Thursday, April 12, 2012

Is Google+'s Facelift the Sincerest Form of Flattery?

Is Google+'s Facelift the Sincerest Form of Flattery?

Is Google+'s Facelift the Sincerest Form of Flattery?

Posted: 11 Apr 2012 02:07 PM PDT

Google on Wednesday announced new features for its Google+ social network. The Internet giant on Wednesday introduced what Google+ head honcho Vic Gundotra called a "more functional and flexible" version of the service. "With Google+, we're building a seamless and consistent social layer across Google," said company spokesperson Kat Eller. "Today's foundational changes let us move even faster toward a simpler, more beautiful Google." That consistency might result in an industry-wide similarity of features.

You're No Phone of Mine: Carriers Agree to Disown Stolen Handsets

Posted: 11 Apr 2012 10:52 AM PDT

The Federal Communications Commission and five major U.S. wireless providers have announced an initiative to create a database of stolen mobile phones in an effort to combat smartphone theft. AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint and Nex-Tech Wireless, carriers that together provide service to about 90 percent of wireless customers in the U.S., said they will not reactivate phones that have been reported stolen. The program will begin by Oct. 31 in the U.S. and will expand globally across carriers over the next 18 months.

Tweaks to Chrome OS Stir Up Existential Questions

Posted: 11 Apr 2012 09:22 AM PDT

A new version of Google's personal computer operating system, Chrome OS, was released for developers Tuesday. It adds design elements of more conventional offerings like Windows and OS X. The new Aura interface includes a home screen with a task bar, or shelf, from which you can launch applications. Previous versions required all activity to take place within a browser-like window. The OS also supports multiple windows that can be minimized and maximized, as well as resized.

How and Why Did 'Kony 2012' Go Viral Overnight?

Posted: 11 Apr 2012 05:00 AM PDT

By now, you've seen the "Kony 2012" video, or at least heard of it, and you've heard the criticisms. And whether you are a supporter or a detractor, you likely think the story's done, a passing fad lost already to shortened news cycles, fickle Twitter trends, and Facebook app archives. But that is not the case. Whether the newest chapters to the "Kony 2012" story will vindicate the effort remains to be seen. But no matter what the final outcome, there are many lessons to learn from "Kony 2012" -- from how to make a viral video and keep it up and running despite crushing traffic numbers, to how to run a successful campaign and move the world.

Russia Mulls Putting ISPs on the Hook for Piracy

Posted: 11 Apr 2012 09:07 AM PDT

Russia is considering holding ISPs responsible for unlawful file-sharing. From Giga OM: "Reports in the local media say that the country's Ministry of Internal Affairs is looking to bring in fresh laws that would make service providers responsible for illegal file-sharing between those using their networks. In general, those providers accused of assisting infringement have argued that they are merely dumb pipes that push data around without discrimination."

qOrganizer Squares Away Everything but Its Own Interface

Posted: 11 Apr 2012 05:00 AM PDT

One of my biggest problems in managing appointments, to-do tasks, notes and reminders is that I work on a variety of desktop and laptop computers in multiple locations. To bridge the access gaps, I rely on a tablet computer and a smartphone tapped into cloud storage. When I find a really good PIM app, frustration builds because the accumulated information stays bound to a single computer. Surpisingly, a relatively obscure app called qOrganizer goes a long way toward solving that problem.
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