Oh it is so on! After just a couple of weeks out in the wild, Google Wave has itself a competitor. And it’s from Mozilla. Who knew? The war for the next best modern communication tool has begun. At least, it will soon.

A few weeks ago, Mozilla, as many of you may now as the company that brought you the Firefox browser, have announced plans to release a web application that they hope will streamline the way you intake information, called Raindrop. This comes right on the heels of the preview release of Google Wave, pegged by Google as what email would look if it were invented by today.Wave hopes to be another/new way to communicate. Raindrop wants to help you organize all the communication you already do.

After using Wave for a few weeks, with a couple of contacts, I found it to be just another thing to check. I already use AIM, Facebook Chat, Google Chat, and Twitter to stay in contact with humanity (let us not forget good ol’  face-to-face conversations). Even with a desktop application like Waveboard, I found no need for Wave, no way to integrate it into my online lifestyle.

Just about everyone these days uses Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, blah blah blah blah blah. If you read blogs, such as this one, chances are you know about and/or use just about every social media tool out there. There are tons. We all spend so much of our day checking on all of them for updates, it gets me thinking: how do we have the time to update if were always looking at other peoples posts and profiles? And, would we have anything to post, since were spending all of our time checking on what others are doing? It boggles my mind. Really, these are the most pressing issues in my life.

Hearing about Raindrop let me breathe a sigh of relief. It is not trying to be something entirely new. It takes your email, tweets, Facebook messages, flickr updates, YouTube posts, Google Docs, and whatever else you may have, and puts it all in one place. According to the Raindrop blog ,Raindrop is an effort that starts by trying to understand today’s web of conversations, and aims to design an interface that helps people get a handle on their digital world. There is so much information we need to digest, chances are you may miss the messages that are actually important. Messages that are from, like, real people.

Though only in version 0.1 (yes, point-one), if youre feeling ballsy, you can download the developer code from the Raindrop website. Mozilla, in typical-Mozilla fashion, wants YOU to play with their code. Come up with mock-ups, ask questions and hack away! Its open source, so go crazy!

Im excited! Are you?

Popularity: 7% [?]

Sept. 28, 2009 — Microsoft Security Essentials, Microsoft Corp.’s new no-cost, core anti-malware service that helps protect consumers against viruses, spyware and other malicious software, will be available tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 29. Microsoft Security Essentials, independently certified by West Coast Labs, is backed by the company’s global security response team and is built on the same award-winning core security technology found in the company’s security solutions for businesses. It requires no registration, trials or renewals and will be available for download directly from Microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials.

“Consumers have told us that they want the protection of real-time security software but we know that too many are either unwilling or unable to pay for it, and so end up unprotected,” said Amy Barzdukas, general manager for consumer security at Microsoft. “With Microsoft Security Essentials, consumers can get high-quality protection that is easy to get and easy to use — and it won’t get in their way.”

Making Microsoft Security Essentials broadly available as a free consumer download for genuine Windows-based PCs is part of Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to provide a more trustworthy computing experience for all customers. By making Microsoft Security Essentials easy to get and easy to use, Microsoft hopes to encourage broader adoption of anti-virus protection across the consumer audience, which in turn will help increase security across the entire Windows ecosystem. For business customers, Microsoft continues to offer Forefront Client Security, providing centralized, comprehensive management and reporting capabilities.

Maximum Security, Minimum Resource Requirements

Microsoft Security Essentials is designed to run quietly in the background alerting users only when there is an action for them to take. It also limits CPU and memory usage, resulting in less impact on the tasks consumers perform every day such as opening documents or browser windows or loading search results, even on older or less powerful PCs. Microsoft Security Essentials uses real-time protection to help prevent PCs from becoming infected, and it is the first Microsoft security product to make use of the company’s new Dynamic Signature Service, a technology that helps ensure users stay protected by the most current virus definitions available without having to wait for the next scheduled download.

“Microsoft is focused on the challenges that prevent consumers from running up-to-date anti-virus software today, particularly in emerging markets where there is a growing prevalence of malware,” said Jon Crotty, security analyst at IDC. “With Microsoft Security Essentials, Microsoft is helping to reduce some of the barriers that constrain consumers from running AV.”

Microsoft Security Essentials will be available for Windows XP SP2 or SP3, Windows Vista and Windows 7 including Windows XP mode on both x86 and x64 PCs.

Microsoft Security Essentials will be available in eight languages and 19 countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. More information about Microsoft Security Essentials and the product download is available at http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials.

Popularity: 3% [?]

When people want to make calls to others using their computer, the obvious choice would be Skype.  Skype has been around since 2003 and was developed by the same people that created the popular music sharing software Kazaa.  Skype allows people to make and receive voice and video calls using their computers, and more recently their iPhone while connected through WiFi.

But the company that provided the code to allow the software to work the way it does is now calling foul.  Joltid, the company that the software code is licensed to, claims that EBay (the parent company of Skype) violated terms of the licensing agreement and has filed a lawsuit against EBay to regain the exclusive rights to their code.  EBay denies any wrongdoing, saying they have not broken any provisions in it’s contract with Joltid and warns that if EBay loses the rights to the software code, then “Skype’s business as currently conducted would not be possible.”

EBay isn’t just laying back and waiting for something to happen, though.  They have begun development on their own code that would replace Joltid’s code.  The downside to this news is that the new code is years from being usable and according to a Skype spokesman, “It may not be successful, may result in a loss of functionality… and will, in any event, be expensive.”

For now, customers can continue to use the top rated voice and video software, but only a court ruling will tell if they will be able to use it very much longer.

Popularity: 3% [?]

"Apple released iPhone OS 3.0.1 to patch an SMS vulnerability found in the OS."

On July 31st, iPhone users that synced their iPhones were hit with an unexpected update.

Apple released iPhone OS 3.0.1 to patch an SMS vulnerability found in the OS.  This vulnerability targeted specific users by sending a malicious string of code via SMS to their phone.  After the user opens the message, the attacker would then have almost full control over their phone, including opening apps, browsing through their phone book, or even activating their camera.

Charlie Miller, the individual that uncovered the exploit, agreed not to disclose any information until the Black Hat Security Conference that ended on July 29th.  Developers released a temporary fix in the form of a script that could be run on the phone to block the vulnerability until an official update was released by Apple.

iPhone users that have not already updated their OS to version 3.0.1 can open iTunes and click “Check for Update” in the main information window to download the update.

Popularity: 3% [?]

RIM has turned BlackBerry App World version 1.1.0.11 loose on BlackBerry faithful and with it comes a few notable improvements — but none quite as notable as its shortcomings. Rumors had been tossed around earlier this week suggesting App World 1.1.1.0.11 would allow users to download apps and install them to memory cards as opposed to internal memory. Considering how anemic most BlackBerry devices are when it comes to device memory, the move would have been a huge one on RIM’s part. Yeah, not so much. The actual feature new to 1.1.0.11 is simply the ability to archive an app. These archives can be stored internally or on a memory card so that, in the event the user wishes to reinstall an app again, he or she can do so quickly and easily. Great. Other new features include a bunch of bug fixes, faster icon loading, available memory display and a separation between top free and top paid apps.

View More post about blackberry

THANKS BGR

Popularity: 2% [?]

Press Release:

CUPERTINO, California—July 23, 2009—Apple® today announced a significant update to Final Cut Studio® with more than 100 new features and new versions of Final Cut Pro®, Motion, Soundtrack® Pro, Color and Compressor. Final Cut Studio features Final Cut Pro 7 which expands Apple’s ProRes codec family to support virtually any workflow and includes Easy Export for one step output to a variety of formats and iChat® Theater support for real-time collaboration. Motion 4 includes enhanced tools such as 3D shadows, reflections and depth of field for stunning motion graphics and visual effects, and Soundtrack Pro 3 features new multitrack audio tools to streamline audio post production. Color 1.5 includes better Final Cut Pro integration and support for full color resolution, and Compressor 3.5 adds new features that make it easy to set up and customize your export options. At $999, the new Final Cut Studio is $300 less than the previous release and is also available as an upgrade for just $299.

“With 1.4 million users and 50 percent of the market,* Final Cut Pro is the number one professional video editing application,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “The new Final Cut Studio includes more than 100 new features and dramatically expands Apple’s ProRes family of codecs so editors can work in the studio with the highest quality video or on location at low bandwidths.”

Final Cut Pro 7, the latest version of Apple’s Emmy Award-winning editing software, includes new versions of Apple’s ProRes codecs to support virtually any workflow with the addition of ProRes Proxy, for offline and mobile editing at low bandwidth; ProRes LT, for general purpose editing; and ProRes 4444 for editing and visual effects at the highest quality possible. Easy Export allows users to continue working on projects while encoding is done in the background and the sequence is exported to YouTube, MobileMe™, iPhone™, iPod®, Apple TV®, DVD or Blu-ray. iChat Theater support allows real time collaboration by sharing Final Cut® timelines or individual source clips with iChat users anywhere in the world, even if they don’t have a copy of Final Cut Pro. Other new features include new speed tools to change clip speed with ease, alpha transitions to create dramatic effects using moving mattes, and native AVC-Intra support for the latest high quality Panasonic cameras.

Motion 4 extends award-winning, easy to use animation tools so video editors can quickly create everything from basic titles to animated credit rolls to stunning motion graphics. Enhancing 3D compositions is faster than ever with new customizable features that add point and spot lights to cast realistic shadows or turn any shape, video plane or paint stroke into a reflective surface. Motion 4 gives editors the flexibility to adjust the depth of field within a 3D canvas by selectively highlighting a single object or using multiple objects to create a racking focus effect.

Soundtrack Pro 3 adds powerful new audio editing tools including Voice Level Match which extracts volume information from the vocal content of one clip and applies it to another without altering any other audio content so editors can easily correct mismatched voice levels. An enhanced File Editor includes new tools to make sophisticated edits and fine tune volume adjustments by targeting specific frequencies such as the rustle of a paper or the bump of a desk without affecting dialogue. The new Advanced Time Stretch feature stretches and compresses audio with incredible precision using three Apple-designed algorithms or other algorithms available as third party plug-ins.

Color 1.5, Apple’s easy to use professional grading application, now works with a greater range of sequences and effects from Final Cut Pro and an integrated workflow allows editors to complete projects entirely within Final Cut Studio. New 4K support works natively with files from cameras such as the RED ONE and outputs directly to ProRes for HD or DPX for film. Expanded support for new high quality formats includes AVC-Intra, XDCAM 422 and ProRes 4444, for grading with the maximum amount of color information.

Compressor 3.5 makes encoding and delivering in multiple formats easier than ever with the ability to automatically detect QuickTime® settings and create an Easy Export template or a mini “droplet” on the desktop that automates specific Compressor actions. New, customizable sharing options make it easy to publish to YouTube and MobileMe, or export for iPhone, iPod, Apple TV and mobile phones. For the highest quality HD material, menu templates and encoding presets make it fast and easy to create Blu-ray discs. Final Cut Studio also includes DVD Studio Pro®, a powerful DVD authoring environment with drag and drop tools, on screen editing and real time previews.

Soundtrack Pro and Compressor are also available as part of the new Logic Studio®, allowing Final Cut and Logic® users to collaborate and share files.

Apple today also introduced Final Cut Server 1.5, the asset management and automation tool for Final Cut Studio. Final Cut Server 1.5 includes powerful new features like lightweight, offline editing with ProRes Proxy, production hierarchies to organize media, and support for still sequences to easily view and manage image sequences for graphics and effects workflows. Final Cut Server now includes unlimited client licenses and is available for $999 or as a $299 upgrade for existing users.

Pricing & Availability
Final Cut Studio is now available through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $999 (US) and existing Final Cut Studio and Final Cut Pro users can upgrade for a suggested retail price of $299 (US). Full system requirements and more information on Final Cut Studio can be found at www.apple.com/finalcutstudio. Final Cut Server 1.5 is now available through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers and includes unlimited client licenses for a suggested retail price of $999 (US) and existing Final Cut Server users can upgrade for suggested retail price of $299 (US). Full system requirements and more information on Final Cut Server can be found at www.apple.com/finalcutserver.

*Based on data from broadcast and professional video market research firm SCRI International, Inc. showing Apple is the market leader for post-production with 50 percent of broadcast and post non-linear editor purchases in 2008

Popularity: 11% [?]

 

SlingPlayer Mobile

Good news for iPhone owners who are looking for the “entire home TV experience”.   It appears that sometime in quarter one Sling Media is submitting the SlingPlayer Mobile for certification. So hopefully soon you will have the ability to view content streaming from your Sling Box.  The press release below explains this as well as a SlingPlayer for Mac HD.  As a person who enjoys this functionality from my Dell Axim, I have really been looking forward to this on the iPhone.  There is nothing like sitting on my patio at home and watching the Tigers blow a late inning lead.   Read the release and let me know what you think.  For more information about Sling Media, check them out at www.slingmedia.com.

 

 

Sling Media to Demonstrate SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone and Slingbox HD Streaming on the Mac at Macworld

 

 

San Francisco – Macworld – January 6, 2009 – Sling Media, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), is demonstrating a version of SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone being developed for the iTunes store at this year’s Macworld. Sling Media will deliver a version of SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone to Apple for certification in Q1.

 

Sling Media is also unveiling a prototype of a new SlingPlayer for Mac HD which allows Slingbox PRO-HD users to stream HD to their Mac desktop or laptop computer. The new SlingPlayer for Mac HD is a web-based version of the SlingPlayer software that will be accessible from Sling.com, Sling Media’s recently launched video entertainment web site.

 

“SlingPlayer Mobile is ideally suited for the iPhone’s large touch screen display and I know iPhone users are eagerly anticipating the application’s availability,” said Blake Krikorian, co-founder and CEO of Sling Media. “Add to that HD streaming support for Slingbox PRO-HD customers and live TV support on our video entertainment site, Sling.com, and you can see Sling Media is committed to delivering great solutions for Mac users.”

 

SlingPlayer Mobile gives consumers their entire home TV experience, including local channels, local sports teams, video on demand, pay per view, etc. Any program that you can watch on your sofa back home, you can now watch via your iPhone using a standard network connection (3G Cellular, WiFi). In addition, SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone users can also control their home digital video recorder (DVR) to watch recorded shows, pause, rewind, and fast forward live TV, or even queue new recordings while on the road.

 

Pricing and Availability

SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone will be submitted to Apple for testing and approval in Q1. The price has not been determined at this time. SlingPlayer for Mac HD will be available for free via the web-based SlingPlayer within Sling.com later in Q1. Mac customers will be able to use either Safari or Firefox web browsers to get both HD streaming and Live TV within Sling.com.

 

About Sling Media

Sling Media, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), is a leading digital lifestyle company offering consumer services and products that are a natural extension of today’s digital way of life. Sling Media’s product family includes the internationally acclaimed, Emmy award-winning Slingboxâ„¢ that allows consumers to watch and control their living room television shows at any time, from any location, using PCs, Macs, PDAs and smartphones and the revolutionary new SlingCatcherâ„¢, a universal media player that seamlessly delivers broadcast TV, Internet video and personal content to the TV. Sling Media is also the company behind the video entertainment web site, Sling.com, offering consumers a wide variety of popular TV shows, movies and other entertainment free for viewing online or on the TV using SlingCatcher. For more information on Sling Media, the Slingbox or the SlingCatcher, visit www.slingmedia.com. To watch your favorite TV shows and movies, check out www.sling.com.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Windows Family Safety (currently in beta and formerly a part of Windows Live OneCare) is a home computer monitoring service that allows you to control everything from keyword filters (to block inappropriate content in searches and websites) to access controls.  It is quite a powerful program that gives parents some peace of mind when allowing their children to use the computer on a regular basis.  The main features offered by Family Safety include:

• Content Filtering: This feature allows you to set separate filters for each child based on content you do not want the children to see online.  This is basically a keyword monitor that restricts access to searches and sites with inappropriate content.
• Activity Reports:  This feature lets you see all computer activity for each child.  It provides a good high overview that can be drilled down if necessary.
• Contact Management: This feature allows you to set restrictions on who your child can chat with, email, or interact with on their blog.  This has one major flaw however, this control is limited to the Windows Live products (Messenger, Live Spaces, Mail, etc.).  While there are certainly ways to keep your kids from using other services, it may be a bit naive to think they couldn’t get around a feature this limited.

As a user, I certainly have reservations about content controls, but, as a parent, some of these tools will prove to be invaluable.  Now, in my opinion, there is a fine line that must be walked here.  The Internet provides a great repository of knowledge and potential for learning.  I know I am a more rounded individual based on the knowledge I have had access to and chosen to gain from using the Internet to my advantage. I want to make sure my kids have the same opportunities.  I am certainly less about control and more about monitoring.  A product like this will give me the opportunity to keep an eye on my kids and their activity and inform me where I may need to intervene.  The idea of many of these control features put too many restrictions on access and “dumb down” the potential that is available.  As my kids get older, I look forward to helping them harness the knowledge potential available to help them grow.

Popularity: 3% [?]

If you are looking for a way to share and store your files online then Dropbox could be your solution.  This easy to use interface allows you to sync files automatically to your computers and the web.After a short install to your Windows, Mac or Linux based computer, you have the ability to drag and drop files into your Dropbox folder. Any files or folders inside Dropbox will get synchronized to Dropbox’s servers and any other computer linked to your account. This data is also accessible by using the web interface at www.getdropbox.com. If you are concerned about security, rest easy. All data is transferred over SSL and encrypted with AES-256 before storage. If you currently utilize Apple’s MobileMe you will find that Dropbox is very similar. It has some added functionality for file sharing and includes access for Linux users which is a group that Apple failed to recognize. The cost is perfect for most users. It’s free with 2GB of space. Deleted files and revisions don’t currently count against your quota. If you are looking for more storage, you have the ability to upgrade to 50GB of space for $9.99 per month or $99 per year. Dropbox is also smart with how it tracks changes to files. When a change is made, Dropbox only transfers the piece of the file that changed, making it easy to work with big files like Photoshop or Powerpoint documents. In looking at this site and service it was hard to find any reason not to take advantage of something like this. For a link to download the software and more information, please go to www.getdropbox.com. Try this out and let me know what you think in the comment section below.

Popularity: 2% [?]