portable," announced Thursday.

"We are more focused on drawing newcomers to gaming and appealing to a wide range of people," Iwata said at a Tokyo hotel. "What we do won't change because of what another company is doing."

Kyoto-based Nintendo Co.'s 3DS — which goes on sale Feb. 26 in Japan for 25,000 yen ($300), and in the U.S. on March 27 for $250 — offers glasses-free 3-D gaming.

Sony is promising graphics quality on par with its home console PlayStation 3 with its NGP.

But NGP does not offer 3-D — making that a critical feature that could determine the winner vs. the loser in the ongoing competition between the two companies.

Pricing for the NGP has not been announced. Sony said it will go on sale late this year but did not give details on dates or regional rollouts.

On Thursday, Nintendo reported a 74 percent tumble in profits for the April-December period, with earnings battered by a surging yen and momentum waning on its home console Wii sales compared to the previous year.

Sony reports earnings next week.

Iwata acknowledged sales had lost momentum. But he stressed Nintendo, which makes Super Mario and Pokemon games, was at the top in market share, compared to Sony and Microsoft Corp. in most regions.

Nintendo has so far sold 145 million DS portable machines around the world, outpacing the 64 million of the PlayStation Portable. U.S. software company Microsoft makes the Xbox 360 home console. It does not offer a portable game machine.

All game makers face a new challenge — the popularity of smartphones, including the iPhone, for playing games. People are also using other devices such as the iPod and iPad to play games.

Iwata said he was confident about the 3-D technology in the 3DS, which his company has been working on for many years, and that in the end customers will decide which machine they want.

He acknowledged he was being more careful about commenting on the NGP after he angered some people by brushing off Apple Inc.'s iPad as "a big iPod Touch" last year.

"It is clear that it's trying to appeal to customers in a different way from us," he said of NGP. "But I realized I shouldn't even be talking about my first impressions."

AT&T, losing iPhone grip - "a slow bleed"

2011-01-28T12:31:00.000+08:00

(Reuters) - With only days remaining until it loses its grip over

U.S.

iPhone sales, AT&T Inc warned of a "rocky" start to 2011.

AT&T's shares fell nearly 3 percent in response to a disappointing profit outlook for the year, further unnerving investors about its growth prospects once market leader Verizon Wireless launches an Apple Inc. iPhone next month.

Chief Executive Randall Stephenson, even while forecasting "healthy" customer growth, acknowledged that the new iPhone would make life tougher, at least initially.

"It may be rocky in the beginning of the year, kind of volatile, hard to predict, but we think as we work through it and the market stabilizes, we'll be able to grow through it," Stephenson said during the company's quarterly conference call in which he seldom takes part.

The company, heavily dependent on iPhone, forecast 2011 earnings per share growth in the mid-single-digit percentage range. Analysts expected growth of about 10 percent.

"I suspect they're coming to grips with the reality of the iPhone exclusivity wearing off," said Avian Securities analyst Gerard Hallaren. He described it as "a slow bleed" for AT&T.

Adding to negative sentiment, AT&T's net additions of 400,000 valuable contract customers in the fourth quarter compared poorly with almost 504,000, the average expectation from eight analysts contacted by Reuters.

AT&T's figure was also less than half the 872,000 new contract customers reported by Verizon Wireless, a venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone Group Plc.

"These results coming on the heels of Verizon's, really demonstrate Verizon's leadership position in the (contract customer) segment," Mizuho analyst Michael Nelson said.

AT&T's wireless profit margin was thinner than expected, too. The margin remained at 37.6 percent, in line with the third quarter, counter to AT&T's promise for an improvement.

The prospect of a Verizon iPhone has set the tone for the telecoms industry this earnings season. Motorola Mobility, which makes phones including the Droid for Verizon, acknowledged on Wednesday that its sales would be hurt by the arrival of iPhone. Its shares dropped almost 12 percent on Thursday.

But AT&T noted that it still managed to activate 4.1 million iPhones in the quarter on top of 5 million activations in the third quarter, despite widespread speculation about the Verizon Wireless iPhone's arrival.

"With all that hype going on, we sold over 9 million iPhones," Chief Financial Officer Rick Lindner told Reuters. "We've a very solid loyal customer base with the vast majority with long-standing family or business relations."

iPhone alarm failed to go off

2011-01-03T12:58:00.000+08:00

Many iPhone users around the globe were complaining about the alarm clock failure on their device. It was actually the second time failure of the iPhone devices in just a few months.

Apple spokeswoman Natalie harrison said, "We're aware of an issue related to non-repeating alarms set for January 1 or 2.

"Customers can set recurring alarms for those dates and all alarms will work properly beginning January 3."

Mostly, Apple's most recent versions of iPhones and iPods launched in November are the ones being affected by the failure.

The problem first occurred when the clocks went back at the end of October and early November when Australian and British iPhone owners complained of being late for work because their alarms had not switched over to the new time.

Police Investigate Gizmodo's iPhone Blogger's Computers

2010-04-28T09:18:00.002+08:00

Police in California have seized computers belonging to the editor of a gadget blog which was involved in the purchase of an iPhone prototype.

Gizmodo had admitted it paid $5,000 to an unnamed individual for the next generation device, which was reportedly left in a bar by an Apple employee.

Editor Jason Chen published photographs and videos of the phone last week.

Gizmodo may have violated a California law covering the appropriation of stolen property for personal benefit.

The phone was lost by 27-year-old Apple software engineer Gray Powell.

Mr Chen told newswire AFP that he and his wife returned from having dinner on Friday night to find police searching their home.

"The officers had a computer and were cataloguing all the items they took from my house. They told me they were here for a few hours already and had to break the front door open because I wasn't at home," he said.

The technology blog published the search warrant documents online and said they state that the computer and other devices may have been used to commit a felony.

Apple wrote to Gizmodo last week asking it to return the prototype handset, which it complied with.
It had already published details of the next-generation iPhone, which is expected to be unveiled later this year.

According to Gizmodo, new features include a front-facing video camera and an improved camera with larger lens and a flash. It is also thinner and has improved battery life.

Legality
Critics argue that Gizmodo has committed a crime because it knowingly handled stolen goods and point out that there are clear laws about what to do with found property.

Gizmodo is owned by Gawker Media and its chief operating officer, Gaby Darbyshire, said it expected the immediate return of Mr Chen's computers and servers.

"Under both state and federal law, a search warrant may not be validly issued to confiscate the property of a journalist," she wrote in a letter to San Mateo County authorities on Saturday.

"It is abundantly clear under the law that a search warrant to remove these items was invalid. The appropriate method of obtaining such materials would be the issuance of a subpoena," said Ms. Darbyshire.

Gawker Media said the issue now throws into question whether or not bloggers are considered journalists under the law.

Advocacy group the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), which is following the case, said it found the latest events worrying for two reasons.

"You have a reporter who is disseminating newsworthy information to the public that are supposed to be protected from search and seizures. These protections apply to people who collect information in order to report it to the public regardless of what name you slap on them; blogger, journalist or whatever," Jennifer Ganick, the EFFs civil liberties director told BBC News.

The second issue the EFF is concerned about is if police officers are doing the investigative work of a private company.

"If there was some offence here it is not apparent what it is", she said.

The raids were conducted by the Rapid Enforcement Allied Computer Team (React), a Californian computer crime taskforce.

The taskforce was set up on 1997 to address the rising problem of computer fraud and identity theft.
It works closely with the computer industry and Apple is reported to be one of 25 tech firms to sit on the steering committee.

2010-04-03T08:19:00.000+08:00

New Weapon! The shock rifle has been unleashed on Wild Ones!

Makers of Wildones are trying to add a lot of new weapons to the game in response to your requests and they want to know what is your favorite weapons.

iPad first day release

2010-04-03T08:14:00.002+08:00

The Apple Store will be full of iPad buyers falling in two lines but those who pre-ordered will be priorities and will get their iPads ready starting 9AM on Saturday and those who didn't pre-order will start getting thiers an hour after.

But don't worry because there's going to be a lot of iPad stocks ready at the Apple store. They said that each Apple Stores will have thousands of iPads ready for release on that day. If there's no Apple Store near you they suggest to get it at Best Buy but you cannot order it online yet.

You can choose for your specific SKU like 16GB, 32GB or 64GB.

Facebook Application Wild Ones Pet Feeding

2010-03-20T10:08:00.000+08:00

Facebooks Application Wild Ones just released Pet Feeding! You can order snacks for your pets before your next match by clicking on the snack bowl above your weapon bar and selecting from the menu. Snacks give your pets special power-ups in battle, so make sure you keep your pets well fed before and during battle!

Taiwan is going green with a hydrogen-based mobile phone charger.

2010-01-09T08:23:00.000+08:00

Earlier today, Taiwanese scientists at the Industrial Technology Research Institute announced that they have successfully created a hydrogen-powered charger for mobile phones that even Kermit the frog would sing about. This means that the device is capable of recharging a mobile phone battery in two hours without the need to be plugged into a wall outlet.

"Hydrogen is a recyclable material," said Tsau Fanghei, a researcher at the institute. "The device is energy-efficient and will help protect the environment. We will continue to improve the invention. We hope the hydrogen-powered device can replace current cell phone recharge systems in 2012."

AT&T Offers Free Music Phone: Moto EM330

2009-03-19T09:46:00.002+08:00

AT&T is now offering the MOTO EM330 with touch-sensitive external screen, MP3 player, high-quality audio performance and as their website says, "all at a price that can't be beat." The phone is free with a rebate and two-year contract. However, avoid having to wait fror the rebate when you use the Wireless and Mobile News' $50 off online only coupon-link.

The music-centric phone allows you to to control your music with ease using touch-sensitive keys that appear only when you need them. Easily play, pause, forward or rewind your songs or choose to listen to new music on your favorite FM radio station with Radio Data System (RDS) technology. Favorite radios stations is as simple as sending a text message to any other FM radio-enabled mobile phone. Songs can be identified with Motorola's SONGID technology then purchased them through AT&T's Music Store.

Music can sound like surround sound-like quality with a 3D sound effect and audio equalizer with 11 different pre-set music genres like Rock, Reggae and Pop to maximize your mobile listening experience. Bass can be boosted as high as seven decibels. EM330 features a universal 3.5mm jack for easy connection to your favorite speakers and headsets, while stereo Bluetooth wireless technology and the professional-grade speakerphone allow you to experience hands-free connectivity.
CrystalTalk technology makes it easier to hear conversations in noisy environments. It also has a 1.3 megapixel camera for still pictures and video. It has an internal, 1.8 inch 128x160 65k TFT display and TFT and External, 1.2 inch 96 x 80 black and white matrix CLI.

An added bonus is that 20 MB internal memory, MicroSD can be expanded to 2 GB with external memory.

Skype bids to bridge mobile phone-computer gap

2009-03-19T09:43:00.001+08:00

VoIP supplier Skype is calling for network operators, software providers and device makers to work together to help Skype's 405 million users consolidate their communications media on a single mobile device.

The move has the potential to revolutionize enterprise communications.

Skype's call follows research it commissioned that found smartphones and netbooks are not yet the same thing in users' minds.

The survey of 3,000 mobile users in the US, Japan, Spain and the UK showed most do not download applications to mobile devices, and most want more control over how they work with their device.

The study found

. 62% do not yet see their mobile device as an extension of their computer

. Only 23% feel that they have more or the same level of control over their mobile device as they have over their computer

. 70% have never downloaded an application to their mobile device

. 67% want to be able to choose their mobile applications rather than have their carriers choose for them.

Respondents in Japan, the US and the UK felt they had the least control over their mobile devices versus personal computers, and fewer than one in three had downloaded an application to their mobile. Read More>>>

Samsung Omnia HD May Get Windows Mobile 6.5

2009-03-19T09:38:00.002+08:00

BY: Ed Hardy

When Samsung unveiled the OmniaHD last month, it said this upcoming multimedia-oriented smartphone will be based on Symbian S60. A new but unconfirmed report now indicates that there will also be a Windows Mobile version.

Those keeping an eye on the Omnia series might be justified in feeling a touch of whiplash. The original Omnia runs Windows mobile, so there was a bit of surprise when Samsung revealed that the follow-up, the OmniaHD, would run a different operating system. Now there's word that the upcoming version of this phone will also be available with Windows Mobile 6.5.

Samsung Omnia HDIf this report is correct, then this version of the Omnia won't hit the market before the last quarter of this year, as Windows Mobile 6.5 is still in development and won't be available until that time.

More about the Samsung OmniaHD
The upcoming Omnia model will offer the world's first 700p HUD video recording and decoding on a mobile phone, as well as the world's largest active-matrix OLED screen: 640 by 360 pixels, the 3.7-inch screen.

It will have a strong emphasis on recording and playing video. To handle the recording job, the OmniaHD will have an 8 MPx camera.

This will be a quad-band GSM phone. and it will offer some of the fastest mobile broadband available.

There will be two versions, one with 16 GB of internal storage, a second with 8 GB. In addition, this model will have a microSD slot.

Other features will include a GPS receiver, external stereo speakers, G-sensor, a 1500 mAh battery, and an FM radio.

Apple iPhone OS 3.0 Ups Ante on Mobile App Development

2009-03-19T09:35:00.000+08:00

By Lawrence Walsh

The iPhone OS 3.0 beta released today will make the mobile device more adaptable to new applications and users ranging from games and personal use to business productivity solutions.

Apple made available the beta version of its iPhone OS 3.0 and updated software development kit (SDK) to registered developers to begin work on a new and vast array of applications for the popular multifunction mobile phone.

The new iPhone OS 3.0 and software development kit (SDK) includes more than 1,000 APIs (application programming interfaces, In-App Purchases; peer-to-peer connections, a new application interface for accessories, access to iPod music library, and new connections to Google Maps.

Apple made the new version of iPhone OS 3.0 available to developers to begin their preliminary work on new applications, ensuring a full set of new entertainment, informational and productivity applications are available when the OS becomes generally available this summer.

Mobile applications are among the fastest growing segments of the channel and application development community. Following Apple’s lead, other smartphone manufacturers and software platforms have or plan to launch application stores. Those vendors include Microsoft, Nokia, Palm and BlackBerry. Read More>>>

Sony VGNZ11WN/B 250gb HDD 13.1" LCD vaio laptop

2009-03-19T09:18:00.002+08:00

VAIO Z’s slim, lightweight 13.1" LCD of robust design is perfect for office and mobile use. Dynamic Graphic System provides a speedy graphics mode for the office and a power-efficient mode for mobile use. Robust carbon fibre construction contributes to solid dependability and a premium design.

FEATURES:

• Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor
• Genuine Windows Vista® Business
• High Durability & Light Weight: Carbon Body
• Real Wide 13.1-inch Clear Tough LCD [Rich Colour]
• DDR3 SDRAM Memory
• Dynamic Hybrid Graphic System

SPECIFICATIONS:

Operating System
Operating System : Genuine Windows Vista® Business (English Version) with Service Pack 1 (Traditional Chinese Language Pack)

Architecture
Processor Name : Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40 GHz)*1*2
Chipset : Mobile Intel® GM45 Express Chipset
Processor System Bus : 1066 MHz
Memory Bus : 1066 MHz
Cache Memory : 3 MB

Main Memory
Pre-installed/Max : 2 GB DDR3 SDRAM*3*4
SO-DIMM Slots : 2 SO-DIMM slots (The pre-installed memory module uses one)

Hard Disk Drive
Hard Disk Drive : 250 GB*5 (Serial ATA, 5400 rpm)

Optical Disc Drive
Drive : DVD±RW/±R DL/RAM Drive

Maximum Reading Speed : DVD+R: 8x (SL), 8x (DL)/ DVD-R: 8x (SL), 8x (DL)/ DVD+RW: 8x/DVD-RW: 8x/ DVDROM: 8x/DVD-RAM: 5x/ CD-ROM: 24x/CD-R: 24x/CD-RW: 24x

Maximum Writing Speed : DVD+R: 8x (SL), 4x (DL)/ DVD-R: 8x (SL), 4x (DL) DVD+RW: 8x/DVD-RW: 6x/ DVDRAM: 5x/ CD-R: 24x/CD-RW: 24x

Graphics
Graphics Accelerator : NVIDIA® GeForce® 9300M GS notebook graphics processing unit (GPU) (SPEED MODE) / Mobile Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD (STAMINA MODE)
Dedicated Video Memory : 256 MB (SPEED MODE)

Display
Type : 13.1" wide (WXGA++: 1600 x 900) TFT colour display (Clear Tough LCD [Rich Colour])

Interface
USB : High Speed USB 2.0 x 2
i.LINK(IEEE 1394) : 4 pin (S400) x 1
Network (RJ-45)Connector : 10Base-T/100Base-TX / 1000Base-T x 1

The Pomegranate Phone

2009-02-24T10:27:00.000+08:00

Need I say more?

Macbook Wheel: Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard

2009-01-15T13:19:00.002+08:00

I think what Apple done with the iPhone is amazing but Apple has done another technology that is first in the world of Technology. It is the Macbook Wheel - The New Laptop With No Keyboard. Yes, The MacBook Wheel lets consumers accomplish everyday tasks like typing with just a few dozen spins and clicks of a wheel. I am not sure if I can say this is amazing but I think it is wierd doing your job in the office turning that wheel to create your reports, emails and other jobs that lets you work with letters, sentences and paragraphs. Gosh watching the video how they create a message with the wheel makes me sick.

Picasa for Mac at Macworld!

2009-01-07T08:54:00.002+08:00

A web-savvy photo sharing and management system in just one tiny package is now available for Mac at Macworld.

Here’s the word from Google Blog:

“Today, we're releasing Picasa for Mac. While we've previously offered both a standalone Picasa Web Albums uploader and an iPhoto plugin for Mac users, Picasa for Mac finally brings all of the advanced sharing and sync features of Picasa to the millions of Mac OS X users who use Picasa Web Albums. Not to mention the "it-slices-and-dices" feature list that covers everything from color balance to collages.

Picasa for Mac looks and works much like Picasa on other platforms, and offers trademark Picasa features — such as non-destructive editing, and the ability to keep track of photos anywhere on your hard drive, then automatically account for new images as you add them.

Right now, Picasa for Mac is still in Google Labs, but we very much wanted to get an early version out to folks attending Macworld (you can learn more about this beta release at the Google Photos blog). To run Picasa, you'll need an Intel-based Mac running Mac OS X 10.4 and above. We hope you'll give it a spin, and give us your feedback in person — members of the Picasa engineering team will be conducting demos at Google's Macworld booth all week."

Here's the video tour of the Picasa for mac...

Acer Aspire 4730z laptop

2009-01-05T11:09:00.002+08:00

The new Acer Aspire 4730z specifications:

* Intel Dual Core T3200 , 2.0 GHz ,1 MB L2 Cache,667 MHz
* Intel GL40 Chipset motherboard
* 2 GB DDR2 667 MHz Memory
* 160 GB HDD Hard Drive
* 8xDVD SuperMulti double layer Optical Drive
* Wireless 802.11 b/g/ Draft-N ,56 Kbps Modem,Gigabit LAN
* Intergrated Bluetooth 2.0
* 14.1-inch WXGA CrystalBrite TF Display
* Intel GL40 Graphics card
* Dolby Digital Stereo Speakers
* 2 USB 2.0 Ports, S-Video Out
* 5-in-1 Media card Reader
* Linux OS
* Acer Crystal Eye Web Camera

new Acer Aspire 4730Z notebook PC which is powered by 2.0 GHz Intel Dual Core Processor and it features 14.1 inch WXGA Widescreen display, integrated Wi-Fi Wireless LAN connectivity, Dolby 5.1 stereo speakers, integrated webcam with microphone and a 8X DVD writer.

acer-aspire-4730x-notebookWeighing about 2.45 kg the Acer Aspire 4730Z notebook PC is powered by 2.0 GHz Intel Dual Core Processor T3200 featuring 1-MB L2 cache and 667 MHz FSB.

The Acer Aspire 4730Z notebook features Intel 960 GML Express chipset motherboard with integrated 3D graphics, 2-GB DDR II SDRAM, 667 MHz (max 4-GB in 2 slots), 160-GB Serial-ATA hard disk drive (5400rpm) and 8x DVD Super Multi Double Layer DVD Writer.

The multiformat DVD writer is capable of burning both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer DVD+/-R optical discs allowing storage of up to 8.5 GB of data on each dual-sided DVD media. In addition the DVD writer can also burn 40x CD-R and 24x CD-RW medias.

Acer Aspire 4730Z notebook is equipped with 14.1-inch (35.81 cm ) WXGA TFT LCD display with Acer CrystalBrite Technology which offers 1280 x 800 pixels native resolution supporting simultaneous multi-window viewing via Acer GridVista 16 ms response time, powered by Intel Graphics Media Accelerator GMA 4500MHD Graphics Chipset with up to 1695-MB of shared video memory supporting Microsoft DirectX 9 Dual independent display support with 16.7 million colors.

For connectivity to various devices, the new Acer Aspire 4730Z notebook PC comes equipped with integrated Intel/PRO Wireless 2200BG Acer InviLink 802.11b/g LAN connection, and Bluetooth v2.0 + EDR connection. In addition the notebook also features 10/100/1000 gigabit Ethernet network card for wired networking, an integrated 56 kbps v.92 fax/modem, one Type II PC Card slot, AC/MC 97 soundcard and HDMI digital Out Port.

Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera

2009-01-05T10:54:00.005+08:00

Serious amateur and semi-professional photographers are the target market for the Canon EOS 50D - the same market that its predecessors, the 40D, 30D, 20D, ... were targeted to. Like its predecessors, the 50D can be used in fully automatic point and shoot mode or anything between this mode and complete manual control. Thus, the actual market for this camera, like the others, will range from novices who want great quality images from a fast, great handling, great quality camera to full-time professionals who know that even the prior Canon xxD models deliver the image quality and features they need for advancing their career.

The Canon EOS 40D is a mature product - itself being the result of many upgrades over the years. Improving upon this camera is no small task. The sensor is one of the big features we typically see upgraded in a new model and this is the case with the Canon EOS 50D. However, having grown used to seeing 2 megapixel increases in the APS-C-sized (1.6x) sensor DSLRs, I was surprised to see a huge 5 MP increase - a 50% gain in pixel count - in the 50D.

Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera

FOVCF - 1.6x
Sensor - 22.3 x 14.9mm
Pixel Size - 4.7µm
Pixels/Megapixels - 4752 x 3168 15.1
Viewfinder - .95x 95%
DLA - f/7.6

For more info visit the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera review

Security Systems Technologies

2008-09-10T11:48:00.002+08:00

Offices and other establishments nowadays are being secured with the new technology. I am talking about the Speech recognition system devices. Speech recognition can be applied in voice dialing, call routing, domotic appliance control and content-based spoken audio search, simple data entry - specially when entering a credit card number, accessing restricted places, voice recognition daily time records and many more. The list is almost endless for this device usability.

How about IVR Software? IVR means Interactive Voice Response. This system is perfectly suitable for call centers applications, since this can be used to provide automated self-service to inbound callers. In this case, using the IVR system will provide significant cost reductions over human operators. So, Call centers don't have to hire more for the purpose of doing the job of the IVR.

I got this sample IVR call flow from the net:

IVR Call Flows

A sample IVR call flow might sound like this:

IVR: Hello, and thank you for calling the NRA. Would you like to Join the NRA, Contribute to the NRA, or Locate your Election Volunteer Coordinator?
Caller: Election Volunteer Coordinator
IVR: Thank you. What zip code would you like to find an Election Volunteer Coordinator for?
Caller: 80919
IVR: Thank you, the Election Volunteer Coordinator for zip code 80919 is Tom James at (719)555-1212. His e-mail address is tom.james@fortliberty.org

And the best system technology I like the most is the voice biometrics the most viable authentication method or system, since I always transact business online specially banking and money transfer. voice biometrics technology promise online banking safety. This device or system have served mostly online banking, finance and corporation sectors, and on my online banking and finance transactions, I always make sure they have this system because it assures security and safety. You can also use it with your mobile phone. The system doesn't use phonetic or linguistic technology but biometric technology, Its Batvox biometric voice verification is used in forensic labs reports presented to courts in many European countries.

Toshiba Satellite A135-S4427

2008-08-12T12:04:00.003+08:00

Have a break and take a picture with Toshiba Satellite A135-S4427 Laptop...

Genuine Windows Vista Premium Intel Core Duo Processor T2250, 1024MB SDRAM. 120GB (5400rpm) HDD, DVD SuperMulti Drive, 15.4" diagonal widescreen, 802.11a/b/g wireless-LAN.

The DVD SuperMulti optical rewritable drive reads and writes up to 11 formats and its huge 120 GB HDD lets you store more large files and access them faster. The Bridge Media Adaptor lets you quickly transfer images and music files between your PC, MP3 players and digital cameras.

This maybe slower than other laptops but for me it is fast enough for the applications I usually do.

iPhone is now available for 3G Video chat

2008-06-08T01:53:00.003+08:00

Well, that is only rumors for now, because of the new leaked photos or images online about the new iPhone model that enables a video chat.

The 3G video chat allows iPhone to iPhone video communications on the fly via the front camera. According to the text, you can also chat with your iChat buddies if you're using Wi-Fi as well. Hot! Hit up Crunchgear for the rest of the pics. The only weirdness that we can see is that the (RED) version has no power toggle. Here's hoping these leaked pics are real, because we're really stoked about that video conferencing feature.

If that is possible, why Apple doesn't have any announcement yet about their rumored new iPhone model? or this is just their way of marketing to the people? Hmmmm... I can smell something fishy here.

Anyway, if this is really true then you can say hello Carlos! while watching him on your iPhone's screen.

AMD next-generation 'Puma' notebook platform

2008-06-08T01:41:00.001+08:00

Advanced Micro Devices today announced the official launch of its next-generation 'Puma' notebook platform. The new platform features ATI Radeon HD 3000 graphics and new AMD Turion X2 Ultra dual-core processors.

The new mobile platform is defined when a notebook has an AMD Turion X2 Ultra processor, ATI Radeon HD 3000 graphics, an AMD 7-series chipset, and an industry-leading wireless card.

The new AMD 7-series chipset, M780G and SB700, feature integrated ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics and have support for DirectX 10. AMD claims its integrated graphics have up to three times the performance of competitor's solutions. The HD 3200 integrated graphics include ATI Avivo HD technology, which improves image viewing and video playback and offloads such work to the GPU, leaving the CPU free to perform other tasks.

New notebook designs based on the platform are available now from major notebook makers including Acer, Asus, Clevo, Fujitsu Siemens, HP, MSI, NEC, and Toshiba.

Wow, I guess I can have a fast running notebook with this new AMD 7-series chipset.

Kingston’s 8GB DataTraveler

2008-06-08T01:35:00.002+08:00

The DataTraveler Style comes with six fashionable skins: Bamboo, Lace, Redhead Mosaic, Retro, Sunflower, and Tangerine Dream. Those choices don’t do it for you? Kingston lets style-conscious geeks upload images (479 x 165 pixels) that they can print out and insert under the DataTraveler Style’s transparent skin cover.

A slide-out USB connector guarantees you won’t have to scramble for lost caps, and an included lanyard means you can keep the drive on your person at all times. But the beauty of the Kingston DataTraveler Style is only skin-deep. We weren’t keen on the plastic shell, as it feels as if it would crack under pressure, even if it is backed by a very nice five-year warranty.

Well, it is no Sean Kingston the singer but it is an Kingston’s 8GB DataTraveler. I don't mind if it is not the fastest USB on the block as long as it has more storage for your file, I am solve for that. But not only that because this Kingston’s 8GB DataTraveler will stand out in the crowd because it is fashionable with it's six available skins, for only $42.32.

Sony VAIO VGN-NR310E is now Cheaper!

2008-06-08T01:27:00.001+08:00

Sony VAIO VGN-NR310E is only $599 in its price tag!!! Wow, this is a surprice... Sony VAIO is lowering its price... why, you may ask? well according to laptopmag.com, "this laptop is best for word processing, checking e-mail, and browsing the Web. Anything more causes it to wheeze." Toink! that is why they lower the price for the cost of it's capability to do more. Anyway, When I use laptop, I usually use it for word processing, checking e-mail, and browsing the Web. I don't play games, I don't make designs and I don't do programmings with my laptop, so I guess having a Sony VAIO VGN-NR310E for $599 is a good thing for me. After all, it is Sony VAIO at all.

Samsung Instinct Getting Equipped For Touchphone Wars

2008-06-08T01:12:00.004+08:00

The Instinct measures 4.5 x 2.1 x 0.4 inches and weighs just 4.4 ounces. That said, it’s slightly larger than the LG Vu and weighs 1.2 ounces more. It’s marginally narrower than the iPhone, but is the same length as Apple’s device and felt equally comfortable. The front of the Instinct is reflective enough to see your face when the screen is dark and has a smoke-gray hue to it. The rear of the unit is made of smooth plastic and is matte black in color.

While the phone has more buttons along its sides than the iPhone, each has a useful purpose. The volume controls on the left side are within thumb reach, along with Samsung’s proprietary transfer cable and charging port. The top of the unit has a small metal Power and Lock button, as well as a conveniently placed 3.5mm headphone jack. Along the right side of the unit you’ll find a microSD card slot, a voice-command button, and the camera quick-launch button. The front of the phone has just three haptic touch buttons: Return, Home, and a Call button, represented by a telephone icon. These glow white when the phone is on. - laptopmag.com

I guess this new Samsung device is inspired by Apple's iPhone. well, this is a newly destributed device in the market today and we will see if it can reach what Apple iPhone has right now. Well, this Samsung Instinct is definitely can compete into the touchphone battle. Hence, it is made by Samsung technology, so we can assure the durability and good design of this product.

Airis' Kira 740 Eee lookalike

2008-05-01T10:32:00.001+08:00

French site MobileHub has gotten its hands on another Eee competitor rip-off -- the Airis' Kira 740 (aka, Kira 100) -- and has given it the rundown. The initial impressions are about what you'd expect, besides coming with XP onboard, having 1GB of memory, a VIA C7 1GHz CPU, and a traditional 40GB hard drive, the mini-laptop is almost identical to ASUS' entry. The screen resolution is the same 800 x 480, the keyboard is apparently a shot-for-shot remake, and it features familiar ethernet and WiFi networking options. You can see in the photo above that there are some minor physical differences, though in our opinion they've somehow managed to ugly it up + 30 percent. For €299 (or around $466) you can get yourself a Kira 740 sometime soon.

Well, that is expected to every gadget coming out every now and then... there's always a competition in every creation that makes a hit to the users.

Lenovo's IdeaPad U110 is now available

2008-05-01T10:24:00.002+08:00

Just as expected, Lenovo has updated its webstore with the shiny new IdeaPad U110. The 11.1-inch ultraportable is available for customizing right now in black or red, and both hues start at $1,899. Currently, the red variant touts a 3- to 5-day wait before shipment occurs, while the black model isn't likely to head your way for 2- to 3-weeks. Of course, Lenovo may be padding those figures a touch, but there's your worst-case scenarios, anyway. Your route to being nearly two grand poorer starts at the read link below.

Ohhh... I don't wanna be two grand poorer by just having this lenovo's IdeaPad U110 shipped to me. I can still wait until it is available locally.

Unknown Fujitsu LifeBook tablet

2008-05-01T09:47:00.002+08:00

It looks like Fujitsu has itself a new tablet in the cooker. This here LifeBook Tablet PC was spotted recently in Germany, and is running one of those super-small P-series processors from Intel, the Core 2 Duo P8400. The laptop sports a 13.3-inch passive digitizer display and an all-new look from Fujitsu -- which we're a little meh about, to tell you the truth. No word if this is a replacement for Fujitsu's storied T2010 tablets, or something completely different, but we don't expect to be in the dark long...

Yeah, we don't expect to be in the dark long, because every gadget will become obsolete in a matter of months now.

MacBook Air still have overheating problems?

2008-05-01T09:38:00.003+08:00

We're still hearing reports of MacBook Air overheating woe, well after an EFI update in April that was meant to address some of those problems. While hot computers are nothing new, the MacBook Air starts shutting down cores and offloading processes when things get bad, which means users are faced with aggravating stop-start freezing until they can manage to cool the computer off -- or just put it to sleep and let it "rest." Apparently some people have traced this back to the age-old misapplied thermal grease problem, but that's hardly a solace for the average consumer trying to convince Apple to fix this thing for them.

Hmmm... They should overcome with this problem because I really love the Macbook and this kind of problem will make us macbook lovers back-off and switch to another brand.

Wirelessly Charge your Gadgets with WildCharge pad

2008-04-24T22:43:00.004+08:00

Put simply, the WildCharge pad is "flat and thin with a conductive surface -- once a cell phone or other electronic device that is enabled with WildCharge technology is placed on the pad it will instantaneously receive power from the pad."

Wildcharge Pad is worth $59.95.

Watch this video and you will be wild...

Apple is Getting Richer and Richer Months after months

2008-04-24T22:33:00.003+08:00

How much money did you think Apple made last quarter? Quite a lot? More than that? Loads? Ha! Sucker, it made waaa-aaay more than that. In fact, there was over $1 billion of pure profit coming into the current account last quarter.

That's 2.3 million Mac computers sold, 10.6 million iPods and a bazillion iPhones. It's not all champagne and doughnuts though, as Apple went all cautious about future predictions, telling people that 'nah, they probably wouldn't make that much again...' which resulted in their stock price falling.

Ohhh!!! if I will buy iPhone next month as planned Apple will even be richer because according to the news, every month there are thousands of iphones being sold around the world.

Keyboard Pants for Geeks

2008-04-24T22:30:00.001+08:00

Tired of using your laptop's keyboard? tire no more because here's a pair of trousers with built in keyboard, speakers and mouse pad for geeks. I wonder how could you type those keys on your pants.

BlackBerry Curve 8330 - Smart Phone

2008-04-22T09:03:00.002+08:00

This CDMA version of the Curve combines EVDO data with standard Curve multimedia features such as a 2 megapixel camera with video capture, stereo Bluetooth, memory card slot, and 3.5mm headphone jack. Other features include GPS navigation, QWERTY keyboard, large QVGA display, push email, and trackball navigation.

Sanyo Katana LX

2008-04-22T09:02:00.002+08:00

This affordable CDMA phone features a thin, light clamshell design with a sleek mirrored front that hides an OLED outer display. Key features include Bluetooth, high-quality speakerphone, VGA camera, GPS navigation, and Sanyo's unique call screening feature.

D-Link's MediaLounge PC-on-TV DPG-1200

2008-04-22T08:40:00.001+08:00

D-Link has just announced that its PC-on-TV Player is finally shipping to eager customers and will soon be channeling web-based content directly to living room (or bathroom, kitchen, garage, underground bomb shelter, etc.) televisions for the marginally respectable price of $239.99.

This MediaLounge device links up to your TV via VGA / component / composite and connects to your PC via WiFi; the bundled remote can then control the on-screen action, bringing YouTube, Google Video, Veoh Networks, etc. material from the intarwebz straight to your set.

Windows XP SP3 will be released April 29th

2008-04-22T08:22:00.002+08:00

It's not nearly as big a deal as Vista SP1, but it looks like Windows XP SP3 will be out in just eight short days -- Microsoft just confirmed that it's been released to manufacturing, and that it'll be in Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center on April 29th. No word on if OEMs and devs got access today like we'd heard, but it shouldn't be long now -- here's hoping that rumored 10 percent speed boost is for real.

Tramigo T22 - Personal Asset Tracking Device

2008-02-02T08:37:00.000+08:00

Tramigo T22 combines the GPS (Global Positioning System), GSM (mobile network) and geographical information (TLD Tramigo Landmark Data) into one device.

Tramigo T22 is the world's first truly plug and play portable tracking device available for all the GSM markets, more than 220 countries and areas. Tramigo T22 can be used for hundreds of different purposes and in as many ways; when ever you need to know where your loved ones or your assets are and what is their current status.

Tramigo T22 uses the GPS satellites to position itself getting very accurate positioning, then it finds the closest TLD landmark to that point from its internal memory and send the information across to any authorized mobile phone as a text message using the GSM network. Tramigo is commanded with simple text message commands; sending word Find or letter F to your Tramigo T22 you will get the actual location of your Tramigo back to your phone as a message. Simple, intelligent and very secure.

T22 Installation kit contains the accessories, wiring, and instructions needed to permanently install your T22 into a vehicle.

Need Quality Laptop Repair?

2008-02-02T08:20:00.000+08:00

Should I go ahead and fix my laptop on my own or should I have it repaired by the vendor?A certified repair technician will be able to tell quickly if a laptop has been opened and the internal components tampered with or changed.

Laptops and notebooks have become a very effective tool in assisting on the go business professionals, allowing to tag along travel paraphernalia in the form of documents and spreadsheets for business and promotional matters.

An efficient way for reference, especially in cases of field work employees, arming them with such mobile devices has become a cost effective way of doing business, doing away with the usual need to go back to their home base and look for an available desktop computer to produce the necessary documents in reporting and presentation.

So before you choose a laptop repair service center for upgrading and repairing laptop, do some research, speak with them over the phone, and ask questions. The more informed you are about what to expect and what to look for in a laptop repair service, the more you can save.

USB Type Credit Card

2008-01-23T19:34:00.000+08:00

Shinhan Card rolled out Korea’s first ever USB type credit card on December 27.

The USB credit card provides the online payment functions as well as contactless payment functions. When purchasing online, users do not need to enter their credit card information. Simply stick it in your usb port, and the shop will automatically get your information.During the online payment, users do not need to insert the credit card number. At the franchise stores with the IC card reader, it enables the no-touch payment.

Google’s gPhone by GE - GOOG-411 button

2008-01-11T11:25:00.000+08:00

Thomson has teamed up with Google to integrate the "first ever one-touch, auto-dial GOOG-411 button" into over a dozen of its GE-branded DECT 6.0 phones. In case you've been chilling under a stone of late, GOOG-411 is the search giant's "free, voice-activated, business directory assistance service," and it will be within reach on a slew of April-bound home phones.

The KeywordSpy Presentation

2007-10-20T17:54:00.000+08:00

This is a 3 minute video presentation of the KeywordSpy Advanced Keyword Research Tool showing how the product can help online advertisers specially in PPC advertising to make a powerful online ad campaign in just minutes. It includes the discussion of its features and ease of use as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3dVEJ2zcyg
http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=1330423

iPod cheap in Hong Kong, but a Brazil bank-breaker

2007-10-05T09:46:00.000+08:00

By Rob Taylor Thu Oct 4, 4:12 AM ET

CANBERRA (Reuters) - In the market for a new video iPod? Head to Hong Kong or, if Europe-bound, stop off in Switzerland. But best avoid Brazil.

One of Australia's biggest banks, the Commonwealth Bank, has used the latest version of Apple's music player -- the slimline 4GB Nano -- to compare global currencies and purchasing power in 55 countries.

Along the lines of the Big Mac index launched 20 years ago by The Economist magazine, the survey prices the recently launched 4GB Nano in U.S. dollars and found Brazilians pay the most for an iPod, shelling out $369.61.

That was well above second-placed Bulgaria, where locals and visitors pay $318.60 for the player, which Apple recently introduced at the same price as the older, less-capable Nano.

"It's not often that you get something for nothing. Even in technology land where there are constant improvements in product quality, it ranked as a big deal," Craig James, chief equities economist at Commonwealth Bank, told Reuters.

Hong Kong was the cheapest place to buy a Nano at $148.12, while the United States was second cheapest at $149, followed by Japan ($154.21), Taiwan ($165.82) and Singapore ($167.31).

Australia, where the local dollar has surged to 18-year highs, jumped 11 spots into 8th place with the Nano costing $175.42, cheaper than Germany ($211.62), France ($225.82), South Korea ($180.60) and even China where the machine is manufactured.

Within the euro zone, the Nano's price also differed, with retailers in Greece offering the cheapest deal.

Purchasing power parity surveys compare the prices of goods in different countries and at their simplest level can help show whether one currency is undervalued against another.

James said the results underscored the falling U.S. currency against almost all others around the world.

"It also highlights the effect of tariffs and taxation in countries. The Brazilians, the Argentinians, are going overseas probably to do their shopping," he explained.

"Its clear from the changes in the Apple iPod range that price deflation is alive and well in the technology space. It is a near-nirvana situation for consumers."

The CommSec iPod Index, based on October 2007 prices in U.S. dollars.

1. Brazil $369.61

2. Bulgaria $318.60

3. Argentina $317.45

4. Israel $300.80

5. Peru $294.08

6. Chile $294.06

7. Malta $293.83

8. Egypt $269.10

9. Romania $266.60

10. Uruguay $260.00

11. Turkey $256.12

12. Hungary $254.50

13. Azerbaijan $252.11

14. Serbia $249.14

15. Croatia $245.41

16. Czech $242.54

17. Slovakia $234.13

18. Estonia $226.67

19. South Africa $226.60

20. Finland $225.82

21. France $225.82

22. Russia $220.32

23. Norway $220.20

24. Sweden $215.35

25. Belgium $211.62

26. Austria $211.62

27. Italy $211.62

28. Portugal $211.62

29. Ireland $211.62

30. Germany $211.62

31. Netherlands $211.62

32. Denmark $209.26

33. UK $201.92

34. Mexico $201.87

35. Cyprus $201.85

36. Luxembourg $201.12

37. Poland $200.52

38. Philippines $198.39

39. Spain $197.42

40. Greece $196.51

41. Switzerland $195.43

42. India $183.47

43. Malaysia $181.82

44. Korea $180.60

45. New Zealand $180.58

46. China $179.63

47. Pakistan $179.48

48. Australia $175.42

49. Thailand $174.89

50. Canada $169.68

51. Singapore $167.31

52. Taiwan $165.82

53. Japan $154.21

54. U.S. $149.00

55. Hong Kong $148.12

Source: CommSec, Apple

Note that pricing for some countries hasn't adjusted yet to the new model

Nintendo gets touchy with new "Zelda"

2007-10-05T09:39:00.000+08:00

By Scott Hillis Thu Oct 4, 12:09 PM ET

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 4 (Reuters) - Nintendo (7974.OS) has reworked one of its most beloved franchises in a new "Zelda" video game designed to appeal to a broader audience.

"The Legend of Zelda," which was first released 20 years ago and has become one of the company's most successful game lines, is a classic action-adventure game set the land of Hyrule.

"Legend of Zelda: The Phantom Hourglass" for Nintendo's handheld DS device has already won strong reviews for its beautiful imagery, deep storyline and innovative use of the device's touch screen to control almost every aspect of the action.

"It's definitely the big game of the holiday season for the Nintendo DS and reaches the traditional audience as well as the new audience they are starting to shoot for," said Jeremy Parish, features editor for gaming news site 1up.com.

A sequel to 2002's "Wind Walker," the new Zelda adventure once again puts players in control of the elfin hero, Link, after he washes up on a mysterious island following an accident at sea.

Instead of mashing buttons, players poke or trace movements on the DS touch screen to make Link jump, somersault, or swing his sword.

That's in line with Nintendo's drive towards making games more accessible to customers outside the core audience of young males who are happy to spend hours a day mastering every nuance of a title.

"I think what Nintendo was doing with the series was to strip it down to the essential gameplay and appeal to a broader audience," Parish said.

That should help make the game, which launched just over a week after Microsoft's (MSFT.O) "Halo 3" juggernaut burst onto the scene, a top-seller through the holiday season.

The game is expected to sell more than a million copies in its first two months on the market, according to game sales forecasting outfit The simExchange.

"Without a doubt this will be a chart-topper," said Jesse Divnich of simExchange. "We're looking at over a million units for a Nintendo DS title which is as strong as it gets when talking about a triple-A release."

Another highly anticipated game on sale this week is "Enemy Territory: Quake Wars," a fast-paced, graphically rich PC game that pits humans and alien Strogg in fierce online battles.

The "Quake" series, made by renowned developer id Software and published by Activision (ATVI.O) has been a staple of online "deathmatch" competition, and Divnich said he expects it to sell about 210,000 copies this month, not bad for a PC game appealing mainly to hard-core fans.

But it will soon face competition from other shooting games such as "The Orange Box" collection of games based on the dystopian "Half-Life 2" game, and "Crysis" with its super-realistic graphics. Both games are being published by Electronic Arts (ERTS.O).

"The consumer base is really waiting now to see how 'Orange Box' does and whether it will overtake "Enemy Territory" to be the one title that everyone will be playing this holiday season," Divnich said.

On the console side, Xbox 360 owners have "Project Gotham Racing 4," which features dozens of sports cars barreling down city streets. Previews have praised "PGR4" for its gorgeous graphics and realistic weather effects.

Basketball fans have their choice of EA's "NBA Live 08" or "NBA 2K8" from Take-Two (TTWO.O). Both games are available for the Xbox 360 or Sony's (6758.T) PlayStation 3.

"EA has a good handle and control on the basketball market. For last couple of years, 2K has scored higher review scores among game critics but the sales are not going to reflect that," Divnich said.

Verizon unveils iPhone rival

2007-10-04T10:06:00.000+08:00

Verizon Wireless unveiled three new cell phones on Wednesday for the holiday season, including a high-end handset named Voyager that will compete with Apple Inc's iPhone.

The Voyager, made by LG Electronics, trumps the iPhone by offering faster wireless Web access. But in a nod to the Apple device, which is only available to AT&T Inc subscribers, it has a large touch screen and full Web browser.

Verizon Wireless hopes the new phone will attract customers put off by the iPhone's lack of a traditional keypad -- the Voyager hinges open to reveal a small computer keypad and a second screen.

"We think it'll be the best phone ... this year. It will kill the iPhone," Verizon Wireless Chief Marketing Officer Mike Lanman said in an interview.

Current Analysis analyst Avi Greengart said the Voyager may attract existing Verizon subscribers who do not want to switch service providers, but he doubted it would hurt iPhone sales.

"People who want a high-end media phone and want to stay with Verizon will certainly give that one a hard look. I don't know that it would pull anybody away from an iPhone," he said.

The battle for cell phone buyers' hearts this holiday shopping season is shaping up to be even fiercer than usual, as rivals to Apple and AT&T launch new challengers.

Verizon Wireless, owned by Verizon Communications Inc and Vodafone Group Plc, has not been first with the hippest phones, but said this line-up is its best yet.

"Typically a carrier brings one, maybe two exciting products to the market in a year. We're bringing four," Lanman said, referring to the three new models and its existing LG Chocolate phone.

Verizon also introduced Juke, an ultra-narrow phone that comes in three colors and is shaped like a chocolate bar. The phone, made by Samsung Electronics, is less than 1 inch wide.

It also unveiled another LG phone, the Venus, which comes in black and pink, and has a phone keypad that slides out from under a touch screen. As with Voyager, it vibrates when a user taps a menu option on the screen.

Verizon Wireless would not give exact pricing beyond saying each phone would target a different segment and range from under $100 to about $400. The iPhone costs $399.

Greengart at Current Analysis said the new Verizon range is a step forward for a company that has been trumped before by AT&T, which sold Motorola Inc's Razr long before Verizon did.

"This is something Verizon had to do," Greengart said. "It's been a long time coming for them to get hotter devices."

Venus and Voyager both have 2-megapixel cameras, and high-speed wireless connections for fast music and video downloads, and a slot for 8 gigabytes of extra memory. The iPhone has 8 gigabytes of built-in storage.

Venus and Voyager will launch before the end of November

The cheapest phone in the range is the Juke, which is narrower than any U.S. phone so far and will go on sale on October 19, Lanman said.

The Juke slides open to reveal a tiny keypad and comes in dark blue, red and teal. It has dedicated keys for playing music but does not have a high-speed wireless link.

Verizon Wireless said it expects to attract more fashion-conscious young users to Juke than those who want to constantly e-mail or Web-surf on cell phones.

Big names for Disney's "Turok" video game

2007-10-04T10:01:00.000+08:00

Seeking an edge in the crowded gaming market, Disney will inject some star power into its upcoming game "Turok," its first Mature-rated title.

Timothy Olyphant, Powers Boothe, Ron Perlman, William Fichtner and Donnie Wahlberg will provide the voices for "Turok," set for release in February. The game is being developed by Vancouver-based Propaganda Studios.

Based on the popular comic book license, the game pits a team of commandos against soldiers, dinosaurs and other creatures.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Nintendo's "Wiimote" gets cushion

2007-10-04T09:24:00.000+08:00

Nintendo's "Wiimote" is getting a cushion cover.

The Japanese gamemaker's Wii machine has become a global hit among players young and old alike who use its wandlike remote control for fishing, golfing, tennis and other video games.

To help prevent accidents and soften possible blows, Nintendo Co. is shipping for free rubbery silicone covers for the handheld devices — just in case overly excited players see the Wiimote flying out of their hands.

The notice about the free Wii "jackets" has been sent as a message to owners who have their Wii machines connected to the Internet, and a notice is also posted on the company Web page, company spokesman Yasuhiro Minagawa said Wednesday.

Wii remotes going on sale after about Oct. 15 will come with the covers, Nintendo said.

The company has already strengthened the straps for the remotes that go around the wrist to help keep them fixed in players' hands. It recalled the remotes to exchange the straps in December after people complained they were coming loose, even crashing into TV sets.

Minagawa said the company has not received any reports of bodily injuries from the Wiimote.

The Wii console from the Kyoto-based manufacturer of Super Mario and Pokemon games has drawn relative newcomers to gaming, including the elderly and women, with easier-to-play games such as brain teasers, cooking recipes and virtual pet dogs.

"This is a totally new game experience. There's a chance some people may still be a little worried," Minagawa said of the covers. "This is not because there were any problems. It's strictly a precaution."

Since the Wii went on sale late last year, Nintendo has shipped 9.3 million of the consoles around the world, with supplies barely keeping up with demand, especially in the U.S. and Europe.

By the end of this fiscal year in March 2008, Wii global shipments are expected to have reached a cumulative 22.3 million.

Microsoft upgrades Zune players to challenge Apple iPods

2007-10-04T09:08:00.000+08:00

Microsoft is upgrading its Zune line and testing a website where owners of the MP3 players can socialize as the technology giant strives to wrest market share from Apple's beloved iPods.

Zune models featuring touch-sensitive navigation buttons instead of track wheels, wireless synching to home computers and more ability to transmit music wirelessly between Zunes, will be in stores next month, Microsoft said.

"Twenty years ago we bet the company on an integrated productivity suite of word processing, spreadsheets and presentations, and we changed the way people work," Microsoft chairman Bill Gates said while unveiling new Zunes on Tuesday.

"Today, we're making big bets on games, music, and video and connecting these entertainment experiences to help change the way people play."

Microsoft has three new Zune models. A black Zune with 80 gigabytes of hard drive memory and a 3.2 inch screen is priced 250 dollars (US).

Colorful "ultra-portable" Zunes with flash memory are priced 150 dollars for a four gigabyte model and 200 dollars for eight gigabyte versions.

The devices are the first additions to the line since the original 30-gigabyte Zune debuted in November of last year with a price of 199 dollars.

"It's a nice evolutionary development to the product line," said Jupiter Research analyst Michael Gartenberg.

"The real challenge is winning the hearts and minds of consumers. The iPod has gone from being a music player to being a cultural icon. This is going to involve the cool factor and Microsoft isn't known for being a cool company."

Computer Flat Screens Spell Death to CRT's

2007-10-03T09:01:00.001+08:00

By Graham Fitton

Have you tried to buy a computer lately? Chances are if you have you will know that with the latest systems it's all about computer flat screens. When my old CRT monitor died recently, I went out and replaced it with my first computer flat screen and I'm just loving it. The differences are so great that I wonder why I had waited so long to take the plunge.

The major difference I first noticed is the fantastic image quality in my new LCD monitor. Compared to my old junky old CRT screen. It is not only sharper and clearer, but it has a much better refresh rate. Another benefit I immediately noticed is the eyestrain and subsequent headaches I used to get form my old CRT computer screen have disappeared.

Another huge benefit of having a computer flat screen is the smaller size. Computer flat screens are incredibly space efficient with a very small footprint on my desk. My old CRT screen was the major piece of equipment on my desk, but with my new LCD monitor there is suddenly heaps of room for all my other things.

In the early days of computer flat screens they were very expensive. Like any new technology they also had technical issues like dead pixels and so on. The modern technology has been improved enormously, and it like any electronic item in a more mature stage of its life cycle has come down in price significantly. These days a brand name computer flat screen is only marginally more expensive than the same sized CRT monitor.

If you are putting together a new computer then there really isn't a good reason not to get a computer flat screen. The money saved by choosing a CRT monitor is very little, and you'll have a bulky piece of space hungry equipment to contend with as a result. I would be surprised to see any CRT monitors for sale in the market in the near future, and so they will have disappear forever.

Next time you find yourself in a store that sells monitors, check out their selection of computer flat screens. Once you know which model you want you can go home or back to the office and do a quick search for them online to find the best price. You might be surprised on how cheap they've become recently!

Computer Portal Site is top site to discover the latest news on all sorts of computer hardware.

Top 7 Tips to Learn Before Downloading

2007-10-03T09:00:00.001+08:00

By Yih Long Tan

Are you searching for an iPhone download service? I know I was! Now you need to find your favourite media files to upload into your iPhone. Many download sites have been created on the internet over the past months, some amazing and some just downright horrible. Learning to choose the best iPhone download site is very important. Most of these sites charge approximately the same fee, and it is quite impossible to know which are the good and which are the bad unless you join their service. In order to find the best iPhone download service, the following 7 factors are a good indicator of whether the download service is of good quality or not.

1. Huge database of media

This is especially essential for any iPhone download site, and surprisingly, there are several poor iPhone sites that simply have a very limited range of media. The best iPhone download sites will allow you to find a large collection of media from different genres. It should also provide a wide range of media, like music, TV shows, movies and games all with a one time membership.

2. High speed and quality downloads

Being able to download media at a fast speed is important too. Several poor iPhone download sites have a download speed limit to allow more people to download at the same time. Downloading files from these sites often produce a lot of problems because of the small size of their server, causing many interruptions and errors during download. Good iPhone download sites have very large server space and therefore are able to cope with a large amount of downloads at the same time, and not causing any interruptions.

3. Service Fees

Most good iPhone download services charge a reasonable price for unlimited downloads. If you are considering to download large number of files for your iPhone, you should join a one time fee membership site. Another option that you may choose is the pay per download plan. The more media you download from these sites, the more money you will have to pay. We do not advise that you join pay per download sites, since your costs can accumulate very quickly and you never know how many files you may want to download next. Getting good value for money is very important here.

4. Support and converter software

Some files that you download from the iPhone membership sites may not be fully compatible with your iPhone. Luckily, most quality iPhone download sites provide converter software, whereas the poor quality ones will expect you to get the software yourself. Software that allow you to transfer the files to your iPhone easily should also be provided.

5. Technical support

Occasionally you might encounter problems with the software that the download sites provide you. A good technical support team will quickly help you resolve any issues that you have. If you join a poor quality iPhone download site, you may be stuck with technical issues and have to wait days before you can even get into contact with their staff.

6. Security of files

High quality iPhone download sites will scan files before you download them to ensure that they are free of spyware and adware. You should not put your computer at risk by downloading files from poor iPhone download sites.

7. Legal or no?

The top iPhone download sites respect copyright laws and ensure that all its media files are safe and legal for download. Thus by downloading from top iPhone sites, you do not have to worry about getting into trouble with the law.

Did you find this information useful? The author has identified the best iPhone download sites on the internet. He runs a website at http://www.review-best.com/iphone/iphonedownloads.htm where he exposes the iPhone download scams and identifies the 4 best iPhone membership websites on the web.

The Unavoidable Negative Effect of World of Warcraft - Wrath of the Lich King

2007-10-03T08:59:00.000+08:00

By Liam Schembri

The recent announcement of the 2nd expansion pack for World of Warcraft, Wrath of the Lich King, has (understandably) sent the massive online world's community into a stir. While the hardcore raiders ruin their keyboards even further from their anticipation and excitement drool, casual players aren't all that happy.

Blizzard is planning to release the expansion only 12 months after the first expansion, The Burning Crusade, was unleashed to over 8 million players worldwide. While the 12-hour-a-day raider steamed through the expansion's content as quickly as possible, many (if not most) casual players are just beginning to experience the end-game content. Unfortunately, once Wrath of the Lich King is released, all content in The Burning Crusade will effectively become obsolete (as was demonstrated with the original end-game instances immediately after The Burning Crusade's release). Casual players will once again be left behind.

I wouldn't have an issue with Blizzard's speedy expansion pack development if the game wasn't so dependent on how much you play. I suppose it is the nature of MMORPG's, but a game just isn't fun when your dominance in the game is based on whether you're able to play 12 hours a day and keep up with new releases and competing players.

It's unfortunate that, since WoW is unlikely to die out any time soon, the average new casual player will never be able to experience current end-game instances. If you're only able to play an hour or so a day, it's highly unlikely that you'll reach level 80 in 12 months - which of course, by then, Blizzard will have already shelved the next expansion pack.

Liam Schembri is a professional writer and blogger. Having a passion for online gaming, he is the sole owner of World of Warcraft Guides - a popular resource for World of Warcraft guides, news and more.

This Short Page Tells A Story Of How I Turned My Pc Into A TV

2007-10-03T08:52:00.000+08:00

By Victor Emeka

This short page tells a story of How I Turned my PC into a TV, and started watching Satellite TV programs directly on my computer, without any TV Tuner cards or Satellite Tuner cards, cables, analog antennas, cable TV subscriptions (eliminating monthly fees), and no digital cable or satellite TV subscriptions.

I travel and work around the world, and move house a lot, so out of pure frustration of always needing to hook up with a new local cable company every time I moved, I got fed up, but ended up finding something better. On top of all the re-connections and hassles, monthly fees like $40, $60, $90 each and every month, don't seem like much at first, but really added up over a year, and frankly I'd rather spend that money on a very fast Internet connection.

I'm not a technically inclined person. Especially when it comes to trying to make your PC or laptop into a TV, so basically I was looking for a quick and easy solution. After days of Web searches, and trawling through tons of forum posts and information sites (have you done this before? ...its a nightmare) on how to make your PC into a TV, all the information I found mostly went along the same old lines of...

Most of them said to get TV on your PC you would have to... Subscribe to a good cable or satellite TV provider (and pay monthly fees) >> Search around for and buy a TV Tuner card (and make sure it has the capability to do what you need) >> Install the card, buy more cables and hook up your cable or sattelite TV >> Search around again for good software to manage channels... configure the software... etc etc etc... and on and on.... and all I want to do is watch freekin TV on my PC !

So I searched for a better way that I can watch my favorite TV shows, Sports, and movies all on my laptop computer. My laptop is like my third arm, and I do pretty much everything on it.... so why not watch TV on my laptop as well?

Now don't get me wrong, I like big TV screens and nice home theater setups just like everyone else, but when your traveling around the place, and moving all the time its a pain in [you know what] transporting massive TVs around... or should I say pain in the foot... literally... I nearly broke my foot moving one >>>

But I didn't give up, and glad I didn't either because the easy way to get Satellite TV on my PC was just around the corner, much easier than carting Real TVs around the place. If I had of given up, I would not have found this easy solution and ended up crushing more feet ;-)

I also wanted to watch overseas TV shows, Sports, and Movies in any country (and different languages), and not pay ongoing monthly fees for various services. I'm sure everyone has experienced trying to watch the big game, and then missing it because your cable or satellite company doesn't carry it. As you've probably seen, there are many different ways of getting TV on your PC, especially when you go and search for Satellite TV. I've looked at most of them, but nothing really satisfied me until I found a unique Software.

What made me interested in this site is their software allows you to view Satellite TV directly on your computer almost instantly, through a special software application that you can download straight away - I didn't have to signup to long-winded forms or wait for CDs in the mail. And the other thing which was very attractive to me is that it was a once off payment!

The site did look a little strange to me at first, because I have been scammed on the Internet before, and I didn't want to lose my time and cash to somebody who was just stealing peoples money. So I emailed their support department to ask a few questions. I didn't want to deal with somebody who never answered their e-mail. That's the problem I had last time when I got scammed before.

But this service answered the 3 e-mails I sent within hours. All 3 times the support responses were friendly and helpful, and so this reassured me that I would get what they had claimed on their Web site (more recently though, their software has become so popular that they do not answer support emails directly at their info email, because of the huge demand for this service. However after you purchase the product they have a special technical support department email address that you can ask questions with). I thought I would try it out, So I decided to go ahead and order Satellite TV for PC, then downloaded the software... And it was one of the best decisions I could have made...

The download files were about 13MB in size total. I also needed to get the very latest version of Windows Media Player (this software is completely free, and can be downloaded from Microsoft's download Web site).

After downloading and installing all the software, I was then able to easily run the main program which looked something like this... The one with the black screen is the Software and the download Web site is the one in the background. Then I did some tests... and I accessed some of my favorite programs...

From left to right: ESPN Sports Channels, Basketball, Football, Fox News, Music Video Clips, Ministry of Sound

There's a lot more than this, but would be too much to put up on this Web site. Everything that the Satellite TV for PC Web site stated was 100% true. I could access Live TV programs for many countries around the world. I downloaded the software instantly, and accessed Satellite TV instantly, all with a once off cost to me - and I did not need to buy anything more (no video cards, tuner cards, subscriptions etc). It was also good to find that the software did not come with any nasty adware or spyware.

I couldn't believe that I actually got access to Satellite TV without paying any monthly fees. But I did.

With the money I'm saving by not having to pay monthly fees to Satellite TV and cable companies, I now spend on getting a bigger and better Internet connection.

I have no problem in recommending Software for anyone who wants instant access to Satellite TV worldwide all on your PC.

Happy Channel Surfing!

Victor is a successful webmaster, author and fan of TV shows. Discover how you can instantly watch satellite TV on PC, tuning into hundreds of LIVE world channels of news, movies, music and kids program at http://bestofthewebs.blogspot.com/

EBay takes $1.43B charge for Skype

2007-10-02T08:29:00.000+08:00

SAN FRANCISCO - EBay Inc. announced Monday that the co-founder and chief executive of its Skype division was stepping down, and that the parent company would take $1.43 billion in charges for the Internet phone service division.

Of the charges to be taken in the current quarter, $900 million will be a write-down in the value of Skype, eBay said. That charge, for what accountants call impairment, essentially acknowledges that San Jose-based eBay, one of the world's largest e-commerce companies, drastically overvalued the $2.6 billion Skype acquisition, which was completed in October 2005.

EBay also said Monday it paid certain shareholders $530 million to settle future obligations.

In 2005, eBay wooed Skype investors by offering an "earn-out agreement" up to $1.7 billion if Skype hit specific targets — including a number of active users and a gross profit — in 2008 and the first half of 2009. The Skype shareholders holding those agreements received the $530 million in an early, one-time payout, eBay spokesman Hani Durzy said.

EBay also announced that Skype CEO Niklas Zennstrom will become non-executive chairman of Skype's board and likely spend more time working on independent projects.

Durzy said the resignation of Zennstrom, a Swedish entrepreneur who started Skype, was not related to the impairment charge or Skype's performance.

"Niklas left of his own volition," Durzy said. "He is an entrepreneur first and foremost, and he wanted to spend more time on some of his new projects that he has been working on."

Skype, which allows customers to place long-distance calls using their computers, reported second-quarter revenue of $89.13 million, up 102 percent from a year ago. It was the second consecutive quarter of profitability for the newest eBay division.

Zennstrom is likely to work on developing Joost, an Internet TV service he started in 2006 with Skype co-founder Janus Friis, relying on peer-to-peer technology to distribute TV shows and other videos over the Web.

Joost had at least 1 million beta testers in July and will launch at the end of the year, Zennstrom said earlier this summer.

One of the pair's first collaborations was the peer-to-peer file-sharing network KaZaA, which launched in March 2000 and is used primarily to swap MP3 music files over the Internet. Zennstrom also co-founded the peer-to-peer network Altnet and the venture capital firm Atomico.

EBay chief strategy officer Michael van Swaaij, formerly vice president for European operations, will serve as acting Skype CEO until a replacement is named. EBay hired Russell Reynolds Associates to search for replacements.

EBay also announced Skype President Henry Gomez will return to eBay as senior vice president for corporate affairs. Gomez was eBay senior vice president during his two years at Skype.

EBay shares rose 64 cents, or 1.6 percent, to $39.66.

Microsoft's SideWinder gaming mouse gets reviewed - Engadget

2007-09-29T12:01:00.000+08:00

We know, Microsoft's resurrection of the SideWinder brought back fond memories for most us of, but with all the alternatives already out there in the gaming mouse niche, it's going to take a bit more than fuzzy feelings to get our $80. Thankfully, the folks over at I4U News spent some quality time with the new SideWinder mouse, and after realizing that it looks a bit gentler in person, they proceeded to crank through hours of gaming to see how it fared. Notably, the LCD screen was dubbed "actually useful," the 2,000dpi was said to be "plenty of sensitivity," and the thumb buttons were deemed "perfect from a tactile feedback perspective." Still, reviewers found more hype than substance in the Quick Turn button, and while the scroll wheel seemed "great for gaming," it wasn't as friendly during everyday tasks. Nevertheless, the crew awarded the revived critter a very generous nine out of ten stars, but if you've still got your doubts, hit the read link and check out the full skinny.

AppleInsider | Apple, Jobs, AT&T sued over iPhone price cut, rebates

2007-09-29T10:34:00.000+08:00

Apple Inc., along with its chief executive and exclusive U.S. iPhone wireless partner AT&T, have been hit with a new lawsuit from a disgruntled customer who charges the trio with a variety of offenses stemming from the recent iPhone price cut.

In the suit, filed Sept. 24 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Queens resident Dongmei Li accuses the parties of price discrimination, underselling, discrimination in rebates, deceptive actions, and other wrongdoings for their role in the Sept. 5th price drop on iPhone, which saw the handset's price tag slashed an unprecedented $200 less than two months after its debut.

Li was among the thousands who waited hours in line on June 29, 2007 for her chance to purchase one of the touch-screen devices, according to the suit. When she reached the front of the line, her local Apple store only had 4GB models remaining, which she purchased anyway despite having intended to buy the larger-capacitied 8GB model.

She, like thousands of others, the suit claims, is now the victim of price discrimination in that she cannot resell her iPhone for the same profit as customers who purchased the device after price drop. Similarly, she cannot trade up to 8GB model she had initially hoped to obtain and is now left with a product that has been discontinued.

Li also feels cheated by Apple's rebate policy because she was only offered a $100 store credit towards a future Apple store purchase when those customers who bought the same iPhone within a two week window period immediately preceding the cut received the full $200 refund under the company's price protection policy.

Read more>>>

BBC NEWS | Technology | Apple iPhone warning proves true

2007-09-29T10:23:00.000+08:00

An Apple software update is disabling iPhones that have been unlocked by owners who wanted to choose which mobile network to use.

Earlier this week Apple said a planned update would leave the device "permanently inoperable".

Thousands of iPhone owners hacked their expensive gadget in order to unlock it for use with other mobile carriers and to run a host of unsupported programs.

There are also reports of the update causing issues with unaltered iPhones.

On Monday Apple issued a statement in which it said many of the unauthorised iPhone unlocking programs caused "irreparable damage" to the device's software.

The company said this would "likely result in the modified iPhone becoming permanently inoperable when a future Apple-supplied iPhone software update is installed".

That warning has now proved correct as many owners are reporting their phones no longer work following installation of the update.

Apple requires iPhone owners to take out a lengthy contract with AT&T in the United States but there are a number of programs on the net that unlock the device for use with other networks.

Some owners are reporting on technology blogs and Apple's own forums that the update is deleting contacts information, as well as photos and music, on iPhones that have not been modified in any way.

PC World - 20 Things You Didn't Know Your PC Could Do

2007-09-27T10:47:00.000+08:00

Teach that old machine new tricks--from the amazingly practical to the practically amazing.

Eric Dahl

Each morning when I get into the office, I hang up my coat, drop my bag in a corner, and start the process of turning on my PC. Five minutes later, I'm ready to work after waiting for the machine to boot, typing in my network password, waiting for plug-ins to load, and finally opening all the applications I use each day. Who needs all that waiting?

Try this little experiment if you'd like to save some time: Go to the Start menu and click Shut Down. Choose the Stand By or Suspend option (depending on your version of Windows, it may be in a drop-down list), and click OK if necessary. If the room just got quieter, congratulations--you have a new way to turn off your computer. If you didn't find that option, or if your PC's fans kept whirring, read on. You aren't out of luck yet.

If the option did work, your PC should quickly return to the state you left it in--with applications open, MP3s playing and everything--when you press the power button again. This feature, called Suspend to RAM, saves almost as much power as turning off your computer, by shutting down nearly every PC component and storing the machine's state in system memory.

Not all systems support Suspend to RAM, and some that do support it don't come with the option enabled. To begin with, you need to be running Windows 98 SE, Me, 2000, or XP. If you are and things still don't work as expected, check your machine's hardware support by rebooting and then entering your PC's setup utility. (Watch the screen as the PC boots; it should tell you which key to press.) The labels mentioned below will vary, but they should be typical.

Look for a power-savings or power-management category. Search there for settings related to suspend modes. Enable any setting labeled 'Suspend Mode' or 'ACPI Function'. If you can choose different types of suspend mode (my home PC has a setting called 'ACPI Suspend Type'), select Suspend to RAM by choosing S3 or STR. Save your changes, exit the setup utility, and boot into Windows.

If you're running a pre-XP OS, double-click Power Options in the Control Panel and click the Advanced tab. If possible, select the Stand By option. That should enable Suspend to RAM. For more on speeding up PC start times, see Home Office.

Toshiba: Gigashot A100 Series is Small, Full HD Camcorder from Toshiba - Gizmodo

2007-09-25T23:53:00.000+08:00

"10 x zoom lens Real-V engine reduces picture noise. Records in 1920×1080i and 1440×1080i resolution at 60fps in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format. Recording modes of XQ, HQ, or SP A100 has 12 hours' capacity of full HD video, 23 hours of standard 35 mm Fujinon lens with 45 mm diameter 3-inch LCD screen (320 x 240 res) SDHC-compatible SD card slot Audio recording at16bit/48kHz at 384 kbps bit rate Measures 78.1 × 135.4 × 79.0 mm A100F weighs 495 grams A40F weights 485 grams Battery life approx 75 mins Lithium ion battery Comes with AC adapter, remote control, USB cable, AV cable and D terminal cable."

Wow!!! I feel so lame now... this is something I want and I can hardly have it... please somebody give me something like this... ;)

Mimoco reveals Halo Mimobot flash drives - Engadget

2007-09-25T23:40:00.000+08:00

Since we tend to concentrate on hardware on this little blog, you may not have realized that there's a rather seminal event occurring on the software side of things that has gamers pretty giddy, namely the release of Halo 3 for the Xbox 360. And what better way to display your fandom than with a Master Chief Mimobot USB 2.0 flash drive from Mimoco, a 1GB ($50), 2GB ($70), or 4GB ($110) piece limited to 5,000 units (3,000 each for the Red and Blue Spartan editions, pictured after the break) and pre-loaded with all sorts of swag sure to fill the emptiness in your life once you've completed the trilogy? Pre-orders have already started, so if you missed out on the last batch of space odyssey-themed paraphernalia, you'll probably wanna reserve one well before the official October 18th release at E for All.

MPAA Takes Down IsoHunt’s BitTorrent Trackers in the US | TorrentFreak

2007-09-25T22:43:00.000+08:00

The IsoHunt crew released this statement today:

As of earlier today, we have disabled access from users in the US to our trackers. This goes for ALL trackers (torrentbox, podtropolis) we run. This is due to the US’s hostility towards P2P technologies, and we feel with our current lawsuit brought by the MPAA, we can no longer ensure your security and privacy in the US. So, if you’re outside the US, you may notice less peers. We encourage you to add other public, unhampered trackers to torrents you post, in addition to Torrentbox and Podtropolis’s trackers.

IsoHunt is not alone in their battle with the MPAA. Last month TorrentSpy, another site named in the MPAA lawsuit blocked access to US users on their site. However, the takedown of IsoHunt’s trackers will have an even bigger effect on the BitTorrent community worldwide, especially because TorrentBox runs one of the biggest public BitTorrent trackers. As mentioned by the Isohunt team, this means that users outside the US will see less peers connected to their torrents which may result in slower download speeds.

The MPAA announced the lawsuit (PDF) against Torrentspy, Torrentbox and Isohunt in February 2006. Isohunt owner Gary later told TorrentFreak that they will not bow down to the MPAA. Isohunt hired a top-notch lawyer, specialized in Internet copyrights. It now seems that this wasn’t enough to keep the trackers in the air. For now, the websites are still available to US visitors.

The MPAA argues that the sole purpose of these BitTorrent trackers and sites is to share copyrighted content. But they are wrong according to Gary, who said, “We process copyright takedown requests daily, and have done so for hundreds of requests in the past, if not thousands. We work with all copyright owners, and even the RIAA email us routinely. The MPAA is the only organization unwilling to cooperate with us.”

Luckily, quite a lot of torrents are tracked by more that one tracker these days. And if that doesn’t work there’s always DHT. You can read more about how to protect yourself from failing BitTorrent trackers in this article. Long live the hydra!

Deals: Facebook now worth $15 billion? - Valleywag

2007-09-25T22:41:00.000+08:00

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Facebook is negotiating with Microsoft to sell a stake in the hot social network at a valuation between $10 billion and $15 billion. That would net Mark Zuckerberg's company between $300 million and $500 million in cash, without Zuckerberg having to surrender any meaningful control over the company; the stake would represent 5 percent or less of Facebook. What's not clear is why a deal's happening now, save to lock in a stratospheric valuation. Some time ago, a Facebook insider called Zuckerberg "a crazy kid" for not selling. And we've said Facebook's valuation claims seemed a bit puffed-up. But given that suitors' offering prices have rocketed tenfold since then, Zuckerberg doesn't seem that crazy anymore. Instead, it's Microsoft executives, driven mad by Google and MySpace envy and determined not to miss out on the social-networking trend, who seem, well, a bit off.

Nokia 5610 Live Photo Gallery (MobileBurn)

2007-09-21T23:09:00.000+08:00

Late last month Nokia introduced the new 5610 XpressMusic slider handset. Earlier this week I had the opportunity to play around with one for a few minutes. In particular, I was interested in what that new left/right slider control was for. While my guess was somewhat more grandiose, it turns out that the slider has a very simple function: it switches phone modes. That is to say, the slider switch can be used to move easily from the main phone user interface and menus to the 5610's music player or music library.

For example, from the standby screen a nudge left on the control will bring up the categorized list of all the tracks that are loaded onto the phone. Another nudge left brings the user to the actual player, where the play/pause and previous/next track controls are. One more nudge left brings the user back to the standby screen. Conversely, from the standby screen you can nudge the slider right to go directly to the music player. I suppose the best way to think of it is as a 3 sided tube that you are rotating to the left or right: both other screens are always a single nudge left or right away. It's nice.

On top of that, the handset itself, especially in the red and black color scheme, is really good looking. Both the 5610 and its little brother the 5310 have a very modern look to them that manages to be stylish without looking outlandish. I have to say that I'm quite pleased with Nokia's new stylistic direction. Nokia expects that the 5610 XpressMusic will reach retail shelves in the last quarter of this year for an unsubsidized price of about 300EUR (US$422).

Sony's Playstation Eye gets a release date - Engadget

2007-09-21T23:04:00.000+08:00

For those of you whose salivary glands have been working overtime when thinking about Sony's new Playstation Eye PS3 camera accessory (and we're sure there's at least one or two of you), you better go get a napkin. According to reports, the interactive, VGA cam will be heading out to stores bundled with Hasrbo's RPG / card game The Eye of Judgment on October 23rd, for the shockingly low price of $69.99. No word on whether that bundle will include the EyeCreate editing software, or when / if the Eye will be available on its own. Hey -- you'll probably want the game anyhow.

Customers Ask: Is Apple Going Rotten? | iLounge

2007-09-21T22:57:00.000+08:00

Karma. Doing the "right thing." Thinking different. Apple's enlightened approach to building customer loyalty is now famous, generating big headlines every time CEO Steve Jobs takes on Hollywood or the music industry. Attempts to raise iTunes prices? "Greedy." A fight with NBC over revenues? "Give peace a chance." That's Apple, your socially-conscious corporate friend, who does right by you while standing up to big bullies -- sort of like a character from a Pixar movie.

But over the past two weeks, Apple's fans have been grumbling that the company they knew and loved is transforming into another Microsoft, making short-sighted, anti-consumer decisions and carelessly releasing products with user experience-diminishing problems. In response, an increasingly angry erosion of Apple's brand loyalty is beginning, with complaints mounting all over the Internet, including on the company's own discussion forums. This time, it's not just a cadre of Microsoft fans trying to anonymously stir up trouble for the Cupertino-based company, but rather legitimately upset Apple customers who are threatening boycotts of current and future iPod, iTunes, and Mac offerings.

Put aside Apple's $200 iPhone price drop, which generated a lot of anger but was quickly resolved by the company, and bugs in both new iPod and iTunes software, which the company is certainly working to repair. Instead, consider just four of the issues that are still largely unresolved by Apple, and the extreme anger and disappointment that its customers have been expressing as a result.

More>>>

Firefox memory usage and memory leak news

2007-09-21T22:54:00.000+08:00

Many Mozilla community members, including both volunteers and Mozilla Corporation employees, have been helping to reduce Firefox's memory usage and fix memory leak bugs lately. Hopefully, the result of this effort will be that Firefox 3 uses less memory than Firefox 2 did, especially after it has been used for several hours.

Memory usage

Federico Mena-Quintero submitted a patch to make Firefox discard decompressed image data after five seconds (bug 296818). ImageLib module owner Stuart Parmenter experimented with a competing idea in bug 386377, but now he plans to help with Federico's patch. The patch will make image data join text runs in using time-based caching rather than traditional space-bounded caching.

Aaron suggested having an "about:memory" page showing a breakdown of Firefox's memory use (bug 392351). When I pointed out the bug to Brendan Eich, he excitedly assigned the bug to himself.

Eli Friedman discovered that nsFloatCache was no longer necessary and eliminated most of it (bug 381385).

Memory leaks

David Baron checked in a patch for the last bug that contributed to RLk on Linux, bringing the number of XPCOM objects leaked during this test to zero. Since this test runs on Tinderbox, it's likely that regressions will be noticed quickly, even if they don't turn Tinderbox orange.

Robert Sayre created a script to load random pages and see whether they cause leaks. The random URLs come from the Yahoo directory (biased toward older, top-level pages), del.icio.us (biased toward newer, geeky pages), and AltaVista (biased toward pornography). The script detects leaks using trace-refcnt, the same test used by RL; future versions might use trace-malloc in order to catch additional leaks. Robert has caught at least 6 distinct leak bugs using this script, 3 of which have already been fixed. See LeakingPages and bug 394517 for details.

David Baron created a series of patches to the cycle collector to aid in debugging leaks. With this code, DEBUG_CC builds of Firefox can notice when an object "expected to be garbage" is not collected and then explain in detail why it was not collected.

Steve England tested the top 500 web sites, finding two leaks. Later, he tested the top 20 Firefox extensions and found leaks in several of them.

David Baron recorded seven leak debugging screencasts, which you can watch to see how David Baron debugs real leaks.

Kris Zyp found a leak in the JavaScript Engine when using the watch method (bug 394709). Igor Bukanov responded quickly with not only a patch for the bug but also a leak detection patch to enable regression testing of JavaScript Engine leaks. I asked him to modify his patch so I could use jsfunfuzz to test for JavaScript Engine leaks, and he did. (This led me to find several bugs in evalcx, but no additional leaks.)

David Baron got the stack walking code and the stack fixer working on Mac, making it possible to use trace-malloc and the refcount balancer on Mac (bug 336517, bug 392118).

How to help

You don't have to be a C++ programmer to help find leaks in Firefox.

If you're a Firefox user, an easy way to help is to browse with a trunk nightly build wrapped in a script that calls leak-gauge.pl when Firefox exits. If it reports that documents or windows leaked, try to figure out how to reproduce the leak and then file a bug report.

If you're an advanced user, you can do something similar with with trace-refcnt, which detects leaks of all reference-counted objects, not just windows and documents. Build Firefox with the .mozconfig option "--enable-logrefcnt" (or build debug) and run your build with XPCOM_MEM_LEAK_LOG=2. When Firefox exits, it will print a detailed but understandable summary of what types of objects leaked.

If you're are a C++ programmer and want to help diagnose or fix bugs, check out Performance:Leak_Tools along with David Baron's screencasts, and hang out in #developers on irc.mozilla.org.

Oh no I am not an advance user, but I love browsing using firefox than Internet Explorer or any other Internet Browser...

Rumor: Apple Doubling iPhone Production, Sources Say - Gizmodo

2007-09-21T22:50:00.000+08:00

Apple could almost double its iPhone production for the fourth quarter, taking it from 1.54 million to 2.7 million. At least according to TheStreet.com, which claims that this year's production target will be 4.8 million. With one million already sold, this may be related to the recent price drop and the new European launches. It's either that or the JesusPhone's abilities to multiply fish, bread and assorted electronic components.

Thanks again, Microsoft!

2007-09-21T22:48:00.000+08:00

The first big favour Microsoft did to the Linux community was to delay Windows Vista over and over (and over) again. That put into highlight some Linux distributions such as Ubuntu. Not that it was the only reason, of course but it did help a lot. Ubuntu got many deals, in special with Dell, selling per-installed Ubuntu systems to the general public.

Now it’s even better! They’re (thinking of) using a black screen of death security system that if your copy is not legal it’ll lock your computer and die. Pretty much what used to happen with the previous blue screen of death, only intentional.

It’s a mighty gift, much better than the One Ring to Boromir, it’ll force all people that use pirate copies of Windows (the vast majority) to buy legal copies or crack the system.

More>>>

FOXNews.com - Getting Started With Linux - Technology News | News On Technology

2007-09-21T22:44:00.000+08:00

Linux is hot again. In fact, there's never been a better time for Microsoft Windows users to give Linux a whirl.

The OS is more usable than ever, easier to install, and more compatible with PC hardware. It still helps to be somewhat tech-savvy to get the most out of Linux, but that's no longer a major requirement.

• Click here for FOXNews.com's Personal Technology Center.

Not long ago, Linux seemed ready to make a serious dent in the supremacy of Windows on the PC desktop. Corporations had begun to adopt it, and consumer versions appeared that removed much of the Unix-based operating system's oft-discussed user-unfriendliness.

Suddenly, installing Linux and getting a PC's hardware to work was no longer solely the province of techies: Pretty well anyone could install it, work with it, and even use it regularly.

That was a few years ago. Since then, Linux's fortunes have waxed and waned — mostly waned — but development of this open-source OS and its open-source applications have continued apace.

Mac Rumors: Apple Updates Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) to 9A528d

2007-09-21T22:41:00.000+08:00

After nearly a month without an update, Apple has delivered a Leopard update to developers. First, a new version of the Leopard Software Update Client has been seeded through Leopard's Mac OS X Software Update. Once this new Software Update tool is installed, Apple also provides Mac OS X Leopard Client Seed Update.

The new Seed Update is "recommended for all users running Mac OS X Leopard 9A527 or 9A528" and brings the Leopard build up to 9A528d. The update includes general fixes and is also meant to test the new version of Software Update.

Leopard seeds have been notably absent in the past 3-4 weeks. Apple's October deadline for Leopard is quickly approaching. Leopard will need to be finalized soon to ramp up duplication and distribution for the October release timeline.

Apple's last major Mac OS X release (Tiger, 10.4) was declared Gold Master on March 31, 2005. Tiger was later launched in retail stores on Friday, April 29th, 2005, almost one month later.

Study: Wii will continue to outsell Xbox 360 and PS3 - GAMER.BLORGE.com

2007-09-21T22:40:00.000+08:00

A new study has shot to pieces the theory that the Wii's limited grunt will stall its popularity. The study also reinforces how important it is for Sony to rectify the perception that there is a lack of good games for the PlayStation 3 (PS3).

Market research company BrandIntel analyzed information from more than 400,000 blog, forum, and social networking comments, and concluded that more mainstream gamers intend on buying the Wii than either the Xbox 360 or PS3.

"As the console war heats up again for the holiday season, Nintendo has been able to successfully target a new audience of casual gamers which has opened up new revenue opportunities for the company," BrandIntel vice president Alan Dean told PC World.

The study reveled that the Wii was still generating a lot more positive consumer buzz than the PS3 and Xbox 360, although the Xbox 360 was well regarded because of its impressive games line up.

While the PS3 was widely viewed as a technically superior machine, it was "perceived more more negatively than the Wii and Xbox 360 due in part to its high cost and lack of attractive games", according to Dean.

Last week it was revealed that cumulative global Wii sales had overtaken those of the Xbox 360 (which had the next-generation console market to itself for itself for a year).

GAMER.BLORGE.com's own very scientific online study of 2320 gamers found that 36% of gamers think the Wii will win this round of the console war, while 28% think the PS3 will prevail. Only 22% believe the Xbox 360 will make a comeback.

Mind you, 2% of gamers think think their mum will win the console war, and another 1% think that Chuck Norris will (who the hell is Chuck Norris, anyway - just joking).

We've even had significant numbers of gamers vote for the Nintendo 64 (33), themselves (33), the PlayStation 2 (33), the PC (28), and the Vectrex (11) - now that was a cool console, but I don't think it will the next-generation console war.

Yes, we did let gamers add options to the poll, which is why I guess we had two people voting for "Hulkamania and Nintendo and Apple" and 10 people voting for poop. Whatever.

Anyway, it's clear that the Wii's popularity won't fade anytime soon. Not good news for gamers who like games with grunt.

Slim Aluminum MacBooks Coming Soon from Apple | 9 to 5 Mac

2007-09-21T22:31:00.000+08:00

We have received some information about some upcoming Apple laptops - we think they are MacBooks but aren't 100 percent sure they aren't the fabled Pro slim line.
What we know:

Black aluminum and silver aluminum (like MacBook Pros) have been seen
They are considerably slimmer than current MacBook and even a bit more than MacBook Pros
The screen reaches much closer to the edges than current MacBooks but is the same size as current MacBooks - indicating a somewhat smaller footprint
The keyboards resemble Apple's new Bluetooth Keyboard
There is something strange about the touchpad (more on this to come)
They are set to be priced extremely aggressively
While they are dense, overall they are lighter than the current MacBooks

MooWee Plays Internet TV with Your Wii

2007-09-21T22:16:00.000+08:00

MooWee is an application that lets you watch Internet TV content on your television screen using your Nintento Wii game console. You’ll need an Internet broadband connection with a minimum bandwidth of 384kbps as well as an Internet browser on your Wii console in order to hook this up to your television.

From there, you can watch shows on your television screen, and use your Wiimote to change channels, etc. The MooWee service is easy enough to use–search for videos, watch the most popular, or view the editors’ picks. If you’re logged in, MooWee will keep track of your history for viewed and searched videos as well. You can also save videos to your favorites, and share them with others. A description of the video will display beneath the clip, showing which video-sharing network it’s been pulled from, and related channels you may enjoy, based on tag words.

The MooWee service can be enjoyed online as well. MooWee is of course an alternative to other set top devices like Apple TV, and other game consoles like the Xbox, which has recently indicated that it would like to work with th BBC on providing content for users. Sony is another company that’s looking to be more competitive in this market, and will be using a collection of devices and services to do so. Other services include Building B and Jaman. StumbleVideo offers a similar service for Nintendo Wii.

Nintendo Wii: A Retro Gaming Guide

2007-09-21T22:13:00.000+08:00

According to our venerable but flawed gnomish calendar it's been almost a year since one of Nintendo's latest consoles found refuge under my TV and, despite the sadly obvious lack of an abundance of great games, I'm as happy with me Wii as a punter can be. Why? Well, besides enjoying the occasional Wii mini/party game and being blown away by the Twilight Princess, there's a strong and rather unique retro gaming appeal to the console, that I've learned to love and cherish. Hopefully so will you. After all, that's what this very guide/article thingy is all about.

First of all, we have the Wii Virtual Console, which despite its many shortcomings and definitely overpriced games, is the only online service currently providing access to Nintendo's impressive back catalog (NES, SNES, N64 anyone?) and some quirky hard to find TurboGrafx 16/PC-Engine games. Classic SEGA Genesis/MegaDrive games and the already announced Neo Geo offerings are a nice touch too, as is the addition of video previews to the games, though downloadable demos -a standard feature of Xbox Live for example- seem to have somehow been forgotten.

Read More>>>

The Greatest Gadgets of All Time

2007-07-16T21:17:00.000+08:00

The Paper Clip

Although small and inexpensive, it's hard to imagine life without the irreplacable paper-clip

The Gutenberg Press

It's communications technology, it's wireless, and it changed the world by making printing of books and newspapers a commerically viable enterprise.

Refrigerator

Your cold food simply cannot live without it (unless you don't mind melting ice). Not only did its function change the atmosphere of the kitchen forever, but the style and visual appeal of a particluar unit (stainless steel, ice dispenser, etc.) are usually what defines the look and value of the kitchen or even the entire house.

Telephone/Cell Phone

The Calculator

Batteries (Disposable or Rechargeable, Take Your Pick)

The Movie Camera

IBM PC 5150 personal computer

Transistor

Video Game

RCA CT-100 television

Screwdriver

Not the drink, the tool. Imagine an airplane (or a computer) held together by nails.

Acheulean Hand Axe