Future 2 tech.

DRM Blues: Ubisoft PC Titles Rendered Useless Next Week

2012-02-03T14:46:00.001+05:30

DRM Blues: Ubisoft PC Titles Rendered Useless Next Week

DRM Blues: Ubisoft PC Titles Rendered Useless Next Week
Crytek Taking on Onlive, Facebook with GFACE
Apple Consultant Refutes Claims From Worker Treatment Story
AMD Ready To Fight in 2012, Says CEO
Built-In Kinect for Mobile Devices a Battery Killer
Super Wi-Fi Name Could be an Issue; Access Clarification
Seagate Quietly Intros GoFlex Thunderbolt Adapter
Report: Windows XP is Still The Dominant OS
AMD Radeon HD 7000 Launch Schedule Leaked
VIDEO: Bethesda Previews Skyrim Creation Kit

DRM Blues: Ubisoft PC Titles Rendered Useless Next Week

Posted: 03 Feb 2012 12:40 AM PST

Several PC titles from Ubisoft will go dark next week thanks to the company's strict DRM.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Crytek Taking on Onlive, Facebook with GFACE

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 09:40 PM PST

Crytek is backing a small team of developers creating what seems to be a social platform that borrows from Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Xbox Live while adding the game streaming abilities of OnLive.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Apple Consultant Refutes Claims From Worker Treatment Story

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 06:40 PM PST

Could the Apple and Foxconn tale have another side to it?

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

AMD Ready To Fight in 2012, Says CEO

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 04:10 PM PST

AMD CEO Rory Read mentioned "thin and light" in his 2012 attack speech to analysts.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Built-In Kinect for Mobile Devices a Battery Killer

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 02:10 PM PST

Integrated Kinect technology is reportedly draining the battery in mobile prototypes.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Super Wi-Fi Name Could be an Issue; Access Clarification

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 11:10 AM PST

After the launch of the nation's first "Super Wi-Fi" network, the Wi-Fi Alliance is now annoyed about the usage of its trademark. An update to last week's Super Wi-Fi network launch is also included.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Seagate Quietly Intros GoFlex Thunderbolt Adapter

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 09:10 AM PST

This adapter provides a Thunderbolt connection to Seagate's portable GoFlex external drives.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Report: Windows XP is Still The Dominant OS

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 07:10 AM PST

Despite the success of Windows 7, the legacy Windows XP still rules the world.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

AMD Radeon HD 7000 Launch Schedule Leaked

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 04:40 AM PST

In a leaked slide, we may have a reasonable picture of the pending launch dates for the Radeon HD 7000 series GPUs.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

VIDEO: Bethesda Previews Skyrim Creation Kit

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 01:40 AM PST

The Creation Kit for Skyrim is coming soon, states Bethesda. In the meantime, here's a little tease.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Live From AMD's Financial Analyst Day

2012-02-03T13:07:00.001+05:30

Live From AMD's Financial Analyst Day

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 11:10 AM PST

We've been waiting on AMD's Financial Analyst Day for more information on how the company plans to approach new and current businesses moving forward. Ahead of the big event, AMD pre-briefed us on the news.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Adobe gives Photoshop CS6 a new graphics-chip boost

2012-02-03T10:48:00.001+05:30

Adobe gives Photoshop CS6 a new graphics-chip boost

Adobe gives Photoshop CS6 a new graphics-chip boost
Reckless Racing 2 power-slides into the iTunes App Store
Rhapsody brings its music to Android tablets
Adobe: Here's why Creative Cloud is worth $600 a year
Cocoon now sheathes you in IE, too
Mac OS X 10.7.3 supports new crop of compact cameras
How to sync iTunes with Android
BitTorrent Live attracts steady stream of interest

Adobe gives Photoshop CS6 a new graphics-chip boost

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 04:45 PM PST

Adobe uses a computer's GPU to accelerate the Liquify plug-in. (Click to enlarge.)

(Credit: screenshot by Stephen Shankland/CNET)

Adobe Systems has released a second sneak peak of Photoshop CS6 that shows new work to give a hardware boost to the image-editing software.

The graphics processing unit (GPU) speeds the Liquify tool, which lets people smear images in a finger-painting way, according to a Zorana Gee, a Photoshop product manager. She demonstrated the change in a YouTube video, the second in what looks to be a series of previews of the software. An earlier Photoshop CS6 preview showed new raw image editing tools adopted from the Lightroom 4 beta, a darker user interface, and improvements to brush size selection. Expect Adobe to add more previews but to withhold some goodies for the official launch sometime later in the first half of 2012.

When firing up the Liquify plug-in with the current Photoshop CS5.x to edit a 100MB image, the image arrives only gradually, broken up into m... [Read more]

Reckless Racing 2 power-slides into the iTunes App Store

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 03:38 PM PST

Reckless Racing 2 is here and it's got all the bells and whistles we were missing in the original.

(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET)

The sequel to one of our favorite iOS racing games is out today, and new game modes, customization options, and car upgrades make Reckless Racing 2 the best in its genre at the iTunes App Store.

When the original Reckless Racing came out, it was a revelation of what a savvy developer could do on an iOS device. With great-looking graphics, ultra-realistic physics, and a retro edge, Reckless Racing demonstrated a new breed of racing game on iOS.

Reckless Racing 2 ($4.99) has all of the things we liked about the original, but adds tons of features and new tracks, and organizes the game modes to make a better all around gaming experience. The game comes with 24 routes with both dirt and tarmac variations and some races even have a mix of both surfaces. The physics in the original were exceptional, and this sequel continues the tradition, possibly making it the best power-slide racing game in the iTunes App Store. The tracks are also longer and more varied than the original, with big straightaways, clifflike drop-offs, and even better scenery.

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 01:54 PM PST

(Credit: Rhapsody)

Popular music subscription service Rhapsody today brings its library of tracks to Android tablets running Honeycomb.

While Rhapsody has long been a fixture as a music player on many Android phones and the iPhone, today's newly released app was specifically created for tablets. And different from the iPad app, it's not simply a scaled-up version of its smaller-screen counterpart. According to Chief Product Officer Brendan Benzing, the folks at Rhapsody "re-imagined the entire experience" in order to take advantage of the extra screen real estate of a tablet and the capabilities of the Android Honeycomb OS.

Users of the new app will notice artist photos and album covers front and center in the refreshed interface. Also, tablet users get access to the huge library of editorial content that's available on the Rhapsody site but inaccessible from previous mobile apps. And finally this newest release even lets you download playlists to local memory for easy playing while offline.

Rhapsody for Android tablets (download) is available now for free for devices running Android Honeycomb OS.

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 09:57 AM PST

Elements of the Creative Cloud

(Credit: Adobe Systems)

Unimpressed by Adobe Systems' Creative Cloud, its forthcoming $50-per-month subscription plan? Adobe wants to change your mind.

The company offered some new details today to show people that the Creative Cloud plan gets people access to more than just the full Creative Suite (CS) Master Collection and tablet-oriented Touch programs. Specifically, according to Scott Morris, senior director of product marketing on Adobe's digital media team, there are these elements:

• The Creative Cloud will include Adobe's Muse and Edge software for creating Web pages. Muse won't be part of the Creative Suite, and Adobe hasn't decided whether Edge will be.

• When Lightroom 4 is out of its current beta-testing phase, it'll be added to the Creative Cloud subscription, too. Lightroom isn't included in CS.

• Creative Cloud subscribers will get early access to new features as they're done without having to wait for them to arrive in the official new CS apps.

• An online social-network community will let people share files, comment on each other's work, and follow each other.

Creative Cloud has several other elements, too, including 20GB of online storage that can be used to sync files across mul... [Read more]

Cocoon now sheathes you in IE, too

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 05:00 AM PST

Cocoon for IE looks and works like Cocoon for Firefox.

(Credit: Cocoon)

The Cocoon add-on for Firefox rounded up a bunch of highly useful security features and presented them to you in one tight package. Cocoon has come to Internet Explorer, and it's available exclusively on Download.com today.

The first beta of Cocoon for Internet Explorer ports the add-on's entire feature set from Firefox to IE, and it'll work on IE8 and IE9 as far back as Windows XP. Features included are IP address anonymising, antivirus scanning of downloads, malware blocking, on-the-fly disposable e-mail addresses, secure public Wi-Fi, and encrypted browsing history.

After it's been installed, you can turn on Cocoon at will to get at its protection toys, and then deactivate it to browse normally. I detected no lags in browsing with it on, though, so once it leaves beta it might become one of the best security add-ons for IE. What's holding it back? Currently, the beta version has problems with cookie management when logging into some services.

iOS and Android versions are on their way, although the iOS version is expected to be finished first. Rather than present the features in an add-on, the iOS version will be a standalone browser. Interestingly, Cocoon is ... [Read more]

Mac OS X 10.7.3 supports new crop of compact cameras

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 01:11 AM PST

Olympus' PEN E-PM1

If there's any doubt about the accelerating shift from traditional SLRs to more compact interchangeable-lens cameras, let the newly released Mac OS X 10.7.3 update put them to rest.

Of the eleven cameras whose raw image formats Lion now supports, six of them are compact mirrorless models. They are the Nikon 1 J1 and V1, the Olympus Pen E-PL1s, E-PM1, and E-PM1; and the Sony Alpha NEX-5N. All these models forsake SLR's flip-up mirror and optical viewfinder, enabling a more compact design.

Raw photo formats, available on SLRs and high-end compact cameras, leave the processing to the photographer rather than relying on the camera's assumptions about how best to make a JPEG. The result is better ... [Read more]

How to sync iTunes with Android

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 12:01 AM PST

Syncing your iTunes library to an Android device is easier than you may think.

doubleTwist is a two-part application that can allow your iTunes for Windows or Mac library to journey into Android Land (and back) with ease. One part of the application, including a media player for your convenience, runs on your Android device. The other runs on your computer and automatically locates your iTunes library and populates its own list for syncing. Read on to find out how to set this up.

These instructions will cover the Windows setup.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma)

Step 1: Download doubleTwist for Windows and doubleTwist for Android.

(Credit: doubleTwist.com)

Step 2: Connect your Android device to your computer via USB. Enable USB file storage by dragging the notification shade and pressing the appropriate option (what you see is dependent on your Android device).

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma)

St... [Read more]

BitTorrent Live attracts steady stream of interest

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 12:00 AM PST

Demoing BitTorrent Live (photos)

1-2 of 4 Scroll Left Scroll Right

What if you took the decentralized, distributed theory that powers torrent technology and applied it to live streaming?

That question, or one similar to it, is what BitTorrent inventor Bram Cohen must've asked himself a few years ago. The answer is BitTorrent Live, and it's currently working its way through a series of weekly real-world tests at the BitTorrent headquarters in San Francisco.

BitTorrent Live is a live-streaming technology that leverages the bandwidth of everybody watching the stream to lighten the stream's network load. It could be applied to everything from family weddings to corporate conference calls to multiday music festivals, says Cohen.

"Live streaming is a big challenge that people have been trying to solve," he said. "We're hoping that this is a fundamental technology that will change how people use the Internet."

Basically, BitTorrent Live is torrent theory applied to a live stream, but powered by completely different code. Even i... [Read more]

SMS Audio Sync by 50 (black)

2012-02-03T10:36:00.001+05:30

SMS Audio Sync by 50 (black)

SMS Audio Sync by 50 (black)
2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn
Klipsch Gallery G-17

SMS Audio Sync by 50 (black)

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 12:09 AM PST

Editor's Rating:

User Rating:
Good: Four SMS Audio Sync-equipped users can connect to the included wireless dongle for group listening, Kleer Wireless streams sound much better than Bluetooth, and SMS includes a 3.5mm cable to use when the battery runs out.
Bad: The delicate plastic housing and the flimsy 3.5mm dongle both suffer heavy creaks under light pressure, and the headphones don't fold up for easier transport. I'm also disappointed that the headphones don't actively cancel noise and that the single USB charger means charging the dongle and headphones separately.
Bottom Line: The Sync by 50 wireless headphones made the right move using Kleer technology for lossless sound, but SMS Audio needs to fix severe design flaws and lower the price before they're ready for battle. [Read more]

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn

Posted: 26 Jan 2012 08:41 PM PST

Editor's Rating:

User Rating:
Good: With its dual-clutch transmission and turbocharged 2-liter engine, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI delivers enjoyable and economical performance. The Fender audio system produces incredibly good sound, the best available for cars in this segment.
Bad: Unlike its sibling GTI, the Jetta GLI lacks launch control and a hatchback. The iPod connecter is placed inconveniently in the glove box.
Bottom Line: Cabin tech in the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI may not be cutting-edge, but the Fender audio system sounds excellent. The boring sedan body belies the superior handling and quick-shifting gearbox. [Read more]

Klipsch Gallery G-17

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 03:31 AM PDT

Editor's Rating:

User Rating:
Good: The Klipsch Gallery G-17 Air is a great-sounding wireless speaker with Air Play functionality. It can stream audio from any source that has iTunes installed along with any iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch. It'll also play audio over USB with some devices, and has an auxiliary input. The G-17 is also very easy to set up and offers a free iOS app for music playback control.
Bad: The worst thing about the G-17 is its $550 price tag which is among the higher priced Air Play units on the market. Users may have mixed results when trying to play music over USB with some devices. The included remote feels a bit cheap.
Bottom Line: While it packs an impressive punch in terms of sound performance and feature set, the G-17 is more expensive than an iPad and doesn't seem worth its $550 price tag. [Read more]

Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version 1.3

2012-02-03T08:48:00.001+05:30

Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version 1.3

Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version 1.3
Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version
Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version
Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version
Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version
Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version
Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version
Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version
Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version
App Bar Icons for Windows Phone 7 version 2011.4
App Bar Icons for Windows Phone 7 version 2011.5
App Bar Icons for Windows Phone 7 version 2011.6
App Bar Icons for Windows Phone 7 version 2011.9
App Bar Icons for Windows Phone 7 version 2012
App Bar Icons for Windows Phone 7 version 2011.1

Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version 1.3

Posted:

OCE, Java Platform, EE 6 Java Persistence API Developer Study Guide

Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version

Posted:

OCE, Java Platform, EE 6 Java Persistence API Developer Study Guide

Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version

Posted:

OCE, Java Platform, EE 6 Java Persistence API Developer Study Guide

Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version

Posted:

OCE, Java Platform, EE 6 Java Persistence API Developer Study Guide

Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version

Posted:

OCE, Java Platform, EE 6 Java Persistence API Developer Study Guide

Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version

Posted:

OCE, Java Platform, EE 6 Java Persistence API Developer Study Guide

Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version

Posted:

OCE, Java Platform, EE 6 Java Persistence API Developer Study Guide

Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version

Posted:

OCE, Java Platform, EE 6 Java Persistence API Developer Study Guide

Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version

Posted:

OCE, Java Platform, EE 6 Java Persistence API Developer Study Guide

App Bar Icons for Windows Phone 7 version 2011.4

Posted:

High-quality application bar icons fully compatible with Windows Phone 7

App Bar Icons for Windows Phone 7 version 2011.5

Posted:

High-quality application bar icons fully compatible with Windows Phone 7

App Bar Icons for Windows Phone 7 version 2011.6

Posted:

High-quality application bar icons fully compatible with Windows Phone 7

App Bar Icons for Windows Phone 7 version 2011.9

Posted:

High-quality application bar icons fully compatible with Windows Phone 7

App Bar Icons for Windows Phone 7 version 2012

Posted:

High-quality application bar icons fully compatible with Windows Phone 7

App Bar Icons for Windows Phone 7 version 2011.1

Posted:

High-quality application bar icons fully compatible with Windows Phone 7

Free and premium Video Hosting Platforms – Best Of

2012-02-03T04:39:00.001+05:30

Free and premium Video Hosting Platforms – Best Of

Posted: 02 Feb 2012 09:47 AM PST

Video content has been growing in popularity and influence online for the past few years as more and more people worldwide gain access to broadband internet access. Now, video is almost a necessary component to any brand’s online presence, and is being used in virtually every industry (for evidence of this, one need only look at the popular Blendtec series “Will It Blend?“).

But most companies and content creators don’t realize the volume of sites out there that are available for hosting your videos. YouTube is just one site, but there are dozens of others out there, too, of varying quality. Below, we’ve covered twenty of the best (including YouTube), with information on content restrictions, cost, and whether they permit commercial content, as well as key features of each.

Free and Freemium Platforms

There are a ton of free and freemium video hosting platforms available, though many have content restrictions. Some don’t allow commercial use, some only take certain kinds of videos (like episodic web series), and some limit how much you can upload. Many of these platforms have paid plans that let you overcome some or all of the restrictions, and some have partner programs that let you earn money from your videos.

YouTube

YouTube, owned by Google, is the most popular video hosting platform out there. There are millions of videos on YouTube, covering virtually every topic and style imaginable (with the exception of pornography). YouTube has a lot of advantages as a video host, but also has some pretty distinct disadvantages for some users, namely the inclusion of ads on and around your videos, which may be undesirable for many businesses (the last thing you want is for a competitor’s ad to pop up next to your video). YouTube’s partner program does let you earn revenue from advertising, though.

More info:

Cost: Free
Content Restrictions: No pornography or sexually explicit content, no videos intended to shock or disgust, no videos showing illegal activity, no graphic or gratuitous violence
Commercial Content OK: Yes

Vimeo

Vimeo is one of the more popular video hosting platforms, especially for non-commercial video. There have been reports of difficulties with the Vimeo player for some users, though other users definitely prefer the Vimeo player to many others. They have two plans for non-commercial users, though they do allow commercial use for small, independent production companies with some restrictions. Vimeo also offers Perks to their Plus members, along with advanced statistics and unlimited groups, channels, and albums.

More info:

Cost: Free for Basic plan, which allows up to 500MB/week uploads, including 1 HD video, or $9.95/month or $59.95/year for Plus membership, which includes up to 5GB/week uploads and unlimited HD videos (see Premium section for Vimeo Pro)
Content Restrictions: No commercial content
Commercial Content OK: Generally no, there are exceptions for small production companies and similar

Metacafe

Metacafe focuses on entertainment more than many other free video host, and specifically entertainment aimed at a particular demographic. They have more exclusive, original, and curated premium content than any other entertainment site, and are among the top 3 video sites in the U.S. They’re dedicated to showcasing short-form videos from the world of movies, video games, TV, music and sports, primarily aimed at young men. If your video content is likely to be appealing to that demographic, then Metacafe might be a good choice to host your videos.

More info:

Cost: Free
Content Restrictions: No content that is unlawful, obscene, defamatory, libelous, threatening, pornographic, harrassing, hateful, racially or ethnically offensive, or encourages illegal activity
Commercial Content OK: Yes

Vitomy

Vitomy is a hosted video player that lets you completely customize the video player to meet your branding needs. You can build your own unique and creative templates for your video player more easily than many platforms. The only downside is that only the paid plan allows player customization. Both plans, however, offer video uploads, previews, search, and built-in Vitomy templates. The free plan offers 40GB of bandwidth and storage, while the paid plan offers 200GB.

More info:

Cost: Free to $59/month
Content Restrictions: None listed on website
Commercial Content OK: Yes

Blip.tv

Blip.tv is focused on distributing original web series for content creators. They automate uploading of your videos to various channels, including YouTube, and allow for revenue generation. They offer insights and analytics into your traffic, a massive distribution network, and a number of powerful social tools. They also have completely customizable video players that can display a single episode, your entire series, or specific playlists.

More info:

Cost: Free
Content Restrictions: Aimed a episodice web series
Commercial Content OK: Yes

Premium and Enterprise Platforms

Many of the free platforms above don’t allow you the full control you need over your content, especially for enterprise users. That’s where premium video hosting platforms come into play. The biggest downside to premium video services like these is their cost, often in the hundreds of dollars per month. But what you get is superior service and generally more control over your content, as well as more advanced toold.

SproutVideo

SproutVideo is a business video hosting solution that offers a number of features important to businesses. These include security and privacy options, SSL embeds, domain whitelists, HD video, mobile playback, easily customizable video players, and embeddable videos. Their analytics will show you how many plays your videos get, where those plays are coming from, which videos are popular, and where your videos are being viewed on the web.

More info:

Cost: $10 to $750 per month depending on bandwidth and storage needs, there’s a $1 free trial available
Content Restrictions: None specified on the website
Commercial Content OK: Yes

Viddler

Viddler is a video hosting platform for businesses, including educational institutions and non-profits. They offer three plans depending on your needs, including a customizable enterprise plan. Videos hosted with Viddler are HD quality, embeddable, and will play on mobile devices. They have their own ad network to help you generate revenue with your videos, and they also offer a plan to sell access to your video using subscriptions, both available on their Business plan.

More info:

Cost: Starting at $50/month for Pro and $100/month for Business, discounts are availalbe for education customers and non-profits.
Content Restrictions: No hateful, threatening, pornographic, obscene, abusive, unlawful, harrassing, racially or ethnically offensive, libelous or defamatory, or any content that encourages illegal activity.
Commercial Content OK: Yes

Google Video for Business

Google Video for Business is part of the Google Apps suite, and is optimized for internal corporate and enterprise video communication. It’s private, secure video hosting that makes it easy to share things like training videos with your coworkers without making them public on the web or having to deal with an on-site solution. It’s accessible from anywhere, and works on Mac, PC, and Linux computers.

More info:

Cost: Included in Google Apps, which is $5/month/user or $50/year/user
Content Restrictions: None specified on the website
Commercial Content OK: Yes

iPlayerHD

iPlayerHD is a high definition hosting service for businesses. It’s ad-free, includes a DRM streaming option, allows you to choose whether videos are embeddable or not (or choose which domains can embed them), and allows for unlimited video length. They also offer analytics, and they auto-detect the device the video is being accessed on so the appropriate file is automatically delivered. You can set up custom landing pages for you videos and even choose a "no encode" option that won’t re-encode or compress your video files.

More info:

Cost: $30/month or $300/year. A 30-day free trial is available
Content Restrictions: None specified on website
Commercial Content OK: Yes

Framesocket

Framesocket is a premium video hosting platform designed for developers. It offers an API to make uploading easy (as well as a desktop uploader), an easily customizable video player, customizable channels, automated audience building tools, and mobile compatibility. You can gather videos from an unlimited number of users and sources, and then securely store or serve them via Framesocket’s content delivery network.

More info:

Cost: $25/month including 5GB of storage and delivery, additional storage is available at $.50/GB and additional transfer is available at $.25/GB
Content Restrictions: None listed on website
Commercial Content OK: Yes

23 Video

23 Video is a premium video hosting platform that’s aimed at high-traffic enterprise videos. It includes 1TB of traffic per month, with additional traffic available. You get an unlimited number of videos, unlimited users, and unlimited video length. You have full freedom over the design of the open source video player, and you get your own fully-customizable videosite with your design and your domain. There are powerful analytics included, as well as a variety of distribution options (including subscribing via email, podcasting, iTunes or AppleTV), and videos can automatically be posted to Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Google Video.

More info:

Cost: $675 per month, plus $250 per extra 1TB of traffic
Content Restrictions: None on website
Commercial Content OK: Yes

Vzaar

Vzaar is a professional video platform that is easy to use but quite powerful. It includes a video player with customizalbe colors, borders, brand overlays, brand text & links, subtitles, end screen text, and more. Videos are high definition and iPhone compatible. You have access to privacy controls, domain controls, and more. Videos can be set to autoplay and loop, and you have a variety of encoding options. Vzaar also offers integration tools for Ebay, embeddable video code (including HTTPS embed code), and integration with Google Analytics and Mail Chimp.

More info:

Cost: $29 to $499 per month depending on bandwidth, video numbers, and optional iOS streams
Content Restrictions: Nothing tasteless, offensive, or obscene (including pornography)
Commercial Content OK: Yes

Brightcove

Brightcove offers an enterprise-level video hosting platform that includes live streaming capabilities, YouTube sync, and other distribution and syndication options. They offer monetization and advertising opportunities for your online media, as well as powerful analytics and integration options. There are fifteen video player templates you can choose from, all of which are customizalbe. Smart Players let you deliver both Flash and HTML5 video so you don’t have to manage separate players or have extra code on your website.

More info:

Cost: $99 to $499+ per month
Content Restrictions: No content that contains pornography, promotes illegal activity, is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, tortious, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, libelous, invasive of privacy or publicity rights, hateful, or racially, sexually, ethnically or otherwise objectionable.
Commercial Content OK: Yes

Vimeo Pro

Vimeo Pro is an enterprise video solution from Vimeo. Pro videos don’t show up within the regular Vimeo site (though you can enable the "Community Pass" for videos which meet Vimeo’s regular content guidelines), and you can host commercial content. You get 50GB of upload space and unlimited on-site plays, and up to 250k embed plays (additional space and plays can be purchased), with no bandwidth caps or time limits. High definition video is available (with full 1080p), and it’s compatible with mobile, tablet, and connected TVs. You get fast priority uploading, as well as HTML5 support with the Vimeo Universal Player.

More info:

Cost: $199 per year
Content Restrictions: Not specified on site
Commercial Content OK: Yes

Oculu

Oculu offers unlimited video uploads for your commercial videos, with restrictions on storage and plays based on the plan you select. Their controls are incredibly easy to use, with a dashboard for customizing each individual video. They offer multiple embed options (including standard embed, overlay, and lightbox videos), and tools to manage, measure, and optimize your video campaigns.

More info:

Cost: $19/month to $245 per month
Content Restrictions: Not listed on site
Commercial Content OK: Yes

Ooyala

Ooyala makes it easy to manage your video content across a variety of CMS platforms, including WordPress, ExpressionEngine, Drupal, and others. They automatically transcode your videos into a variety of formats and sizes to support major devices and screen sizes. You can customize your player however you want, with completely customizable player templates that can be used with Silverlight, Flash, and HTML5. They offer APIs for integration with third-party CMSs as well as for bulk uploads and importing of content (including YouTube content). Ooyala works with Flash Access Digital Rights Management and supports custom meta data. Full syndication is possible across YouTube, Facebook, and iTunes, as well as through custom feeds.

More info:

Cost: Starting at $500 per month
Content Restrictions: Not listed on website
Commercial Content OK: Yes

Kaltura

Kaltura is an enterprise video hosting app with some of the most versatile options out there. They offer browser-based, bulk, desktop, FTP-based, and drop folder uploads, among others. They let you transcode your videos to a variety of formats and sizes, using teh transcoder of your choice, and they have powerful management and publishing tools for your video content. Their video player works with Flash or HTML5, and it makes it easy to share content via Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and over fifty other social networks and blogs. Kaltura is one of the only commercial video platforms that also offers basic video editing tools, including the ability to trim and clip content, and add subtitles. They offer a variety of options for monetizing your content, including adveritising, pay-per-view, and VAST support. They offer deployment options for SaaS, self-hosted, community, and cloud editions.

More info:

Cost: Not specified, though a free trial is available
Content Restrictions: No content that is unlawful, obscene, defamatory, libelous, threatening, pornographic, harrassing, hateful, racially or ethnically offensive, or encourages illegal activity.
Commercial Content OK: Yes

Limelight Networks

Limelight Networks offers the Limelight Video Platform, which gives you flexible tools to publish, manage, analyze, and monetize your video content. You can manage your entire online video workflow with Limelight or just the parts you need. It includes sophisticated metadata management, integration with your existing CMS, analytics, in-video search, and support for free, suscription, and ad-supported videos.

More info:

Cost: Not listed on website
Content Restrictions: Not listed on website
Commercial Content OK: Yes

GravityLab Multimedia

GravityLab Multimedia offers a number of premium video hosting plans that makes it easy to deliver your content from your website to computer screens, TV screens, and handheld devices. Their videos are fast streaming with little buffering required, work with Windows Media, Quicktime and MP4, and Flash streaming with pause, fast forward, and rewind. They don’t require any annual contract, so you can cancel at any time.

More info:

Cost: $19.99/month to $420/month
Content Restrictions: Not listed on website
Commercial Content OK: Yes

Rift Follows World of Warcraft, Offers First 20 Levels Free

2012-02-02T14:47:00.001+05:30

Rift Follows World of Warcraft, Offers First 20 Levels Free

Rift Follows World of Warcraft, Offers First 20 Levels Free
Microsoft Releases Kinect for Windows Hardware, SDK
Microsoft Targets Google's Privacy Policy with New Ad Campaign
Seagate Believes HDD Supply Disruption to Continue in 2012
ARM 2012 Roadmap Reveals "Gods and Giants" Theme
Sky to Launch New Internet TV Service this Year
ARM CEO Says Windows 8 Tablets Might Have Edge Over Android
No Metro Design for Office 15 on Windows 8?
Acer Going Into "Attack Mode" in 2012, Says Chairman
The Earliest Documented Case of Data Theft Was in 1962
AMD Releases Catalyst 12.1; Previews Catalyst 12.2 Drivers

Rift Follows World of Warcraft, Offers First 20 Levels Free

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 10:40 PM PST

Rift has introduced a "lite" version similar to World of Warcraft Starter Edition, offering free gameplay for the first twenty levels.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Microsoft Releases Kinect for Windows Hardware, SDK

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 08:10 PM PST

The hardware and SDK to Kinect for Windows is now shipping, as promised.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Microsoft Targets Google's Privacy Policy with New Ad Campaign

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 07:10 PM PST

Oof! That's the sound of Microsoft kicking Google when it's down.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Seagate Believes HDD Supply Disruption to Continue in 2012

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 06:10 PM PST

Seagate estimates 2012 HDD shortage at 150 million units

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

ARM 2012 Roadmap Reveals "Gods and Giants" Theme

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 04:10 PM PST

ARM revealed its 2012 roadmap in a 4Q11 financial results meeting with analysts.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Sky to Launch New Internet TV Service this Year

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 03:50 PM PST

BSkyB has announced plans to launch a Sky Internet TV service later this year. The news follows the company's announcement that its BBC iPLayer would soon arrive on Sky Anytime+.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

ARM CEO Says Windows 8 Tablets Might Have Edge Over Android

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 12:10 PM PST

ARM's CEO seems to be confident about Microsoft's entry into the tablet market.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

No Metro Design for Office 15 on Windows 8?

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 10:10 AM PST

Office 15 will be Windows 8 friendly, but its individual apps will not be designed with the Metro sleekness.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Acer Going Into "Attack Mode" in 2012, Says Chairman

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 08:10 AM PST

Acer is attacking the consumer market on four fronts: ultrabooks, netbooks, tablets and smartphones.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The Earliest Documented Case of Data Theft Was in 1962

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 05:40 AM PST

While investigating the first computer password, Wired came across what is supposedly the earliest documented case of password theft.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

AMD Releases Catalyst 12.1; Previews Catalyst 12.2 Drivers

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 02:40 AM PST

Shiny, new drivers for your Radeon HD GPU.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

OpenCL In Action: Post-Processing Apps, Accelerated

2012-02-02T12:47:00.001+05:30

OpenCL In Action: Post-Processing Apps, Accelerated

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 09:10 PM PST

We've been bugging AMD for years now, literally: show us what GPU-accelerated software can do. Finally, the company is ready to put us in touch with ISVs in nine different segments to demonstrate how its hardware can benefit optimized applications.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Canon EOS utility updated to work in OS X Lion

2012-02-02T10:45:00.001+05:30

Canon EOS utility updated to work in OS X Lion

Canon EOS utility updated to work in OS X Lion
OS X 10.7.3 hits, promises to smash bugs, add new languages
Predict the weather with Android
How to view files offline in Google Docs for Android
Pay what you want for this Android (and desktop!) game bundle
Mac OS X gets ZFS after all--but not from Apple
Windows XP still hanging on as dominant OS
IE fends off rivals, but absent from mobile battlefield
Apps for foodies: 12 apps for finding or making good food
Symantec declares PCAnywhere safe with latest security patch
Microsoft launches Office 15 as technical preview

Canon EOS utility updated to work in OS X Lion

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 03:29 PM PST

If you're a photographer who uses Canon equipment and has been unable to use the Canon EOS utility after installing OS X Lion, some good news: Canon has issued an update to the tool that allows it to run properly in Apple's latest operating system.

The Canon EOS Utility is an application that allows you to interface your Mac with your digital EOS camera, allowing you to not only transfer images from it and manage them but also remotely operate the camera from your computer using Canon's interface cable.

When OS X Lion was released a number of Canon users found the utility would not work properly, and while you could launch the program using the Terminal to directly open the program's executable file, this was not a practical solution for most people to use.

For months since Lion's release, Canon users who have adopted Apple's new OS have had to find alternatives to the EOS utility, but in late January Canon released an update to the utility that should allow it to work properly in OS X Lion. The update supports OS X 10.6.8 or later, and supports the following Canon camera models:

EOS REBEL T1i, T2i, T3, T3i, XS, and XSi
EOS Kiss F, X2, X3, X4, X5, and X50
EOS 7D, 40D, 50D, 60D, 450D, 500D, 550D, 600D, 100D, and 1100D

The update can be downloaded from the ... [Read more]

OS X 10.7.3 hits, promises to smash bugs, add new languages

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 03:21 PM PST

(Credit: Screenshot by Josh Lowensohn/CNET)

Apple released OS X 10.7.3 Lion today, the third such minor update to the operating system since it was launched last July.

The update, which went out to Lion users earlier this afternoon, includes an update to Safari, bringing the built-in browser up to version 5.1.3. System-wide, the update promises to fix bugs and add new languages, including Greek, Hebrew, Thai and Catalan, among others. It also fixes bugs with authenticating with directory services and what Apple says were "compatibility issues" with Windows file sharing.

The release follows some seven betas of the software given out to developers, the last two of which were delivered with no known issues.

Below is the full change log of what end users are getting with this one:

• Add Catalan, Croatian, Greek, Hebrew, Romanian, Slovak, Thai, and Ukrainian language support
• Address issues when using smart cards to log into OS X
• Resolve issues authenticating with directory services
• Address compatibility issues with Windows file sharing
• Address an issue printing Microsoft Word documents that use markup
• Address a graphics performance issue after sleep on some earlier iMacs that use ATI graphics
• Resolve... [Read more]

Predict the weather with Android

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 03:18 PM PST

(Credit: Weather Trends 360)

Popular weather guidance site Weather Trends 360 has just brought its future-telling powers to the Android platform.

Previously available only on iOS, the wt360 app can now help Android users plan events up to a year in advance. For instance, are you wondering if it could rain on your destination wedding next May? Just fire up the wt360 app, enter a location, and take a look. Obviously, you can't expect the app to be terribly accurate at predicting the exact temperature eight months from now. But you can expect it to give you a good general idea of the weather on any given date. And if you just need to know typical weather trends for specific months, then the app is even more useful.

The wt360 app is available for 99 cents now in the Android Market.

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 01:29 PM PST

The new Google Docs update in the Android Market added offline viewing for Android phones and tablets.

Offline access is essential when you're not able to connect to the Internet, like on a plane or in a network dead zone. Here's how to use the new Google Docs offline feature for Android:

First, make sure you have the latest Google Docs app installed on your Android device.

Mark files for offline use

Android phone On your Android phone, long-press on a document and select Make available offline.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee)

Android tablet On your Android tablet, you have three ways to mark documents for offline viewing:

Long-press on a document and select Make available offline.
Open the document's preview pane and check the Available offline box.
Open the document's preview pane and touch the menu button in the top right-hand corner, then select Make available offline.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee)

View offline files

Android phone To view your offline files on an Android phone, simply select Offline, on the main Google Docs screen.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee)

Android tablet To view your offline files on an Android tablet, select Offline, in the left-... [Read more]

Pay what you want for this Android (and desktop!) game bundle

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 08:34 AM PST

(Credit: Humble Bundle/Screenshot by Rick Broida)

Humble Bundles are renowned for offering name-your-own price indie game collections. But mostly they've been computer games. That changes today--sort of.

The Humble Bundle for Android comes with three games: Anomaly: Warzone Earth, Edge, and Osmos. If you were to purchase them separately, they'd cost you $10.47.

Buy the bundle, however, and you can pay whatever you want. A buck. A penny. Twenty bucks. A portion of the proceeds (whatever portion you want, in fact) can go to charity, so it's not crazy to open your wallet a bit more than you otherwise might.

But wait, there's more. If you pay more than the average purchase price (currently $5.94), you get a bonus game: World of Goo, which normally sells for $4.99 all by itself.

All four games have 4.5- or 5-star user ratings on Android Market. Of them, I've played only World of Goo, which is singularly awesome, but obvious... [Read more]

Mac OS X gets ZFS after all--but not from Apple

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 07:30 AM PST

Ten's Complement's Zevo Silver Edition brings ZFS to Mac OS X.

(Credit: Tens' Complement)

Apple may have given up on the idea of building Sun Microsystems' ZFS file system into Mac OS X, but one of its engineers has picked up where Apple left off.

Don Brady, a former Apple engineer and ZFS, now is leading a small team at start-up Ten's Complement that's been commercializing the software since its 2010 founding. They have released their first product, the $19.95 Zevo Silver Edition, the first version of a product formerly called Z410.

ZFS was a spotlight feature of the Solaris operating system, which Sun released as open-source software and which Oracle took over after acquiring the server maker. ZFS features include the ability to manage vast amounts of data (it originally stood for Zettabyte File System), high reliability, easy administration when it's time to allocate more or less storage to particular computers or tasks, and "pools" to accommodate multiple storage devices without troubling users with details.

Zevo Silver Edition doesn't include everything in ZFS, but the sales pitch should sound familiar: "The technology used in Zevo was designed from the ground up to address today's storage concerns. The new design throws away obsolete assumptions. Fundamental features like data integrity and scalability are built in... [Read more]

Windows XP still hanging on as dominant OS

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 05:28 AM PST

After 10 years, Windows XP is still the most popular OS.

(Credit: NetApplications)

Windows XP refuses to give up its top spot without a fight.

The decade-old OS has slowly been losing more users to Windows 7, but January marked a small resurgence in its grip on the market, according to stats out today from NetApplications.

For the month, Windows XP grabbed 47.19 percent of all OS users, inching up from 46.5 percent in December. At the same time, Windows 7 saw its market share dip to 36.4 percent from almost 37 percent the previous month.

Obviously, a fraction of a percentage point is nothing for XP to crow about, especially since its overall share has dropped from almost 58 percent a year ago. But it does point to the continued popularity of an OS that Microsoft would like to see kick the bucket.

The folks in Redmond have been pushing both consumers and companies to jump ship from XP to Windows 7.

As part of that push, Microsoft has been constantly reminding people that support for XP runs out in April 2014, at which time security patches and other updates will no longer be available. Though that gives individuals plenty of time to upgrade, enterprises face a longer path to migration, putting more pressure on them to switch to Windows 7 before too long.

Micros... [Read more]

IE fends off rivals, but absent from mobile battlefield

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 01:16 AM PST

Net Applications' statistics show the increasing use of tablets and phones for Web browsing.

(Credit: Net Applications)

Internet Explorer staved off rival browsers on personal computers in the first month of 2012, but a new battlefield is emerging where Microsoft has virtually no presence today: mobile.

Among personal computers, IE reclaimed a chunk the global browser usage, rising from 51.9 percent in December to 53 percent in January, according to new statistics from Net Applications.

However, while browsing with desktops and laptops dominates, mobile devices are catching up. Smartphones and tablets accounted for an all-time high of 8.8 percent of browsing in January, up from 7.7 percent the month earlier.

And on mobile, Microsoft's presence is close to nothing right now. The mobile version of IE9, which ships with Windows Phone, accounted for 0.2 percent of mobile browser usage in January, Net Applications said. Adding in earlier mobile versions of IE brings that up to 0.3 percent, matching Amazon's new Silk browser used in its Android-based Kindle Fire tablets.

Net Applications' statistics for browser usage on mobile devices.

(Credit: Net Applications)

For comparison, Apple's iOS leads here, with 54.9 ... [Read more]

Apps for foodies: 12 apps for finding or making good food

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 04:49 PM PST

(Credit: Matt Elliott)

Our cookbooks are spending more time on the shelf. My laptop has fewer tomato stains. In place of these trusted recipe sources, our iPads and iPhones are becoming fixtures in our kitchen.

My wife and I are using iOS apps to discover new recipes and restaurants, shop more effectively at the grocery store, and keep track of noteworthy meals. Also, I found In-N-Out Burger's app, which I hope to use frequently on my next trip to the West Coast.

What you won't find here is anything in the way of a shopping list app. The cookbook apps below offer a shopping list feature, but I haven't found a dedicated shopping list app I like better than pen and paper. If you use such an app, please describe its merits in the comments below. And if you have a favorite food- or kitchen-related app that I missed in this roundup, let me know that, too.

Shop Know what to buy organic with the Dirty Dozen app This handy and free iOS app lists the 12 fruits and vegetables with the most pesticide residues.

How to find local produce with Locavore This free iOS or Android app shows you where to find locally grown produce and when it's in season.

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 10:03 AM PST

(Credit: Symantec)

PCAnywhere customers' computers are apparently safe again as long as they apply the latest security patch to the software.

Following news of the theft of the product's source code, Symantec last week advised customers to disable the software to guard against cyberattacks.

But a round of free upgrades released last week were aimed at cleaning up the vulnerabilities.

On January 23, Symantec released a patch to secure PCAnywhere 12.5. And then January 27, the company rolled out another patch directed toward PCAnywhere versions 12.0 and 12.1.

Posting the latest information about the security updates and the source code theft, Symantec is advising users to apply all the relevant patches as they come out and follow best practices (PDF) when it comes to security. Customers who don't have the latest version with the new p... [Read more]

Microsoft launches Office 15 as technical preview

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 07:36 AM PST

Microsoft is already testing the waters with the next version of its popular Office suite.

Office 15 officially made its debut as a technical preview yesterday, available to a small number of early testers who will provide feedback that can influence the final release.

And though the technical preview program is already full, a beta of the new Office suite will surface for everyone to play with later in the summer.

A Microsoft blog posted yesterday by PJ Hough, corporate vice president of the Microsoft Office Division, spilled very few beans about the new suite codenamed Office 15. And those select few who were chosen to check out the technical preview have had to sign non-disclosure agreements, so their lips will be tight as well.

Calling Office 15 "the most ambitious undertaking yet for the Office Division," Hough simply said that the new suite will mark the first time that "Microsoft will simultaneously update its cloud services, servers, and mobile and PC clients for Office, Office 365, Exchange, SharePoint, Lync, Project, and Visio."

SMS Audio Sync by 50 (white)

2012-02-02T10:41:00.001+05:30

SMS Audio Sync by 50 (white)

SMS Audio Sync by 50 (white)
T-Mobile MyTouch Q (violet)
T-Mobile MyTouch Q (gray)

SMS Audio Sync by 50 (white)

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 12:05 AM PST

Editor's Rating:

T-Mobile MyTouch Q (violet)

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 10:25 PM PST

Editor's Rating:

User Rating:
Good: The T-Mobile MyTouch Q offers a satisfying physical keyboard and a fast 4G data connection for people on a budget.
Bad: With a sluggish single-core CPU, a pokey 5-megapixel camera, and a low-res display, the MyTouch Q won't impress either gadget hounds or shutterbugs looking to replace their point-and-shoot cameras. Also, the phone is loaded to the gills with bloatware and it suffers from a blah user interface.
Bottom Line: If you absolutely crave a physical keyboard and swift 4G data for less, you'll find plenty to like about T-Mobile's MyTouch Q. More selective smartphone shoppers, however, will want to look elsewhere. [Read more]

T-Mobile MyTouch Q (gray)

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 10:16 PM PST

Editor's Rating:

35 Imaginative “Hands And Fingers” Photo Manipulations

2012-02-02T04:53:00.001+05:30

35 Imaginative “Hands And Fingers” Photo Manipulations

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 12:48 AM PST

Hands and fingers are the greatest assets of every human born in this world. With hands and fingers, human created great arts that shine in the human history. They are really great, but can they be artistic as well? It’s hard to answer this kind of questions with a ‘no’, especially in this technological age, when everything can possibly become an art with the might of creativity and the power of the Photoshop.

(Image Source: Coltography)

In this showcase you won’t see any regular hands and fingers, as we brought to you 35 manipulation works with artistic attempts on hands and fingers. So let’s see what artists and designers can do when it comes to brush up their own hands and fingers!

More related:

25 Fingers. Aside from its seamless manipulation, this work is so great that it makes me actually think that having 30 fingers look really cool! Well I have to confess that as a developer, I will like to have a hand like this. (Image Source: Alexandre Guilbeault)

Multi Hands. Another really cool one with awesome manipulation applied. (Image Source: j.walsh)

A Handful. “I would be so much better at piano…” (Image Source: pwnedbyryan)

Again, I Say… For everything you do, there might be an eye watching you. (Image Source: 0 W8ing)

Arms Break, Vases Don’t. Sometimes if you are too careless, your hand will go wrong on you! (Image Source: alltelleringet)

Being M.C. Escher. So which one is the real hand? A nice one! (Image Source: billyboingo)

Candlehand. Looks great, and what’s greater with this photo: it’s completely real! (Image Source: Bradi)

Chase Your Love. Killer metallic effect. (Image Source: SubhadipKoley)

Cyborg Hand. The day you know you’re not your father’s son. (Image Source: Naikoivanenko)

Don’t Preach. Which one is the real hand? Or which one is the photo? (Image Source: haribahagia)

FingBods. “Hey man, what’s weird about me?” (Image Source: Sterzy Hunter)

Finger Killer. It’s a magnum, for sure. (Image Source: thecolourushproject)

Flaming Fingertips. This actually makes you think about it, wonderful piece. (Image Source: PhilipHolm)

Give Me A Hand. Don’t try this at home! (Image Source: Stefano Sala)

Give Me A Hand. It’s like these hands got some personalities! (Image Source: tiagogmc)

Gold Fish In My Hand. Very sleek manipulation with amazing uses of colors! (Image Source: sertanarig)

Handed. How many fingers in total? You will never get it right. (Image Source: Õri Balázs)

Hands. I have to say, the 3rd hand is epic. Amusing and unique one! (Image Source: cute0designer)

Hands. Could be what you’ll see when you did too much Photoshop stuff! (Image Source: justyourtype)

I Love Chocolate!! The expressions are priceless, and I believe it will be troublesome to live with these kinda annoying fingers. (Image Source: Manu Pombrol)

M&M’s Chocolate Candy. Cute or haunting? Different people will have different thought about this piece. (Image Source: erwin mallari)

Mutant Cell Pearl. Yikes! (Image Source: Tavieo Sawyer)

My Kind Of Angel. “As an artist, I soar high to the limitless boundaries of my imagination through art and I enable myself to fly with my bare hands.” (Image Source: Alvin Adriano)

Orchestra. More hands are surely cooler. (Image Source: Manu Pombrol)

Pyro. Great manipulation and lighting, gave me a feel that the photo is expressing something. (Image Source: Tom Miatke)

Save the Earth. Unique manipulation work with great details inside it. (Image Source: Fayaz Mohamed)

Screaming Hand. You can’t have quiet environment with this kind of hand. (Image Source: Lintza)

Self Disassembly. “I have a robotic left arm. It malfunctions once in a while from too much computer work, so I have to take it off and service it. The hardest part is trying to reconnect all these wires with one hand.” (Image Source: Josh Sommers)

Some Skills. I doubt its usability, great concept though! (Image Source: Julio Mello)

Spander. Never thought the evolution of the spider could be that similar with human hands. (Image Source: Coltography)

The Hand That Feeds. The Hand That Feeds! (Image Source: Josh Sommers)

Today I Got My Guitar Fixed. Love the slightly transparent effect on one of the hand, guess which! (Image Source: holly henry)

Working Fingers. I always imagine if I could just lie on bed and type on the keyboard like this. Beautiful hand by the way. (Image Source: saibia)

You Are What You Eat. Amusing idea with classic quote, well done! (Image Source: Dimaci)

You Will Never Be Alone. There’s always a helping hand for you. (Image Source: Olivia Ariferiani)

Reflection

So now you see, hands and fingers could not only make interesting stuff, they could also be interesting by themselves! In fact I was quite doubtful that what would be the manipulation works of hands and fingers look like when I just started to search for them here and there, and I didn’t regret to compile them into a showcase, just like they didn’t fail to inspire and/or amuse me!

Which one would you choose to customize your hand to? Oh! The question should be, which manipulation piece you like in this showcase! Do let us know your favorite(s)!

The Original EverQuest MMORPG Going Free to Play in March

2012-02-01T15:03:00.001+05:30

The Original EverQuest MMORPG Going Free to Play in March

The Original EverQuest MMORPG Going Free to Play in March
WebOS Chief Architect Also Leaves HP
Other World Computing (OWC) Reveals Two New SSDs
T-Mobile UK Offers Unlimited 'Full Monty' Plan
Megaupload User Data to Be Destroyed
Mouser Sells Classic 6502 "Antique" Processor
Download All Versions of Mozilla Firefox 10 Here
Amazon Selling PC Games Crazy Cheap Today Only
Windows 8 to Have Greatly Improved Wi-Fi Connection Times
Corsair Offers Individual-Sleeved PSU Modular Cable Kits

The Original EverQuest MMORPG Going Free to Play in March

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 11:40 PM PST

SOE's original oldie-but-goodie EverQuest MMORPG is finally going free-to-play in March.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

WebOS Chief Architect Also Leaves HP

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 10:10 PM PST

It's another Palm/webOS-based departure from HP, this time the company's webOS chief architect. Ouch.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Other World Computing (OWC) Reveals Two New SSDs

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 07:10 PM PST

Other World Computing (OWC) has introduced two news SSDs in its lineup: the Mercury Enterprise Pro 6G series and 480 GB Mercury Aura Pro Express 6G.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

T-Mobile UK Offers Unlimited 'Full Monty' Plan

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 05:20 PM PST

All you can eat, and they mean it this time.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Megaupload User Data to Be Destroyed

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 04:10 PM PST

Will users have a chance to save their data?

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Mouser Sells Classic 6502 "Antique" Processor

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 01:10 PM PST

A processor used more than 30 years ago has resurfaced and can be purchased again.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Download All Versions of Mozilla Firefox 10 Here

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 10:10 AM PST

Mozilla's browser Firefox and Bo Derek now have something in common.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Amazon Selling PC Games Crazy Cheap Today Only

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 08:40 AM PST

Today only, PC gamers can purchase downloadable AAA games from EA, 2K Games, Ubisoft and others for as little as $5.00!

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Windows 8 to Have Greatly Improved Wi-Fi Connection Times

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 07:10 AM PST

Get back on the net even faster with Windows 8.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Corsair Offers Individual-Sleeved PSU Modular Cable Kits

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 03:10 AM PST

Corsair quietly released its new individually sleeved modular cables for select Corsair PSU via a Facebook posting.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Upgrade Advice: Does Your Fast SSD Really Need SATA 6Gb/s?

2012-02-01T13:06:00.001+05:30

Upgrade Advice: Does Your Fast SSD Really Need SATA 6Gb/s?

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 09:10 PM PST

Are you mulling the potential benefit of an SSD upgrade on a system without 6 Gb/s SATA connectivity? We run the benchmarks on several different solid-state storage architectures in order to determine how much performance you give up on an older machine.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

New MapQuest Mobile adds landmarks to its directions

2012-02-01T10:41:00.001+05:30

New MapQuest Mobile adds landmarks to its directions

New MapQuest Mobile adds landmarks to its directions
Microsoft: The Web is better without plug-ins
How to remotely control music on your PC with Android
Firefox simplifies add-on updates; no native Android interface--yet
Apple updates AirPort utility and Base Station firmware
Ion seeks to save IE6 users from themselves
Final Cut Pro X update brings multicam back into the picture
Browser theme creator Brand Thunder acquires rival
PowerDVD 12 wants to control all your media
How to trigger OS X system events with Griffin Proxi
How to track your file and browser history in Windows
Adobe shows the raw, dark side of Photoshop CS6

New MapQuest Mobile adds landmarks to its directions

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 04:17 PM PST

Remember MapQuest? You know, it was everyone's Google Maps before Google had ever invented Google Maps?

Well, now's your chance to get reacquainted, as MapQuest has recently launched a brand-new HTML5 mobile browser experience for iPhones and Android devices. With its more intuitive navigation and new features, the updated mobile site might just push MapQuest back into the realm of relevance.

So why would you want to use this revamped MapQuest rather than Google Maps? For one, when you get directions using MapQuest, the site gives you landmarks in addition to street names and numbers. For instance, it'll tell you that "Bangkok Noodles is on the right" and "if you reach Cyril Magnin Street, you've gone a little too far." This is a huge feature that I had been hoping Google Maps would implement for a long time.

(Credit: MapQuest)

Also, the new mobile site makes it easier than ever to find hotels, food, gas stations, and more, since all of the search options are presented right at the bottom of the main interface. Tap a category and you can get ratings and reviews for restaurants and hotels or gas prices for stations in your area.

One other feature I like is the ability to choose your own "you are here" icon. It's not all that useful, but it does add to the overall experience.

(Credit: MapQuest)

While the new MapQuest mob... [Read more]

Microsoft: The Web is better without plug-ins

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 02:09 PM PST

Microsoft began distancing itself from browser plug-ins last year starting with Internet Explorer on Windows 8's Metro interface, but it spoke more definitively today: plug-ins are bad for the Web.

"Metro-style IE runs plug-in free to improve battery life as well as security, reliability, and privacy for consumers," said John Hrvatin, Internet Explorer program manager lead, in a blog post. "A plug-in free Web benefits consumers and developers and we all take part in the transition."

The upcoming IE10 browser doesn't just run in Metro, Microsoft's next-generation, touch-centric interface geared for tablets and touch screens. It also can run in a classic Windows mode, and Hrvatin described some code that Web developers can drop into their Web sites so the Metro version of IE can show a one-touch button to switch to the classic Windows.

On your PC

Step 1: Download and install Winamp on your PC.

Step 2: Download and install the remote control plug-in for Winamp on your PC. You may be prompted to update the Microsoft .NET Framework 4 and Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 software during the installation. Both are included in the plug-in setup file.

Step 3: Launch Winamp and make a note of your local IP address from the RemoteControl server.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee)

On your Android device

Step 1: Install the RemoteControl for Winamp app to your Android device from the Android Market.

Step 2: Launch the RemoteControl for Winamp app and under the Settings tab, enter the local IP address you noted from the RemoteControl server.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee)

Step 3: In the Overview tab, click the Connect button.

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 11:06 AM PST

Web developer site-building tools are only sexy to developers, but they get a big makeover in today's update to Firefox and that will affect how developers connect to the people who use their sites.

Firefox 10 (download for Windows | Mac | Linux | Android) also dramatically streamlines add-on compatibility, includes a new Full Screen API, and updates WebGL. The Android version, meanwhile, makes some minor improvements as the bulk of development on the mobile version focuses on the native Android interface, currently scheduled for the next stable release.

The biggest change that most Firefox users will see in version 10 is that you'll stop seeing most add-ons marked as incompatible with each new version of Firefox. Around 80 percent of all add-ons will be marked compatible, starting with today's Firefox 10. This follows changes in Firefox 8 that prevented third-party add-ons from installing without permission. The changes in Firefox 10 fix a small but annoyin... [Read more]

Apple updates AirPort utility and Base Station firmware

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 08:53 AM PST

Apple has released a couple of updates for its AirPort Utility software for OS X Lion, and also has released new firmware updates for its AirPort Base Station and Time Capsule router devices.

AirPort Utility 6.0 is available to edit and configure both AirPort Base Station, Time Capsule, and AirPort Express networking devices. Apple has updates the prior version to version 5.6 that resolves issues with accessing passwords in the system keychain, but has also released version 6.0 which implements support for configuring iCloud to remotely access mass storage attached to the AirPort and Time Capsule devices. The updates require OS X Lion version 10.7.2 or later to install.

AirPort Utility is available via Software Update. The firmware updates are available within AirPort Utility.

(Credit: Screenshot by Topher Kessler)

The firmware updates are available to address problems with wireless performance, and also provide support for accessing AirPort disks and the Time Capsule storage remotely through its iCloud service. The updates require AirPort Utility 5.5.3 or later to install, and in order to set up the remote storage access features you will need AirPort Utility 6.0 or later. The update is applicable to all AirPort Express and AirPort Base Station models that support the 802.... [Read more]

Ion seeks to save IE6 users from themselves

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 06:00 AM PST

Browsium's new browser add-on for supporting legacy IE6 corporate apps without the security risks is called Ion.

(Credit: Browsium)

While many are cheering the impending death of Internet Explorer 6, including Microsoft itself, large businesses aren't. Replacing corporate apps built for IE6 could cost tens of millions of dollars, and that's where Browsium's new Ion browser add-on comes in.

Originally known as UniBrows, Ion ditched Browsium's locked-down, more secure IE6 engine, once engineers realized that it wasn't necessary. Ion utilizes a merged IE8-and-IE9 engine to enable corporations to run their proprietary sites and apps without having to deal with complications like sluggishness from virtualization.

Gary Schare, president and chief operating officer of Browsium, explained that the problem is related to the magnitude of the cost of upgrading those proprietary tools. "The larger apps can cost millions per app to update or replace. Many large companies still have 10 to 20 apps that won't run in anything but IE6 or IE7, so they can't upgrade to Windows 7 because these apps break."

In an e-mail to CNET yesterday, Schare estimated that 10 to 20 apps could cost a large company $50 million to upgrade; Browsium often sees estimates of $3 million to $5 million per app. "We can do it for about $7 per PC per year, including support. For 50,... [Read more]

Final Cut Pro X update brings multicam back into the picture

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 05:30 AM PST

Multicam editing as part of Apple's latest Final Cut Pro X software update.

(Credit: Apple)

Apple is pushing out an update to its Final Cut Pro X software this morning that brings back a feature pros feel was left out in the company's remake of its high-end video editor.

Now among the video editing software's tricks is support for multicam editing, the feature--which as the name suggests--lets editors view, cut together, and synchronize footage from multiple cameras.

Multicam editing was present in previous versions of the Final Cut Pro suite, dating back to 2005 but was not included in this latest version of the editing suite. Under the new system, multicam works with up to 64 different camera angles and can do video or still clips at any resolution, format, and frame rate that's supported by the software.

Amped Wireless High Power Wireless-N 600mW Gigabit Router (R10000G)

2012-02-01T10:33:00.001+05:30

Amped Wireless High Power Wireless-N 600mW Gigabit Router (R10000G)

Amped Wireless High Power Wireless-N 600mW Gigabit Router (R10000G)
2012 Nissan Versa SV
Huawei Ascend II (U.S. Cellular)
Pogoplug Series 4
PowerMat Dual 1850 Rechargeable Backup Battery

Amped Wireless High Power Wireless-N 600mW Gigabit Router (R10000G)

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 04:28 AM PST

Editor's Rating:

User Rating:
Good: The Amped Wireless High Power Wireless-N 600mW Gigabit Router R10000G offers exceptional range and decent data rates.
Bad: The Amped Wireless R10000G doesn't offer dual-band, runs hot, and is a little hard to get a connection to at long range. The router's plastic housing feels flimsy.
Bottom Line: The Amped Wireless High Power Wireless-N 600mW Gigabit Router R10000G would be a good choice for those who need exceptional Wi-Fi coverage. [Read more]

2012 Nissan Versa SV

Posted: 26 Jan 2012 08:34 PM PST

Editor's Rating:

User Rating:
Good: The 2012 Nissan Versa's continuously variable transmission and electric power steering help fuel efficiency. A large trunk and cabin area give it good practicality.
Bad: Navigation is not available at the SV trim level. Voice command only controls the phone system.
Bottom Line: With an apparent focus on keeping its price low, Nissan made very little tech available in the 2012 Versa SV. It offers some basics, but competitors in this segment have more robust electronics. [Read more]

Huawei Ascend II (U.S. Cellular)

Posted: 23 Dec 2011 03:33 AM PST

Editor's Rating:

User Rating:
Good: The Huawei Ascend II has an appealing, compact design, and runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread. It comes with a microSD card preinstalled and the price is great.
Bad: Unfortunately, the Ascend II is saddled with a slow processor, a mediocre camera, and disappointing battery performance.
Bottom Line: The Huawei Ascend II comes at an unbeatable price for an Android smartphone, but the trade-off is getting lower-end features that sometimes underperform. [Read more]

Pogoplug Series 4

Posted: 15 Dec 2011 12:07 AM PST

Editor's Rating:

User Rating:
Good: The Pogoplug Series 4 is an easy-to-set-up adapter that lets you access any 2.5-inch hard drive, USB storage device, or SD card from anywhere online. It's easy to set up, attractively small, and smartly designed. Files can be accessed via browser or apps, and auto backup of photos and videos from a phone or iPad using the Pogoplug app works surprisingly well, too.
Bad: Video playback on a TV is still a weird and kludgy experience, and video formats don't all work perfectly; automated file backup isn't as smooth and transparent as on an Apple Time Capsule or other NAS devices; USB 3 flash drives got extremely hot when plugged in.
Bottom Line: The Pogoplug Series 4 is a cleverly simple device for getting files and media content from your hard drive, USB drive, or SD card online and shareable with smartphones, tablets and PCs. While many may find it redundant to cloud storage services, the Series 4 is easily the best version of the Pogoplug to date. [Read more]

PowerMat Dual 1850 Rechargeable Backup Battery

Posted: 11 Mar 2011 07:00 AM PST

Editor's Rating:

User Rating:
Good: The PowerMat Dual 1850 Rechargeable Backup Battery has a simple, compact design. It can power two devices at once and it can deliver emergency juice when you're on the go.
Bad: The Backup Battery's 30-pin connecter doesn't have a secure fit and you can't charge non-Apple devices that lack a Micro-USB port. Though economical by itself, the Backup Battery is expensive when you add up the related accessories.
Bottom Line: Provided you can afford it and it's compatible with your gadgets, the PowerMat Dual 1850 Rechargeable Backup Battery is a fresh, efficient, and convenient way to charge multiple devices when at home and on the go. [Read more]

30 Dribbble Freebies For Web Designers

2012-02-01T04:51:00.001+05:30

30 Dribbble Freebies For Web Designers

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 04:53 AM PST

Looking for some User Interface (UI) design for inspiration or free UI PSDs for your next design project? We dived into Dribbble.com, and handpicked you some of the finest (and free) PSDs shared by various designers.

Check out the entire list after jump.

For more PSD downloads – we recommend checking out our freebie section and the following posts:

Compact Music Player by Daryl Ginn [Download]
A lovely minimal compact music player design, would serve you in the best manner if you are to build a new app or something that requires a music player.

Percentage Bar by Daryl Ginn [Download]
These two awesome percentage bars can be used in any application where something is getting loaded.

Glass Music Player Freebie by Norm [Download]
Glass Music Player is a great music player with a classy glass look; this free PSD can be downloaded without any problem.

Radio Player Freebie(PSD) by I’m Charlie – TheIssland [Download]
Here we have a beautiful looking radio player with a lovely track being played on it; a little addition of buttons can make it much better.

Blixt Freebie #2 by Andree Blixt [Download]
This is a nice search bar made by using Photoshop; you won’t be able stop yourself from typing keywords in it.

Twitter Button Freebie by Norm [Download]
These are two attractive Twitter buttons; they have been made with vector shapes and some layer styles.

Half Moon Music Player by Norm [Download]
The unique Half Moon Music Player has got a lovely piggy nose styled pause button along all other major music player buttons.

Calendar Freebie by I’m Charlie – TheIssland [Download]
We have got here a neat looking calendar freebie in PSD format; white background with black digits gives it a classy look, while the red top makes it look hot.

The aButton Freebie by Diego Monzon [Download]
AButton is an exceptional freebie which can be used wherever you like and the shading around the white color gives an eye popping effect.

Wrench Freebie by Diego Monzon [Download]
The wrench gives a strong feeling; this great PSD has been left editable in all ways and has got paths as well.

Map UI Controls Freebie by Edi Gil [Download]
Some great images that can be used in map user interfaces.

Wooden Button by Pontus Johansson [Download]
We have got a lovely wooden button over here; it’s a great idea of using wood effects to create a virtual button.

Black UI Kit by Jonathan Moreira [Download]
This is a beautiful user interface kit with a number of buttons; it gives a dim light disco feeling.

Audio Player by Cameron Dearsley [Download]
Simple, but stylish audio player PSD and it has the required audio player buttons on it as well.

Pixels Shopping Basket by Norm [Download]
We have an attractive red colored shopping basket, ideal to be put on online shopping sites.

Stylish Notification by Thomas Offinga [Download]
Those are three different attractive notification bars, which are ideal to be used in places where confirmation, error or warning signs are meant to be displayed.

Loading Bar by Andreas Fluge Iden [Download]
These are three different loading bars having distinct colors and each can be used to denote specific processes.

Wooden Menu by Breezy [Download]
Wooden Menu is a gorgeous looking wooden touch menu; it can be used on any appropriate site, probably some wood products site or on any site to give it a classy look.

Notepaper Freebie by Norm [Download]
A beautiful fully layered PSD, appropriate for being used at any place where a note is required to be shown in a handwritten style.

Power Button by Pontus Johansson [Download]
An impressive power button, the best part is that it really gives a feeling that something big can be turned on and off with it.

Banner Designs by Scott Rollo [Download]
Pretty Banner is a really cute banner with a nice little star on it, the curve in the background gives it a natural look good.

Macbook PSD by Dany Duchaine [Download]
This is a fully layered PSD Macbook pro, has the classic silver coloring and a nice Apple Inc. like surrounding.

Your cart widget by Pawel Kadysz [Download]
Your cart widget is an amazing widget being shown in two different color schemes with different backgrounds.

35 Sweet Social Icons by I’m Charlie – TheIssland [Download]
Sweet Social Icons are a number of sharp and well toned icons that can be used on any project to give it direct connection to social networks etc.

Google PSD by Victor Ingman [Download]
This is an amazing PSD for Google+; the g+ logo is a bit dark, but becomes visible when you look more closely

Vue by Fares Farhan [Download]
An amazing user interface kit with a number of buttons that support great features and can be used for various purposes.

Wooden Panel Box by Patrik Larsson [Download]
A realistic woody panel box with several layers and it can be customized with ease, would cast a great impact on an online wood store.

Freebie- Social Buttons by Patrik Larsson [Download]
These are really nicely toned social buttons for Facebook, Twitter and the latest big gun in the gang, Google+.

Modern Vintage Stickers Badges by Pixeden [Download]
An outstanding set of 8 retro stickers and vintage badges. They feature all kind of styles including grunge, modern and retro. You can find a great usage for this in any web design or ui project you have in mind.

Speckle Brushes by Maleika E. A. [Download]
An amazing pack of speckle brushes for photoshop which are made with only "the finest cocoa powder" This great brush pack is available for free download and commercial projects usage.

Office 15 Public Beta Arriving This Summer

2012-01-31T14:35:00.001+05:30

Office 15 Public Beta Arriving This Summer

Office 15 Public Beta Arriving This Summer
Man vs Machine Breaks Record: 999 Simultaneous Players
Intel Adds Seven New Sandy Bridge Processors
Windows 8 on ARM Heading To Devs Soon, Claims Sources
You Can Edit 4K Video on a MacBook Air (With a Red Rocket)

Office 15 Public Beta Arriving This Summer

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 09:10 PM PST

Microsoft has announced the launch of its Technical Preview program for "Office 15."

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Man vs Machine Breaks Record: 999 Simultaneous Players

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 05:10 PM PST

MuchDifferent was just one player shy from its original 1000-player goal, but landed in the Guinness World Records Gamer Edition nonetheless.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Intel Adds Seven New Sandy Bridge Processors

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 02:10 PM PST

Intel has quietly added seven new Sandy Bridge processors in the i5 and Celeron M series.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Windows 8 on ARM Heading To Devs Soon, Claims Sources

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 11:10 AM PST

Sources claim that Windows on ARM is now stable and gearing up for a release to developers soon.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

You Can Edit 4K Video on a MacBook Air (With a Red Rocket)

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 08:10 AM PST

Since you can't even play 4K video on any PC, most of us would not automatically come up with an idea to edit 12-megapixel resolution video on a Macbook Air.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

AMD Radeon HD 7950 Review: Up Against GeForce GTX 580

2012-01-31T12:46:00.001+05:30

AMD Radeon HD 7950 Review: Up Against GeForce GTX 580

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 09:10 PM PST

Is the Radeon HD 7970's £450 asking price too high? AMD now has a less expensive derivative based on the same GCN architecture. At its default clock rates, it's fast enough to outrun Nvidia's GeForce GTX 580 in many benchmarks. And it overclocks like mad.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

How to trigger OS X system events with Griffin Proxi

2012-01-31T10:44:00.001+05:30

How to trigger OS X system events with Griffin Proxi

How to trigger OS X system events with Griffin Proxi
LastPass now manages Wi-Fi passwords--but it's a pain
FingerPrint turns any printer into an AirPrint printer
Yahoo cleaning house, kills a bunch of mobile apps
Google ratchets up VP8 video quality--but so do video rivals
How to accelerate downloads in Android

How to trigger OS X system events with Griffin Proxi

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 05:19 PM PST

The tool is set up similar to Automator, where you create a list of triggers fol... [Read more]

LastPass now manages Wi-Fi passwords--but it's a pain

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:19 PM PST

LastPass can now help you manage and safe-guard your Wi-Fi passwords.

(Credit: LastPass)

An update to the password managing utility LastPass (download for Windows and Mac) at the end of last week added a useful new feature, and tightened security protocols just a bit more than before.

The new feature lets you manage your Wi-Fi passwords from within LastPass. Unfortunately for existing users, you're going to have to re-install the LastPass dekstop client to get it to work. LastPass explained that this is because the new feature required a new utility with administrative rights before it could access the Wi-Fi password list. It also requires running the binary version of the LastPass browser add-on. Download here Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome, or download here for Opera and Safari.

Once updated, you can import Wi-Fi passwords to LastPass as a secure note via the Import option under Tools. On Windows, you can also export your saved Wi-Fi passwords in all browsers except Safari under Tools, then Export.

Also, ... [Read more]

FingerPrint turns any printer into an AirPrint printer

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 01:08 PM PST

FingerPrint for Windows/Mac adds AirPrint capabilities to all your printers--and even some apps.

(Credit: Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET)

Ever wish you could beam a photo from your iPhone or iPad to your printer?

That's the promise of Apple's AirPrint technology, which debuted way back in iOS 4.2. Unfortunately, few printers support AirPrint, meaning most users are stuck copying photos to their PCs and then printing them.

(Credit: Screenshot by Rick Broida)

A little over a year ago, I posted a workaround: Make AirPrint work with non-AirPrint-compatible printers. It works for some printers, but not all--and it's kind of a hassle to implement.

For example, I recently dug out an old HP Photosmart 475 "lunchbox" photo printer, harboring dreams of churning out snapshots right from my iPhone. Alas, my workaround didn't work. And the Photosmart 475 isn't supported by HP's ePrint app.

Then I found ... [Read more]

Yahoo cleaning house, kills a bunch of mobile apps

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 09:00 AM PST

Yahoo Meme for iPhone has been discontinued.

(Credit: Yahoo)

Online giant Yahoo has killed a host of mobile applications.

The company said on Friday that it has discontinued Yahoo Meme for the iPhone and iPad, Yahoo News for Android, and Yahoo Finance for RIM's BlackBerry operating system, among others. The company said that its decision was a response to the rapidly changing mobile market, and the fact that some of its applications just weren't cutting it.

"Our plan is to keep moving, to keep innovating, and to continuously measure and scrutinize what's working and what isn't--so we can make room for great new products," the company wrote in a blog post on Friday. "In that spirit, today we're decommissioning several of our current mobile apps."

Yahoo doesn't plan to turn its back on mobile applications, though. The company said that this year, it will have a "mobile first" mindset, and plans to launch several new applications, "such as companion experiences for TV like IntoNow, new ways to experience personalized media like Livestand, and some of our most popular and useful mobile apps like Yahoo! Mail, Messenger, Sportacular, and Flickr."

ClearTerminal version 1.01

2012-01-31T09:00:00.001+05:30

ClearTerminal version 1.01

ClearTerminal version 1.01
ClearTerminal version 5.1.3.0832
ClearTerminal version 2.1
ClearTerminal version 2.1.2
ClearTerminal version 9.61
ClearTerminal version 3.2
ClearTerminal version 5.1
ClearTerminal version 1.1
ClearTerminal version 2.1.2
ClearTerminal version 5.1.3.0813
ClearTerminal version 1.0
ClearTerminal version 1.4
ClearTerminal version 1.0
ClearTerminal version 1.4
ClearTerminal version 1.0

ClearTerminal version 1.01

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 5.1.3.0832

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 2.1

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 2.1.2

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 9.61

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 3.2

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 5.1

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 1.1

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 2.1.2

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 5.1.3.0813

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 1.0

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 1.4

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 1.0

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 1.4

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

ClearTerminal version 1.0

Posted:

Creates NFO, DIZ, or TXT files using inputs, boxes, templates and project files.

Networking Guide for Bloggers: Setting Your Goals and Rules (Part 2)

2012-01-31T05:05:00.001+05:30

Networking Guide for Bloggers: Setting Your Goals and Rules (Part 2)

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:05 AM PST

For me, there are two things that should be considered as the starting point of a well thought out networking strategy. The headline of this post gives a good hint on what I’m talking about, so let me just say it upfront: start by setting your goals and understanding the basic rules.

Quick note:
This post is a part of a series titled – Networking Guide for Bloggers. Be sure to check back next week for more! If you’ve missed the previous post(s), here are the links:

Part 1 – Networking for Bloggers: Why It Is Important

A word on setting goals

“Setting goals is an important part of most of our projects, or at least it should be. Goals are a guidance for us on what path we should take.”

It all sounds nice, and surely is true, but what does it really mean, you know, in plain English? Well, my personal approach can be explained by the phrase: “goals are the answer.”

Here’s what I mean. Whenever I’m starting a new project, the very first thing I do is set my goals. From that point on I have an answer to every question I might stumble upon concerning the project.

(Image source: Shutterstock)

What I do is simple. When faced with a challenge or a decision I simply ask myself what solution is the most in tune with the goals I’ve set and brings me closer to achieving them.

Even though it’s not that obvious at first, setting goals is as important for networking as it is for any other project.

Before you do anything, and I mean anything, you have to know what you’re aiming for and why you’re trying to reach out to people.

Now, I’m not going to tell you what your goals should be – this is up to you. I’m only going to give you some hints and possible ideas that are somewhat common for most people.

common goals of networking

The word goals is pretty vague and it doesn’t indicate what a properly defined goal should look like. In most cases, goals are answers to the question of what I want to achieve in a given project – what my desired outcome is.

In other words, by the end of the day/week/year what is it that you want? And I don’t mean the material stuff.

For example, most bloggers have very similar answers:

“I want to have an established network of friends (other bloggers) who would promote my content to their own audiences and be willing to publish my guest posts every now and then.”
“I want to have a group of people willing to participate in collaborative projects with me, and help me with my product launches.”
“I want to meet some influential bloggers who could introduce me to some of the A-players in my niche.”
“I want to partner with other bloggers in their launches, and be a valuable ally to them.”

These are all valid goals, and they are surely worth pursuing, but what I would advise you to start with, is dividing all the possibilities into two groups.

Short term goals Vs. long term goals

Long term goals are actually better for defining first because they create an overall image of what you’re doing, and point you towards the right path.

Long term goals are also more general in nature, so you can use them as a base for defining short term goals.

In essence, your long term goals are things you want to achieve ultimately. Short term goals are specific milestones that will get you to your long term goals.

For example, your long term goal might be to get to know 5 bloggers and create a strong enough relationship to be able to publish each other’s guest posts and participate in their promotions in the time of one year. To get to this goal you’d have to create a number of short term goals. Things like: contact 10 bloggers and offer them guest posts within the first month. And so on.

Blogging is rarely a strictly business-like activity and, at the same time, rarely a strictly personal thing. That’s why the most common long term goal of networking for bloggers is to simply make friends. To have a small number of good friends with whom you can participate in different kinds of projects, promotions and other activities.

This sort of relationships can be used both for strictly business projects and some personal, social activities. The diverse nature of blogging itself gives you such possibilities. This is something very difficult to achieve in other fields … try to imagine a similar situation in corporate banking, for example.

Here’s what I advise you to do when working on your goals.

1. Pick your final, desirable outcome.

Making friends, in my opinion, is what works best. However, you can also try more business driven approaches. Like building personal expertise in your niche, or becoming the go-to-person for a given (precise) activity.

Whatever you choose remember about two things: your goals have to be exact, and there has to be a deadline.

For example, “I want to meet some bloggers and publish many guest posts on their blogs.” – This isn’t exact. “I want to meet 10 bloggers from my niche and publish 30 guest posts on their blogs.” – This is.

And, of course, the deadline … well, deadlines are deadlines, I’m sure you understand what a deadline is.

2. Try to define a number of milestone goals (Short term goals).

This is where you try to come up with some steps that will bring you closer to the ultimate goals.

Important. You don’t have to design your whole path, so to speak. Short term goals are exactly what the name says, so you only need to define your goals for the next month or so. When the month ends you simply define another set of short term goals.

Continuing the example above; your short term goal could be to “contact 20 bloggers and offer them a guest post within 30 days.” – This is both exact and has a deadline.

However, before you take your goals and do anything with them you need to learn one important thing.

important rule of networking

I won’t keep you hanging here, so I’ll just say upfront that the rule is this: it’s not about you, it’s about them.

Sorry to be the one to break this to you, but … no one cares about you (except for your mom).

OK, it’s not that harsh. Your friends care about you too. But before they can care about you they need to become your friends. Same goes for your online friends.

(Image source: Shutterstock)

Don’t be amazed that some people simply ignore your emails. It’s just life. Strangers ignore each other all the time. And you are no different. When was the last time you deleted an email from an unknown recipient? … umm today?

Whatever you do, remember that you have to give before you take.

Blasting an email to a stranger titled “great business proposition inside” won’t work in a thousand years. You’d be lucky if out of 1000 emails even one gets opened and read.

Now the funny part, giving just like that, out of the blue probably won’t work either. I’d say that there’s another important step before you can even give – introducing yourself.

Remember when your mom taught you never to take candy from a stranger? That’s exactly the situation here.

So finally, here’s a possible real life scenario: introduce, give, take. Actually, a more accurate one is: introduce, give, give, give, give, take … or something similar.

In essence, networking like we’re discussing it here works just like it does in real life. That’s because it is real life, the internet is just a medium, and there are still people on both sides.

As a matter of fact, you have to be even more careful when asking for something online than you’d be in real life. It’s much easier to refuse or even ignore someone over the internet. That’s one of the reasons why some people prefer doing business over the phone to using email. Saying no to someone directly is much more demanding in terms of inner strength than writing it on the screen.

This all makes the whole online environment much more subtle and uncertain; hence the importance of giving before you can take.

It’s time for action, isn’t it? That’s why the next post in the series is going to be all about selecting the right people to contact. Until then don’t forget to subscribe to get the posts delivered straight to your inbox.

I have one more question for you. What do you think about the idea of introducing yourself before doing anything else? Don’t you find giving something out of the blue to be a little strange?

Picking A Sub-$200 Gaming CPU: FX, An APU, Or A Pentium?

2012-01-30T12:53:00.001+05:30

Picking A Sub-$200 Gaming CPU: FX, An APU, Or A Pentium?

Posted: 29 Jan 2012 10:50 PM PST

We really like to hunt down great values in the processor space. Since our last round-up of affordable CPUs, AMD released its Llano-based APUs and Bulldozer-based FX family. Also, Intel introduced a handful of Sandy Bridge-based Pentium chips.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Cleversafe Announces 10 Exabyte Storage System Configuration

2012-01-29T14:41:00.000+05:30

Cleversafe Announces 10 Exabyte Storage System Configuration

Posted: 28 Jan 2012 09:10 AM PST

Cleversafe, a cloud storage software vendor which offers its customers "limitless storage space", says that it has designed a dispersed storage system that exceeds a storage capability of 10 Exabytes (EB), or 1,000 Petabytes (PB).

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Blizzard Makes Even More Changes to Diablo 3

Posted: 28 Jan 2012 03:10 AM PST

After releasing a long list of changes, Blizzard has revealed even more edits it will make to the upcoming PC game Diablo 3.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

1000-Player FPS Event Pits Press Against Gaming Industry

2012-01-28T14:36:00.001+05:30

1000-Player FPS Event Pits Press Against Gaming Industry

1000-Player FPS Event Pits Press Against Gaming Industry
Nvidia Announces CUDA 4.1 with LLVM Compiler
Ex-Palm Chief Rubinstein Has Resigned From HP
Netbooks With Built-In Kinect Already on the Way?
Bill Gates: This Is How Steve Jobs Inspired Me
LG's New Prada Phone Has Officially Hit the UK
Report: Apple Does Not Care Enough About Workers in China
UK to Get ZTE's £235 Light Tab 2 Next Month
MSN UK Launches News App for iPad Users

1000-Player FPS Event Pits Press Against Gaming Industry

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 09:10 PM PST

The creator of Counter-Strike, the creator of ShadowGun and many more notable people will be participating in the 1000-player FPS Guinness event taking place this Sunday.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Nvidia Announces CUDA 4.1 with LLVM Compiler

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 05:10 PM PST

Nvidia just released CUDA 4.1 Toolkit, which integrates, for the first time, the company's LLVM (Low Level Virtual Machine) compiler.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Ex-Palm Chief Rubinstein Has Resigned From HP

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 02:10 PM PST

Former Palm CEO Jon Rubinstein has seemingly left HP rather suddenly. Still, was it unexpected?

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Netbooks With Built-In Kinect Already on the Way?

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 12:10 PM PST

Two netbook prototypes with built-in Kinect sensors have been spotted, supposedly created by Asus and approved by Microsoft.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Bill Gates: This Is How Steve Jobs Inspired Me

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 10:10 AM PST

Bill Gates talks about his final conversation with the late Steve Jobs, and the creative void the former Apple founder left behind.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

LG's New Prada Phone Has Officially Hit the UK

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 08:50 AM PST

Suits you, sir.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Report: Apple Does Not Care Enough About Workers in China

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 08:10 AM PST

Should Apple be concerned about the people employed by its partners?

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

UK to Get ZTE's £235 Light Tab 2 Next Month

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 07:30 AM PST

Cheap and cheerful.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

MSN UK Launches News App for iPad Users

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 05:10 AM PST

MSN UK arrives on the iPad.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Future 2 tech.

DRM Blues: Ubisoft PC Titles Rendered Useless Next Week

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Adobe gives Photoshop CS6 a new graphics-chip boost

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Java EE 6 JPA OCE Certification Training Lab version 1.3

Free and premium Video Hosting Platforms – Best Of

Free and Freemium Platforms

YouTube

Vimeo

Metacafe

Vitomy

Blip.tv

Premium and Enterprise Platforms

SproutVideo

Viddler

Google Video for Business

iPlayerHD

Framesocket

23 Video

Vzaar

Brightcove

Vimeo Pro

Oculu

Ooyala

Kaltura

Limelight Networks

GravityLab Multimedia

Rift Follows World of Warcraft, Offers First 20 Levels Free

OpenCL In Action: Post-Processing Apps, Accelerated

Canon EOS utility updated to work in OS X Lion

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2. Try to define a number of milestone goals (Short term goals).

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Cleversafe Announces 10 Exabyte Storage System Configuration

1000-Player FPS Event Pits Press Against Gaming Industry