Tom’s Hardware Web Browser Grand Prix VIII has crowned two new winners: Firefox 9 won in the latest Windows 7 Ultimate tests, while Safari 5 was the top browser for OS X Lion.
The two winners were pitted against Internet Explorer 9 (on Windows 7 only), Opera 11, and Chrome 16 in a battery of 53 different benchmarks. Tests include simple boot up and load times; javascript, flash, HTML5, and Silverlight benchmarks; hardware acceleration performance; memory management and usage; and much more.
Dropbox Automater combines time-saving task mastery with perhaps our favorite cloud storage solution. The service watches a designated folder for uploads, when a new file is added an action is triggered, everything from converting documents, to resizing an image or tweeting a link. And that’s just scratching the surface.
You don’t have to install DropboxAutomator on your computer. You don’t even need to install Dropbox on your computer, because you can use it via the webinterface. – dropboxautomator.com
Facebook has responded to the leak of its Messenger for Windows application by simply releasing an official download, writes Emil Protalinski on ZDNet
“Mere hours after Facebook Messenger for Windows leaked, Facebook has released the official desktop client. Facebook contacted me and said the official Messenger for Windows download link is available from fbcdn_dragon-a.akamaihd.net.
Facebook started testing the Messenger for Windows desktop client with a limited group of users last month. The application, which requires Windows 7, provides access to three main Facebook features: Facebook Chat, the new Ticker feed, and notifications. In addition to Windows 7, Facebook Messenger is also already available for Android, iPhone, and BlackBerry.”
Firefox is to feature new tools for web developers. Firefox 10 to be released in early 2012, will add HTML and CSS inspectors designed to help web developers inspect and debug their code. Later releases will add more features, like a 3-D page inspector and a built-in code editor.
Developers can see the HTML and CSS rules applied to any selected page element. This makes it easy to navigate through different page elements while viewing the HTML document structure for the page,” said Mozilla.
Other improvements and new features include a new Full Screen API, for games and video, as well as a better implementation of the IndexedDB specifications.
3D inspector tools are expected to feature in Firefox 12
Dropbox has announced a new Android app which adds a flood of fresh new features such as: bulk uploads, single-tap access to content and speedy offline entry to your favorites folder.
“We’ve just given our Android app an engine upgrade and a new paint job! Since we know you’ve liked sneak peeks in the past, we wanted to let you check out the app before we release it to the world. Here’s the stuff we’ve added:
• Favorites: quick offline access to files
• Bulk upload photos and videos
• Access all file and folder actions with just one tap
• Improved gallery view
• Upload from and export to your phone’s memory
• Rename files and folders
• Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) improvements
• Numerous bug fixes and stability improvements”
www.dropbox.com
Firefox 9 is now available to download from the official Firefox website.
The most significant change over Firefox 8 is the addition of type inference to the JavaScript engine, which singlehandedly improves JS execution speed by 20 to 30%. Without getting into the complexities of this change, type inference basically brings JavaScript one step closer to compiled languages (like C or C++) in terms of speed and optimization.
Full Release Notes: http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/9.0/releasenotes/
Google has announced a Flipboard competitor named Currents, available for both Android and iOS.
The Google Mobile Blog says:
“Today we’re expanding our content offering with the introduction of Google Currents, a new application for Android devices, iPads and iPhones that lets you explore online magazines and other content with the swipe of a finger.
Ready for consumers
We’ve worked with more than 150 publishing partners to offer full-length articles from more than 180 editions including CNET, AllThingsD, Forbes, Saveur, PBS, Huffington Post, Fast Company and more. Content is optimized for smartphones and tablets, allowing you to intuitively navigate between words, pictures and video on large and small screens alike, even if you’re offline.
To get started, simply download the app and choose the publications you want to subscribe to for free. You can also add RSS, video and photo feeds, public Google+ streams and Google Reader subscriptions you’re already following. In addition to consuming your favorite media, you can also use the trending tab to discover related content that matches your tastes.
Ready for publishers
Alongside Google Currents, we’re also launching a self-service platform that gives publishers the flexibility to design, brand and customize their web content. For example, if you’re a small regional news outlet, a non-profit organization without access to a mobile development team, or a national TV network with web content, you can effortlessly create hands-on digital publications for Google Currents.”
Google is rolling out a “New Google Navigation Bar”. Google’s new navigation bar links to your services in a drop-down menu nested under the Google logo across several services, including Search, News, Gmail, Google+ and Maps, reports PCWorld.
The nav bar has three main regions – on the left, the Google logo menu shows a list of links Google services when you hover over it and lets you access additional Google sites by hovering over the ‘More’ link at the bottom of the list. The central area has a search box and the right side has a share box and Google+ notifications (visible from any Google page)
The new menu is displayed whether you are signed into your Google account or not.
If you want to get it now you need to install a Chrome Extension called Edit This Cookie.
PHP-based systems WordPress, Joomla! and Drupal continue to dominate the web content management space. But, while the Big 3 remain unchanged from last year, the Report concludes that WordPress has re-taken the overall lead from Joomla! While the Big 3 remain unchanged from last year, the Report concludes that WordPress retains a clear lead in the face of decreasing competition from Joomla!.
“WordPress turned in another strong year, clearly outpacing both Joomla! and Drupal,” notes lead analyst Ric Shreves. “Looking beyond the Big 3 we find a considerable amount of movement in the market, with several smaller systems turning in solid performances this year. Concrete5, in particular, had a very strong year.”
Though PHP-based systems remain the populist choice, the survey places two .NET and three Java systems in the Top 20. DotNetNuke remained the market leader in the .NET space. In the Java WCM space, Liferay and Alfresco are fighting a closely matched battle.
The findings in this year’s report were based on a survey of more than 2,500 CMS users, together with research into a wide variety of measures of market share and brand strength.
The Open Source CMS Market Share Report was launched in 2008 by digital agency water&stone. The Report is non-commercial and released under an open license. Since its inception, the Open Source CMS Market Share Report has become the industry standard for purpose of defining market share and adoption rates in the open source content management system market.
You can download a copy of the 2011 Open Source CMS Market Share Report from http://www.waterandstone.com/book/2011-open-source-cms-market-share-report
Google is killing off seven more products including Wave in an effort to simplify its range of services, reports Google in its official blog.
The products being dropped are:
Google Wave – an attempt to combine email and instant messaging for real-time collaboration
Google Bookmarks List – a service which allowed users to share bookmarks with friends
Google Friends Connect – allowed webmasters to add social features to their sites by embedding a snippet of code
Google Gears – much-hyped effort to maintain web browser functionality when working offline
Google Search Timeline – a graph of historical query results
Knol – a Wikipedia-style project, which aimed to improve web content
Renewable Energy Cheaper than Coal – a project which aimed to find ways to improve solar power
Drobo, makers of award-winning data storage products for businesses and professionals, and Pogoplug, creators of the award-winning line of streaming and sharing devices, today announced a partnership to deliver a comprehensive personal cloud solution for anytime, anywhere access to files. Drobo customers will have access to free cloud storage, remote file access and digital media streaming using Pogoplug Cloud, a new service announced last week.
Using Pogoplug Cloud, customers can turn their Drobo into a multi-terabyte private cloud that provides secure, remote access to their entire digital library of documents, movies, photographs, games and music files. The agreement between Drobo and Pogoplug also provides Drobo users with 10GB of free public cloud storage – ideal for syncing valuable files between Drobo and the cloud.
“Small businesses, professionals, and consumers already store large collections of files on their Drobo,” said Tom Buiocchi, CEO of Drobo. “Adding remote access, media streaming and other cloud capabilities turns the Drobo into the ultimate personal cloud – combining the simple, reliable storage Drobo users have come to expect with the flexibility and freedom of the cloud.”
Designed specifically for customers who require storage capacity without the complexity and price of legacy storage, Drobo delivers sophisticated yet easy-to-use and affordable storage solutions for professionals and businesses. Every Drobo is powered by the patented BeyondRAID technology that automates traditional storage challenges such as data protection, capacity expansion, and application performance optimization.
“Digital media content has exploded as a major part of our lives, but requires huge amounts of storage, ” said Daniel Putterman, CEO and co-founder of Cloud Engines. “The partnership with Drobo delivers a seamless hybrid cloud experience for professionals and consumers alike to access and stream stored digital media and personal content.”
Pogoplug Cloud, delivered by Cloud Engines, has changed the way personal content is stored and delivered over the Internet with the advent of its personal cloud. Pogoplug Cloud provides secure storage of digital media from any location, enabling users to access, share and stream their content from a mobile or connected device. Together Drobo and Pogoplug Cloud offer customers with large personal media files remote access to these files under the security of linking a Drobo appliance to a personal cloud.
Customers interested in the new offering can find more information at www.drobo.com/pogoplug.
Create a Wi-Fi Hotspot Anywhere with TP-LINK’s New 150Mbps Wireless N Mini Pocket Router and Portable 3G/3.75G Wireless N Router
TP-LINK, a global provider of networking products, today announces two new Portable Wireless N Routers, designed to provide high-speed Internet access anywhere you go. Both routers are ideal for connecting tablet computers, smart phones, portable gaming consoles, and other mobile electronic devices while on-the-go.
The new 150Mbps Wireless N Mini Pocket Router (TL-WR700N) can be used to create an instant Wi-Fi hotspot by plugging in an Ethernet cable from your existing network or modem. It is a smart solution to efficiently expand your wireless network for the use of Wi-Fi enabled laptops, mobile phones, tablets, game consoles and more. The Mini Pocket Router operates as an Access Point to create a Wi-Fi hotspot from a wired source. It also functions as a Wireless Router, Range Extender or Wireless Bridge. The stylish cube design is small enough to fit into your pocket and plugs right into an electrical outlet without the hassle of using a power cord.
TP-LINK also introduces its new Portable 3G/3.75G Wireless N Router (TL-MR3020) which connects to the Internet via 3G cellular networks – the same network that your mobile phone uses – to keep you online and connected anywhere. Simply plug in the 3G USB modem to TL-MR3020 and establish a Wi-Fi hotspot instantly. With its travel-size design, TL-MR3020 is compact enough to take on the road and share its 3G Internet connection wherever coverage is available. The device comes with three adjustable modes: 3G Router Mode, WISP Client Router Mode, and Access Point Mode. Additionally it can be used as a Wireless Router, Range Extender or Wireless Bridge. The router can be powered through a USB connection or external power adapter, both included with the device.
150Mbps Wireless N Mini Pocket Router (TL-WR700N) – $29.99 – Available 11/23/11
Wireless N speeds of up to 150Mbps*
Compact, sleek design
Fully compliant with 2.4GHz-2.4835GHz Wireless Frequency
Supports AP, Bridge, Repeater (Range Extender), Wireless Router operation modes
Compatible with any Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as iPhoneTM, iPadTM, AndroidTM Phones, KindleTM, game consoles and other entertainment devices
Advanced security and encryptions
Portable 3G/3.75G Wireless N Router (TL-MR3020) – $39.99 – Available 12/14/11
Wireless N speeds of up to 150Mbps*
Compact design, ideal for travel
Compatible with UMTS/HSPA/EVDO USB 3G Modems
Fully compliant with 2.4GHz-2.4835GHz Wireless Frequency
Supports 3G Router, AP, Bridge, Repeater (Range Extender), Wireless Router, WISP Client operation modes
Powered by USB connection or external power adapter
Compatible with any Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as iPhoneTM, iPadTM, AndroidTM Phones, KindleTM, game consoles and other entertainment devices
Advanced security and encryptions
TP-LINK products are available at Fry’s Electronics, Micro Center, B&H and Data Vision. You can also find them online at Newegg.com, Amazon.com, http://www.mwave.com/mwave/index.asp? Tigerdirect.com, Walmart.com and Buy.com.
*Actual data will vary because of the network conditions and environmental factors