Monthly Archives: July 2011

32 posts

Google Updates Search for Tablets

Google has announced it has updated it’s search service for iPad and Honeycomb 3.1+ tablet users, by simplifiing “the layout of search results pages and increased the size of page contents like text, buttons and other touch targets to make it faster and easier to browse and interact with search results in portrait or landscape view.

The search button located below the search box provides quick access to specific types of results like Images, Videos, Places, Shopping and more. Just tap to open the search menu and select an option to see results in one category.

This improved search experience is rolling out in the coming days to iPad and Android 3.1+ tablets across 36 languages. ”

Read more: http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-google-search-experience-for.html

File Management Apps for Android

Lifehacker has published an interesting article “The Best File Management App for Android” written by Whitson Gordon covering ES File Explorer, ASTRO File Manager, OI File Manager and Root Explorer.

The article concludes that ES File Explorer is the pick of the bunch.

ES File Explorer features:
Basic file management functions: copy, paste, cut, move, create, delete, rename, share and send files stored on your SD card or internal memory
Select multiple files
Manage applications (install, uninstall, backup, and more)
Compress, decompress, and encrypt ZIP files, as well as decompress RAR files
View certain files without leaving the manager, like photos, documents, and videos
Thumbnails for application packages and images
Edit text files
Search for files on your SD card or internal memory
Access your home PC’s Samba shared folders via Wi-Fi and even stream media
Built-in FTP client
Access files in your Dropbox, as well as edit documents in your Dropbox
Transfer files over Bluetooth
Built-in task killer
View and edit root-only files

Read more at: http://lifehacker.com/5825578/the-best-file-management-app-for-android

Gmail v2.3.5 for Android Released

Google has released Gmail v2.3.5 for Android.

The Gmail app: push, sync, conversations, integration, search, and more.
The dedicated Gmail application integrated with Contacts and Android
applications.

* Email pushed automatically to your phone
* Search all your messages
* Access synched messages when off line
* View messages by conversation
* Multiple Gmail accounts
* Stars, labels, and many other features

What’s new in this version:
1. Save bandwidth and battery by only syncing priority mail
2. Use label notifications to mash up filters, labels, and ringtones
3. Remember ‘Show Pictures’ for senders
4. Turn off sticky message actions in landscape or all orientations
5. Better TalkBack support for accessibility
6. Performance improvements

Android Market Download: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.android.gm

Google Announces Page Speed Service

Google has launched a hosted web service that analyzes Web pages, rewrites their code to make them perform better and serves them from Google servers, increasing performance by 25% To 60%.

“Page Speed Service is an online service to automatically speed up loading of your web pages. Page Speed Service fetches content from your servers, rewrites your pages by applying web performance best practices and serves them to end users via Google’s servers across the globe. ”

Read more and sign up: https://code.google.com/speed/pss/

Canon Announce PIXMA iP4920 and MG5320 Printers That Enhance Creativity

Canon U.S.A., Inc., has announced the introduction of two new photo printers, the PIXMA MG5320 Wireless Photo All-In-One1 and the PIXMA iP4920 Photo Inkjet Printer models. Developed to enhance the overall user experience, both printers feature significant upgrades to Easy-PhotoPrint EX and Full HD Movie Print2 software.


PIXMA MG5320

“One of the most important attributes consumers look for in a printer product is high-quality output and versatility,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technology and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “These new PIXMA printer models will undoubtedly meet this demand while also allowing consumers to show their creative side as well.”
Printing Flexibility

An incentive for those who have registered with the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY service or Picasa Web Albums is PIXMA Cloud Link, which provides the ability to print, directly through the PIXMA MG5320 printer without the use of a computer, photos from photo albums stored in those services3. Users of PIXMA Cloud Link will also have access to exclusive templates including stationary, envelopes, memos, calendars and many others. In addition, the PIXMA MG5320 printer is 802.11n Wi-Fi certified allowing for a fast network transfer rate. Wireless networks can be set up with the press of one button when using a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). Canon U.S.A. offers its award-winning service and support online for all of its consumers looking to set up any of the new Wi-Fi products at, www.usa.canon.com/wirelesshelp. Here customers have access to manuals and video tutorials to assist in setting up a Wi-Fi device.

The Canon EPP mobile app, for use with compatible Android and Apple smartphones and tablets, will be upgraded in August to have documents scanned on the printer to then be sent directly to a compatible device. Users can also print pdfs of documents that were created with the App directly from compatible devices whereas in the past only photos were able to be printed.
Creative Personalization

Since its inception, the Canon Easy-PhotoPrint EX software has provided users with an easy way to get the most out of prints by creating albums, calendars and stickers from almost any image. Now with the latest version, users can bring creativity to a whole new level with the addition of Fun Filter Effects similar to scene modes found on the latest Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras. Images can be customized with Fish-Eye, Miniature and Toy Camera effects to make them even more memorable while being a conversation piece at the same time. In addition, there is an option to change the focus of the image to have it appear softer and the ability to blur specific aspects of the background, an effect previously only captured with a SLR. Adding to the versatility of these Canon PIXMA printers is the ability to print directly on to CDs, DVDs, and Blue-rays allowing users to personalize media in a creative way while creating fun photo projects at the same time.

Full HD Movie Print, which is available on both new PIXMA printers, has been enhanced to produce clearer images of frames from videos captured on compatible HD Canon EOS and PowerShot Digital Cameras. This technology allows users to tell the story of a video captured in the park or at a memorable event frame by frame in a more unique way than before. One new aspect is the ability to merge multiple images into one final shot so users will be able to capture nearly every portion of a golfer’s swing or a baby’s first steps. In addition, a new layout feature allows printing up to 72 individual images on one sheet of paper.
PIXMA MG5320 Wireless Photo All-In-One Printer

For the consumer interested in a high-quality multifunction printer which is easy to use and affordable, the Canon PIXMA MG5320 Wireless Photo All-In-One Printer should be at the top of the list. This printer features five individual ink tanks which is part of the ChromaLife100 + ink system4 and help to produce a 4″ x 6″ borderless photo in approximately 20 seconds5. In addition the printer has a maximum color resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi6. This new PIXMA office machine will deliver output at approximately 12.5 ipm for black-and-white documents6 and approximately 9.3 ipm for color7. The Advanced Media Handling options such as Auto Duplex printing which helps conserve your paper supply and a two-way paper feed that can help reduce the amount of time it takes to complete a project. The LCD has been repositioned toward the middle of the printer helping to streamline the navigation process and achieving a more sleek and stylish design. The size of the LCD screen has also been increased to 3.0-inches for easy viewing and navigation through menus.

The Canon PIXMA MG5320 Wireless Photo All-In-One Printer will have an estimated selling price of $149.99.
PIXMA iP4920 Inkjet Photo Printer

The Canon PIXMA iP4920 Inkjet Photo Printer is an ideal choice for the consumer interested in an affordable, single function printer producing superb quality. Utilizing the ChromaLife100 + ink system4 with five individual ink tanks, the printer is capable of producing a 4″ x 6″ borderless photo in approximately 20 seconds5. This new PIXMA machine delivers output at approximately 12.5 ipm for black-and-white documents and approximately 9.3 ipm for color7. In addition, the printer has a maximum color resolution 9600 x 2400 dpi6 and is capable of Auto Duplex printing to help conserve paper. The overall functionality of the PIXMA iP4920 printer helps make this printer a perfect addition for any home or office.

The Canon PIXMA iP4920 Photo Printer will have an estimated selling price of $99.99.
Canon CREATIVE PARK

Looking to extend creativity beyond just photos and documents? Consumers can try Canon Inc.’s CREATIVE PARK website at www.canon.com/c-park. The site offers free 3-D paper craft projects, scrapbooking templates and embellishments, novel greeting cards, and educational materials. As an added bonus with the purchase of select PIXMA printers, including the MG5320 and the iP4920, consumers will be provided with exclusive printable content through CREATIVE PARK PREMIUM8. This content includes post cards, albums, and many more projects including paintings by artists such as Norman Rockwell.
CANON iMAGE GATEWAY

CANON iMAGE GATEWAY is an exclusive online photography resource and service for owners of registered qualified Canon products. Camera owners who have registered a qualifying Canon camera via their Canon Account can upload and share up to 2GB of photos with friends and family. Members also gain access to informative photography-related articles on topics such as macro shooting, portrait photography, printing tips and print projects to get the most out of their photos. Owners of registered qualifying printers can use their photos to create greeting cards, calendars and much more with Print Projects! Printer members are provided with a wide array of helpful articles to enhance their experience with their Canon printer and to help them create inspiring projects. The Video Podcast Service – available for owners of registered qualifying camera and video products – enables those members to upload videos to be shared and viewed, which can also be used with the Apple iTunes® application and downloaded to access on a compatible Apple iPod or iPhone mobile device.

BBC Worldwide Launches global iPlayer app for European iPads

BBC Worldwide, the BBC’s commercial arm, is from today offering audiences across Europe the first-ever opportunity to delve into a digital mix of classic and contemporary British TV programming with the launch of the new global BBC iPlayer app, available exclusively on iPad www.bbc.com/iplayer/tv.

“Based on the soaring success of the UK’s pioneering BBC iPlayer service, the app combines technical innovation with editorial creativity to transport users to the heart of the BBC and British television and on a journey of discovery, wherever and whenever they want”

This brand-new video on demand subscription service, launching first in Western Europe, will deliver the award-winning programming upon which the BBC’s history and heritage is built, to viewers in 11 markets. For €6.99 a month (or €49.99 for an annual subscription), the app will initially be available in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, The Republic of Ireland, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.

Subscribers will be able to access a rich selection of captivating English language programmes across eight genres: News Specials & Documentaries; Entertainment; Drama; Comedy; Science & Nature; Family & Kids; Music & Culture and Lifestyle. The app brings together classic comedies such as Fawlty Towers and Only Fools & Horses, thrilling drama series Sherlock, Luther and much loved Pride and Prejudice, recent episodes of the UK’s famous soap EastEnders, global motoring phenomenon Top Gear, the Doctor Who archive and the adorable children’s show Charlie & Lola. Hours of new programming will be added to the service every week, along with imaginatively themed collections curated from the BBC’s extensive archive, including David Attenborough and the story of the Royal Family.

Designed to be intuitive and easy-to-use, a key feature of the app allows subscribers both to stream and to download shows for offline viewing for when they can’t access Wi-Fi connectivity. The stylish and simple interface enables users to build a personal library of shows.

John Smith CEO BBC Worldwide said: “I’m proud that we’re one of the first international broadcasters to give access to our shows in a perfectly packaged app. This launch is an important route to market in our strategy of pursuing multiple platforms for our programmes and brands, taking British programmes to new digital audiences around the world. Today marks a significant next step on a digital journey that has already seen 12m BBC Worldwide apps downloaded across brands as diverse as Lonely Planet and Good Food.”

“Based on the soaring success of the UK’s pioneering BBC iPlayer service, the app combines technical innovation with editorial creativity to transport users to the heart of the BBC and British television and on a journey of discovery, wherever and whenever they want,” said Jana Bennett, BBC Worldwide President of Worldwide Networks and Global iPlayer “We have an exciting vision for what this service could become and will develop it based on feedback from within the markets.”

The global BBC iPlayer App is now available to download for free from the App Store in the launch markets on iPad at www.bbc.com/iplayer/tv.

The global version of the BBC iPlayer app launched today marks the start of a pilot phase for the service.

Dell Announces 24 inch UltraSharp U2412M Widescreen Monitor

Dell has introduced a new monitor, the UltraSharp U2412M. The display features a 24-inch IPS panel with 1920×1200 resolution, a 16:10 aspect ratio and and LED backlight.

The use of IPS technology is geared for wide viewing angles and an 82-percent color gamut. The allows tilt, swivel, height, or pivot ajustment to landscape and portrait orientations.

Dell said the new monitor provides a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, with 8ms grey-to-grey response time and 300-nit brightness. Users can attach source devices via DVI-D, DisplayPort or VGA connections.

CONNECTIVITY
1 Digital Visual Interface connectors (DVI-D) with HDCP
1 DisplayPort(DP)
1 Video Graphics Array (VGA)
1 USB 2.0 upstream port
4 USB 2.0 downstream ports
DC power connector for Dell Soundbar

Read more: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&sku=320-2676

YouSendIt Offers Unlimited Cloud Storage Service

YouSendIt is launching a Dropbox-style cloud storage and file sharing solution with a low-price unlimited plan, reports the TheNextweb

“Similar to Dropbox, the service offers storage which you can access via a Web-based interface, a desktop app (currently Windows only) and an app for the iPhone and iPad. Files and folders can easily be shared with others using three different permission levels: read and write, read only and read only without login. Real-time notifications about shared folder activities are available and data is synchronised across all devices as files are modified.”

SanDisk Announces Ultra SSD

SanDisk Corporation has introduced the SanDisk Ultra® solid state drive (SSD) for the retail market. The new SSD can extend the life of desktop and notebook PCs, and offers greater performance, durability and power efficiency than a hard disk drive.

The SanDisk Ultra SSD is a convenient drop-in solution for technology enthusiasts looking to upgrade their own PCs for an enhanced user experience. The new SSD features:

* Fast performance: the drive’s up to 280 megabyte per second (MB/sec)1 sequential read and 270 MB/sec sequential write speeds deliver fast data-transfer rates; up to 3 Gb/s random speeds surpass other SATA II SSDs and enable faster system boot and application launch times
* Power efficiency: the drive’s low power consumption extends battery life, and with no moving parts, the SSD offers silent operation
* Long-term reliability: Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)2 of up to 1,000,000 hours

“Replacing a computer’s hard disk drive with the SanDisk Ultra SSD is more cost effective than buying a new PC,” said Kent Perry, director, product marketing, SanDisk. “Our new SSD delivers greater speed and reliability than a hard disk drive at an affordable price.”

The drive comes in 60 gigabyte (GB)3, 120GB and 240GB capacities carrying MSRPs of $129.99, $219.99 and $449.99, respectively.

Mozilla Web Mobile OS

Mozilla has launched a new project called “Boot to Gecko” . The aim of the project is to develop a complete operating system for the open web.

“To that end, we propose a project we’re calling Boot to Gecko (B2G) to pursue the goal of building a complete, standalone operating system for the open web. It’s going to require work in a number of areas.

New web APIs: build prototype APIs for exposing device and OS capabilities to content (Telephony, SMS, Camera, USB, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.)
Privilege model: making sure that these new capabilities are safely exposed to pages and applications
Booting: prototype a low-level substrate for an Android-compatible device
Applications: choose and port or build apps to prove out and prioritize the power of the system”.

Read more: https://wiki.mozilla.org/B2G

Gerber Steady Multi Tool Includes Camera Tripod

The new version Gerber multi-tool the ‘Steady’ includes a pop-up tripod screw that will hold a small digital camera onto the top of the tool.

Its standard screw size will let you mount mini cameras, smartphones, and possibly light SLRs.

The tool has 12 other implements and a knife. The Steady will ship in 2012 sometime and will cost $65.

Gerbergear.com

Firefox and Chrome Extensions to Block Murdock Websites

After the recent (still ongoing) News International phone hacking scandal, developers have created free tools to help consumers stay away from websites owned by the Murdoch media empire., reports Mike Flacy writing on Digitaltrends

“A couple developers have created free tools to help consumers stay away from websites owned by the Murdoch media empire. A Firefox add-on called MurdochAlert creates a warning when users are loading one of 100+ sites. For instance, if a user lands on Fox News, an alert bar appears to warn the user of the “potential computer security risks of accessing Murdoch-controlled sites”. The add-on comes with a Greasemonkey script for any user that wants to alter the design.

A Chrome extension takes a more stringent approach and completely halts the user from loading a Murdoch property. Called Murdoch Block, the extension displays a warning before allowing the user to choose to load the site. Popular blocked properties include Hulu (31 percent owned by Fox), Fox News, MySpace, Wall Street Journal and the New York Post.”

Read more: http://www.digitaltrends.com/web/firefox-and-chrome-tools-block-murdoch-owned-websites/

MurdochAlert warns you whenever you visit one of the 100+ Murdoch Family-controlled websites.
Download: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/MurdochAlert-details/

Murdoch Block: Blocks websites owned and operated by News Corp
Download: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/moepiacmhnmbiilhpojodnaopndhddpg#