Monthly Archives: September 2010

13 posts

Florida-based SourceFuse fuels the Social Media Marketing Explosion by Extending WordPress

SourceFuse announces the release of LoadedPress (http://www.loadedpress.com) , a new tool that can allow companies to manage their website, blogs, social media, search engine optimization, internet marketing and complete online presence from one platform.
LoadedPress represents a leap forward for lovers of the wildly popular WordPress open source platform managed by thousands of developers around the globe. SourceFuse has extended it to include all of the leading community features as well as its own proprietary enhancements to create the most powerful website system, social blogging platform, and internet marketing engine ever made.
“Businesses are trying to figure out how to have an engaging website, as well as meet their marketing needs through search engine optimization, blogging, social network marketing across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other channels, as well as the ability to measure everything with detailed analytics,” says SourceFuse CEO Kelly Dyer, a native of Charlotte, N.C. and current resident of Atlantic Beach, FL. “There are just too many options on the Internet today, and they often require using multiple systems that can be cumbersome or expensive. LoadedPress provides a simple system to incorporate all of these common business needs in a single, simple and fully-supported package. With LoadedPress, any business can have complete control of their website and tap into all of their online marketing needs with ease, and do much more with less effort and less expense.”
LoadedPress brings together into a single system all of the tools and capabilities that until now have required expensive technical development or manpower, including:
Social Network content sharing, including publishing of content to one or more channels automatically (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) as well as capturing that valuable user generated content back to the website
Search Engine Optimization automatically applied to the website through various automated tools, eliminating the mystery of whether a company’s website will be found
Detailed analytics and tracking of all activity, including website traffic information as well as social network audience interactions and engagement through the LoadedPress social analytics feature
Complete design and creative control for a website, which can be managed without technical knowledge
Flexible content management and publishing controls for any kind of content
Unlimited feature additions, including photo galleries, advertising, membership subscriptions, and anything else a company needs due to the extendable nature and open source foundation of the platform
Completely managed hosting, training, and support
“LoadedPress takes the guesswork out of running a website, marketing it online, and taking advantage of the new social web opportunities,” Dyer says.
For any company looking for a new or better website, one or more marketing focused “microsites”, more traffic from their existing content, a social network marketing strategy, a powerful blogging platform, and/or help making sense of all the available options, LoadedPress is the solution and is now available for anyone to use. For a free trial and other information, visit http://www.loadedpress.com.
Dyer, who obtained his MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business in 2005 and his computer science undergraduate degree from Washington & Lee University, is available to be interviewed as an expert in the areas of open-source platforms, social media marketing, and the complexities and strategies of building and growing a business presence on the internet.
About SourceFuse
SourceFuse provides cutting edge software solutions for businesses around the globe. As the creators of the AppStacks software packages, we are able to leverage the best work of the open source community as well as new innovations to deliver focused solutions that meet real business needs. Our team consists of experts across leading open source systems and software development practices, along with a business focus targeted on delivering real results that solve real problems. Learn more at http://www.sourcefuse.com and http://www.appstacks.com.
About LoadedPress
LoadedPress is a “fully loaded” social publishing and online marketing system developed by the SourceFuse team. Built on the wildly popular WordPress open source platform managed by thousands of developers around the globe, we have extended it to include all of the leading community features as well as our own proprietary enhancements to create the most powerful website and social blogging platform ever made. It is provided as a completely managed and supported Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution to customers. This innovative “all in one” system can deliver measurable growth to businesses and can power any kind of website, including a corporate site, marketing “microsite”, multi-user blogging site, subscription/membership site, social directory, social ecommerce catalog, or any other type of customized functionality imaginable. It is more than your website, and more than your blog…it is your entire online presence and internet marketing strategy.

Learn more at http://www.loadedpress.com

Six Apart to be Acquired by VideoEgg

News

Six Apart the company behind TypePad and Movable Type is to be acquired by VideoEgg. As part of the acquisition, both TypePad and Movable Type will be renamed SAY Media.

Six Apart, founded in 2001 by Ben and Mena Trott, is one the pioneers of blogging. VideoEgg, which launched at the DEMO Conference in 2005, originally was a video publishing service, but has since rebranded itself as an advertising network.

Both TypePad and Movable Type have been hit by the success of WordPress.

Google Adds Two-factor Authentication Google Apps

Internet

Google has added a two-factor authentication option to Google Apps, to provide additional protection against phishing and malware attacks, as the one-time codes are valid for a limited period, said Eran Feigenbaum, director of security for Google Apps.

Google will send out authentication codes by SMS (Short Message Service) or voice message. The SMS service will be free and available in 19 countries including Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, the U.K. and the U.S.

The authentication codes can also be generated locally using a smartphone app called Google Authenticator, available as a free download from the Android, BlackBerry or iPhone app stores. Apple has already approved the Google app for the iPhone and all three apps are now available, Feigenbaum said. More Info on Google Enterprise Blog

Canon Introduces PowerShot G12 With High Definition Video and PowerShot SX30 IS With 35X-Wide Angle Lens

1 comment
Technology

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the addition of the new PowerShot G12 and PowerShot SX30 IS Digital cameras with innovative features to help photo enthusiasts further develop their photographic capabilities. Once again setting the trend in the consumer digital camera market and solidifying its spot atop the PowerShot lineup, the PowerShot G12 will have High Definition (HD) video capture capabilities along with the HS (High Sensitivity) SYSTEM helping to produce outstanding quality in the toughest low-light conditions. The PowerShot SX30 IS Digital camera is the world’s first point-and-shoot model to feature a 35X-Wide Angle Optical Zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilization, making those long distance shots that much easier to capture and then share with friends and family.1 Consumers have grown accustomed to PowerShot cameras providing brilliant image quality while also offering the latest technological upgrades. The addition of these new cameras helps solidify Canon’s position as the leader in the digital camera marketplace.

Canon’s HS SYSTEM

Since its inception, the Canon PowerShot G-series has differentiated itself from competing models with its ability to produce high-quality results. The PowerShot G12 lives up to this tradition with its wealth of features including the Canon HS SYSTEM which provides clear, exceptional images in low-light settings such as a sunset on the mountainside while on a camping trip. Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor combined with the PowerShot G12’s 10-Megapixel High Sensitivity CCD sensor, make up Canon’s HS SYSTEM to enhance image quality and help reduce noise at high ISO levels. One of the many challenges photographers face shooting in the field is whether or not there will be sufficient light to capture that once in a lifetime shot. The HS SYSTEM helps deliver brilliant, sharp images without the use of the flash which can be shared for years to come.
Experience Life Through HD

With the PowerShot G12, the bar has been set higher yet again being the first PowerShot G-series model ever to record 720p HD video. Photographers will now not only get to experience the incredible quality of still images but also explore the world of HD video to relive those unforgettable moments time and time again. The new PowerShot SX30 IS also has 720p HD video capabilities and when used in combination with the new 35X-Wide Angle Optical Zoom lens will help secure memorable scenes from a child’s baseball game with extraordinary resolution, color and clarity. Both cameras also feature playback of audio in stereo sound in addition to the new Miniature Effect for movies mode, further adding to the flexibility when capturing memorable moments.

“Whether on vacation with the family or on assignment for work, consumers are always looking for the best way to capture that memorable moment” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “The addition of these new cameras illustrates Canon’s commitment to providing them with greater shooting flexibility while preserving Canon’s heritage as an industry leader in not only still photography but the world of HD video as well”
PowerShot G12 Digital Camera

As the feature set of the PowerShot G-series has evolved, the one mainstay has been the camera’s ability to provide complete creative control to the photographer. Keeping with tradition, the PowerShot G12 offers a full range of shooting and recording modes with new, exciting features such as High Dynamic Range (HDR) scene mode. Offering added flexibility to photographers, this scene mode allows for multiple shots to be combined into one image helping to capture the full magnitude of a scene that consists of very dark tones and bright highlights producing greater image details. With the use of a tripod, one push of the shutter button yields three sequential images with various exposures, and then combines them into a single optimized image. A feature such as this typically requires outside software, however, this process can be completed within the camera thus helping to eliminate one critical step in the creation and editing process. Another valuable addition to this new model is Canon’s Hybrid IS technology that compensates for angular and shift camera shake, helping to create a near perfect image.

The Canon PowerShot G12 has a large, bright 2.8-inch vari-angle LCD with 461,000 dots of resolution providing photographers with additional creative control whether holding the camera overhead or low to the ground. A new control dial has been added to the front of the camera as well for easy adjusting of camera settings similar to how users operate a Canon Digital SLR camera. Further adding to the overall appeal of the new Canon PowerShot G12 is a 5X-Optical Zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilization and its wide-angle capabilities starting at 28mm, which will help when trying to get a sweeping landscape into one image. When using compatible optional accessories such as Speedlite flashes, an underwater housing and a tele-converter lens the photographic possibilities for users of this new camera are almost endless.

The estimated selling price of the PowerShot G12 is $499.99 and will be available in early October.*
PowerShot SX30 IS Digital Camera

The Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Digital camera is the perfect companion for photo enthusiasts capturing memorable images or videos at sporting events or special occasions. The addition of the new super telephoto lens, which ranges from an ultra-wide 24mm to a maximum length of 840mm, will offer unrivaled results while opening up a whole new realm of possibilities for users along the photographic journey. Helping to make this journey that much easier is a new Zoom Framing Assist button to aid in the tracking and capturing of subjects from a great distance away while keeping the lens in focus. At extreme telephoto settings, holding a camera unsteady can cause the user to lose track of the subject and make it difficult to find the subject. The Zoom Framing Assist button allows the user to zoom out, find the subject and then zoom back in.

The PowerShot SX30 IS has a 14.1-Megapixel sensor, DIGIC 4 image processor and a large, 2.7-inch wide vari-angle LCD for easy viewing of images along with added flexibility when trying to compose overhead or low to the ground images. In addition, the PowerShot SX30 IS for the first time will use a Lithium ion rechargeable battery rather than the standard AA batteries found on previous models, making powering up the camera much easier.

The estimated selling price of the PowerShot SX30 IS is $429.99 and will be available in late September.*

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2009†, with global revenues of US $35 billion, is listed as number six in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies 2010 list, and is on the 2009 BusinessWeek list of “100 Best Global Brands” Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

Twitter Adds Media

Twitter has upgdated its website, which now shows (to some users) a dual-panel layout with embedded photos and video, in the right-hand sidebar.

The new enhancements will be added to the Twitter service, incrementally.

New Features:

New design. The site has a cleaner timeline and a rich details pane that instantly adds more impact to individual Tweets while still maintaining the simplicity of the timeline. And, experience infinite scroll — you no longer have to click “more” to view additional Tweets.

Media. Now, it’s easy to see embedded photos and videos directly on Twitter, thanks to partnerships with DailyBooth, DeviantART, Etsy, Flickr, Justin.TV, Kickstarter, Kiva, Photozou, Plixi, Twitgoo, TwitPic, TwitVid, USTREAM, Vimeo, yfrog, and YouTube.

Related content. When you click a Tweet, the details pane shows additional information related to the author or subject. Depending on the Tweet’s content, you may see: replies, other Tweets by that user, a map of where a geotagged Tweet was sent from, and more.

Mini profiles. Click a username to see a mini profile without navigating from the page, which provides quick access to account information, including bio and recent Tweets.

More info at: http://twitter.com/newtwitter

The Best Subtle Things About New Twitter

Twitter: discover what’s new in your world video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIpD7hfffQo&feature=player_embedded

Trailmeme Launches at DEMO Fall 2010

Internet

Trailmeme, a new web publishing technology, launched today at DEMO Fall 2010. The Web today offers users many tools to collect and share information, but there’s a noticeable lack of tools that truly make sense of that abundance of diverse content. Trailmeme gives users the ability to create and consume Web content in a more meaningful and visual way.

Developed at the Xerox Research Centre Webster, Trailmeme has been in private beta since late 2009, and is now officially opening their service to everyone as a public beta offering.

Trailmeme makes it possible for users to blaze personalized “trails” across the Web and share them with the world. Trails — visual maps of Web content — allow users to create and publish creative and personalized paths through digital content to tell a story. Readers can “walk” trails in intuitive ways, using a combination of a map-like big-picture view and a reading interface with familiar page-turning controls.
On Trailmeme.com, users can blaze and walk trails across multiple sites, using the simple browser toolbar and bookmarklet.

Web publishers can also create trails on their own WordPress sites, using the “Trailmeme for WordPress” plug-in, to easily organize and present their content in new ways. The plugin also offers one-click generation of PDF eBooks from trails. Trailmeme also pushes technical boundaries and makes pioneering use of HTML5, the emerging standard for rich Internet applications.

By turning browsing into a creative act, Trailmeme reinvigorates the Web content consumption experience for both active trail publishers and content consumers. Publishers can craft deeper, more engaging experiences for themselves and their audiences, while consumers enjoy the benefits of “guided tour” experiences shaped by the knowledge of experts on different topics.

Links / URLs:
Product Website: http://trailmeme.com/
Blog: http://blog.trailmeme.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/trailmeme

Google Announces Instant Search

Internet

Today, Google announced the launch of Google Instant, a new Google.com interface that shows relevant results while the user types.

This new search interface applies to both search results and related ads.

Google said “We expect Google Instant will help users find what they’re looking for faster. With this change, you might notice some fluctuations in AdWords impression volume and traffic for organic keywords. For example, you may find that certain keywords receive significantly more or fewer impressions moving forward.”

Core features in Google Instant:
Dynamic Results – Google dynamically displays relevant search results as you type so you can quickly interact and click through to the web content you need.

Predictions – One of the key technologies in Google Instant is that we predict the rest of your query (in light gray text) before you finish typing. See what you need? Stop typing, look down and find what you’re looking for.

Scroll to search – Scroll through predictions and see results instantly for each as you arrow down.

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/search-now-faster-than-speed-of-type.html

Google Search Event

Internet

Google ha announced a Search Event today, Sept 8, at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, to which the media have been invited.

Google homepage has a new logo, which changes color as you type a search query.

Rumored new features / products to be announced according to net buzz are:

AJAX powered search results
Streaming Results As You Type
30 results per page

www.google.co.uk

Norton Announce 2011 Security Products with Power Eraser

News

Norton has announced 2011 versions of its Norton Internet Security suite and Norton Antivirus software.

Norton also announced a new application, Norton Power Eraser, fake antivirus malware.

Norton Power Eraser is a new freebie tool designed to detect so-called fake antivirus malware,malware that looks like garden variety antivirus software and tried to coerce you into paying for “full” versions of the software that do nothing at all.

Norton’ also announced a Bootable Recovery Tool, a tool of last resort for when your PC is so hosed by malware that it won’t start up, or your antivirus software won’t even work properly. The Bootable Recovery Tool is a free download, but you need to enter a Norton product key in order to use it.

More info at: Norton.com

Partition a Hard Drive with Aomei Partition Assistant

Technology

If you have partitions on your computer’s hard drive, then it is not exactly the same but serves same purpose as having different hard drives. According to Aomei Technology, one of the primary objectives to have a partition in your hard drive is to distinguish an operating system from user work and data files. By doing this the user’s files remain intact even if you have to reinstall the operating system files. Also, if you are preparing a single disk as a multi-boot set up, then you must have different partitions for every system.

Many users might opt for Windows built-in disk manager for partitioning purpose. But there are many users also who like to use third party windows partition manager (like Aomei’s Partition Assistant) available in the market having more exciting features and are comparatively more easy to use.

Partition Assistant Home Edition — a free partition utility from Aomei Technology — will allow you to create, format, delete, or repartition in your hard disk. Furthermore, through the partition manager, you can also hide, unhide, move or resize the existing partitions keeping your data absolutely intact. When you buy a new hard drive, you must partition or format before using it. Please refer to the detailed instruction, “How to Partition a Hard Drive” on its website.

Because Partition Assistant is available at your disposal for disk partition and other disk related functionalities, thus, your work with your computer’s hard drive is now much easy. Partition Assistant Home Edition is completely free of charge to suit your needs and also support 32bit operating system such as Windows 7, Vista, 2000 and XP.

Besides, Partition Assistant is available in two different editions: Professional Edition and Server Edition. Pro Edition runs in Windows 7/Vista/2000/XP (both 32bit and 64bit) and costs $29.00. The Partition Manager Server Edition covers all functions of the Partition Assistant Pro Edition as well as supports Windows Server 2003, 2008 and 2000, costing $95.92.

About Aomei Technology:
Aomei Technology has been devoting to computer software and hardware research and IT services for a long time. This enterprise focuses on disk partition development as well as provides high quality products to meet the clients’ needs. For more information, please visit the website: www.extend-partition.com

Google Speeds Up Chrome 6

Internet

Google has made Chrome 6 almost 17% faster than the previous version, Chrome 5.

“The last couple of years we’ve been focused on speed,” said Brian Rakowski, Chrome’s director of product management. “A lot of things have changed in the last two years (in browsers), but the one thing we’ve learned is that speed matters. It’s something Google’s always believed in and it resonates with people.”

Chrome 6, which Google released a few days ago, also included patches for 16 vulnerabilities and another attempt at fixing a Windows kernel bug that affected the browser.

Naked Twitter Safari Extension

Technology

Naked Twitter for Safari extension by Jacob Bijani cuts the display down to the minimum when browsing Twitter.

Features:
No sidebar at all! The only links I use are replaced with icons at the top.
No hover cards, hover tips or lists.
Adjusted some inconsistent padding here and there.

Jacob Bijani has also made a Naked YouTube extension for Safari

Download at: http://jacobbijani.com