Best Space Photos of the Year 2012 - We round up the most amazing, mind-blowing, spectacular, and jaw-dropping photos of planets, moons, galaxies, and nebulas from our perennially popular Space Photo of the Day gallery.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Netflix outage mars Christmas Eve
Netflix outage mars Christmas Eve - The company's video streaming service went down for an unknown number of people across the U.S. yesterday. The outage apparently has continued into Christmas morning.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Monday, December 24, 2012
NASA offers free e-book for iPad owners
NASA offers free e-book for iPad owners - 
What a nice holiday gift from NASA: it's an interactive e-book available in the iBookstore called Hubble Space Telescope: Discoveries, featuring beautiful images, video and animations relating to the space telescope that is giving us striking new views of the universe we live in.
"These new e-books from NASA will allow people to discover Hubble and Webb in a whole new way - both the science and the technology behind building them," said Amber Straughn, an astrophysicist on the Webb telescope project at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. "They collect all of the amazing resources about these two observatories in an excellent product that I think people will really enjoy."
The e-books are highly interactive and include image galleries and videos. Tracy Vogel of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Md., is part of the design team that put them together. "For instance, the readers can watch a galaxy collision simulation video, manipulate a telescope model to see it from all angles, or flip through a gallery of planetary nebulae - all right there on the page," Vogel said.
If you have an iPad the book is available at this link. Be forewarned; it's a hefty download, almost 900 MB. The e-book requires iBooks 3.0 or later and iOS 5.1.
Best Buy employee asks for receipt, allegedly attacked
Best Buy employee asks for receipt, allegedly attacked - A 61-year-old Best Buy employee who asked a couple for their receipt as they left the store, is allegedly beaten to the ground.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Remembering Joe Woodland, the Man Who Invented the Bar Code
Remembering Joe Woodland, the Man Who Invented the Bar Code - Joe Woodland -- who died last week at the age of 91 -- is the man who dreamt up what became the Universal Product Code, the ubiquitous bar code used to ring up your groceries every time you visit the supermarket.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Moog Updates Its Far-Out Synthesizer App for iPad
Moog Updates Its Far-Out Synthesizer App for iPad - Moog Music's Animoog synthesizer -- the iPad's most spaced-out, most diabolically fun musical instrument app -- just got a big upgrade.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Is Amazon working on its own version of AppleCare for Kindle products?
Is Amazon working on its own version of AppleCare for Kindle products? -
Amazon may be considering extended warranty and repair services similar to Apple’s AppleCare, according to two trademark application the company filed earlier this month. The applications also suggest that the company may expand its Kindle brand far beyond the current segment of tablets and ebook readers.
On December 13, the company filed a trademark application for the wordmark “Kindle” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office with a curious description of the associated goods and services ...
(Via TheAppleBlog.)
Boombox Breakdown: 11 Portable Bluetooth Speakers Tested
Boombox Breakdown: 11 Portable Bluetooth Speakers Tested - We navigate the flood of Jambox wannabes, testing a bunch of Bluetooth portable boomboxes. Here are eleven contenders for the wireless speaker crown.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
A made-in-the-U.S., audiophile-grade turntable for $150?
A made-in-the-U.S., audiophile-grade turntable for $150? - That's what a group of talented twentysomethings are promising on their recently launched Kickstarter project, we'll see. [Read more]
(Via CNET News.com.)
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Apple Cries Foul Over Licensing, Forces Largest-Ever Kickstarter Refund
Apple Cries Foul Over Licensing, Forces Largest-Ever Kickstarter Refund - In September, Jamie Siminoff and Edison Junior raised $139,170 on Kickstarter to support the creation of POP, a minimalist multidevice charging station. Today, in the largest Kickstarter refund yet, they're giving that money back.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Camera+ update adds higher image quality option
Camera+ update adds higher image quality option -
One of the most popular camera app alternatives on the App Store, Camera+, was hit with a new update today, version 3.7. The refresh -- of which there have been many this year -- adds several tweaks, but most notable is the new "High" image quality option. Selecting the new setting as opposed to the "Normal" (previously known as "Full") setting will reward you with a full-resolution photo, but also massive file sizes.
Version 3.7 also adds new support for what the update note calls "atypical image formats" though no specific additions were listed. The app's front-facing flash feature, which produces a bright white screen to briefly light the subject, has also been tweaked. The update even mentions that this particular feature is great for sexting, just in case you were wondering.
Apple issues iOS 6 update to fix Wi-Fi bug
Apple issues iOS 6 update to fix Wi-Fi bug -
Apple released an update for iOS on Tuesday, version 6.0.2. This update looks like it was rolled out to squash a particularly annoying bug some iPhone users were experiencing: trouble connecting to or staying connected to Wi-Fi networks.
When releasing the software update, Apple didn’t specify the nature of the bug. But a look at the company’s online support forums show a variety of complaints related to accessing some local networks.
The complaints popped up after iOS 6′s release in September, and the problems persisted even after Apple released 6.0.1 in November.
(Via TheAppleBlog.)
Smart motorcyle helmet cushions you from concussion
Smart motorcyle helmet cushions you from concussion - A new helmet from 6D Helmets aims to eliminate some of the most common brain injuries suffered by riders. [Read more]
(Via CNET News.com.)
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
iTunes 11 tips and tricks
iTunes 11 tips and tricks - iTunes 11 offers some significant tweaks to the program's interface, which may take some getting used to but in some instances can be reverted.
(Via CNET News.com.)
HP printer can act as Wi-Fi hot spot
HP printer can act as Wi-Fi hot spot - A new HP LaserJet Pro does double duty as a multifunction printer and a wireless hot spot.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Gmail for iOS updated with new look, Kindle app expands X-Ray feature
Gmail for iOS updated with new look, Kindle app expands X-Ray feature - Google on Tuesday released a major update to its Gmail iOS app, with a new look and several new features headlined by multiple-account support. Amazon also rolled out a new version of its Kindle app, which sports deeper integration of its touted X-Ray feature.
(Via AppleInsider.)
Apple iWork suite for both iOS and OS X updated
After a lengthy break since the last revision, Apple has updated its entire iWork suite of programs on both iOS and OS X. Pages, Numbers and Keynote for iOS are now at version 1.7, with improved compatibility with Microsoft Office and the counterpart iWork programs for Mac. The OS X version has been upgraded to version 9.3, adding support for iWork for iOS 1.7 ...
How to improve sound quality in iTunes
How to improve sound quality in iTunes - With a few preferences and equalizer changes you can greatly enhance the sound of your iTunes library [Read more]
(Via CNET News.com.)
ActivePrint Pro: Printing from the road
ActivePrint Pro: Printing from the road - 
ActivePrint (US$3.99) represents a new and intriguing entry into the AirPrint arena. In its natural state, Apple's AirPrint service allows you to wirelessly print documents from your iOS device to an AirPrint-enabled printer on the same network.
We at TUAW have long been big fans of Printopia, a utility that extends AirPrint to any standard printer, not just those with AirPrint capabilities. ActivePrint promises a way to move beyond local networks, so you can print from the road as well as at the office or home.
It works by hosting a Windows or OS X application on your desktop computer. You register the application by your email address (and opt out of promotional emails), and receive a PIN to use. On iOS, you add the address and PIN into the ActivePrint client and you're ready to start printing -- whether you're at home or halfway across the world.
Unlike Printopia and similar products like FingerPrint and handyPrint, which offer wireless printing from any iOS application, you do need to run a separate client on your iOS device. You export data from native apps over to the printing one. iOS's "Open in" system enables you to copy data for printing.
Although the app promotes Dropbox, SkyDrive and Box.net support, it basically tells you to download those clients, and use "Open in" to transfer data. A special "activeprint://" URL scheme lets you transfer web page addresses to the app but it's a bit frustrating to use. As you can see, the interface is pretty cluttered for what should be a simple utility ...
Sunday, November 25, 2012
<em>Hitchcock</em> Shows 6 Ways <em>Psycho</em> Slashed Hollywood's Rule Book to Shreds
Hitchcock Shows 6 Ways Psycho Slashed Hollywood's Rule Book to Shreds - Alfred Hitchcock might have been a bully, a voyeur and a snob, the master filmmaker was also a shrewd subversive who beat stodgy Hollywood suits at their own game.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Mobilize Your Data With Wired's Top 3 Portable Storage Drives
Mobilize Your Data With Wired's Top 3 Portable Storage Drives - Auto-backups, sharing files, simple peace of mind. You should never be without a reliable portable drive for storing your data.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
HDMI cable buying guide
HDMI cable buying guide - Find the best price on the right cable for your new HDTV.
(Via CNET News.com.)
8 Apps for an Awesome Thanksgiving Day
8 Apps for an Awesome Thanksgiving Day -
A time to gather together with loved ones, scarf down gluttonous volumes of deliciously cooked foods, and give thanks for all of the great things happening in your life, Thanksgiving is a wonderful once-a-year opportunity to gorge on the spice of life. With lots of family, food, and fun also comes a lot of hard work and more than a little craziness both inside and outside of the kitchen. We aim to make your turkey day smoother one with this selection of helpful apps for planning, prepping, cooking, and keeping everyone happy during this festive holiday.
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Skype unwraps gift cards
Skype unwraps gift cards - Starting at $10, the new cards can give the gift of free Skype phone calls or text messages to people on your shopping list.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Report: Over 1 Million Apps Have Been Submitted to iOS App Store
Report: Over 1 Million Apps Have Been Submitted to iOS App Store - Mobile app development hit a major milestone today when Apple accepted its one-millionth ? yes, one-millionth ? app for sale in the App Store, further underscoring Cupertino's lead in the apps space.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Murder Suspect John McAfee: I'm Innocent
Murder Suspect John McAfee: I'm Innocent - John McAfee, 67, is the prime suspect in a murder discovered Sunday morning in Belize. Convinced that he'll be killed if he's taken into custody for questioning, the millionaire antivirus pioneer has gone into hiding somewhere in the Central American nation, where he moved in 2008 to retire. Starting at 10:30 this morning, Belize time, he has been calling to tell me his side of the story.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
BofA takes aim at Square with new mobile-pay service
BofA takes aim at Square with new mobile-pay service - Bank of America's service lets vendors use smartphones to swipe customers' credit cards. BofA is charging vendors 2.7 percent per purchase, just a hair below Square's rate.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Visa officially launches its digital wallet V.me
Visa officially launches its digital wallet V.me - According to the company, over 50 financial institutions have adopted the payment service, which will compete with Google Wallet, PayPal and other offerings from mobile carriers.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Monday, November 12, 2012
Three Mac apps to help you self publish your book
Three Mac apps to help you self publish your book -
As a writer, I’m always looking for ways to maximize my revenue streams. While doing contract technical writing is working out pretty well for me, I’d like to start work on writing some content that earns money over time. To that end, like millions of dreamers, I’m starting to look at creating ebooks and self-publishing them. I’ve tried a bunch of programs for the Mac to create ebooks and these three below are the ones that I liked best.
As a forewarning, I’m not going to go too far into the various bookstore formats, other than to say that at the least you’ll need to start with a Microsoft Word or ePub file. While Amazon and the like will accept a Word file to publish, to ensure your book converts to the various proprietary formats, I recommend creating an ePub file as your base. EPub is the most common ebook file standard, and I think you’ll have fewer problems starting with that. Fortunately, the ebook creation apps I’m going to tell you about all export an ePub natively. While there are Automator scripts to convert text to ePub, by using these packages you’re pretty much guaranteed to keep your document formatting.
One quick note up front: I’m not going to include Apple’s own iBooks Author tool. That’s because my goals for this piece were simple: talk about ebook-making programs that can be used in multiple bookstores and create files that aren’t just static images of a page. iBooks Author creates static pages that can only be used in the iBookstore. That’s great for getting an interactive textbook into the iBookstore, but not so good for other kinds of books.
(Via TheAppleBlog.)
Ultimate Ears' new ultimate: The Personal Reference Monitor
Ultimate Ears' new ultimate: The Personal Reference Monitor - The Logitech UE Personal Reference Monitor in-ear headphones are the first of their kind, with a design that's custom-molded to your ears and a custom-tuned sound!
(Via CNET News.com.)
What Square's rise means for the startup ecosystem
What Square's rise means for the startup ecosystem - Like Google and Facebook before it, Square is set to transform the startup ecosystem.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Which iPad is Right for You?
Which iPad is Right for You? -
It's hard to believe that the iPad has been with us over two and a half years. In that time a whole new industry has sprung up, businesses are now encouraging employees to use the iPad in their workflow, and it's become a centerpiece of the living room. Despite protesting its existence, the iPad family has extended with the iPad mini giving a wide range of options available for all of those now testing the waters in the tablet world. However, not all iPads are created equally in the eyes of the user, so let's take a look at which model is the best option for you.
The iPad mini is better for ...
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Maximize your old Mac's performance
Maximize your old Mac's performance - If you have an older Mac system that seems to be on the slowish side, a few upgrades can help you get the most out of it.
(Via CNET News.com.)
iPod touch Review
The iPod touch used to lag behind the current iPhone in specs, and the fourth-generation iPod touch was the worst: introduced in 2010, it got a white version and a lower price in 2011, and it’s still for sale—but the totally redesigned fifth-gen iPod touch blows it out of the water. It’s got the same extra-tall 4-inch Retina display as the iPhone 5, the same Bluetooth 4.0 and dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, the same scratch-resistant sapphire cover on its iSight camera, and an equally gorgeous aluminum unibody, complete with shiny chamfer.
In some ways, the colorful iPod touch is even better-looking. It’s insanely thin, a millimeter thinner than the super-thin iPhone 5—even the back iSight camera can’t fit into that thinness, resulting in a non-Apple-like bulge around the lens. We don’t mind so much, just because it’s so thin. Light, too, just 3.1 ounces, 22 percent lighter than iPhone 5.
But you still get lots of power, thanks to the A5 chip and 512MB of RAM. The beefiest games play like a dream, and it’s even got Siri. Of course, to use Siri or any other network-dependent app or service, you need to have Wi-Fi, since the iPod touch lacks a cellular networking. “Duh,” you say, “if it had cellular, it’d be a phone.” Unless it had an optional, contract-free 4G option like the iPad mini. We can dream, can’t we?
Apple quotes the same battery life as the fourth-gen iPod touch: 40 hours of music or 8 hours of video. It’s hard to ding the iPod touch for the only spec that didn’t improve, since they’re running out of room to make the battery bigger anyway. And we did get 43 hours of music and 9.5 hours of video, so that’s still a big win—in a small package.
The bottom line. If I were the type to carry a Mi-Fi around (or I weren’t so addicted to streaming music), I would try to ditch my iPhone 5 and just carry an iPod touch. It’s that much fun to use.
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Great local search apps for iOS
Great local search apps for iOS - I found an interesting local search app that got me thinking about apps that tailor results to what's around you. This collection for iOS is perfect for when you're in an unknown area or just want to try something new.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
What's better: A $329 iPad Mini or $319 iPad 2?
What's better: A $329 iPad Mini or $319 iPad 2? - While supplies last, Apple is offering the refurbished (but good-as-new) iPad 2 for less than the price of a new Mini. Which is the better buy?
(Via CNET News.com.)
Snow Leopard still used on more than a quarter of all Macs
Snow Leopard still used on more than a quarter of all Macs - 
Haven't upgraded to OS X Mountain Lion yet? You're definitely not alone. In fact, according to a report by Computer World, more than a quarter of all Mac owners haven't even made the jump to OS X Lion, instead opting to stick with the last version of Apple's operating system capable of running PowerPC-exclusive software, OS X Snow Leopard.
Citing data from Net Applications, Computer World explains that nearly 30 percent of all Macs still run Snow Leopard, compared to roughly 25 percent that have Mountain Lion installed. In fact, new installs of Mountain Lion seem to have eaten away more at Lion installs than Snow Leopard. Lion installs are now about even with Snow Leopard. The adoption rate of Mountain Lion appears to be running slightly behind where Lion and Snow Leopard were at this point in their lifespans.
16GB Kindle Fire HD costs Amazon $207 to make
16GB Kindle Fire HD costs Amazon $207 to make - An IHS teardown of the lowest price Kindle Fire HD, which costs $199, shows Amazon loses less money on the tablet than its predecessor.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Netflix gobbles one-third of traffic at peak time in North America
Netflix gobbles one-third of traffic at peak time in North America - Sandvine also reports that total Internet data usage across North America is up a whopping 120 percent.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
This is what the reviews say about iPad Mini
This is what the reviews say about iPad Mini -
The recently announced iPad Mini is expected to go on sale on Nov. 2. Apple, which initially was dismissive of smaller tablets, is joining the ranks of the mini-tablet makers and is launching iPad Mini. The Wi-Fi version of the recently announced tablet will go on sale this week, while the cellular version will follow in a couple of weeks. The initial reviews of the device are out, and here are some of the highlights that will give you a sense of the device and its features ...
(Via TheAppleBlog.)
Google's Gmail now world's top e-mail service
Google's Gmail now world's top e-mail service - No more disputes over which service is No.1. Comsore says Google has edged out Microsoft's Hotmail for top spot.
(Via CNET News.com.)
"Much More for Much Less": Amazon Jabs iPad mini on Website
"Much More for Much Less": Amazon Jabs iPad mini on Website -
Amazon isn't going to take the iPad mini lying down, going on the offensive with a direct comparison between its $199 Kindle Fire HD and Apple's latest $329 media darling -- and they're taking the fight to their website homepage.
Amazon is taking no prisoners in its battle for seven-inch tablet dominance, updating the front page of its website on Sunday to explain why its Kindle Fire HD offers "much more for much less."
Headlined by an iPad mini-dissing quote from Gizmodo, a big chunk of screen real estate on Amazon's homepage is now taken up by a direct comparison between the company's $199 Kindle Fire HD and Apple's iPad mini, which starts at $329.
Amazon takes Apple to task for its lower-resolution display, the lack of HD content and the iPad mini having only a mono speaker -- all for $130 more than the Kindle Fire HD. And if that's not enough, Amazon has posted a full "More for Less" page on its website, offering even more cold, hard facts on why you should buy a Kindle Fire HD.
"Kindle Fire HD features 30 percent more pixels and 33 percent more pixels-per-inch than iPad mini, which means clearer, sharper images," the web page reads. "With Kindle Fire HD, you can watch HD movies and TV -- you can’t on iPad mini because it's not an HD device. And because low-quality sound can ruin your HD entertainment experience, Kindle Fire HD features better audio with dual stereo speakers and Dolby Digital Plus. Additionally, Kindle Fire HD offers fast Wi-Fi with dual band, dual antennas + MIMO. With all this, Kindle Fire HD is still $130 less than iPad mini."
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Friday, October 19, 2012
What is FLAC? The high-def MP3 explained
What is FLAC? The high-def MP3 explained - CNET explains what a FLAC is, where to buy them, and how to play them on your iPhone, computer, or MP3 player.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Logitech announces Broadcaster Wi-Fi webcam for iPhone, iPad and Mac
Logitech announces Broadcaster Wi-Fi webcam for iPhone, iPad and Mac -
Remember that mysterious Mac-compatible wireless webcam from Logitech a couple of weeks ago? Well, the details are out and the webcam now has a name and price tag. The US$199.99 Logitech Broadcaster Wi-Fi webcam has been announced and will be available in the US and Europe in the next few weeks.
While the Broadcaster doesn't boast 1080p resolution, it has some features that should make any potential or existing Mac podcaster quiver with delight (are you reading this, Kelly Guimont?). First, the camera can be placed up to 50 feet away from your Mac, iPhone or iPad and controlled by most of your favorite software including FaceTime, iMovie and Final Cut Pro.
Next, you can be seen in all of your multi-camera glory with the tap of a single button, cutting instantly between your Mac's internal webcam and the Broadcaster. The device is also set up for instant streaming to Ustream, the site used to stream TUAW TV Live. There's a cool plastic hard case that also doubles as a magnetic monopod for the camera.
iFixit opens up the new iPod nano
iFixit opens up the new iPod nano -
In recent weeks, iFixit has cracked open the iPhone 5 and the fifth-generation iPod touch. Next in line for their classic teardown analysis is the seventh-generation iPod nano. The first thing the group noticed about the new iPod nano is its long and thin profile, made possible by Apple's new Lightning connector and clever internal cable engineering. It's a significant difference from the sixth-generation nano which was short and squat because of its included clip.
Amazon's Whispercast for Kindle targets schools, businesses
Amazon's Whispercast for Kindle targets schools, businesses - New free online tool allows organizations to manage a "fleet of Kindles" and wirelessly distribute Kindle books, documents and apps.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Amazon curtails sales of Kindle DX
Amazon curtails sales of Kindle DX - The e-book reader is still being sold through third parties but is no longer available directly from Amazon.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Teardown of Apple's 7th-gen iPod nano discovers Toshiba NAND flash, Broadcom Bluetooth
Teardown of Apple's 7th-gen iPod nano discovers Toshiba NAND flash, Broadcom Bluetooth - Apple's latest iPod nano has been pulled apart to reveal a number of anonymous, Apple-branded chips, though NAND flash from Toshiba and a Bluetooth chip with FM radio from Broadcom could be identified.
(Via AppleInsider.)
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Missing your iDisk? OpenDrive is an easy-to-use substitute
Missing your iDisk? OpenDrive is an easy-to-use substitute - 
When Apple killed MobileMe and iDisk I was pretty unhappy. It was great for quick small backups, and an easy way to share files with friends by giving them access to a public or password-protected folder.
There are plenty of sync/backup solutions out there, like MediaFire, Dropbox, SugarSync and others, but I really liked the desktop mounted iDisk, that looked and acted like an external drive. Other similar options include Google Drive, SkyDrive and, of course, Apple's iCloud, but none functioned quite the way iDisk worked.
This weekend, I took a look at OpenDrive, which does a fine job of doing what iDisk used to do ...
7 million flock to YouTube for Baumgartner's space leap
7 million flock to YouTube for Baumgartner's space leap - More than 7.2 million viewers tune in to the video-sharing site to witness historic high-altitude jump.
(Via CNET News.com.)
E-book junkie? Amazon may have some money for you
E-book junkie? Amazon may have some money for you - The e-tailer posts an FAQ about a credit that could come to you as a result of legal settlements between three publishers and the Justice Department. Not everyone's eligible though.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Amazon to users: Hey, the Kindle Paperwhite isn't perfect
Amazon to users: Hey, the Kindle Paperwhite isn't perfect - Amazon preemptively discloses some potential shortcomings in its latest Kindle e-reader compared to previous models, most likely to get out in front of user complaints.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Best Buy ready for battle with Amazon on pricing
Best Buy ready for battle with Amazon on pricing - The retailer will reportedly match all Amazon prices this holiday season, and also offer free home delivery when products are out of stock.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Amazon's Jeff Bezos admits Kindles are sold at cost
Amazon's Jeff Bezos admits Kindles are sold at cost - Bezos tells the BBC what most analysts already figured out: At best Amazon breaks even on the latest Kindle hardware.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Amazon wins FCC approval to sell Kindle Fire HD
Amazon wins FCC approval to sell Kindle Fire HD - The Internet retailer introduced its new high-end tablet last month before the key step of securing regulatory approval.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Review: iPod nano (2012)
Review: iPod nano (2012) - Apple's new seventh generation iPod nano changes the model's direction from being a square, wearable, audio-only faux-iOS device to being a sort of mini iPod touch, but lacking any cameras, mic, WiFi or apps beyond the typical iPod features bundled with it.
(Via AppleInsider.)
Sunday, October 7, 2012
SpaceX cargo ship primed for first operational station flight
SpaceX cargo ship primed for first operational station flight - After two successful test flights, SpaceX is set to launch an unmanned Dragon cargo ship loaded with a half-ton of the supplies -- including ice cream -- to the International Space Station.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Apple vs. Samsung explained in 90 seconds
Apple vs. Samsung explained in 90 seconds - A concise viral video manages to explain the history of the epic patent battle and its implications for Google and consumers.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Documenting the Rise and Fall of Instant Photography
Documenting the Rise and Fall of Instant Photography - It's easy to forget now, but instant camera maker Polaroid once matched the mythos ? and ubiquity ? of Apple. Much like Steve Jobs, founder Edwin Land was single-minded in his determination to create unique products with a strong affinity for design. For Jobs, Land was an all-time hero.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Starbucks Gets Square Next Month ? Will You Change the Way You Pay?
Starbucks Gets Square Next Month ? Will You Change the Way You Pay? - The highest-profile test to date to see whether people actually want to pay for things with their phones will roll out next month at Starbucks.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Starbucks to start taking Square Wallet payments next month
Starbucks to start taking Square Wallet payments next month - Though baristas won't be able to accept digital tips until next summer.
(Via CNET News.com.)
How to increase the font size in iOS
How to increase the font size in iOS - Tired of squinting at small text in your e-mails, text messages, notes, and the like? There's a hidden setting for making everything bigger.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Nook GlowLight e-reader price drops to $119
Nook GlowLight e-reader price drops to $119 - Just ahead of Amazon shipping out its highly anticipated Kindle Paperwhite, the Nook GlowLight gets a price chop.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Friday, September 28, 2012
How to Make an iBook
Make an iBook
Not long ago, writers were entirely at the mercy of the picky publishers who stood between an author and his or her potential readership. But thanks to the rise of digital books and open publishing platforms like Apple’s iBookstore, anyone can get their stuff out there and have a shot at finding an audience. And with the added interactivity of the iBooks format, authors can raise their books to a new kind of next-generation reading experience. You’d think that producing such a book would require high-level programming skills, but no--Apple has taken its trademark approach to empowering the masses with easy creation tools to digital bookmaking with iBooks Author (Mac App Store, free) ...
(Via Mac|Life all.)
American Express launches iOS Passbook implementation
American Express launches iOS Passbook implementation - 
As expected, American Express has launched its Pass service for the Apple iOS 6 Passbook application. The Pass allows card members to get access to the running balance, display recent activity, show spending updates, and contact customer service directly from the application ...
Monday, September 24, 2012
Space Shuttle <cite>Endeavour'</cite>s Final Flight as Seen From Space
Space Shuttle Endeavour's Final Flight as Seen From Space - The Space Shuttle Endeavour's final flight last week was likely one of the most photographed plane flights in history. Riding piggyback on a specially adapted Boeing 747, Endeavour's farewell tour took it from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to Los Angeles International Airport ...
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
S'mores outdoors no more
S'mores outdoors no more - The Indoor Flameless Marshmallow Roaster brings the classic treat inside to the kitchen counter. An electric heater stands in place of an open fire.
(Via CNET News.com.)
How to free up storage space with Mail in OS X
How to free up storage space with Mail in OS X - If you need to free up space in your e-mail account, there are alternatives to randomly deleting masses of e-mails or meticulously sorting through individual messages.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Apple: No more 25GB freebie for ex-MobileMe users
Apple: No more 25GB freebie for ex-MobileMe users - Those who once used MobileMe are learning that they have to slash their stored files on iCloud to 5GB, or pay for higher levels of storage.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Kicked to the Curb: Kickstarter's Hidden Wasteheap of Killed Projects
Kicked to the Curb: Kickstarter's Hidden Wasteheap of Killed Projects - On Friday, September 14th, the team at Vinted Goods was riding high. Their Kickstarter project for a line of vintage-style leather bags and accessories had doubled its original goal, Details magazine had dubbed them "Another Kickstarter Success", and they were closing in on the deadline. Then, 10 hours before the project was due to succeed, it vanished -- replaced by a page that simply says, "Sorry, this project is no longer available."
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Data speeds: iPhone 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy S3 vs. iPhone 4S
Data speeds: iPhone 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy S3 vs. iPhone 4S - LTE data speeds on the iPhone 5 will slaughter the 3G speeds you got on the iPhone 4S. CNET tests the handsets with the Samsung Galaxy S3 to show you how much better.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Stunning Shots of Space Shuttle <cite>Endeavour</cite>'s Final Flight
Stunning Shots of Space Shuttle Endeavour's Final Flight - Over the last three days, the Space Shuttle Endeavour made its way from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to Los Angeles, where it will go on display at the California Science Center. Along the way, the space plane -- bolted to the top of a modified Boeing 747 -- hammed it up, treating cities and NASA centers across the southern United States to low-altitude flybys. Here is a sampling of some of the best images from the journey, from NASA escort jets and fans on the ground.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Kindle Fire HD vs. iPad
Kindle Fire HD vs. iPad - How does the new Kindle Fire HD compare with the best tablet on the block?
(Via CNET News.com.)
Friday, September 21, 2012
Space Shuttle <cite>Endeavour</cite> Lands in Los Angeles
Space Shuttle Endeavour Lands in Los Angeles - Early this afternoon, the Space Shuttle Endeavour landed at Los Angeles International Airport, completing one final flight on its way to a permanent display at the California Science Center.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Can a Human-Powered Bike Go 100 mph?
Can a Human-Powered Bike Go 100 mph? - The current human-powered bike speed record is at 82 mph abut this record may be challenged by Graeme Obree, who has broken speed records before, and has a bike he believes could reach 100 mph.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
New Opera Mini 7.5 Introduces 'Smart Page'
New Opera Mini 7.5 Introduces 'Smart Page' - Opera has updated its speedy Opera Mini web browser for Android devices. This release adds a new "Smart Page" that gathers up your friends' updates on Twitter and Facebook, along with news from your favorite websites, and displays it all in one place.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
50 Tips and Tricks for iOS 6
50 Tips and Tricks for iOS 6 -
With iOS 6 -- out today! -- Apple added a lot of useful features to the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. From Passbook, to the new Maps app, to capturing panoramas in the revamped Camera app. Apple has brought a lot of fit and finish to iOS 6, and we'll show you how to get the most out of these new features.
As a reminder, iOS 6 is a free download, compatible with the new iPad and iPad 2, the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, and iPhone 3GS, and the fourth-gen iPod touch. (iPhone 5 and the fifth-gen iPod touch will ship with iOS 6 already installed.) Not every iOS 6 feature works with every device -- we'll get more specific ...
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Skyping with the police
Skyping with the police - The Redwood City Police Department is experimenting with a new live video chat service that lets residents access a police officer from a computer. Sumi Das brings you behind the scenes of police officer 2.0.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Square perks up, now handles $8B in payments a year
Square perks up, now handles $8B in payments a year - The mobile payments company also says it has raised $200 million more in a new round of funding, led by Citi Ventures and Starbucks.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Twitter Reluctantly Coughs Up Occupy Protester's Data
Twitter Reluctantly Coughs Up Occupy Protester's Data - Twitter on Friday reluctantly complied with a judge's order to divulge the tweets and account information allegedly connected to an Occupy protester. The case was being closely watched as the authorities increasingly monitor and move to access material posted on social networks. The development comes two months after the micro-blogging site reported that, for the first six months of the year, the authorities sought information on Twitter user accounts 679 times.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
The end of (iPod) nano watches
The end of (iPod) nano watches -
Apple, as it often does, once again last week changed the design of iPod nano, a music player that inspires debates and passions like none other. We all prefer one iPod nano design over the other. My favorite was the second generation nano, and I still carry it around. However, the sixth generation iPod nano became something of a cult favorite thanks to its square shape. It also inspired a cottage industry of sorts — accessories that turned it into a watch.
It all started when designer Scott Wilson created the Tik-Tok strap that essentially turned the square-shaped iPod nano into a watch. The success of the project also put a spotlight on Kickstarter and its use as a platform for creating gadgets. Nano watches became somewhat of an obsession for many in Silicon Valley. Apple, too, offered up many watch interfaces, which stoked the fires of imagination and a whole slew of products followed. Many even dreamed up scenarios where Apple ushered a new world of wearable computing. The release of the new seventh generation iPod nano now means curtains for the movement.
(Via TheAppleBlog.)
Hands on with the iPod touch and iPod nano
Hands on with the iPod touch and iPod nano -
The iPhone 5 was certainly the big star of Apple's September 12 event (sorry, Dave Grohl...), but the recently neglected iPod touch got a major makeover as well, and the iPod nano got its video-playing mojo back ...
(Via Mac|Life all.)
The Oree keyboard is a wireless wooden wonder
The Oree keyboard is a wireless wooden wonder - Let's face it. Your keyboard isn't attractive, but this one is.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Goodbye, Ping. We Hardly Use Ye
Goodbye, Ping. We Hardly Use Ye -
And just like that, Apple gives Ping its expiration date. The message cropped up in the iTunes 10.7 update that went live today immediately after the iPhone 5 event. Barely two years old, Ping will no longer be available as of September 30 and it is no longer accepting new members.
(Via Mac|Life all.)
iCloud outage strikes discordant tone with professional musician
iCloud outage strikes discordant tone with professional musician - 
An unexplained iCloud mail outage hit thousands of users earlier this week; Glenn Fleishman talks with one of many affected, professional musician Roseanne Cash.
(Via Macworld.)
What Apple's new Lightning connector means for you
What Apple's new Lightning connector means for you - 
Among the new features that debuted with the iPhone 5 and the latest iPods is a new dock connector. Replacing the 30-pin connector that dates to 2003 is a new, smaller version Apple calls the Lightning connector. Here's the rundown on what's new, what's good, and what's not.
(Via Macworld.)
Verizon will allow FaceTime on its network; will others follow?
Verizon will allow FaceTime on its network; will others follow? - 
Verizon Wireless will let iPhone customers use the FaceTime video chat application over its cellular network, the company said Wednesday. The company joins Sprint in allowing the application.
(Via Macworld.)
How to set up iCloud services in Snow Leopard
How to set up iCloud services in Snow Leopard - While Apple's iCloud services are officially supported only in OS X 10.7 Lion or later, you can get some working in Snow Leopard.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Lightning to 30-pin Adapter, EarPods cost $29 each from Apple
Lightning to 30-pin Adapter, EarPods cost $29 each from Apple - pricing for Apple's new iOS device accessories has been revealed, and the Lightning to 30-pin Adapter will cost $29, a Lightning USB cable is $39, and the new EarPods are sold separately for $29.
(Via AppleInsider.)
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Twitter Ordered to Release OWS Protester's Data or Be Fined for Contempt
Twitter Ordered to Release OWS Protester's Data or Be Fined for Contempt - Twitter has lost its appeal against a court order demanding it turn over user data related to an Occupy Wall Street protester.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Eight great Gmail tips
Eight great Gmail tips - 
When it comes to managing your email, Google’s free Gmail is easily one of the most efficient tools around. Here are eight tips for using some of its best features.
(Via Macworld.)
Amazon shoppers will squeeze through Calif. tax loophole
Amazon shoppers will squeeze through Calif. tax loophole - On Saturday, California residents get to pay tax at checkout on Amazon.com purchases. But hundreds of thousands of items will remain (apparently) tax-free.
(Via CNET News.com.)
American Airlines pilots to use iPads for flight manuals
American Airlines pilots to use iPads for flight manuals - The FAA gives approval for the airline to be the first commercial carrier to toss out its paper-based flight manuals in lieu of iPads -- saving the airline $1.2 million in gas costs.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Kindle for Mac App Store gets performance boost
Kindle for Mac App Store gets performance boost - The app, which is available for free in the Mac App Store, now supports more OS X gestures and "richer formatting."
(Via CNET News.com.)
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Amazon backtracks, will offer $15 opt-out for ads on Kindle Fire tablets
Amazon backtracks, will offer $15 opt-out for ads on Kindle Fire tablets - After negative feedback on forced ads, the company reverses course and will allow users to opt-out of "Special Offer" ads -- for a fee.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Friday, September 7, 2012
Pandora Stock Dips After Reports of a Competing Apple Service
Pandora Stock Dips After Reports of a Competing Apple Service - Apple is into negotiations with record labels over licensing deals that point toward a Pandora-style music service, according to The Wall Street Journal. The service would let users create virtual stations built around the sound of a particular artist or song, and the music would be interspersed with occasional iAds.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Editing Word documents on an iPad
Editing Word documents on an iPad - 
Even though there's no iPad version of Word, you can read and edit Word documents on your iPad if you're willing to accept a few compromises. Joe Kissell shows you how.
(Via Macworld.)
Three painless ways to get photos off your iPhone
Three painless ways to get photos off your iPhone - 
Stop emailing photos to yourself. Here are three ways to automate photo syncing with your computer.
(Via Macworld.)
Amazon confirms: All new Kindle Fires stuck with ads
Amazon confirms: All new Kindle Fires stuck with ads - All new Kindle Fire tablets have "Special Offers" (ads), and -- unlike past Kindles -- you won't be able to opt out.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Why Apple and Google should be scared of Amazon
Why Apple and Google should be scared of Amazon - He who controls the hardware, controls the platform. He who controls the platform, wins the war.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Blue Microphones Mikey Digital takes iPhone and iPad recording up a notch
Blue Microphones Mikey Digital takes iPhone and iPad recording up a notch -
When it comes to microphones for the iPhone and iPad, I have to admit that I haven't been too impressed with what's been delivered over the past few years. For example, the original iRig Mic from IK Multimedia was quite noisy, although the iRig Mic Cast improved on that somewhat. The original Mikey from Blue Mics was also an improvement, but now the company is shipping the new Mikey Digital (US$99.99) that works with recent iPhones and all iPads to capture stereo sound with clarity.
How many Kindle Fires did Amazon sell? 5M, maybe
How many Kindle Fires did Amazon sell? 5M, maybe - The retail giant says the Fire captured 22 percent of all tablet sales during its lifetime. Asymco's Horace Dediu puts a hard number to that percentage.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Koubachi's $99 Wi-Fi plant monitor outsmarts the garden gnome
Koubachi's $99 Wi-Fi plant monitor outsmarts the garden gnome - Not exactly plants vs. aliens: Startup Koubachi has begun selling a $99 Wi-Fi device to gauge the state of your vegetation and send you advice over the Internet.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Ebook buyers will get $0.25 to $1.32 per book in Apple price-fixing case
Ebook buyers will get $0.25 to $1.32 per book in Apple price-fixing case -
Consumers in 49 states (all except Minnesota) and five territories will be reimbursed at least 25 cents for every ebook purchase they made from large publishers between April 1, 2010 and May 21, 2012.
- Consumers will receive $1.32 for each New York Times bestseller they bought between April 1, 2010 and May 21, 2012
- They will receive 32 cents if a book was not on the NYT bestseller list at the time but was in its first year of publication, and 25 cents if it was an older backlist book
- Most consumers will receive the reimbursement in the form of a credit to their Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo or Apple account unless they state they prefer a check
- Those who bought ebooks through Google and Sony will get a check
- Any money left over will go to literacy related charities
If a court approves the deal, the publishers will put aside money into a dedicated consumer account within 30 days and retailers will begin notifying customers by email. The notification process will also include Google and Facebook ads.
(Via TheAppleBlog.)
Lexmark exits the inkjet market: Are printers doomed?
Lexmark exits the inkjet market: Are printers doomed? - 
What does it mean for the inkjet market in general -- and for your inkjet printer, if you own one -- that a sizable company like Lexmark is getting out of the business? PCWorld editor Melissa Riofrio examines this decision.
(Via Macworld.)
E-book settlement terms revealed: $69 million to be paid out
E-book settlement terms revealed: $69 million to be paid out - Book buyers in 49 states and five territories are poised to receive $69 million as a result of civil suit settlement accusing Hachette, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster of collusion with Apple, Macmillan, and Penguin. If the settlement is approved by Judge Denise Cote, the three publishers will partially reimburse consumers who bought agency-priced e-books between April 1, 2010 and May 21, 2012 ...
Kindle iOS app is now easier on the eyes
Kindle iOS app is now easier on the eyes - Amazon has spruced up its Kindle app for the iPhone and iPad with new layouts, improved brightness controls, and better support for print replica textbooks.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Kindle Fire 'sold out' as new model looms
Kindle Fire 'sold out' as new model looms - The tablet is no longer available through Amazon. And the timing of the news is intriguing, what with a new Kindle Fire reportedly to debut next week.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Amazon inks deal to sell e-books through other retailers
Amazon inks deal to sell e-books through other retailers - Amazon Publishing's New York imprint deal with Ingram will allow competitors such as Apple and Barnes & Noble to offer Amazon titles.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Square adds AT&T to list of card reader distributors
Square adds AT&T to list of card reader distributors - Mobile payments startup's credit card reader will now be available for purchase at 1,000 AT&T stores in the U.S.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Amazon says Kindle Fire takes 22% of US tablet market, won't disclose sales
Amazon says Kindle Fire takes 22% of US tablet market, won't disclose sales - Amazon on Thursday issued a press release boasting that its Kindle Fire has accounted for 22 percent of tablet sales in the U.S., but still did not publicly state exactly how many tablets the company has sold.
(Via AppleInsider.)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Online 'Genius' program debuts at Apple's online store
Online 'Genius' program debuts at Apple's online store - 
Amid reports that Apple is looking at new ways to make the retail Apple Stores more profitable, the company has added a new "online training" feature to its store website, bringing "live chat" abilities along with a guided tour of the online store, Genius scheduling, or the ability to request a phone call from a product specialist. The program launched today in the UK, Germany, Spain and Brazil, but has not yet been rolled out in the US ...
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
NASA Builds Your Own Private Satellite -- With Google Android
NASA Builds Your Own Private Satellite -- With Google Android - What would you do with your own private satellite? If you haven't decided, you should. PhoneSat -- a project overseen by NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley -- wants to lower the cost of building space satellites to the point where anyone with space ambitions could launch one. Yes, it's a satellite made from a phone. The not-so-secret ingredient is Google's Android mobile operating system.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
10 Worthy Twitter Clients for Mac
10 Worthy Twitter Clients for Mac -
If you're a fan of desktop clients for Twitter, it's likely you're a fan of Tweetbot. Whether it's on your iOS device or your desktop, Tweetbot is one clean piece of software. Unfortunately, Twitter's latest wave of API changes has made it so that Tapbots, the engineers behind Tweetbot, can no longer support the alpha version of the app that was available to us until just a few days ago. Tapbots says they'll once again release Tweetbot for Mac sometime in the near future, but if you're just now looking for a Twitter client, or your Tweetbot Alpha no longer works, here are a few alternatives. They may not quite fill the void, but until Tweetbot is re-released, they'll work pretty well.
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Kindle-exclusive ebooks get lots of business
Kindle-exclusive ebooks get lots of business - 
Kindle-exclusive books have been purchased, downloaded or borrowed more than 100 million times, Amazon announced Tuesday.
(Via Macworld.)
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Amazon Glacier: Back Up All Your Data for Pennies a Month
Amazon Glacier: Back Up All Your Data for Pennies a Month - Amazon's new Glacier web service is a dirt-cheap way to back up data you don't need to get to very often. What's more, the service claims it will store your data for centuries, quite possibly keeping it around longer than actual glaciers.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
How I organize everything with plain-text notes
How I organize everything with plain-text notes - 
We all have lots of little bits of information--notes for projects, shopping lists, our shirt sizes--that we have to keep track of. Some people use elaborate apps for that purpose. But blogger Gabe Weatherhead has worked out a system relying on nothing but plain-text notes that enables him to have all his information available wherever he is.
(Via Macworld.)
Barnes & Noble Q1 loss narrows to $40M as Nook sales decline
Barnes & Noble Q1 loss narrows to $40M as Nook sales decline - The company blames production issues and unmet demand for its recently launched Glowlight version. [Read more]
(Via CNET News.com.)
McDonald's tests PayPal payments in mobile app trial
McDonald's tests PayPal payments in mobile app trial - The fast food chain is testing out PayPal as a payment method. [Read more]
(Via CNET News.com.)
Sunday, August 19, 2012
The Audiophiliac's Top 13 music Blu-ray discs
The Audiophiliac's Top 13 music Blu-ray discs - The Audiophiliac has the Blus -- a list of the best-sounding music Blu-ray discs, that is. [Read more]
(Via CNET News.com.)
Friday, August 17, 2012
Shatner comes back from the dead for Priceline
Shatner comes back from the dead for Priceline - We last saw him going over a bridge with a bus. His body was never found. And yet somehow William Shatner has negotiated his way back to life for Priceline. [Read more]
(Via CNET News.com.)
Mystery Motorola event set for September 5
Mystery Motorola event set for September 5 - A cryptic press event invite from Motorola teases with potentially new smartphones. [Read more]
(Via CNET News.com.)
5 Third-Party Apps That Work With iCloud
5 Third-Party Apps That Work With iCloud -
Many third-party OS X and iOS apps are iCloud-friendly. Here are a few of our favorites for iPhone and iPad that will sync your photos, documents, stickies, to-dos, and journals.
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Could Apple TV Become Your Next Cable Set-Top Box?
Could Apple TV Become Your Next Cable Set-Top Box? -
A new report claims Apple is in talks with U.S. cable television providers in an effort to replace clunky old set-top boxes with a sleek new Apple TV capable of viewing live television and other content.
MacRumors is reporting that Apple may be in the midst of its most ambitious plans yet for the Apple TV, and they have nothing to do with creating an actual HDTV.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Cupertino hopes to convince U.S. cable TV companies to toss out their existing set-top box hardware and instead replace it with a presumably updated Apple TV instead.
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Amazon starts fire sale on Kindle DX
Amazon starts fire sale on Kindle DX - 
The Kindle DX is now $269 -- a $110 price cut that could signal a new large-screen Kindle e-reader is on the way.
(Via Macworld.)
4 free Android alternatives to Google Maps Navigation
4 free Android alternatives to Google Maps Navigation - If you're not happy with the navigation app that came on your smartphone or tablet, check out these four free alternatives and leave your wallet in your pocket.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Friday, August 10, 2012
App Guide: iOS astronomy apps
App Guide: iOS astronomy apps - 
If the Mars rover Curiosity has you thinking about the red planet, these iOS apps can give you a greater appreciation of the stars and planets.
(Via Macworld.)
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Starbucks invests $25 million in Square payment processor
Starbucks invests $25 million in Square payment processor - 
Starbucks is investing $25 million in mobile payment venture Square, and will allow customers to use a Pay with Square smartphone application to buy coffee.
(Via Macworld.)
Square, Starbucks aim to give mobile payments a jolt
Square, Starbucks aim to give mobile payments a jolt - The mobile payments startup will handle the coffeehouse chain's credit and debit purchases, while getting a $25 million investment in return.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Laptops we love under $1,000
Laptops we love under $1,000 - These budget-friendly new laptops hit the sweet spot between price, design, and features.
(Via CNET News.com.)
The best in-ear headphone in the world: The FitEar ToGo 334
The best in-ear headphone in the world: The FitEar ToGo 334 - Made in Japan in limited quantities, the FitEar ToGo 334 is an astonishing achievement. It's the best there is.
(Via CNET News.com.)
NASA video reveals Mars rover landing
NASA video reveals Mars rover landing - It's just a short clip, but the stop-motion video from a camera on Curiosity's belly still gives a sense of what it's like to parachute down to Mars.
[Read more]
(Via CNET News.com.)
Best printers under $100
Best printers under $100 - Get one of these budget-friendly printers if you need a simple, easy-to-use device for mostly text output and intermittent photo printing.
(Via CNET News.com.)
How to configure Google's two-step authentication
How to configure Google's two-step authentication - 
Enabling Google's two-step authentication comes with a few complexities. But it also might save your data from nefarious folks out to steal or delete it for fun.
(Via Macworld.)
Bank of America app allows deposits through your iPhone or iPad
Bank of America app allows deposits through your iPhone or iPad - 
Bank of America isn't the first to implement this, but customers will be happy to see that the latest update to its iOS apps add the ability to make deposits using a camera on the iPhone or iPad. The iPad version came out July 26, and the iPhone update rolled out Tuesday.
You need to be enrolled in Bank of America's online banking program, and your transactions are encrypted. The update also adds push notifications and allows you to send money to others using their mobile number or an email address.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Watch the American Landscape Change as Seen From Space
Watch the American Landscape Change as Seen From Space - To celebrate the launch of the first Landsat satellite on July 23, 1972, the USGS and NASA asked the public to nominate landscapes that have undergone a lot of environmental change for a closer look. The Landsat team chose these six submissions and created customized chronicles of the change in each area.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Using QR Codes to Preserve Identity
Using QR Codes to Preserve Identity - Quick Response (QR) codes, those little black-and-white boxes of pixels that encode links and information, are popping up everywhere these days. Taking advantage of the codes' ability to capture and obscure data, Los Angeles-based Chilean artist Guillermo Bert has found another creative use of QR technology -- he's using the bar codes to preserve the identity and traditions of the Mapuche, Chile's largest indigenous population.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
New Satellites Could Make GPS Harder to Jam
New Satellites Could Make GPS Harder to Jam - Without GPS, drones can't fly, communications networks can't function, and you don't have a chance of figuring out how to get to your Aunt Sadie's place in New Jersey. And right now, GPS is highly vulnerable because its weak signals are coming from an aging constellation of satellites. Lockheed Martin thinks its next-gen satellite can change all that.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Twitter crashes day before Olympics kick off
Twitter crashes day before Olympics kick off - 
The day before the opening of the 2012 London Olympics that are expected to light up major social networks, Twitter has crashed.>
(Via Macworld.)
Review: SkyDrive looks to compete with Dropbox, Google Drive
Review: SkyDrive looks to compete with Dropbox, Google Drive - 
Microsoft has performed a thorough revamping of SkyDrive, which makes it an explicable and competitive online file storage service.
(Via Macworld.)
Great QWERTY smartphones you can have right now (roundup)
Great QWERTY smartphones you can have right now (roundup) - You want a phone with a keyboard? You got it! Here's a roundup of some of the best and most interesting phones with QWERTYs you can feel beneath your fingertips.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
RIP Sally Ride ... My First Hero
RIP Sally Ride ... My First Hero - I was nine years old when I first wanted to be an astronaut, and my first hero was Sally Ride. I looked up to her as a woman, a scientist, and an astronaut. Sally Ride's integrity never faltered, even as a woman in a male-dominated profession for much of her career.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Martin Scorsese: "I Like You, Siri, You're Going Places"
Martin Scorsese: "I Like You, Siri, You're Going Places" -
Apple continues to roll out celebrity-powered television commercials for Siri, with the latest starring film director Martin Scorsese as he maneuvers the mean streets of New York in a taxi cab, with Siri helping guide the way.
Apple has posted a new TV commercial for Siri to YouTube this week entitled "Busy Day." The spot stars legendary Goodfellas and Hugo director Martin Scorsese organizing his day from the back of a New York City taxi cab -- of course, with Siri's help.
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Say Goodbye to the 30-Pin, New Dock Connecter is Imminent
Say Goodbye to the 30-Pin, New Dock Connecter is Imminent -
Image courtesy of Boy Genius Report
For the tens of millions of us patiently waiting for Apple to flip the switch on new iPhone preorders, Reuters has weighed in on a persistent rumor that the proprietary 30-pin connector that's been used since the third generation of the iPod is finally meeting its maker, presumably to make room for an underside headphone jack.
For those arguing that Apple wouldn't render a decade of third-party plugs and accessories incompatible, we beg to differ. Even if you want to ignore all of the leaked prototypes and case mock-ups that deliberately point to a narrow connector, remember that this is Apple. Millimeters mean everything, and the old-school connector takes up a bunch of them, so if we want a thinner phone, something has to give.
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Review: Kingston Wi-Drive wireless storage drive
Review: Kingston Wi-Drive wireless storage drive - 
One of the relatively few mistakes I think Apple's made with the iPad is omitting external storage. It's probably not a gaffe from their perspective, of course; they charge you far more for a 32 or 64GB upgrade than it actually costs to manufacture. The iPad is closer to a computer than an iPhone though, and thus has much higher demands for some people, especially when it comes to storage. Kingston's Wi-Drive is one of several available workarounds, and we'll put it to the test in our review ...
Make free calls to landlines, mobile phones with Vonage app
Make free calls to landlines, mobile phones with Vonage app - Normally the app limits your free calling to other Vonage app users, but now you can ring up just about anyone you like -- no strings attached.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Landsat at 40: Images from the longest-running eye in the sky
Landsat at 40: Images from the longest-running eye in the sky - Landsat has been watching Earth from space for four decades. As the next-generation LDCM satellite prepares to launch, we look at what Landsat has shown us so far.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Friday, July 20, 2012
List Full Download History of Your Mac
List Full Download History of Your Mac - Mac OS X's quarantine feature not only sets a special quarantine bit on files you download - so it can alert you the first time you open them, and so its built-it anti-malware feature can scan for certain threats - but it also keeps a list of the files you have downloaded. OS X Daily pointed out the command you can run in Terminal to see the full list of these downloads. Run this command:
sqlite3 ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.LaunchServices.QuarantineEventsV* 'select LSQuarantineDataURLString from LSQuarantineEvent'
(Via MacOSXHints.com.)
AT&T vs. Verizon: Who has the better shared data plan?
AT&T vs. Verizon: Who has the better shared data plan? - While the two wireless carriers offer similar options, there are subtle differences. CNET breaks them down.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Three cheers for Android browser competition
Three cheers for Android browser competition - There are reasons iOS and Windows RT hobble third-party browsers, but CNET's Stephen Shankland prefers the open approach Google takes with Android.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Hands on with HyperJuice: to-go power with built-in plug, multiple ports
Hands on with HyperJuice: to-go power with built-in plug, multiple ports -
HyperJuice offers a portable battery pack that you can haul around, plug into any wall socket, and use to charge two items at once (even two iPads at once!) with its dual USB ports. Shipping in a variety of eye-catching colors, as well as the basic black you see in the image at the top of this post, HyperJuice retails for US$129.95 (10.4Ah) and $159.95 (15.6Ah).
I was able to test out one of the lower capacity units and can report that it seems to work as advertised. Port access was just fine and the items charged as promised. I only had two complaints about the unit.
Who owns your tweets?
Who owns your tweets? - 
Both corporations and employees who tweet on their company's behalf must clarify the question.
(Via Macworld.)
When Telstar met JFK
When Telstar met JFK - Fifty years ago today, the little Telstar satellite relayed the first TV transmission across the Atlantic. It wasn't long before President Kennedy had his black-and-white electrons beamed from the U.S. to Europe.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Nexus 7 vs. Kindle Fire: What a Difference $19 Makes
Nexus 7 vs. Kindle Fire: What a Difference $19 Makes - Google's Nexus 7 is a superior tablet when compared to Amazon's Kindle Fire. But the Fire still wins on profit margins. The Kindle Fire's margin is $19 higher than Google and Asus' Nexus 7 tablet.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
How to maximize battery-life when you travel
How to maximize battery-life when you travel - 
If you take an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook along when you travel, you know how much of a challenge it can be to keep your device powered up all the time. Here are a few tips for supplementing and extending your gadget's power supply.
(Via Macworld.)
How to prepare a used Mac for use
How to prepare a used Mac for use - While formatting a used Mac is always best, you can set one up to be as new as possible without formatting.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Dropbox doubles plan sizes; intros 500GB option
Dropbox doubles plan sizes; intros 500GB option - Need 500GB of cloud storage space just for your own files? Dropbox can do that now.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Friday, July 6, 2012
ZAGG Sparq 2 on sale - $49.95, free shipping
I am a real fan of the ZAGG Sparq 2 portable power supply. 6,000 mAH - that's right: SIX AMPS of portable power to charge/run just about ANY of your USP-charged devices.
Use my links to purchase, and $5 of each sale will be donated to either the ARRL, AMSAT-NA, or The Rotary Foundation (your choice).
Go to my e-store at ...
... for details.
Clint
NOTE: This is a blatant commercial advertisement. I will make a couple bucks off of each sale ... but, then, I give most of it away to one of those worthwhile organizations. Oh, well. Can't say I am TOO business savvy ...
App Guide: Baseball history apps for iOS
App Guide: Baseball history apps for iOS - 
To appreciate baseball's present, you need to study its past, whether it's reading up on the game's greats or looking up old games. These iOS apps can help.
(Via Macworld.)
Three mistakes I made with my last laptop
Three mistakes I made with my last laptop - Shopping for a new portable PC? I bought one not long ago, and there are three things I wish I'd done differently. Don't make the same mistakes.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Monday, July 2, 2012
The Inside Story of the Extra Second That Crashed the Web
The Inside Story of the Extra Second That Crashed the Web - The "leap second" crash -- which hit several web operations on Saturday evening -- can be traced to a single glitch in the Linux operating system. Here's the inside story on what happened.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
Nexus 7 vs. Kindle Fire vs. Nook Tablet: Battle of the $199 tablets
Nexus 7 vs. Kindle Fire vs. Nook Tablet: Battle of the $199 tablets - With the launch of Google's Nexus 7, the $199 tablet market got even more crowded. So, is it the best?
(Via CNET News.com.)
Apple Shuts Down MobileMe, Data Available for 'Limited Time'
Apple Shuts Down MobileMe, Data Available for 'Limited Time' - 
As promised, Apple has shut down the MobileMe web service but is still allowing users to migrate their data for a "limited time". Apple had been sending out warnings to users of the impending shutdown.
‘Johnny Carson: King of Late Night’
‘Johnny Carson: King of Late Night’ -
Now available on iTunes: American Masters’s documentary on Johnny Carson. Loved it.
(Frustrating side note: It’s only available for purchase in standard definition; if you want high-def, you have to rent it. Why?)
Update: Via David Friedman, ends up you can watch it for free in the PBS iPad app, which itself is free of charge — or on the web.
(Via Daring Fireball.)
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Heil USBQ - Inline USB Mic Preamp
Heil USBQ USB Inline Microphone Preamp - Shure, MXL, CEntrance, Blue Ice - they all have inline USB mic preamps. But Heil's new USBQ offers +/- 12dB EQ at 80 Hz and 10K Hz. Read my mini-review for more information.
Oh - and it is purple ...
(Via clintbradford.com.)
Nexus 7 vs. Kindle Fire or wait for something better?
Nexus 7 vs. Kindle Fire or wait for something better? - Mini-tablets are affordable enough that everyone wants one. But which one should you get? Ask Maggie's Marguerite Reardon offers some advice.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Fire Devastation in the Western U.S. Seen From Space
Fire Devastation in the Western U.S. Seen From Space - The scale of the fires burning in the Western United States this summer can be hard to fathom. But the view from space reveals the true extent of the devastation. Satellites have captured some sobering images of the fire, smoke and burn scars scattered across the Intermountain West. While the fires in Colorado are dominating the news this week, blazes have also been raging in New Mexico, Utah and Arizona in June. Here are some of the scenes from space collected by NASA, NOAA and the U.S. Geological Survey this month.
(Via Wired Top Stories.)
San Diego schools spend $10M on iPads for students
San Diego schools spend $10M on iPads for students - The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) has purchased 26,000 iPads to be used in classrooms by fifth graders through seniors in high school.
(Via CNET News.com.)
Monday, June 25, 2012
How to choose a to-do manager
How to choose a to-do manager - 
David Sparks has a complicated life and needs a good task-manager to get everything done. He eventually chose Omnifocus for the job. Here's how he worked his way through that buying decision.
(Via Macworld.)
Friday, June 22, 2012
10 Quick Tips for Getting More Out of iTunes
10 Quick Tips for Getting More Out of iTunes -
iTunes has always been that featured-filled music-management software that has left us wanting just a bit more. It can be a little finnicky at times, and with iOS 6 creeping up on the horizon, it may be high time to get your bearings with iTunes before it's too late. If you managed to get stumped by iTunes sometimes, or just need a helpful push in the right direction, here are ten quick tips for getting more out of iTunes.
(Via Mac|Life all.)
8 Apps for the Mobile Podcaster
8 Apps for the Mobile Podcaster -
Everyone seems to have an opinion on everything, and thanks to the proliferation of free podcasts, everyone can have an audience as well. Podcasts are one of the fastest-growing forms of media, with some of the more popular shows earning many hundreds of thousands of listens each week. Starting your own broadcast is easier than ever -- even if you don't have a studio to record at. With nothing more than your iOS device, the eight apps we've collected, and a bit of free time, you too can join the ranks of Podcasters. Now all you need is someone that will listen.
(Via Mac|Life all.)
Square launches support for customer loyalty programs
Square launches support for customer loyalty programs - Square, a startup focused on facilitating credit card transactions at small businesses, began supporting customer loyalty programs in updates of its major apps launched Tuesday.
(Via Macworld.)
Final notice: Make the move from MobileMe to iCloud
Final notice: Make the move from MobileMe to iCloud -
The time has finally come: you need to make the move from MobileMe to iCloud, as MobileMe officially goes dark on June 30.
If you have an older MobileMe account, you may have held off on the transition to iCloud until the very end. It can feel like a significant move, especially if you hold a .Mac or original iTools account, from when Apple first started offering web-based services in 2002 and 2000, respectively. Apple has offered various cloud-based services, like iDisk, Domain Hosting, Web Galleries and several other Sync Services, over the years, but none of these will work with iCloud moving forward.
(Via TheAppleBlog.)
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