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  1. The RCA USB Wall Plate Charger Adds USB Ports to Your Wall Outlets, No Wiring Required [Stuff We Like]

    → Lifehacker | 6 Feb 2012 | 2:30 pm MST

    The A/C adapters that come with your gadgets only charge one device at a time, and you need to buy extras if you want some permanently stashed in your go bag. The $20 RCA USB Wall Plate Charger turns one of your wall outlets into two USB ports, for a mini charging station anywhere in your home. More »




  2. Groupon Buys eCommerce Data Targeting Startup Adku

    → TechCrunch | 6 Feb 2012 | 2:27 pm MST

    Screen Shot 2012-02-06 at 1.22.09 PMI love the smell of acquisitions in the morning! We've just heard that Groupon has acquired Adku, a stealth startup that uses big data in order to personalize the online shopping experience for people visiting eCommerce sites like eBay, Amazon and Zappos. The company built their personalized targeting technology in three months, and have basically been in stealth since they launched at the Angelpad Demo day a year and a half ago. Adku is backed by Greylock Partners, Battery Ventures and True Ventures in addition to being an Angelpad startup.

  3. The Fascinating Deep Blue Sea [Vid]

    → Geeks are Sexy Technology News | 6 Feb 2012 | 2:00 pm MST

    Underwater filmmaker Mike deGruy describes his wonderful nerdy path to exploring Earth’s final frontier. He’s a good example of how you don’t have to have a PhD to be a sexy geek, getting in arms races with octopi, and observing an eco-system discovered only 33 years ago! He also, of course, covers how irresponsible human [...] Related posts:
    1. Fascinating Talk About America’s Obesity Problem
    2. Earth: The Pale Blue Dot
    3. How Deep Is the Ocean? [Infographic]


  4. Organize Your Apps by Action Instead of Category for a More Intuitive Find-and-Launch System [Organization]

    → Lifehacker | 6 Feb 2012 | 2:00 pm MST

    If you're having trouble remembering where you've filed away an app on your phone's home screen, you may want to consider organizing your apps by action. More »




  5. Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM

    → Engadget | 6 Feb 2012 | 1:42 pm MST

    It's Monday, and almost as regular an occurrence as the day itself, we're here to help by letting you listen into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to mp3 at 5:30PM. Please be a part of it by reviewing the list of topics after the break, then participating in the live chat as you listen in.

    Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM

    Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  6. Amazon rumored to launch a physical retail store

    → Ubergizmo | 6 Feb 2012 | 1:31 pm MST

    Amazon boxesWhile most companies are making the switch from physical to digital, it looks like Amazon might be going in the opposite direction. According to rumors online, Amazon is planning to roll out a retail store within the next few months. This retail store will be somewhere in Seattle and is said to be a test of the market to see whether a chain of stores would be profitable. Apparently Amazon will be going with the small boutique route, with the main emphasis on Amazon Exclusives as well as their eBook readers and tablets – the Kindle and Kindle Fire (as well as various accessories for the devices).
    (more…)

    By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Amazon Kindle Fire: estimated 6 million sold, Amazon offers free two-day shipping on all Kindles this Christmas,


  7. The Always Up-to-Date Guide to Building a Hackintosh [OS X 10.7.3 UniBeast] [Always Up To Date Guide]

    → Lifehacker | 6 Feb 2012 | 1:30 pm MST

    Building a hackintosh—that is, installing Mac OS X on non-Apple hardware—used to require extremely restricted hardware choices and quite a bit of know-how. Now your options are vast and the installation process is fairly simple. With that in mind, here is our always up-to-date guide to building a hackintosh that will walk you through purchasing compatible parts, building your machine, and installing OS X all on your own. Thanks to a new process, it's even easier than before. More »




  8. NVIDIA's 2012 Kepler lineup revealed (possibly)

    → Engadget | 6 Feb 2012 | 1:26 pm MST

    As usual, it seems like whenever a big chip company wants to keep those key details under wraps, someone leaves a spreadsheet lying in a bar. Of course, the following information could be the product of a vengeful former employee mashing at a keyboard, so let's agree that these are rumored details until further notice. NVIDIA's whole range of Kepler-powered graphics cards will be PCI-E 3.0 compliant, with the GTX960 topping the group at $999 when it arrives in Q3 of this year, while the modestly-priced GTX640 will retail for $139 when it arrives in May. If you'd like to drill down into the specifics of all eight cards purportedly on offer for 2012, we've got all the details in a handy chart nestled just after the interval.

    Continue reading NVIDIA's 2012 Kepler lineup revealed (possibly)

    NVIDIA's 2012 Kepler lineup revealed (possibly) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink ITProPortal  |  sourceLenzfire  | Email this | Comments

  9. Lip Reading, 3D Desktops, And NUI: Microsoft Plans To Reinvent User Interaction

    → TechCrunch | 6 Feb 2012 | 1:25 pm MST

    kinect_outDeep in the skunk works of its Research and Labs divisions, secreted around the Seattle area, Microsoft is working on totally reinventing the way people interact with their computers. Very little is out in the open or in more than a prototype form, but the work is unquestionably being done. Last week it transpired that Microsoft is working on building Kinect into the bezels of laptops, and after that, presumably, tablets and eventually mobile phones. But it's not just about building out the install base for Dance Central 3. It's enabling the next generation of awareness in our electronics. The iPhone ushered in an era where our devices know when we touch them. Microsoft is working on the next one, in which our devices will simply know us.

  10. Google AR Glasses coming soon?

    → Ubergizmo | 6 Feb 2012 | 1:20 pm MST

    Oakley Thump 2Back in December last year, there were rumors of Google working on some augmented reality glasses running on Android and today, more information regarding them has surfaced. The folks over at 9to5Google have reported that according to their tipster who has seen a prototype of the glasses, they resemble the Oakley Thump 2 (pictured above) and will have a front facing camera for gathering information and aiding AR apps.
    (more…)

    By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Google works on AR glasses, Google "Solve for X" to be unveiled today?,


  11. Backplane To Hold Music Hackathon At SXSW, With Top Industry Managers As Judges

    → TechCrunch | 6 Feb 2012 | 1:13 pm MST

    backplaneshotA few weeks ago we wrote about Backplane — a platform for creating interactive, highly visual communities — that counts Lady Gaga as one of its backers, along with plenty of the Valley's most well-known investors. Now the company is harnessing its star power to hold a unique (and potentially awesome) event at SXSW: the SXSW Managers Hack — a hackathon that will be judged by some of the most accomplished managers in the music industry, including: Scooter Braun, best known for facilitating Justin Bieber's rise to fame; Jay Brown, President of Jay-Z's Roc Nation; and Troy Carter, manager of Lady Gaga (Carter is also one of Backplane's cofounders).

  12. Nikon D800 slips out for an early bird preview, to be officially unveiled tomorrow?

    → Engadget | 6 Feb 2012 | 1:05 pm MST

    We've seen Nikon's successor to the D700 slip out a few times this past winter, but this latest leak and its bevy of press images might just be the real deal. According to Brazilian site ZTOP, the company's set to officially debut its 36.3-megapixel D800 tomorrow. So, what's on the spec list? Well, it looks like those rumors were true, as this high-end DSLR apparently boasts that aforementioned CMOS sensor capable of 7360 x 4912 resolution and the ability to toggle ISO from 100 - 6,400. As you'd imagine, this high-end, digital light box also comes equipped with the ability for full 1080p30 HD video capture, recording content in either H.264 or MPEG-4 formats. Naturally, there's also a 3.2-inch LCD viewfinder onboard so you can sift through your sizeable gallery of stills. While we still caution you to take this news with a nigh invisible grain of salt, it's likely all will be revealed in one day's time. Check out the source below for additional shots.

    Nikon D800 slips out for an early bird preview, to be officially unveiled tomorrow? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |  sourceZTOP (Translated)  | Email this | Comments

  13. Qui-Gon Jinn vs. Captain Jean-Luc Picard: FIGHT!

    → Geeks are Sexy Technology News | 6 Feb 2012 | 1:00 pm MST

    A few days ago, during The Graham Norton Show, Patrick Stewart and Liam Neeson were forced to watch their respective action figure fight it off in front of the show’s audience in a not so epic battle to determine which character was the most awesome. Let’s say the conclusion was kind of disappointing for sir [...] Related posts:
    1. Captain Jean-Luc Picard on Sesame Street
    2. Obi-Wan Kenobi & Qui-Gon Jinn vs. Darth Maul: The Epic Vocal SFX Edition [Video]
    3. The Other Side of Jean-Luc Picard


  14. Get Nine Great Mac Apps for $39, Plus a Free Video Converter [Deals]

    → Lifehacker | 6 Feb 2012 | 1:00 pm MST

    Software bundles are a great way to pick up some great new apps at a huge discount, and MacBundler's latest offering is no exception. It offers up a number of useful and fun media apps, plus a few practical downloads for your notes, finances, automation, and computer-cleaning needs. Here's the entire list, how much they normally cost, and what each app can do: More »




  15. ‘Transparent Screen’ Android App Lets You Text And Walk Without Fear

    → TechCrunch | 6 Feb 2012 | 12:55 pm MST

    transparentscreenI used to scowl when I saw people walking down the street with eyes locked on their phones, but necessity has gotten me in the habit of doing it too. Thanks to a new app called Transparent Screen though, now I can do it free from the fear of falling into an open manhole or into a large fountain. No, that’s not a hastily Photoshopped image you see here, that's more or less exactly what you’ll see when the app is running. I say “more or less” because while all of the Android UI goes translucent upon launch, you’re afforded with quite a bit of a control over how dramatic the effect is. It’s in your best interest to get familiar with the settings if you plan on using Transparent Screen for a while too, because you'll soon have some choices to make.

  16. Can Startups Learn Anything From Linux?

    → TechCrunch | 6 Feb 2012 | 12:51 pm MST

    Image (1) tux.jpg for post 194399Linux is the world's largest collaborative software development project. People from all over the world have influenced the Linux kernel code, and it runs on everything from mainframe computers to wristwatches. Linux, and free software development in general, provides some tremendous insights into what makes a successful project. Can today's startups learn anything from the history of Linux? The history of Linux proves that collaborative development speeds true innovation. If Linus Torvalds were left to work on Linux alone, there's no way it would be the success it is today. A great many of the things that Linux does today are a direct result of people scratching their own itches, and then contributing their work back upstream to Linus. Many people focusing on their own little (and not-so-little) problems have made Linux the powerhouse that it is today.

  17. Appoxee Raises Funding, Helps Mobile App Developers Boost User Engagement

    → TechCrunch | 6 Feb 2012 | 12:40 pm MST

    appoxeeIsraeli startup Appoxee has raised an undisclosed amount of funding from early-stage investment firm Cyhawk Ventures. The company offers a service that helps app developers and publishers increase user engagement through rich push notifications and helps them with things like audience segmentation, targeting, analytics and reporting. Read more over at TechCrunch Europe.

  18. Intel SSD 520 review roundup: Intel reliability, SandForce speeds starting at $149

    → Engadget | 6 Feb 2012 | 12:39 pm MST

    There's plenty of SSD options out there, but Intel's NAND drives are among the most well thought of, simply because they're so reliable. But, with the top speed of competing SSDs spiraling higher, Intel's rock-solid reputation may not be enough for some enthusiasts. Enter the SSD 520, with a performance SandForce SF-2281 controller and custom firmware (codenamed Cherryville) on board to ensure the 520 meets Chipzilla's demanding standards for stability. It's the result of a year and a half long collaboration between Intel and SandForce, and is available in both 7mm and 9.5mm thin form factors to fit any machine -- Ultrabook or otherwise. Aside from the SandForce chip, the 520 packs Intel's finest 25nm NAND Flash, a SATA 6GB/s connection and its 550MB/s reads and 520MB/s writes can be had for $149 in 60GB garb and prices escalate up to a grand for 480GB. Naturally, as this is Intel's effort to snatch back the performance market, a raft of reviews have been written about the SSD 520.

    So, how does the 520 stack up? Well, Intel's so confident in the 520 that it's backed the SSD with a five-year warranty. Though its performance doesn't drastically outpace its competition, Storage Review found the drive to be on par with the current speed king, OCZ's Vertex 3 in its benchmarks -- and also found performance and stability to be quite good in both enterprise use and in RAID arrays. Meanwhile, AnandTech found that the 520's peak random write speeds quite similar to its sequential reads during testing, which shows how well the optimized firmware works with the NAND. Hot Hardware thought the 520 to be comparable to other SandForce-equipped SSDs, but in terms of power consumption, Tom's Hardware found Intel's latest to be a power hog. Generally, all the reviewers were in agreement: the 520 is a speedy SSD, but you pay a hefty premium for Intel's reputation for churning out reliable drives. Only time will tell if the 520 can deliver the reliability we want, but there's plenty of performance info to be had in the reviews listed below.

    Intel SSD 520 review roundup: Intel reliability, SandForce speeds starting at $149 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |  sourceStorage Review (1), (2), (3), AnandTech, Tom's Hardware, Hot Hardware, Legit Reviews  | Email this | Comments

  19. Ask and Answer Questions About Searching for a Home [Help Yourself]

    → Lifehacker | 6 Feb 2012 | 12:30 pm MST

    Every day we're on the lookout for ways to make your work easier and your life better, but Lifehacker readers are smart, insightful folks with all kinds of expertise to share, and we want to give everyone regular access to that exceptional hive mind. Help Yourself is a daily thread where readers can ask and answer questions about tech, productivity, life hacks, and whatever else you need help with. More »




  20. RIM shows you how it tests BlackBerry durability

    → Ubergizmo | 6 Feb 2012 | 12:29 pm MST

    Ever wanted to know the amount of testing that goes into your BlackBerry devices? If you’re a fan of seeing phones go through stress and durability tests, the latest blog post on the official BlackBerry blog should float your boat. Ryan from the Hardware Support Lab at RIM wrote about what they put BlackBerry phones through before they end up on the market. According to the post, your BlackBerry phones are dropped, bent, shocked, soaked and zapped – talk about some thorough testing! But I guess there’s a reason you don’t hear so much about BlackBerry phones getting destroyed when they’re dropped. Then again, they aren’t made with glass on both sides either… check out more videos of the durability tests after the break or head to the source link to read up more about the process:
    (more…)

    By Ubergizmo. Related articles: London BlackBerry 10 phone image leaked, New BlackBerrys are all white?,


  21. Circuit Playground App Helps Makers Build Electronics

    → TechCrunch | 6 Feb 2012 | 12:26 pm MST

    id492487671-1If you don't know a resistor from a Mister Mister, this is the app for you. Built by Adafruit, creators of DIY Arduino gear, Circuit Playground is a $2.99 app designed to help you identify and understand various electronic components. For example, the app includes a resistor identification system based on the colored bands painted on the casing as well as a field guide to many electrical components.

  22. Keen On… SOPA: Mob Rule or Direct Democracy? (TCTV)

    → TechCrunch | 6 Feb 2012 | 12:15 pm MST

    Keen On…..SOPA_ Mob Rule or Direct Democracy? (TCTV) | TechCrunchMy own views about SOPA and the need to protect online intellectual property are well-known. But even I acknowledge that SOPA was a flawed bill that didn't represent a viable solution to policing the Internet against intellectual property theft. So is there life after SOPA? How can the technology and content communities carve out a compromise which will simultaneously protect innovation and the rights of the creative community? In the spirit of compromise, I invited Larry Downes, one of SOPA's most articulate critics, into our San Francisco studio to talk about what comes next.

  23. Is controlling the commodities market child’s play?

    → Geeks are Sexy Technology News | 6 Feb 2012 | 12:00 pm MST

    Given the events of the past few years, it’s no surprise to see a one-man show exploring the nature of commodities and how we place economic value on items beyond their intrinsic value. It is, however, a little surprising to see this show based around Ram-Man. A British man is attempting to buy up every [...] Related posts:
    1. Google has no power in search market, boss claims
    2. GameCrush: Want to Play Halo with a REAL GIRL? Pay Up.
    3. PSP: OMG! Girlz play too!


  24. Sony Alpha NEX-7 mirrorless camera review

    → Engadget | 6 Feb 2012 | 12:00 pm MST

    Remember the NEX-7? Ever since a days-long shooting session back in September, Sony's prized mirrorless cam has eluded us -- and the rest of the world. As you may recall, the flagship Alpha ILC was hit by the Thailand floods, resulting in delay after delay, eventually missing the holiday shopping season entirely before resurfacing late last month. Another week later and our beloved Sony Alpha NEX-7 has finally arrived, ready to take on the streets of New York City. So what exactly is the NEX-7, and why does it cost as much as a mid-range DSLR? First off, the-24.3 megapixel APS-C ILC captures, well, 24.3-megapixel images, offering the highest resolution of any mirrorless model on the market. Its APS-C sensor is identical to the one found in Sony's A77 DSLR, measuring larger than Micro Four Thirds and on par with most full-size digital SLRs.

    If having the ability to capture mural-size images ranks fairly low on your digicam wish list, you may take comfort in some of the NEX-7's other features, such as its gorgeous and durable magnesium alloy body, built-in XGA OLED electronic viewfinder, 3-inch, 921k-dot articulating LCD and unique tri-navi control interface that enables direct access to key settings adjustments, including both aperture and shutter speed in manual mode. There's also 1080/60p HD movie capture with full manual control and microphone input support, a 10 frames-per-second continuous shooting mode (with exposure and focus locked) and a BIONZ image processor that's capable of delivering low-noise images all the way through ISO 16,000. These features combine to make the NEX-7 one of the most powerful mirrorless cameras to date, but are they enough to justify the $1,200 body-only price tag? Join us past the break to find out.

    Continue reading Sony Alpha NEX-7 mirrorless camera review

    Sony Alpha NEX-7 mirrorless camera review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  25. musicForProgramming(): Focus-Boosting Mixtapes for Everybody [Work Sounds]

    → Lifehacker | 6 Feb 2012 | 12:00 pm MST

    Web site musicForProgramming(); distributes a series of roughly hour-long ambient music mixes intended to "aid concentration and increase productivity" while you work. More »




  26. Transparent Screen app lets you avoid walking into walls

    → Ubergizmo | 6 Feb 2012 | 11:57 am MST

    Transparent ScreenIf you’re always using your Android phone while you’re on the move, you’ll probably appreciate this app that just hit the Android Market recently. Called Transparent Screen, this app turns your phone’s display “transparent”, allowing you to see what’s in front of you while you’re looking at the phone’s screen. It makes use of your phone’s rear camera and overlays it on top of your entire display. A pretty nifty idea, though it’s known to drain quite a lot of battery – I guess it’s up to you to decide whether it’s worth the trade off.

    The app is available for download now on the Android Market and is available as a free and pro version (no ads for $1). Give it a shot and let us know what you think.

    [Android Market]

    By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Google Docs for Android updated, KyshMysh helps cut down on your SMS usage,


  27. Brands Scored 2X Facebook Likes By Posting About Super Bowl

    → TechCrunch | 6 Feb 2012 | 11:50 am MST

    Facebook Super BowlWant to win some extra visibility for your brand on Facebook? Post about current events. Brands grabbed 99.7% higher engagement on their Page posts by talking about the Super Bowl yesterday, and 60% higher engagement over the past 6 weeks compared to the average post. The data from a Buddy Media study of 1,400 of the world's largest brands indicates they should make sure to post about holidays, sporting events, breaking news, and other trending topics. Here's how this strategy works:

  28. When Will The Post-PC Era Arrive? It Just Did.

    → TechCrunch | 6 Feb 2012 | 11:49 am MST

    Scrabble on the iPadThere has been much debate about what the post-PC era is, when it will arrive, or whether it's already here. But key pieces of new data, emerging last week, are making the case that we crossed the imaginary line from the "PC" era to the "post-PC" era at the end of 2011. According to analysts at Canalys, two major computing milestones were achieved at the end of this year: smartphone shipments outpaced PCs for the first time ever, and Apple became the world's largest PC maker, if you count iPads as PCs (as well you should). Combined, what these numbers tell us is that the post-PC era is happening now. Right now. And maybe we need to think about how we define "PC."

  29. Lenovo confirms ICS for ThinkPad Tablet, gives us more reason to look forward to spring

    → Engadget | 6 Feb 2012 | 11:48 am MST

    Love your ThinkPad Tablet, but hate staring at its somewhat outdated operating system? Great news! Your stylus-friendly slate will be getting a heaping helping of Ice Cream Sandwich come spring, according to Lenovo. As part of the company's commitment to "future proofing" its devices, the update will begin hitting the tablet over-the-air in May. The Android upgrade will bring with it browser enhancements, voice input, face unlock and general frozen deliciousness.

    Lenovo confirms ICS for ThinkPad Tablet, gives us more reason to look forward to spring originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  30. Russian carrier gives $5,000 vacation to its most data hungry customer

    → Engadget | 6 Feb 2012 | 11:37 am MST

    Use more data, win more prizes. It may sound counterintuitive, but that's exactly what Russian operator MegaFon is offering to its subscribers, as part of a curious 3G promotion. It all began back in November, when the provider announced a rather straightforward contest: customers who downloaded the most data with their 3G modems would be awarded prizes worth up to one million rubles (about $33,000), including a $5,000 vacation. According to Russian news site C News, MegaFon launched the campaign in order to showcase the expanse of its data network, which apparently covers more than 80 percent of northwestern Russia and offers speeds of up to 21Mbps. The promotion came to an official close on January 31st, with the coronation of a lucky winner who, over the course of a single week, managed to scarf down 419GB of data on the company's 3G network. MegaFon didn't offer usage statistics on the second and third place winners, nor did it say what they won for their efforts, if you wanna call them that.

    Russian carrier gives $5,000 vacation to its most data hungry customer originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink The Next Web  |  sourceC News (Translated)  | Email this | Comments

  31. The Best Keyboard Remapper for Mac OS X [Mac App Directory]

    → Lifehacker | 6 Feb 2012 | 11:30 am MST

    If you don't like the way your keyboard is laid out, a keyboard remapper can change it. There are only a few for Mac OS X, and the lack of development on many of your options makes your choice pretty easy. Regardless, KeyRemap4Macbook would rise to the top thanks to numerous remapping options, customizability, and helpful bonus features. More »




  32. Adafruit's Circuit Playground app deciphers resistor codes, helps you remember Ohm's Law

    → Engadget | 6 Feb 2012 | 11:16 am MST

    Circuit Playground
    If the names Phillip Torrone, Limor Fried and Collin Cunningham don't ring a bell then you probably need to hand over your geek badge. If, on the other hand, those names immediately make you sit up and pay attention, you maybe excited to hear the trio have just released the first Adafruit-branded app for iOS. Circuit Playground is a reference app for makers, hackers and tinkerers that helps you decipher resistor and capacitor values; calculate resistance, current or voltage; convert decimal, hexadecimal and binary values; and store PDF data sheets for ICs. The app is $2.99, but it comes with a $3 credit at the Adafruit shop, so it's kinda-sorta free. It's available for iPad and iPhone only, but an Android version is in the works. If you're an impatient Google fan, they suggest you check out ElectroDroid which performs many of the same functions and we can confirm is awesome. Check out the video after the break and hit up the source link to get Circuit Playground now.

    Continue reading Adafruit's Circuit Playground app deciphers resistor codes, helps you remember Ohm's Law

    Adafruit's Circuit Playground app deciphers resistor codes, helps you remember Ohm's Law originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |  sourceCircuit Playground, Adafruit  | Email this | Comments

  33. iStomp – the all-in-one guitar stompbox

    → Ubergizmo | 6 Feb 2012 | 11:10 am MST

    iStompIf you’re a guitarist who doesn’t like to deal with the hassle of carrying your huge pedal board setup or multi-FX pedal every time you have to play a live show and you wish there was an easier way out – HARMAN’s DigiTech iStomp pedal might be just for you. Touted as “the ultimate stompbox for musicians”, the iStomp is a stompbox that has the ability to transform into any pedal with the help of your iOS device.
    (more…)

    By Ubergizmo. Related articles: DigiTech Introduces iPad Pedalboard, DigiTech iPB-10: the world's first iPad-programmable guitar pedal,


  34. Cool Tee: Star Love

    → Geeks are Sexy Technology News | 6 Feb 2012 | 11:00 am MST

    Unconditional planet destroying love. Makes great for a Valentine gift for that very special nerd in your life. [$24.54 @ Redbubble.com] Related posts: Cool Tee: The Star-Scream [Pic] Cool Tee: A Game of Ice & Fire Express your love geek-style Related posts:
    1. Cool Tee: The Star-Scream [Pic]
    2. Cool Tee: A Game of Ice & Fire
    3. Express your love geek-style


  35. How Do I Calibrate My Computer's Monitor for the Best Picture? [Ask Lifehacker]

    → Lifehacker | 6 Feb 2012 | 11:00 am MST

    Dear Lifehacker, More »




  36. Sprint shows you where and when it's disabling Nextel's iDEN legacy network

    → Engadget | 6 Feb 2012 | 10:54 am MST

    Clue's in the title, really. If you head on over to Sprint's website, you'll find a page explaining the forthcoming changes to the service for legacy iDEN customers. Nextel users can enter in their zip code to find out which cellphone towers will be decommissioned and the due dates for each one. The program's beginning in New Orleans this month as the towers are thinned out to a reasonable number. Whilst it isn't (yet) the death-knell for the standard, given the network's push-to-talk service now works over CDMA and, you know, LTE, we'd start looking at replacement phones pretty soon.

    Sprint shows you where and when it's disabling Nextel's iDEN legacy network originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink Spruz  |  sourceSprint  | Email this | Comments

  37. Motorola wants 2.25 percent of Apple sales, in exchange for patent license

    → Engadget | 6 Feb 2012 | 10:33 am MST

    New details have emerged about the ongoing Apple-Motorola drama in Germany, courtesy of a court document uncovered by FOSS Patents. The two companies have been engaged in a patent battle of swelling proportion these past few months, with the most recent wrinkle unfolding on Friday, when Apple promptly removed (and returned) its 3G / UMTS-enabled iPads and iPhone 4s from its online German store, in response to a court ruling. At issue in this particular case is a Motorola patent that Apple wants to use under FRAND obligations, but Moto apparently isn't willing to license its technology for free. According to a court filing, the handset maker is asking for 2.25 percent of Apple sales in return for the license, though it remains unclear whether this pertains to sales of all products or, more likely, the 3G-enabled devices under consideration in court. Either way, though, Motorola would stand to see quite a bit of extra revenue, especially considering that Apple's iPhone sales have totaled about $93 billion since 2007. Under Motorola's request, the company would have made about $2.1 billion from these sales alone -- not to mention the payments it'd see from iPad sales, as well. Apple, meanwhile, has filed motions to access Motorola's licensing agreements with Nokia, HTC and other manufacturers, in the hopes of exposing a double standard.

    Motorola wants 2.25 percent of Apple sales, in exchange for patent license originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink TUAW  |  sourceFOSS Patents  | Email this | Comments

  38. Save Big on Airfare by Booking a Car Rental with Your Flight [Travel]

    → Lifehacker | 6 Feb 2012 | 10:30 am MST

    It might sound counterintuitive to add an expense in order to save more on travel, but you can actually access hidden discounts by booking more than just a flight, at least with British Airways. Independent Traveler writer Jamey Bergman saved $1,400 by adding a car rental to his flight. More »




  39. OK Go’s Video for Needing Getting

    → Geeks are Sexy Technology News | 6 Feb 2012 | 10:27 am MST

    OK Go makes some pretty inventive music videos that are far more entertaining than their music. Don’t get me wrong, I think they are a great band with some really catchy stuff. That being said, that makes my previous statement that much more impacting. Their latest music video was teased at in a Superbowl commercial [...] Related posts:
    1. Awesome 8-Bit-Style Music Video: We Come Together [VIDEO]
    2. The Murf: Mankind’s Evolution Visualised [Animated Music Video]
    3. New OK Go’s Music Video Features Awesome Rube Goldberg Machine


  40. Google “Solve for X” to be unveiled today?

    → Ubergizmo | 6 Feb 2012 | 10:13 am MST

    We all know there’s a lot more to Google than just search, Gmail and Android – and it looks like today will be the day we are introduced to another of the company’s latest project. Titled “Solve for X”, the official website just went live today, giving us a preview of what it will be about. According to the description, video and details dug up from the website, “Solve for X” is going to be “a place where the curious can go to hear and discuss radical technology ideas for solving global problems.”

    Similar to what Google is doing at its Google X top secret lab, but I guess this time it’ll be revealed to the public instead. While the current website doesn’t have much up today, Solve for X’s videos are supposed to be uploaded later so we should have a taste of what is on the way before the day ends (assuming Google keeps to its promise). In the meantime, check out the video intro to Solve for X above.

    [We Solve for X]

    By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Google AR Glasses coming soon?, Google and Facebook remove content in India ,


  41. Divide Your Tools Into Project-Specific Toolkits to Streamline Repair Jobs [Organization]

    → Lifehacker | 6 Feb 2012 | 10:00 am MST

    If your toolkit is organized by shoving everything you own into a box, it might be time to organize the mess. DIY blog Apartment Therapy outlines a trick pulled from the new issue of Martha Stewart Living for dividing your tools by project to give you better access to what you need. More »




  42. Verizon and Coinstar team up to take on Netflix

    → Ubergizmo | 6 Feb 2012 | 9:16 am MST

    Verizon CoinstarWhile Netflix has been slowly declining in popularity thanks to its questionable decisions last year, it looks like the company has got a new challenger on the block. As if Redbox wasn’t enough competition in the physical medium market, Netflix will now have to deal with a new video service from Verizon and Coinstar (the company behind Redbox). While the name of the service wasn’t mentioned yet, the service is touted to offer all the “convenience, simplicity and value of Redbox new released DVD and Blu-ray Disc rentals combined with a new content-rich video on-demand streaming and download service from Verizon.”

    The joint venture will be introduced in the second half of this year, and promises subscriptions services and more in an “easy-to-use, flexible and affordable service”. Other than that, nothing else was mentioned, but with Verizon’s experience in digital content in FiOS and Coinbox’s in physical medium with Redbox, Netflix might have a serious competitor in store. More details should be revealed in the future, but until then – what do you think? Could Verizon and Coinbox come up with a service to overthrow Netflix?

    [Press Release]

    By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Verizon could be taking Netflix on in non-FiOS markets, LG Revolution press shot leaked,


  43. Free Zune pass for one year with Windows Phone purchase

    → Ubergizmo | 6 Feb 2012 | 9:03 am MST

    Yes, the Microsoft Zune portable media player was specially developed to go head to head against the iPod from Apple in the portable media player market, but somehow that project failed and did not take off in the way Bill Gates & company hoped it would – unlike the success they had with their Xbox gaming console. Well, with 16 self-branded stores in the US to date (with a vision of setting up 75 stores nationwide but lacking the critical mass of users), business definitely is not brisk at all. What better way to drum up interest in their Windows Phone devices and Microsoft’s Zune service than to offer an exclusive promotional offer? (more…)

    By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Zune HD killed yet again, Microsoft Zune hardware not dead...again?,


  44. Digitals: A Musical Ode to Information Overload

    → Geeks are Sexy Technology News | 6 Feb 2012 | 9:00 am MST

    One day I got an email, an sms, a phone call, a Facebook message and two tweets all within about 5 seconds of one another. This video is a re-manifestation of my brain’s interpretation of that event. [Via The Awesomer] Related posts: Michael Jackson: Information Overload A Musical Ode to 11-11-11 [Video] Microsoft Releases 3 [...] Related posts:
    1. Michael Jackson: Information Overload
    2. A Musical Ode to 11-11-11 [Video]
    3. Microsoft Releases 3 New Bing Ads: Search Overload


  45. Intel SSD 520 Series Review

    → Ubergizmo | 6 Feb 2012 | 9:00 am MST

    Intel has just announced its Intel SSD 520 Series based on a 25nm manufacturing process, and this new series targets the high-end enthusiast market. As it stands, this is the absolute best that Intel has to offer in the non-Enterprise space. We had the opportunity to take test one for a ride, so we put it thought its paces with a few synthetic benchmarks like HD Tune Pro and PCMark Vantage. The former is a pure synthetic test, while the latter tries to mimic real-world use. This SSD also brings a few new features in terms of security, and Intel is confident enough about the reliability of this product to back it with a 5-year warranty. (more…)

    By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Intel demonstrates Thunderbolt SSDs, Intel 710 and 720 SSD specifications leaked ,


  46. eHarmony pens your Facebook love letters in calligraphy

    → Ubergizmo | 6 Feb 2012 | 8:54 am MST

    Let me ask a quick question here – how many of you out there have written something with your hand in the past week? If you are above 30, surely you can remember the good old days when computers were extremely expensive, and most of your work – if not all, was handwritten back at school. Printing out your assignments proved to be a privilege that not everyone enjoyed, and it sure helped you develop decent handwriting at the same time. Fast forward to today, and most of us spend out time typing on virtual and actual keyboards, be it in front of a computer or carrying a smartphone with us in our palms. This Valentine’s Day, you might ditch that e-card to your love, but rather ride on this innovative idea by eHarmony in Australia. The company has introduced a nostalgic campaign that will see handwritten love letters that were submitted on Facebook being delivered in time for Valentine’s Day. (more…)

    By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Space Invaders Gmail notifier, Google and Facebook remove content in India ,


  47. Amazon Deal of the Day: 33% Off Kinect Sensor with Kinect Adventures + Gunstringer + Fruit Ninja: $99.99 + Free Shipping

    → Geeks are Sexy Technology News | 6 Feb 2012 | 8:10 am MST

    For today’s edition of Deal of the Day, Amazon has the Kinect Sensor with Kinect Adventures, Gunstringer, and Fruit Ninja for just $99.99 + free shipping. That’s 33% off the package’s usual retail price of $149.99. Kinect™ for Xbox 360® has games you can really get into. Now includes Fruit Ninja Kinect, The Gunstringer, and [...] Related posts:
    1. Amazon Deal of the Day: 57% Off Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: 25th Anniversary Collector’s Edition [Blu-ray] – $27.99 + Free Shipping
    2. Amazon Deal of the Day: Xbox 360 4GB Kinect Bundle with $100 Amazon Promotional Credit – $299.99
    3. Amazon Deal of the Day: 67% Off Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Earpiece – $49.99 + Free Shipping


  48. John Carter Extented Super Bowl XLVI Trailer [Video]

    → Geeks are Sexy Technology News | 6 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am MST

    Disney has released an extended trailer for their upcoming Andrew Stanton-directed John Carter movie yesterday, and while I’m still not convinced that the movie is going to do full justice to Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novel, it still looks good enough to warrant a visit to the movie theater. [DisneyMovieTrailer] Related posts: John Carter of Mars [...] Related posts:
    1. John Carter of Mars – Full Trailer
    2. John Carter of Mars: The Movie [Video]
    3. The Avengers Super Bowl XLVI Extended Commercial


  49. The Avengers Super Bowl XLVI Extended Commercial

    → Geeks are Sexy Technology News | 6 Feb 2012 | 7:00 am MST

    You’ve probably all seen the short version, but here’s the extended one that was presented during the Super Bowl last night. Enjoy! Related posts: The Geekiest Super Bowl Commercial Ever Transformers 2: Revenge Of The Fallen Super Bowl Trailer Star Trek 2009 Super Bowl Trailer Related posts:
    1. The Geekiest Super Bowl Commercial Ever
    2. Transformers 2: Revenge Of The Fallen Super Bowl Trailer
    3. Star Trek 2009 Super Bowl Trailer


  50. Monday Morning Links Serving: The February 6th Edition

    → Geeks are Sexy Technology News | 6 Feb 2012 | 2:40 am MST

    -A Gallery of What Star Wars Should Be As many of us have grown up with Star Wars, it often saddens us that Star Wars hasn’t grown up with us. -Beagle Took Arrow To The Knee This is my sister’s beagle and weenie, dressed up as a dragonborn and dragon from Skyrim in outfits that [...] Related posts:
    1. Monday Morning Links Serving: The June 6th Edition
    2. Monday Morning Links Serving: The February 14th Edition
    3. Monday morning links serving: The July 6th edition


  51. Aesthetic Approach To Pleasure Toys [NSFW]

    → Yanko Design | 6 Feb 2012 | 2:11 am MST

    Time and again we have seen designers trying to shake the image of sex toys being loud, crass and inartistic. We have here the Whoop – de – doo set of Classic Vibrators, Venus Balls and Vibrating Egg; slickly packaged and designed for pleasure giving, and yes they are artistic. I think it helps that [...]

  52. Direct Power

    → Yanko Design | 6 Feb 2012 | 2:01 am MST

    The Autonome is a mobile phone concept with a unique charging feature. The regular way to do this will be to directly plug-in the phone to the wall socket, negating the use of any cables. Alternatively, you can detach the specialized module, tank it up and then hook it back to the phone and transfer [...]

  53. Protect Your Paws

    → Yanko Design | 6 Feb 2012 | 1:03 am MST

    I’m not sure if coffee is getting hotter, or we’re all getting more sensitive, but if you’ve ever grabbed your coffee cup after putting a cardboard sleeve on it you know that it can still be hot to the touch. A little modification to the original and problem solved! The Muggie sleeve features an extra [...]

  54. Fold-and-Go Urban Bike

    → Yanko Design | 6 Feb 2012 | 1:02 am MST

    A step above other folding bikes on the market, the ROTA Bike offers an incredibly fast and intuitive method of compacting. Simply rotate the centrally located ring to unlock and fold the front wheel and seat to the rear. Twist the handle bars to have them double as a stabilizing “kick-stand.” – A great solution [...]

  55. Split Table

    → Yanko Design | 6 Feb 2012 | 1:01 am MST

    At first sight the Split Table seems to be like any other, but take a closer examination and you’ll see there are no nuts, bolts or glue. The table is held together only by tension and flexibility between its plywood pieces. The functional joints is as much a part of the aesthetic as it is [...]

  56. How To Use Custom Post Types To Organize Online Marketing Campaigns

    → Smashing Magazine Feed | 3 Feb 2012 | 8:04 am MST


      

    Custom post types add a level of flexibility to WordPress that makes this open-source Web development platform more useful on many levels. Whenever I have been faced with a Web-based task, especially one that involves organizing information, the first thing I do is examine WordPress to determine if it can handle the job. It usually can.

    How To Use Custom Post Types To Organize Online Marketing Campaigns

    As an Internet marketer and analyst, I need to be able to organize online marketing campaigns in a way that is trackable in Google Analytics. This is the perfect task for WordPress custom post types. In this article, we’ll explain how to create a WordPress plugin that enables you to organize Internet marketing campaigns using trackable URLs, shortened versions of those URLs, and trackable QR codes that you can also use for offline marketing activities.



  57. Apple Camera Will Make Fanboys Happy!

    → Yanko Design | 3 Feb 2012 | 6:45 am MST

    Ever fantasized about an Apple Camera? I know they are doing a decent job with the iPhone and dedicated apps make the experience of going click-click even better. But just for a Moment, stop in your tracks and let go of all your reservations…and then picture the Apple Camera, is it as innovative as the [...]

  58. Celebrating Ten Years of Electrolux Design Lab

    → Yanko Design | 3 Feb 2012 | 5:40 am MST

    Electrolux Design Lab is in its tenth year and we are pretty excited about the 2012 competition. As Henrik Otto, Senior Vice President of Global Design at Electrolux puts it, “Ten years ago we set out to map the future. In what direction is our industry evolving? How will we cook, clean and wash our [...]

  59. Chairs With a Kindred Spirit

    → Yanko Design | 3 Feb 2012 | 1:03 am MST

    At first glance the collection of Berlin Chaos Chairs might not seem like they have a much in common, but take a closer look and you’ll see that they share what you might call a “common ancestor.” Unique cuts and simple changes in surface finishes transform an ordinary chair into endless variations that however different, [...]

  60. Atypical Time Telling

    → Yanko Design | 3 Feb 2012 | 1:01 am MST

    Almost unrecognizable as a watch, the Round-the-Clock bracelet communicates the time with hour and minute rings that rotate around the user’s wrist. Made of stainless steel, plastic and rubber, this exceptional timepiece is modern and elegant with a touch of masculinity that an equally unusual wearer will appreciate. Designer: Kőrös Benedek

  61. Redesign The Micromax Mobile Logo and WIN a MacBook Pro!

    → Yanko Design | 3 Feb 2012 | 1:00 am MST

    Steve Jobs wanted to put the “ding in the universe” and he did. On the same page, you have the ding and need to express it creatively; allow me to give you that opportunity. Micromax Mobile needs a new logo that goes with their audacious, outgoing and dynamic appeal. The winner gets to take home [...]

  62. Freebie: St. Valentine’s Day Icon Set (10 PNG/PSD Icons)

    → Smashing Magazine Feed | 2 Feb 2012 | 8:38 am MST


      

    Every now and then, we release useful freebies for all of our highly valued readers. Today, it is our pleasure to present to you Cuberto's fantastic St. Valentine's icon set  —  exclusively designed for Smashing Magazine and its loyal readers. The icons presented are available in transparent PNGs as well as Photoshop PSDs (128x128 px) and are perfect for any projects you have coming up for St. Valentine's Day. Enjoy!

    Freebie: St. Valentine's Day Icon Set

    This icon set is completely free to use for commercial or personal applications without any restrictions. Please link to this article if you want to spread the word.



  63. AT&T, Anger Management and Spectrum Legislation

    → Wetmachine | 1 Feb 2012 | 1:59 pm MST

    Based on recent statements, it’s hard to tell whose angrier at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and its Chair, Julius Genachowski: AT&T’s Upper Management or the House Commerce Committee Republicans. Mere mention of Genachowski’s name converts House Commerce Committee …



  64. Ten Things To Think About When Designing Your iPad App

    → Smashing Magazine Feed | 31 Jan 2012 | 10:03 am MST


      

    Like most well-designed things, the magic of an iPad app comes from a union of usefulness, usability and meaning. Games aside, the app must be useful by solving a problem that people actually have through the right set of functionality at the right time. It must be easy to use and, just as importantly, easy to get started using, without a lot of pesky setup and learning steps. And it must hold meaning for the user through visual beauty, an emotional connection, personal insights, etc.

    Ten Things To Think About When Designing Your iPad App

    In this article, we won’t outline the entire design process for creating an iPad app, but we will explore 10 of the key things to think about when designing your app (and planning the design process).



  65. Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: February 2012

    → Smashing Magazine Feed | 31 Jan 2012 | 6:48 am MST


      

    We always try our best to challenge your artistic abilities and produce some interesting, beautiful and creative artwork. And as designers we usually turn to different sources of inspiration. As a matter of fact, we’ve discovered the best one — desktop wallpapers that are a little more distinctive than the usual crowd. This creativity mission has been going on for over two years now, and we are very thankful to all designers who have contributed and are still diligently contributing each month.

    We continue to nourish you with a monthly spoon of inspiration. This post features free desktop wallpapers created by artists across the globe for January 2012. Both versions with a calendar and without a calendar can be downloaded for free. It’s time to freshen up your wallpaper!

    Please note that:

    • All images can be clicked on and lead to the preview of the wallpaper,
    • You can feature your work in our magazine by taking part in our Desktop Wallpaper Calendar series. We are regularly looking for creative designers and artists to be featured on Smashing Magazine. Are you one of them?



  66. The Future Of Screen Typography Is In Your Hands

    → Smashing Magazine Feed | 30 Jan 2012 | 3:52 am MST


      

    We do more reading on the screen today than we did even a year ago. If we are ever to have a golden age of reading on the screen, this might be the start of it. Tablets, Nooks and Kindles make buying a book or magazine for the screen almost unavoidable. With smartphones, we carry our reading material with us and enjoy instant Web access, enabling the reading experience to flow smoothly from one device to another.

    The Future Of Screen Typography Is In Your Hands

    And those devices probably have stunning HD reader-friendly screens. Throw in companion services like Readmill and 24symbols, which allow us to share our reading experiences, and we have perfect screen-based access to all aspects of the written word. So, why isn’t Web and screen typography keeping up?



  67. Limiting The Visibility Of WordPress Posts Via Usernames

    → Smashing Magazine Feed | 27 Jan 2012 | 6:51 am MST


      

    Controlling who is able to view a post is a simple task once the system is established. Limiting access to certain users has several advantages, ranging from a design studio distributing artwork among various clients, or a small school arranging to have its students' homework posted online through a cheap and easy solution.

    Limiting The Visibility Of Posts Via Username

    The easiest method to get this system working is to make the receivers of the information subscribers (since they will not be able to post), and the distributors of information authors (since they can only edit their own posts). This system eliminates several headaches for a webmaster by managing who has access to specific posts. The username will be used for identification of who is allowed to view certain posts since it is unique and, for the most part, constant.



  68. The UX Research Plan That Stakeholders Love

    → Smashing Magazine Feed | 26 Jan 2012 | 8:35 am MST


      

    UX practitioners, both consultants and in house, sometimes conduct research. Be it usability testing or user research with a generative goal, research requires planning. To make sure product managers, developers, marketers and executives (let’s call them stakeholders) act on UX research results, planning must be crystal clear, collaborative, fast and digestible. Long plans or no plans don’t work for people..

    The UX Research Plan That Stakeholders Love

    You must be able to boil a UX research plan down to one page. If you can’t or won’t, then you won’t get buy-in for the research and its results. This article addresses one key aspect of planning UX research: the one-page plan document. Before we get to that, we’ll briefly discuss the benefits of research planning and identify the audience of a research planning document.



  69. How To Deliver Exceptional Client Service

    → Smashing Magazine Feed | 25 Jan 2012 | 7:02 am MST


      

    We often hear companies, including Web agencies, boast about how they provide exceptional client service. But how do they define exceptional? Consider this scenario. You are hired to design and develop a new website for a retail client. The client loves the design, and the pages you develop use the latest in HTML5, CSS3 and responsive design, resulting in a website that works wonderfully across browsers and devices.

    How To Deliver Exceptional Client Service

    The e-commerce features of the new website help the client significantly increase their online sales, and the entire project is delivered on time and on budget. Now, is this “exceptional” client service? I don’t think it is. When the client hired you, they expected that you would design and develop a great website. They also expected it would be done according to the timeline and budget set during the planning stages of the project. As successful as this project may have been for both you and the client, in the end, you did exactly what you were hired to do. You did your job.



  70. What The SOTU “Piracy” Reference Means: Back In The USTR With Special 301 and The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.

    → Wetmachine | 25 Jan 2012 | 5:25 am MST

    It don’t take much to excite the Twitterverse. Obama makes a passing reference to intellectual property enforcement as a sop to the MPAA by saying foreign piracy hurts trade, and my reader explodes with “Obama’s flipping on PIPA/SOPA! Betrayal!” While …



  71. The PIPA Aftermath — Will Senate Democrats Drive Off A Cliff For Hollywood?

    → Wetmachine | 24 Jan 2012 | 5:08 pm MST

    One of the more surprising developments in PIPA/SOPA politics has been the transition of Hollywood-backed legislation from a bipartisan issue with both Republican and Democratic proponents and opponents to a partisan issue. Democrats (particularly Senate Democrats) are increasingly identified as …



  72. What Successful Products Teach Us About Web Design

    → Smashing Magazine Feed | 24 Jan 2012 | 8:01 am MST


      

    Web design is a craft that is constantly evolving and yet also sometimes sabotaged. The moment a design is released, a new version is born. In the beginning, like a baby, it seems vulnerable and weak, but in time it grows up and becomes self-sufficient. Redesigning a website for its own sake doesn’t prove anything; quite the contrary, it reveals a lack of effectiveness on the part of the designer.

    What Successful Products Teach Us About Web Design

    Product design is a craft in which new versions come to life with increasing difficulty. We can learn a thing or two from it when designing for the Web. Forget marketing, technical specs and hardware. Products such as the iPhone, the Mini Cooper and the Zippo lighter have become wildly successful because of their outstanding design. Such massive success springs from three sources: the designer, sticking to the scope and iteration. These aspects can help us in Web design, too. In this article, we’ll look at what we can learn from successful product design.



  73. Introduction To Linux Commands

    → Smashing Magazine Feed | 23 Jan 2012 | 5:02 am MST


      

    At the heart of every modern Mac and Linux computer is the “terminal.” The terminal evolved from the text-based computer terminals of the 1960s and ’70s, which themselves replaced punch cards as the main way to interact with a computer. It’s also known as the command shell, or simply “shell.” Windows has one, too, but it’s called the “command prompt” and is descended from the MS-DOS of the 1980s.

    Introduction To Linux Commands

    Mac, Linux and Windows computers today are mainly controlled through user-friendly feature-rich graphical user interfaces (GUIs), with menus, scroll bars and drag-and-drop interfaces. But all of the basic stuff can still be accomplished by typing text commands into the terminal or command prompt. Using Finder or Explorer to open a folder is akin to the cd command (for “change directory”). Viewing the contents of a folder is like ls (short for “list,” or dir in Microsoft’s command prompt). And there are hundreds more for moving files, editing files, launching applications, manipulating images, backing up and restoring stuff, and much more.



  74. An Astounding Week In PIPA/SOPA Comes To A Close

    → Wetmachine | 20 Jan 2012 | 2:43 pm MST

    Today brought a dramatic conclusion to an extraordinary week and the culmination of months of amazing activism on PIPA/SOPA. A month ago, hardly anyone had heard of PIPA and a few more had heard of SOPA and its passage was …



  75. SOPASTRIKE The Day After

    → Wetmachine | 19 Jan 2012 | 4:29 am MST

    Yesterday was absolutely one of those days that reminds me why I stay in public advocacy. I’m a democracy junkie. Yes, I admit it. The sight of literally millions of people remembering that they are citizens and not just consumers …



  76. Let’s Go Steal Us the Internet

    → Wetmachine | 18 Jan 2012 | 9:38 pm MST

    I’m not someone who’s ever been accused of being an activist. I mean, I’ve written a manifesto or two, I suppose — who hasn’t? But I wanted to say something about the pair of bills currently on everyone’s mind, because …



  77. SOPABlackout And the “Internet Spring”

    → Wetmachine | 18 Jan 2012 | 5:58 am MST

    January 18, 2012 should be remembered as the first day of the “Internet Spring.”

    I like to say that the worst thing about PIPA/SOPA is that it confirms every awful, cynical thing people say about how Washington DC works. But …



  78. Teh Day Teh Lolcats Deaded

    → Wetmachine | 17 Jan 2012 | 1:22 pm MST

    Ohai! Plz watch dis fair use parrotty dat explains why PIPA iz so bad. Den call yr Senators and tellz dem:

    PIPA — ME NO WANT!!!

     

    kthxbai…



  79. A Not-So-Brief History of DNS Blocking — And Why It Sucks

    → Wetmachine | 17 Jan 2012 | 4:51 am MST

    I suppose I’m getting old. I cannot believe that the intellectual property lobbyists (or, as I affectionately refer to them, the “IP Mafia”) have once again trotted out their Holy Grail of blocking websites at the domain-name level. More mind …



  80. Wisconsin destroys a business

    → Wetmachine | 15 Jan 2012 | 11:37 am MST

    Even as our Croquet software was going open source and the company winding down, I haven’t been posting much. I’ve been distracted. Here’s one reason why.

    This is a tale of a government that destroyed a business. My business, along …





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