Toshiba announces 'no-frills' Satellite C660 laptop

We've got to give Toshiba a bit of credit here -- it's certainly not trying to sell its new Satellite C660 (and accompanying Satellite Pro model) as something it's not. Tossing around words like "adequate" and "no-frills," the company says that the revised Satellite is a "smart and affordable" solution, and it does indeed look like it'll satisfy those looking for only the basics. That includes a 15.6-inch display, your choice of Intel or AMD processors up to a Core i3 or Athlon II, integrated graphics only, up to 8GB of RAM, up to a 640GB hard drive, and a multitouch trackpad, among other standard fare. The only difference with the Pro model, it seems, is Windows 7 Professional for the OS, a black textured casing, and a "non-reflective" screen. No word on exact pricing just yet, but you can look for this one to at least be available in Europe, the Middle East and Africa sometime in the fourth quarter of this year. Full press release is after the break.Continue reading Toshiba announces 'no-frills' Satellite C660 laptopToshiba announces 'no-frills' Satellite C660 laptop originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 04:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Avnet Memc Electronic Materials Heartland Payment Systems Linear Technology Ingram Micro

Google opens Android database at former phone store URL, but only for devices using Google services

Remember when Google opened up its own portal for purchasing the Nexus One? It was January 2010, and the URL was as simple as www.google.com/phone -- ah, those were the days. Of course, the store has been down since late July when the phone sold out (permanently), so what's the company to do with such a catchy web address? Simple: make a database of devices running your über-popular Android OS and help customers both compare and find where to buy. Only, it's not just any devices running the platform: according to the Official Google Mobile blog, "all the phones in the gallery include Android Market, Google Search, and other Google Mobile services such as Gmail, Maps, and YouTube." In other words, no phones that meddle with the Android Vision by opting for Bing or Yahoo instead. Maybe Fascinate can join the ranks after that purported Android 2.2 launch, but for now it's conspicuously absent. Them's the breaks -- still, it's fun to explore and draw up side-by-side comparison charts. Go on, give it a whirl, why don't ya?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Google opens Android database at former phone store URL, but only for devices using Google services originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Official Google Mobile blog  |  Google Phone Gallery  | Email this | Comments

Ibasis Salesforce Com Hypercom Finisar Methode Electronics

Startup Battlefield: The Final 7 Make Their Closing Arguments

The TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield is approaching its dramatic conclusion, and the 7 finalists remaining are making their closing arguments in front of a panel of all-star Silicon Valley judges. Here are their questions and the startups' answers, along with links to our past coverage of each company.
Judges:
Kevin Rose
Marissa Mayer
Jason Goldman
Ron Conway
Roelof Botha

Cypress Semiconductor Fidelity National Information Svcs Bharti Airtel Avnet Memc Electronic Materials

Direct3D 10 and 11 API now natively supported by Linux via Gallium3D

Filed under: Developer, Games, Linux, MicrosoftIn one fell swoop, it seems like proper, contemporary 3D gaming could be coming to a Linux distro near you.

Unlike Wine, this implementation of Direct3D under Gallium3D is an actual, native port of the DirectX APIs. There's no emulation involved -- Gallium3D just acts as a 'very thin wrapper,' allowing developers easy access to Direct3D's goodies.

Luca Barbieri, the developer behind this new code commit, has a lot to say about Direct3D versus OpenGL, which might pain some open source advocates: "Thanks to a very clean and well-though design done from scratch, the Direct3D 10/11 APIs are vastly better than OpenGL and can be supported with orders of magnitude less code and development time."

Then speaking about why Direct3D will be the graphics API of choice, when developing for Linux, Luca continued the barrage: "A mature Direct3D 10/11 implementation is intrinsically going to be faster and more reliable than an OpenGL implementation, thanks to the dramatically smaller API and the segregation of all nontrivial work to object creation that the application must perform ahead of time."

As I understand it, Wine can't yet take advantage of this new development -- but as it stands, you can now leap right in and start programming a 3D Linux application using Mesa and the Direct3D state tracker. Direct3D 10 and 11 API now natively supported by Linux via Gallium3D originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autodesk Millicom Intl Cellular Nvidia Comcast China Mobile

Apple TV (2010) tear down, similar to iPad inside

Apple TV (2010) barely made it off the shelves before the folks at iFixit sent us word they had a tear down under way. And it turns out this new Apple TV has a lot in common with Apple’s other new iOS device this year, the iPad:


The Apple TV has 256 RAM, just like the [...]Apple TV (2010) tear down, similar to iPad inside is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

Manhattan Associates Miscrosoft Office Epicor Software Insight Enterprises Nikon

Toshiba announces 'no-frills' Satellite C660 laptop

We've got to give Toshiba a bit of credit here -- it's certainly not trying to sell its new Satellite C660 (and accompanying Satellite Pro model) as something it's not. Tossing around words like "adequate" and "no-frills," the company says that the revised Satellite is a "smart and affordable" solution, and it does indeed look like it'll satisfy those looking for only the basics. That includes a 15.6-inch display, your choice of Intel or AMD processors up to a Core i3 or Athlon II, integrated graphics only, up to 8GB of RAM, up to a 640GB hard drive, and a multitouch trackpad, among other standard fare. The only difference with the Pro model, it seems, is Windows 7 Professional for the OS, a black textured casing, and a "non-reflective" screen. No word on exact pricing just yet, but you can look for this one to at least be available in Europe, the Middle East and Africa sometime in the fourth quarter of this year. Full press release is after the break.Continue reading Toshiba announces 'no-frills' Satellite C660 laptopToshiba announces 'no-frills' Satellite C660 laptop originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 04:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Thq Total System Services Quest Software Acer Powerchip Semiconductor

The Internet of Cars: New R&D for Mobile Traffic Sensors

When we talk about “the internet of things,” we usually begin with commercial and household applications — tracking inventory, or a lost remote. But one future of networked objects might be in public information and infrastructure: the internet of cars.
For four years, MIT’s CarTel project has been tracking the driving patterns of GPS-equipped taxis in [...]

Volt Information Sciences Silicon Laboratories Sybase Teletech Holdings Xilinx

Kevin Rose On Digg, ?I?ve Made A Lot Of Mistakes?

Digg founder Kevin Rose took the stage here today to talk to TechCrunch's Michael Arrington about the future of Digg among other things.

One revelation that came up during the talk? Jay Adelson, Rose and Digg crew turned down a $60 million dollar in cash plus $20 million in earnout offer during the trajectory of the social news site. Rose told Arrington that he didn't regret turning down the offer, which we're guessing came either from Current or Google (Rose refused to disclose).

Miscrosoft Office Epicor Software Insight Enterprises Nikon Nuance Communications

We Wish Above-Water Cameras Looked Like These Soviet Aquatic Rigs [Imagecache]

For a society whose historical rep is having produced lots of shoddy hardware, the Soviets sure did put out some amazing industrial design. This circa-1960 underwater enclosure, looking like a mix between a toy and a robot, housed 35mm cameras. [The Scuttlefish] More »

Compal Electronics Transaction Systems Architects Tibco Software Oracle Formfactor

T-Mobile G2 now shipping to some pre-orderers

You can't grab one of these bad boys from your local store just yet -- you'll have to wait until early October for that -- but some current T-Mobile customers who'd pre-ordered the G2 (including our own Myriam Joire) are reporting that their devices have shipped. That means we'll probably see at least a few of these showing up in excited forum threads tomorrow, and a whole phalanx of 'em by week's end. Get those QWERTY thumbs oiled and warmed up, folks.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]T-Mobile G2 now shipping to some pre-orderers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Mantech International Palm Imation Mobile Telesystems Openwave Systems

The Best Weather Apps [App Battles]

I don't watch TV weather forecasts for the same reason that I don't own a wristwatch: I have a smartphone, a tablet, and a computer. Here are the best apps for knowing what it's like outside, without actually going outside. More »

Electronic Arts Shaw Communications First Solar on Semiconductor Logitech International

With LinkedIn Signal, Twitter And LinkedIn Collide

LinkedIn's CEO Jeff Weiner has just unveiled LinkedIn Signal at TechCrunch Disrupt, a new feature that neatly marries the worlds of LinkedIn and Twitter and allows users to apply the professional social network's filters to Twitter's firehose. Think of it as a window into Twitter (and LinkedIn's updates), through the eyes of LinkedIn.

Intrigued? We have exclusive access for 250 TechCrunch readers.

Eclipsys Nanya Technology Si International Micros Systems Cisco Systems

The Kotaku Guide To Fall Video Games [Original]

Fall is supposed to be the best time of the video game year, the entree and the dessert after the first nine month's meager salad and interactive appetizer. But in 2010, the winter and spring were bountiful and fall is at risk of seeming pathetic. Could it be? These are your fall games of 2010. More »

Memc Electronic Materials Heartland Payment Systems Linear Technology Ingram Micro Canon

Bose VideoWave Shoves Their Tech Into a 46-Inch LCD TV With 16 Speakers [Bose]

Bose thinks that home theaters are simply too complicated for most of us. Rather than rigging individual speakers and a receiver, they're banking on an all-in-one approach: the VideoWave, a TV with its own theater. More »

China Mobile Network Appliance Grupo Iusacell Qlogic Yahoo

Seagate FreeAgent� GoFlex? TV HD Media Player Review

I?ve read reviews on The Gadgeteer for media players that hook up with your TV or home theater setup and let you view your home videos, pictures, movies, and even play your music files.� I’ve always been interested in them, but I?ve never had one of these devices.� I had looked into an Apple TV [...] Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, ReviewsTagged: A/V device, HD, Media playerSeagate FreeAgent� GoFlex? TV HD Media Player Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 24, 2010 at 3:00 pm.

Teletech Holdings Xilinx Cdw Western Digital Ims Health

Bose VideoWave fits surround sound into TV, custom UI aims to simplify set-top box clutter (video)

Keep it simple, stupid. That seems to be Bose's driving philosophy in its just-announced VideoWave entertainment system, and it's all about integration. There's no separate sound system to speak of: everything is built into the 46-inch 1080p LCD display. There are 16 speakers in all, including six woofers in a magnesium enclosure -- yeah, that's heavy; the total weight of this sucker is just under 100 pounds, according to PR. The surround sound is calibrated automatically via Bose's own Adaptiq, and its PhaseGuide sound radiator technology shoots high frequency audio waves to bounce off adjacent walls to recreate the effect of surround sound (i.e. a surround sound bar). The bare minimum of wires runs out of the TV, connecting to the separate console set-top box. There are three HDMI and two component ports on the back, and on the front are composite, HDMI, and USB ports (one apiece). There's an IR emitter in front for controlling other consoles, and while Bose claims you won't need IR blasters if the STBs aren't hidden away, they're bundled just in case.

The second pillar of VideoWave is a radio-frequency ClickPad remote control, and it's as basic as it gets -- power, input, channel selection, volume, and mute. Bose claims that this remote will run all the connected boxes, with the console detecting what they are and automatically adding to the input list. Now, here's where it gets interesting: running your finger along the surface activates a border of options around your screen (the video source is shrunken) and you can select options that are custom-tailored to the source (DVR, cable boxes -- there's even a custom iPod interface with a proprietary dock). Like we said, the company believes it's got a handle on the set-top box scene and has custom-tailored border interfaces for pretty much everything out there, which can be upgraded via firmware (hence the USB input on the console). In person, the software and control is pretty slick and snappy.

And now for the price and release date. It's actually just around the corner, October 14th, and sold exclusively through Bose stores. The upfront cost is mighty steep at $5,349, and that includes a mandatory personal delivery and installation. Then again, if you have much money to spend, is a 46-inch screen really large enough? And what of any number of other TVs with integrated sound bars? (Mitsubishi's similar Unisen series, for example, starts at $1,699.) Too early to say, but it's Bose, and that name alone packs a premium. Video after the break.
Gallery: Bose VideoWave press shots
Gallery: Bose VideoWave hands-on (and peek at internals)Continue reading Bose VideoWave fits surround sound into TV, custom UI aims to simplify set-top box clutter (video)Bose VideoWave fits surround sound into TV, custom UI aims to simplify set-top box clutter (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Micron Technology Red Hat Trident Microsystems Spss Quanta Computer

Every Home Should Come With A Built-In Slide [Homemod]

When we analyzed the plans for Steve Jobs' future home, we found one very important upgrade to be missing: A slide. Hopefully he'll think of making that addition later on, but in the meantime here's a collection of our favorite houses with built-in slides: More »

Virgin Media Technitrol Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates Thq Total System Services

Video Box Battle Royale: Who Should Be Your TV's New Best Friend? [Video]

With new offerings from Roku and Apple, and the grand impending entrance of Google TV, the crowd of little plastic boxes that all want to stream your video is getting packed. And confusing. But we're here to help you compare. More »

Directv Group Infocus International Rectifier Syntaxbrillian Amazoncom

Tablet Wars: How the BlackBerry PlayBook Measures Up

When Research in Motion introduced its tablet, the PlayBook, on Monday, it was diving into a market already dominated by Apple’s iPad.
But there’s other competition too, either already on the market or soon to be: The 5-inch Dell Streak, which is available now; and Samsung’s 7-inch Galaxy Tab, which isn’t.
Since the iPad started shipping in [...]

Automatic Data Processing L1 Identity Solutions Novell Microsemi F5 Networks

Office For Mac 2011 Reviewed And It's Actually Good [MicrosoftOffice]

Office for Mac has long been the ugly stepsister that Redmond (and Mac users) pretended didn't exist. Is the latest Office the same deal? No, says Macworld. They say Office for Mac 2011 is actually good. More »

Advanced Semiconductor Engineering Bt Group United Online Syntel Factset Research Systems

IBM's Atomic Speed Gauge Could Mean Big Things for IT

IBM researchers can now look into what's happening in individual atoms in close to real time, according to a paper published Friday in Science. "We're interested in what happens at the very end of semiconductor and the IT industries," Andreas Heinrich, one of the IBM researchers involved in the project, told TechNewsWorld. "At that point, you're looking at single atoms, and we wanted to explore what happens at that scale."

Silicon Laboratories Sybase Teletech Holdings Xilinx Cdw

Lenovo ThinkPad Edge 11 review

Sure, the word is that ultraportables - or 11- to 13-inch laptops - aren't selling particularly well, but that hasn't stopped Lenovo. In fact, the company's had a particular obsession with 11.6-inch lappies over the last six months or so, but sadly each has massively disappointed. Adamantly claiming not to be a netbook, there was first the ThinkPad X100e, which we found to be great in terms of design and size, but seriously hurting (literally!) in thermals and endurance. Then there was the IdeaPad U160, which packed Core i7 CPU power, but had a rather dreadful three hours of battery life. But the third time's got to be the charm, right? The ThinkPad Edge 11 has the same chassis as the other Edge laptops, which hold a special place in our heart, but is powered by an ultra-low voltage 1.33GHz Core i3 U380 processor, 2GB of RAM and a 250GB hard drive. It's not too shabby for its $549 starting price (the AMD-powered version starts at $449), but has Lenovo learned from the past? Is this the 11-inch notbook (our new term for a machine that looks like a netbook, but is way more powerful) to rival the rest? Read on to find out in our full review. Gallery: Lenovo ThinkPad Edge 11 reviewContinue reading Lenovo ThinkPad Edge 11 reviewLenovo ThinkPad Edge 11 review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Iron Mountain Inorated America Movil Planar Systems Ncr Zoran

Owner of Segway Company Dies in Segway Accident

The owner of Segway died on Sunday riding one of his company’s electric scooters off a cliff and into a river.
The 62-year-old millionaire Jimi Heselden crashed into the River Wharfe in Northern England while inspecting his North Yorkshire estate, according to multiple reports.
Heselden was riding a rugged-country version of the Segway, which was also recovered [...]

Hon Hai Precision Ind Maximus Hewlettpackard Viewsonic Kingston Technology Company

Print Edit for Firefox lets you easily format Web pages for printing

Filed under: Mozilla, Browser Tips
Some Web pages are easier to print than others. Some provide printer-friendly versions, or printer-friendly CSS, but what do you do when you need to print out a page that isn't so friendly? What if a Web page, printed as-is, would use up a ton of toner or would spread across multiple pages in a confusing hodgepodge of menu items, superfluous banners, and useless navigation links?
Well, Print Edit is one option. This Firefox add-on hooks into the Print Preview mode, and it adds an Edit button. Once you click Edit, you're returned to Firefox (i.e., it seems like you've exited Print Preview mode), but now, a red frame appears around any page element that your mouse hovers over.
You click all of the elements that you wish to hide or delete, and then you click Hide or Delete. You can also choose to Undo, Hide All Except, or Delete All Except.
The difference between "deleting" and "hiding" is that hiding does not affect page layout. You basically get a blank spot where the element used to be. Deleting an element does impact page layout - so if you delete a banner ad, you could make the rest of the page use that space for text (and thus require less paper for printing).
Once you're done formatting the page, click Preview to see the result. If you're happy with it, print away. If not, you can always click Edit again and continue tweaking it.
The fastest way to use this add-on is to just select the content area you want to keep and click Delete All Except. I tried this with its own add-on page at addons.mozilla.org, and I could get just the add-on's description - with no images, menu items, or anything else. It was very clean and useful.Print Edit for Firefox lets you easily format Web pages for printing originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Shaw Communications First Solar on Semiconductor Logitech International Adobe Systems

Ping finally gets proper iTunes integration

Filed under: Audio, Apple
Call me crazy, but if you're going to integrate a new social network into your desktop media library app, it might be a good idea for users to be able to share the items in their library from the get-go. That wasn't the case with Ping, however.

When it launched, songs could only be shared from the iTunes Store -- and who wants to dig around in the Store to find a song which is already in their local library just to share it on Ping? Not me, that's for sure.

With the latest update to iTunes, however, Ping is actually integrated with iTunes. As you play songs or search through your library, you can now click and post to Ping. It's much simpler, more logical, and the way Ping should have worked in iTunes from the get-go. There's also a sidebar which displays relevant information from across Ping about the artist you've selected.

I'm still not going to use Ping, but I'm glad to see Apple moved quickly to fix what was a fairly silly gap in functionality.Ping finally gets proper iTunes integration originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Earthlink Arrow Electronics Liberty Global Qimonda Unisys

Meego flashed to Nexus One, Dell Streak, HTC Desire

Filed under: Linux, Mobile

Got an HTC Desire, Nexus One, or Dell Streak burning a hole in your pocket? Wish there was something you could run on it besides Android? Probably not, but for those of you out there who just can't stand running stock anything on your devices, why not take the plunge and install Meego?

Anybody else think that Dell Streak pictured on the Meego Wiki page could use a serious screen cleaning?

[via Slashgear]
Meego flashed to Nexus One, Dell Streak, HTC Desire originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Research in Motion Harris Dst Systems Automatic Data Processing L1 Identity Solutions

Watch Jason Schwartzman's Surreal Stroll Through the New Yorker iPad App [Video]

The New Yorker magazine finally has an app to call its own. And what better way to get to know it than this sublimely bizarre introductory video from the star of Rushmore and Francis Ford Coppola's nephew? More »

Microchip Technology Vishay Intertechnology Emulex Rackable Systems Iomega

MeeGo Looks Pretty Great On Everyone Else's Phones [Video]

Just because Nokia's been slow to deploy MeeGo doesn't mean the developers over at MeeGo Wiki have to be. They've already managed to port the operating system to a Nexus One, Dell Streak, and HTC Desire. More »

Infocus International Rectifier Syntaxbrillian Amazoncom Nii Holdings

Admin templates for Google Chrome make it more enterprise-friendly

Filed under: Google, Browsers
System admins generally aren't fond of rolling out new software to their users if they don't have a measure of control over what those users can and can't do with the app in question. Google knows that, and they've been working for a while now to add enterprise-friendly policy support to Chrome.

Now, Google has made policy templates available for download which provide a measure of lockdown functionality. As you can see, after importing the .ADM files into the Windows Group Policy Editor you'll be able to manage a handful of Chrome settings via a local machine policy.

A default home page and proxy settings can be configured and Chrome Sync can be blocked, but the bulk of the options are related to background communications with Google (alternate error pages, DNS prefetch, crash reporting, suggestions, etc.). There are a few things missing right now. For example, while I can choose to disable certain plug-ins, there's no switch to disallow extension installs. I'd also like to disable Chrome's autofill feature, but it, too, is missing.

Google has also provided a separate template for managing Google Update options, which provides policy-based control over which Google Apps can install via the updater.

Providing this type of application control was a key step if Google had any hopes of wresting away enterprise market share from Internet Explorer. Now that it's here, it will be interesting to see if Chrome can make inroads in the workplace.Admin templates for Google Chrome make it more enterprise-friendly originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 25 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Qlogic Yahoo Intuit

How to fossilize yourself for future generations [Paleontology]

Find a way to guarantee that in ten thousand years your fossilized bones will be prodded at by lab-coat-wearing beings who are taller and have better teeth and prehensile tails. More »

Earthlink Arrow Electronics Liberty Global Qimonda Unisys

IBM's Atomic Speed Gauge Could Mean Big Things for IT

IBM researchers can now look into what's happening in individual atoms in close to real time, according to a paper published Friday in Science. "We're interested in what happens at the very end of semiconductor and the IT industries," Andreas Heinrich, one of the IBM researchers involved in the project, told TechNewsWorld. "At that point, you're looking at single atoms, and we wanted to explore what happens at that scale."

Saic Amkor Technology Cosmote Mobile Telecom Jds Uniphase Volt Information Sciences

Titanium Foam Builds Wolverine Bones [Titaniumfoam]

Eat your heart out, Wolverine. The X-Men superhero won't be the only one with metal fused into his skeleton if a new titanium foam proves suitable for replacing and strengthening damaged bones. More »

Infocus International Rectifier Syntaxbrillian Amazoncom Nii Holdings

Connectin brings Linked In contact integration to Android

A new application from the developer that made Rdio allows users to integrate their contacts with Linkedin; it works similar to the way the Facebook and Twitter contact syncing does. There is no dedicated Linkedin application yet, so this looks to be a welcome addition to the Android Market. The app, called Connectin, syncs phone numbers, photos, status updates and headlines (which are the titles associated with the Linkedin profile). It also supplies a link to open the full profile in the browser.  Some planned features from the developer are: In-app profile viewer People search The app is $0.99 and is now available in the Market. Follow the link or the QR code after the break to find it. [Whacked.net via Tim Bray] Note: Once you install it, it’ll be accessible via your System Settings > Accounts & Sync screen. Click the Add Account, and you should see a LinkedIn account type. Click that and you’ll be walked through the LinkedIn OAuth authorisation process. Once that’s done it’ll automatically start syncing in the background. To actually display the contacts go to your Contacts app and go to the Display option in the menu to enable display of LinkedIn contacts. On HTC phones using Sense UI, you’ll want to use the People Search app instead of Contacts.

appid: 


net.whacked.linkedin


Posted originally at Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories

Synopsys Sun Microsystems Asustek Computer Moodys Nintendo

Sling founder concocts Crestron home automation app for Android, demos it on Galaxy Tab

Two years ago in Denver, we watched as a Crestron iPhone app wowed crowds at CEDIA. At this year's show in Atlanta, a similar app has been unveiled for a rival platform: Android. Blake Krikorian, better known as the founder of Sling Media, was recently able to demonstrate a new Crestron home automation app for Android, and he did it on Samsung's much-hyped Galaxy Tab. The program (codenamed 'R2') is the result of 1.5 years of work, and in large part, it was built to overcome the many limitations of iOS. Specifically, he wanted to bypass iOS' Slide to Unlock screen, and he greatly preferred Android's multitasking implementation and background notification system. Eventually, we're expecting the app to sell for around $99, but plans beyond that have yet to be made. Hop on past the break for a video demonstration, and stay tuned for any information we dig up regarding a solid release date.Continue reading Sling founder concocts Crestron home automation app for Android, demos it on Galaxy TabSling founder concocts Crestron home automation app for Android, demos it on Galaxy Tab originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Sep 2010 16:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |  CEPro  | Email this | Comments

Ingram Micro Canon Sandisk Arian Semiconductor Equipment Ibasis

Motorola XT720 releases on Wind Mobile

Wind Mobile, a rather new Canadian based wireless carrier, has released the Motorola XT720, a high-end Android device. This phone has a 3.7-inch display with a resolution of 480x854, 512MB of on board memory, an 8MP camera and will launch running Android 2.1. We have seen that other carriers plan to launch this device with Android 2.2 so hopefully this device will see an update shortly after launch as well. So if you are on Wind, or looking to switch, and want yourself a feature loaded Android device, this could be the perfect choice for you. Check it out for yourself today and save $20, bringing the price down to $430. Thanks James! [Wind Mobile]Posted originally at Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories

Planar Systems Ncr Zoran Qualcomm Manhattan Associates

How Shazam Works To Identify (Nearly) Every Song You Throw At It [Music]

Many of us are prone to using the Shazam music-identification service whenever we encounter unfamiliar songs. After all, it's just so easy to whip out our phones, open an app, and know everything about a mystery song in seconds. But how does Shazam gives us all this information so quickly? More »

Nvidia Comcast China Mobile Network Appliance Grupo Iusacell

Rounding out the OS update apocalypse

Two days, seven device updates pushed or announced. If that doesn't overload your systems and make you giddier than a schoolgirl, what will?!? From GPS fine-tuning to pulling the training wheels off a figurative muscle car of a phone and letting it's FPS rate run free, we can agree without a doubt that its been a day chock-full of updates. Join us after the jump to check the round up! Samsung MomentSamsung USB driver installation guide for Windows 7 [video]Moment 2.1 changes and findingsNexus OneUpdated to Android 2.2.1Samsung Fascinate Bing FAQ's Non-update GPS fix Samsung Captivate How is your GPS after the update? Current Issues HTC Evo 4G The official Evo 4G update thread Evo update timing a tad too coincidental? HTC Hero Maintenance update relaesed Motorola Droid X Official Droid X Android 2.2 update threadStuck at "M" logo after updateLG AllyMaintenance update released Posted originally at Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories

Canon Sandisk Arian Semiconductor Equipment Ibasis Salesforce Com

Sonos Wireless Dock hands-on

What you have pictured here is the latest Sonos music device. In person the Sonos Wireless Dock is exactly what you were thinking when you read the press release yesterday. The demo unit had a special Sonos branded half case that left the bottom unaltered, because like many other docks, the cases get in the way of proper docking. The dock does accept the standard iPod dock inserts, so maybe there's still hope that a case manufacturer will ship it with a special insert made with the intent to simplify the life of one who like to use both an iPod case, and a dock together.
Gallery: Hands on with the Sonos Wireless DockSonos Wireless Dock hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Xilinx Cdw Western Digital Ims Health Klatencor

Apple iPad officially hits Target shelves October 3rd

Don't say we didn't warn you. The Apple iPad is pinching and zooming its way onto Target shelves starting October 3rd, in both WiFi / 3G and WiFi-only options. Those with a Target credit card can get a five percent discount when the rollout for that special begins October 17th. Is this what you've been waiting for? Probably not, but at least you know what to expect on your next expedition to the red-clad retailer.

Update: Press release after the break.Continue reading Apple iPad officially hits Target shelves October 3rdApple iPad officially hits Target shelves October 3rd originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |  Yahoo  | Email this | Comments

Asustek Computer Moodys Nintendo Google Netgear

Salesforce Buys Enterprise Chat Startup Activa Live

It appears that Salesforce has just acquired enterprise chat startup Activa Live. We've confirmed the acquisition with Salesforce.

Activa Live develops Activa Live Chat, an enterprise, on-demand live chat software for customer service, support and online proactive sales interactions. The software allows companies to monitor, identify and engage with online visitors in real-time, helping increase sales and customer satisfaction.

Automatic Data Processing L1 Identity Solutions Novell Microsemi F5 Networks

Why Do Humans Love Spicy Self-Torture? [Taste Test]

Only food prudes are afraid to dabble with a little hot sauce occasionally. But why do any of us enjoy it at all? Capsaicin, the chemical behind hotness, causes your brain to literally think your tongue is on fire. More »

Asustek Computer Moodys Nintendo Google Netgear

Nine Restaurants Sent Back From the Future to Destroy Us (With Good Eats) [Video]

The basic premises of going to a restaurant haven't changed tremendously throughout history. You sit down. You order. It shows up. Maybe it's good. But new, high tech establishments around the world are putting a innovative spin on eating out. More »

Rf Micro Devices Itron Ems Technologies Progress Software Apple Computer

Verizon CEO confirms plans for tiered data pricing

We told you so. The Wall Street Journal has updated its recent article detailing disclosures from Verizon Wireless chief Ivan Seidenberg, and the latest news is as bad as it is predictable: VZW plans to consign unlimited data plans to the annals of history over the next four to six months, to be replaced by tiered, consumption-based pricing. Seidenberg says Verizon's prices will surely differ from what AT&T recently introduced, noting that his company values data differently to the competition -- though he wouldn't say whether that means costs will be higher or lower. Either way, Droidsters, enjoy your last few months in the unlimited sun.

[Thanks, Tyler]Verizon CEO confirms plans for tiered data pricing originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 05:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |  Wall Street Journal  | Email this | Comments

Mantech International Palm Imation Mobile Telesystems Openwave Systems

This is why you should use Internet Explorer 9

Filed under: Microsoft, BrowsersIt's a little bit ironic: I was in San Francisco for the launch of IE9, yet I still haven't written anything about it. A lot has already been covered by Lee, but there are still a few hidden gems and neat details that you might not know about. In an effort to continue our exhaustive and unrivalled coverage of Web browsers, I'm going to give you my take on Microsoft's new, prospective champion.

It's hard to describe just what makes Internet Explorer 9 such joy to use. It would be easy to say 'it just works,' but that would be a cop-out. IE9 is like a simple, beautifully elegant dress -- sleek lines, no frills, but masterfully designed with a singular purpose in mind: Web browsing.
The first thing that strikes you with IE9 -- except the fact that it requires a frickin' reboot to install -- is just how smooth your interaction with the browser, and thus the Web, is. The UI has been designed by a genius, and the way tabs and windows whoosh around is reminiscent of Firefox's Panorama. There's definitely been a move towards more tactile interfaces in recent years, and it leaves Chrome feeling positively clunky in comparison.


There are little things, like the perfection of the address bar (the 'One Box'): notice how it 'greys out' when your mouse isn't near it; how the stop and refresh buttons are also there (and movable, if you prefer them on the left); how you can turn search-as-you-type on and off. It's so perfect, and such a glorious amalgam of Firefox and Chrome, that it hurts.



Moving on (I've calmed down now), the unified tab-and-address bar area, which has received a lot of flak for being too small for power-users, is resizable! You can simply make the address bar narrower, leaving more space for tabs. More space is also dedicated to tabs on wider displays: screen widths over 1280 pixels (i.e., every power-user) have two thirds of that space reserved for tabs -- it's only on smaller screens that the address bar occupies half the width (and it's still resizable!).



Putting the One Box (Omnibox, eat your heart out) on the same line as the tabs also puts IE9 into first place as far as vertical space is concerned. It's about 20 pixels more compact than Chrome, but almost half the size of Firefox 4's bulky address-and-tabs-and-huge-orange-button setup.


Then there's the Windows 7 taskbar, or 'Superbar,' integration. When I first saw it in action during the keynote speech, I was dubious, but I needn't have worried; it's awesome. You almost don't need tabs -- simply pin your top five most-visited sites and use the Superbar instead! If you haven't seen it in action yet, visit Twitter (in IE9 of course) and drag the tab down to the Superbar. Open another tab -- your 'mentions' pane, for example. Now hover over the Twitter icon on the Superbar; you have quick access to every open tab!

The pinned app icon also has a jumplist that can be added with a few META tags in a site's HTML. Right click your Twitter icon and you can jump straight to 'New Tweet.' A site can also notify you of changes to a page through the Superbar -- if you pin Facebook to your superbar, you'll see a red star appear when there's activity on your news stream.



IE9 blurs the difference between the Web and your operating system -- and that's intentional. The average user now spends so much time surfing the Web that the underlying operating system, and downloaded, locally-run apps, have become all but redundant. Remember, too, that Google is working on a browser that is an operating system.

After talking to Microsoft, Google, and Mozilla in San Francisco and Mountain View, I'm sure that this is just the opening salvo in the browser-as-a-platform crusade. All three major browsers have now assembled their forces -- HTML5, standards compliance, fast JavaScript execution, and hardware accelerated rendering -- and it makes me wonder whether Windows 7 might be the last local software-oriented operating system that we'll see. It certainly makes sense for Google to push Chrome OS -- they have nothing to lose! -- but it leaves a huge question mark hanging ominously over the fate of Windows 8.

We're now moving at such a speed that in the next couple of years, Web apps will become so tightly integrated to the parent OS that they will simply become apps. You'll be able to write one app in JavaScript and CSS that looks the same across every browser -- and thus every platform: mobile, desktop, and television. Both end-users and developers should be salivating.

[Internet Explorer 9 download link]This is why you should use Internet Explorer 9 originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rackable Systems Iomega Iron Mountain Inorated America Movil Planar Systems

Nitro PDF Reader is a powerful, free Adobe Reader alternative

Filed under: Business, Adobe
There are all sorts of compelling reasons to try an alternative PDF reader, security not being the least. Adobe Reader is also quite stingy with its functionality - you can't even annotate PDFs.
Nitro PDF Reader is an alternative reader with a modern-looking interface, and it offers generous annotation options. Unlike Foxit Reader, Nitro doesn't appear to watermark your PDF when you annotate it. You can highlight sections of the document, add text, add sticky-notes, and stamp your signature (not a digital signature - just a scanned one).
If you're lucky, you may also be able to extract graphics and text from your PDF. Ironically, I was unable to extract the images from Nitro's own sample PDF (the Welcome file that comes with the reader). Another thing you should know is that it's quite a memory hog. I tried the same document with both Foxit and Nitro; Foxit clocked in at 8MB, while Nitro consumed a whopping 63MB. Again, this is for the same exact one-page document. This is even more than Acrobat Reader 9.3, which consumed 50MB for that same document.
Still, if you've got a little RAM to spare (and most of us do), I think Nitro is a worthy contender, if only for its annotation capabilities and simple interface.Nitro PDF Reader is a powerful, free Adobe Reader alternative originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Klatencor International Business Machines Quantum Sonic Automotive Ikon Office Solutions

Twitter onMouseOver flaw poses huge risk to users, is being actively exploited

Filed under: Security
Sophos Labs' Graham Cluely posted this morning about a nasty little Twitter security flaw that is being actively exploited. Twitter apparently doesn't block onMouseOver JavaScript code, which (you guessed it!) kicks in when your mouse pointer passes over a specially crafted link.

What happens next is up to the creator. It could be something harmless like the alert box you see above, or it could just as easily be a rogue antivirus pop-up or some nasty porn site. Again, you don't need to click -- you simply have to mouse over a link. As Cluely points out, all Twitter really needs to do is block the OnMouseOver text from being displayed.

TweetDeck reminds users that this exploit doesn't affect third-party clients. Unless you're using twitter.com, you should be totally safe.

At this point, probably 70% of the users I question about how they got an infection are telling me that they were fine until they clicked something from a friend on Facebook or Twitter. I'm starting to think those two sites are going to play cat-and-mouse with Adobe Reader and the Flash Player plug-in for the "who can cause the most malware infections" crown.

update: Twitter responded in a hurry, and the exploit has already been patched.Twitter onMouseOver flaw poses huge risk to users, is being actively exploited originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

America Movil Planar Systems Ncr Zoran Qualcomm

Glam Media Continues Hiring Spree; Scores Talent From Yahoo, Google, Conde Nast

Glam Media, a top-ranked women?s media network, is announcing a number of new hires today for its technology, brand sales, engineering, and product teams.

Chris Murphy joins Glam as the Sr. Director of Platform Solutions after five years working in advertising at Yahoo. Murphy originally joined Yahoo when the company acquired ad exchange RightMedia. Manuel Ponce De Leon, Glam's new Program Manager for Media Products, joins the company after serving as the lead for the rich media product team at Google. Lindsey Frankenfield, a former ad exec at Technorati, is joining as Program Manager for Ad Serving & Data Products; and Ryan Bowermaster, Program Manager for Ad Platforms, joins Glam from Yahoo, where he worked on RightMedia's Display Platform API. These employees will be working on Glam Adapt, the company's recently launched new ad serving technology.

Network Appliance Grupo Iusacell Qlogic Yahoo Intuit

You Ask, We Find ? Leather ?Watch? Band for iPod nano (6th gen)

A couple of days ago, Julie posted a news item about the NanoWatch silicone straps for the new iPod nano.� One of our readers – Mark Rosengarten – said he was holding out for a leather wrist strap.� A company called iLoveHandles has a black genuine leather band they call the Rock Band.� This strap [...] Filed in categories: News, Spotlight Gadgets, Watches and Clocks, iPhone, iPad, iPod relatedTagged: Nano, WatchYou Ask, We Find – Leather “Watch” Band for iPod nano (6th gen) originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 23, 2010 at 7:30 am.

Intel Mantech International Palm Imation Mobile Telesystems

The Future of Pancakes Is in a Spraycan, and It Tastes Like Hickory Smoked Bacon [Batter Blaster]

You've heard of Batter Blaster, the surprisingly tasty pancake that's sprayed out of a can. That was just the beginning. Here's our exclusive look inside the Batter Blaster R&D lab fridge, and what's coming next. To start: Bacon. Flavored. Pancakes. More »

F5 Networks Inventec Digital China Holdings Key Hewlett Packard Co

Daily Crunch: Electromagnetic Edition

Welcome To The Future: The First Truly Portable Coil gun The Brand New Peek 9 Brings Apps, Facebook, Twitter, PeekMaps, RSS, Weather And A Generous Speed Bump Got A Spare $100k? Buy Your Own Stargate For The Backyard New Compass Finds Its Way With Light Brando Outs iPad Case That Looks Like A Notebook

Arian Semiconductor Equipment Ibasis Salesforce Com Hypercom Finisar

Netflix now streams unlimited TV and movies in Canada for $7.99 per month

Filed under: Video
As a Canadian living about 600 miles from the nearest metropolitan center, this is huge news: Netflix has opened its doors in Canada. The service is streaming-only -- no rentals by mail as in the U.S. -- but I'll take it.

For $7.99 a month, Canadians can watch all the TV shows and movies they want via their Wii, PS3, or PC -- Xbox 360 support is coming soon. Better still, your first month of Netflix viewing won't cost you a cent. The selection here in Canada isn't nearly what it is in the States, but that will certainly improve in time.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go watch Waterworld. No, not really.Netflix now streams unlimited TV and movies in Canada for $7.99 per month originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Bt Group United Online Syntel Factset Research Systems Trimble Navigation Limited

Silicone Cover for iPod nano 6th Generation

HandHeldItems is offering a premium silicone skin cover for the tiny new 6th-generation iPod nano.� These cases cover up the pretty metallic body of the new nano, but they protect it from scratches.� The clip and the connectors are left free; the power and volume buttons are covered by the silicone.� The cases are available [...] Filed in categories: News, iPhone, iPad, iPod relatedTagged: Cases and covers, iPod nanoSilicone Cover for iPod nano 6th Generation originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 21, 2010 at 2:00 pm.

Earthlink Arrow Electronics Liberty Global Qimonda Unisys

Final Fantasy XIV PC controller debuts in dazzling white

Been itching to wrap your mitts around the latest Final Fantasy chapter? Well, we trust you've already obtained the FF XIV-endorsed WiFi router from Planex, so why not complete the set with the official PC controller from Sunflex? Coming in a snowy white enclosure, it doesn't stray far from the Dual Shock recipe that most PC gamepad makers like to cook from, although it does offer curiously elongated hand grips. Are Final Fantasy players generally larger than the average gamer or is this just a more ergonomic design for those 20-hour grinding sessions in the world that Square Enix built?Final Fantasy XIV PC controller debuts in dazzling white originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 04:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |  Kotaku  | Email this | Comments

Manhattan Associates Miscrosoft Office Epicor Software Insight Enterprises Nikon

Zune Pass expanding to U.K. and Europe, more nations get movie rentals and purchases

Filed under: Audio, Video, MicrosoftMicrosoft has announced a new expansion for Zune services. The news is a touch bittersweet for me, since it didn't involve the arrival of Zune Pass in Canada. Maybe next time...

Those of you who live in the U.K., France, Italy, and Spain, however, can now enjoy the Zune Pass music subscription service for £8.99 or 9.99 Euros per month. That's only a tad pricier than the $14.99 U.S. residents pay for all-you-can-eat music via Zune. The "keep 10 MP3s per month" option remains U.S. only, unfortunately.

Those four countries -- along with Germany -- can also now buy music via Zune, and movie rentals and purchases have been extended to even more countries. Here's how the video expansion breaks down:

Rentals: U.K., France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Mexico, Canada, Australia and New Zealand


Purchase: U.K., France, Germany, Canada, Australia and New Zealand

This is great news for anyone who owns an Xbox 360 or plans on purchasing a Windows Phone 7 device -- but it's also good news for Windows users in general. There's plenty of good content to be had on Zune, and it never hurts to have one more option for purchasing downloadable music and video content.

Hit up the official Microsoft press release for full details.Zune Pass expanding to U.K. and Europe, more nations get movie rentals and purchases originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Logitech International Adobe Systems International Business Machines (Ibm) Alliance Data Systems International Game Technology

6-Circular-Saw Powered Dragster Is Lots of Fun and/or Potentially Horrible Death [PowerTools]

Here's a weekend DIY idea if you have six 16-inch Makita circular saws laying around: Build a dragster, use them as your engine, and enter the Power Tool Drag Racing Competition. That's exactly what Barry Lee, on the photo, did. More »

Texas Instruments Lexmark International Verifone Holdings Earthlink Arrow Electronics

How to Make an iPad Stylus From a Candy Bar Wrapper [Video]

Want a cheap stylus for your iPad? It only takes a pen and one of those metallic candy, cereal, or protein bar wrappers. The Mosspuppet goes all DIY to explain how to do it in this step-by-step video guide. [Twitter] More »

Novellus Systems Siemens Asml Holding Seagate Technology Fairchild Semiconductor International

How Hard Would You Kick Yourself If the Aliens Came and You Hadn't Made Your Power Loader? [Video]

In only two weeks, Alexthemoviegeek constructed this meticulously detailed, full-size Power Loader. He has generously offered instructions so you can do the same. But first, let's watch his take on a full-size Alien Queen replica: More »

Cosmote Mobile Telecom Jds Uniphase Volt Information Sciences Silicon Laboratories Sybase

BenQ intros 23-inch XL2410 3D monitor for your stereoscopic camping delight

If you're looking to don a pair of NVIDIA's 3D Vision specs, a 120Hz monitor is your ticket to the game, and BenQ thinks that its LED-backlit variation on the familiar 23.6-inch 1080p panel is the most gamer-centric you'll find. While the base doesn't seem to swivel like the Alienware OptX AW2310 nor component video in like the ASUS VG236H, it does feature adjustable height, allegedly low input lag for split-section reaction times, not to mention a bevy of display scaling modes for VGA, DVI and HDMI. There's also the always-desirable picture by picture mode so you can have two inputs pumping out video content side-by-side; BenQ helpfully suggests you use it to entertain yourself with a movie while you wait for that perfect headshot. Boom? Find it in Europe this October, and "worldwide thereafter" at an undisclosed price. Press release after the break.

[Thanks, John N.]Continue reading BenQ intros 23-inch XL2410 3D monitor for your stereoscopic camping delightBenQ intros 23-inch XL2410 3D monitor for your stereoscopic camping delight originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 05:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

National Instruments Accenture Micron Technology Red Hat Trident Microsystems

Joby's Gorillapod Video breaks cover at Photokina, complete with swivel arm

Joby has pretty much set the standard for portable, flexible, curious looking tripods, and while it has evolved over the years to include support for bulky DSLRs, it hasn't really made the same strides to cover the burgeoning pocket camcorder realm. Until today. Here in Köln, the outfit used Photokina as a launching pad for their newest portable tripod, the Gorillapod Video. For all intents and purposes, this is a classic Gorillapod with an omni-directional positioning video head, an extension arm for pans and tilts and magnetic feet for connecting it to your nearby barn. There's a small button on the head that allows the swivel arm to collapse for even easier travel, and during our moments with it here on the show floor, we were duly impressed with how it held the pocket camcorder strapped on top of it. It's available to order right now for $29.95, with shipments expected within the next fortnight. You know the drill -- gallery's below if you're craving more. Gallery: Joby Gorillapod Video hands-on at Photokina 2010 Gallery: Joby Gorillapod Video press shotsContinue reading Joby's Gorillapod Video breaks cover at Photokina, complete with swivel armJoby's Gorillapod Video breaks cover at Photokina, complete with swivel arm originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 07:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |  Joby  | Email this | Comments

Bt Group United Online Syntel Factset Research Systems Trimble Navigation Limited

Starkey Labs Tunz Duo In-Ear Monitor Review

While some earphones/headphones available for the iPhone/iPod/iPad are great, most fall into the pretty good category.� But all of them are light years better than the earbuds that come standard with your device. The difference is that noticeable. This is not a review for you who are still using earbuds, unless you KNOW how awful [...] Filed in categories: Audio, Video, TV Gear, Reviews, iPhone, iPad, iPod relatedTagged: Audio, Earphones, in-ear monitors, iPad, iPhone, iPod, portable audioStarkey Labs Tunz Duo In-Ear Monitor Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 20, 2010 at 12:00 pm.

Seagate Technology Fairchild Semiconductor International Eclipsys Nanya Technology Si International

DLS review: System Ninja complements CCleaner, doesn't replace it

Filed under: Utilities, Windows
Using the word "ninja" in the name of an application is a good way to grab a geek's attention. Enter System Ninja, a CCleaner-like cleaning and tune-up utility for Windows. After reading about System Ninja this morning on Freeware Genius, I decided to give it a go.

In addition to performing file clean-ups, System Ninja includes a handful of other utilities. However, I don't need to use a startup manager or process manager very often, and the included tools aren't really an improvement over those that are already a part of your Windows install, like MSConfig and Task Manager. To me, it's really all about cleaning up the digital junk I leave scattered about my hard drive -- and CCleaner located almost 50 times more than System Ninja. That's a pretty substantial difference.

I'm also not keen on "borrowing" icons from successful apps -- and System Ninja does just that (image after the break).

Does that folder junk cleaner icon look familiar to anyone else? Moving on...

The Folder Junk Cleaner is somewhat interesting, however, in that it looks everywhere for certain types of files that might not be needed. CCleaner, on the other hand, only checks pre-defined locations out-of-the-box. That means System Ninja could theoretically find and remove more cruft -- except that you can add custom folders and file types to CCleaner (which is what I'd recommend doing).

System Ninja can also download and run MalRun Destroyer, a malware and spyware tool. Upon downloading the tool and running a scan, however, I found that the MalRun .INI file currently only sports 93 known processes -- not quite the comprehensive coverage I'm looking for in a malware cleanup tool. It could, however, prove useful for taking care of certain common, easy-to-remove malware.

Need to check a file's MD5 or SHA checksum? I've never really had the need, but System Ninja has the built-in ability to do so. There's also a boot log generator, but again -- you can do this quite simply using MSConfig.

The Good:

Portable
Lightweight and fast
Finds some files that CCleaner won't without customization
Decent assortment of system tools

The Bad:

Didn't find anywhere near as much junk as CCleaner in my testing
Process and startup manager aren't really an improvement over Windows' built-in tools
No option to customize file types to search for



Bottom Line: It never hurts to give a new clean-up application a try, and System Ninja may work better for you than it did for me. If not, all you've got to do is delete the files and move on -- there's really nothing to lose except for a few minutes of your time. System Ninja definitely has potential and will be worth keeping an eye on.
DLS review: System Ninja complements CCleaner, doesn't replace it originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Trimble Navigation Limited Mcafee Scientific Games Emc Kddi

What a Package Hears as It Travels Across Europe [Video]

What's does being shipped sound like? A student at the Royal College of Art in London shoved a dictaphone inside a parcel and sent it off to Helsinki to find out. Here, charmingly animated, is what it heard. [Motherboard.tv] More »

Mentor Graphics Jack Henry and Associates Standard Microsystems Sra International Idt

Michael Dell teases new 7-inch Android tablet, says Streak to land in Best Buy next month (update: pic)

Oh Michael, such a teaser you are. Word has it that the head honcho of Dell Inc. has just pulled out yet another Android tablet from his pocket, only this time it's a 7-inch whopper. Sadly, Mr. Dell left us high and dry with dates and specs (and the lack of photos from the event doesn't help, either), but we'll bet you that this is the long-rumored Looking Glass. On a more solid note, Dell also announced that the smaller Streak is heading to Best Buy next month. That's great, except some of us would rather see the tabletphone getting its share of Froyo sooner -- here's hoping that this bigger tablet won't disappoint us with an outdated OS.

Update: As it just so happens, Reuters snapped a pic of Mr. Dell himself holding the tablet on stage, and sure enough, it resembles that leaked Looking Glass even from quite a distance away.Michael Dell teases new 7-inch Android tablet, says Streak to land in Best Buy next month (update: pic) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 15:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |  Wall Street Journal, ABC  | Email this | Comments

Si International Micros Systems Cisco Systems Hcl Technologies Infosys Technologies

Netflix busted for using actors in crowd at Canadian launch event

Netflix certainly didn't have much trouble attracting interest in its Canadian launch today -- the country's waited long enough, after all -- but it looks like it nonetheless went a bit too far in its efforts to build up buzz at its press event. It turns out that many of the onlookers at the event were actually actors hired by Netflix, at least some of whom went as far as to talk to the press and pass themselves off as regular people -- regular people who happen to be really enthusiastic about Netflix, of course. An information sheet handed out to the extras reportedly even told them to "play types" and "behave as members of the public" who just "happen upon a street event for Netflix and stop by to check it out." After word of the shenanigans got out, Netflix quickly issued an apology, of sorts -- the company's VP of corporate communications, Steve Swasey, said that he was "unaware" that a script was handed out to the extras, and that "some people got carried away and it's embarrassing to Netflix."Netflix busted for using actors in crowd at Canadian launch event originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |  The Globe and Mail  | Email this | Comments

Hcl Technologies Infosys Technologies Zions Ban Symantec Synopsys

An iPhone App For Asking Questions And Getting Nearby Answers

The search engine Ask is about to submit an iPhone app to Apple designed for asking questions on the go. About a year ago, Ask returned to its roots as a place to ask and answer questions. Roughly 35 to 40 percent of all search queries typed into Ask are in the form of a question, versus maybe 6 to 9 percent for other search engines, according to Ask president Doug Leeds. Ask's main search page centers around questions, and last July it launched a social Q&A feature that is still in private beta.

When the iPhone app launches in the next couple of weeks, anyone who downloads it will automatically be enrolled in Ask's social Q&A beta. The app lets you ask questions either by typing them in or speaking them. It translates the voice to text and then tries to offer up the most likely answer right away, based on its index of more than 500 million question and answer pairs from sources across the Web, including other Q&A sites, FAQ pages, and more. Right below that best guess is an option to "Ask the Community." Your question will then be routed to people in the beta who self-selected as being knowledgeable in related categories.

Salesforce Com Hypercom Finisar Methode Electronics Elpida Memory

The Randomiser lets you draw straws, 21st century style

Filed under: Design, web 2.0
The Randomiser is a one-trick pony, but it's an extremely fetching one. You get a huge, chunky text box on a dark background, where you enter a list of items (comma separated). Then, you hit Enter, and Randomiser chooses one item and tells you what it is.
It's as simple as that, really. The Randomiser beautifully designed, fast, and it works. If it only had a high-profile domain name, it's the type of thing that could become a widely-recognized utility. "Drawing straws" is one of the few remaining things Google doesn't do with its search box (yet?), and it's something just about everyone needs from time to time.
Randomiser presents a couple of tabs at the bottom: one is a simple suggestions tab (to give you some ideas for things you can "Randomise"), and one is "Recently Randomised," which actually gives you a nice, large ... error message.
Still, if it ever gets fixed this option introduces an interesting twist. On the one hand, what you enter won't be private (somewhat of a downer). On the other hand, you can look at what other (random) people are entering, which could be interesting.
Next time you're deliberating over what you should get for lunch, give Randomiser a shot. The authoritative manner in which it presents the selected answer is very convincing. One might even call it commanding.The Randomiser lets you draw straws, 21st century style originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

America Movil Planar Systems Ncr Zoran Qualcomm

YouTube begins trial of live streaming platform, crowd goes wild

Filed under: Internet, Video, GoogleFrom the oh dear Lord, it's about time department: YouTube, over the next two days, is conducting a trial of its new live streaming platform.

This first test will see live content streamed by four of its partners: Howcast, Next New Networks (Barely Political), Rocketboom and Young Hollywood. Admittedly I haven't heard of any of them -- and I'm more interested in watching the season finale of True Blood -- but looking at their channel pages, they all seem to be popular.

The test will run for two days, after which live streaming will presumably be rolled out to the unwashed masses. While I'm sure there'll be tons of user-generated content, I'm more interested in whether YouTube can strike up broadcast deals with real broadcasters. TV shows, live music, news... this could be massive.

The live broadcast schedule for today is below -- see if anything catches your eye!

YouTube begins trial of live streaming platform, crowd goes wild originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Arian Semiconductor Equipment Ibasis Salesforce Com Hypercom Finisar

Halp, Apple Genius! There's a Hamster in My iMac and it's Chewing All the Bits! [Apple]

Of the few iMac hamster cages we've seen before, this one just takes the seed-biscuit. Gutted and then added with a Rotastak-like tube, its hamster-tenant turns the cogs and occasionally eats some bits. Watch the video here: [Gizmodo Japan] More »

Ims Health Klatencor International Business Machines Quantum Sonic Automotive

Deal of the Day ? Lenovo ThinkPad X201 2.53GHz Core i5 Express Ship 12? Laptop

The LogicBUY Deal for Tuesday is for a Lenovo ThinkPad ultra-light X201 12.1? laptop running Windows 7.� Base features are for a core i5-520M 2.4 GHz machine with 2GB of memory and a WXGA LED screen, Intel HD graphics, 160GB hard disk, a webcam with microphone, and more.� You can get the Express Ship i5 [...] Filed in categories: NewsTagged: Deal of the DayDeal of the Day ? Lenovo ThinkPad X201 2.53GHz Core i5 Express Ship 12? Laptop originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 21, 2010 at 6:30 am.

Sandisk Arian Semiconductor Equipment Ibasis Salesforce Com Hypercom

Show File Size for Firefox shows you file sizes before you download

Filed under: Utilities, Mozilla, Browsers
Show File Size is a tiny add-on that does exactly one thing: it adds the file size to Firefox's file download dialog.
In true Firefox style, even this one trick pony has an Options dialog: It lets you set how many decimal points you want to round the number down to. So, do you want 5.317 MB, or is 5.3 MB more your style?
Joking aside, though, this can be handy for some situations. Most serious websites do list the file size next to the download link, but every now and then I click on a link that should lead to a tiny application, and then I find myself downloading a 50MB piece of bloatware.
More than anything, really, I think this is yet another testament to how customizable Firefox is. It's not a whole new dialog; it's a seamless modification of a very specific part of the program, and it's done in a way that feels completely native. It's nice, and I don't think it's something you could do with Jetpack (right?).Show File Size for Firefox shows you file sizes before you download originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Verisign Hynix Semiconductor Sykes Enterprises Inorated Lawson Software Perot Systems

How to Supercharge Your Booze for Fast Infused Cocktails [Taste Test]

Infused liquors are the darling of high end mixologists everywhere—but the aging process required usually makes it a no-no for drinking at home. No more! Using only a cream whipper, you can shove flavor into drinks in minutes. More »

Total System Services Quest Software Acer Powerchip Semiconductor Dlink

That Twitter Exploit Patch Brought Some Neat New Features Along With It [Twitter]

Twitter was going nuts this morning with a fresh exploit that had people inadvertently retweeting spam links left and right, but thankfully Twitter was quick to patch things up. And as it happens their fix didn't just fix things, it improved them: the patch brought Reply to All and Auto-Complete features to the recently revamped Twitter.com. I'll take it! [TechCrunch] More »

Hewlett Packard Co Discover Financial Services Compal Electronics Transaction Systems Architects Tibco Software

Hard Candy Cases for iPad Review

In case you didn?t notice, Apple released their iPad tablet in April of this year.� It?s been a bit of a success, and there have been several accessories released for it.� Okay, there have been a LOT of accessories released for it, and I personally have tried out quite a few cases and covers for [...] Filed in categories: Reviews, iPhone, iPad, iPod relatedTagged: iPad cases and coversHard Candy Cases for iPad Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 21, 2010 at 8:00 am.

Radisys Level 3 Communications Fiserv Research in Motion Harris

Playboy Goes Non Nude For iPad

Soon the official Playboy iPad App will be revealed but certain other elements won’t be. What we’re trying to say is that in order to follow Apple’s very strict anti-obscenity rules Playboy has agreed to keep their app for the iPad tablet device entirely non-nude and tasteful. With no nudity allowed Playboy may just have [...]

Saic Amkor Technology Cosmote Mobile Telecom Jds Uniphase Volt Information Sciences