Chicken-based camera stabilization more effective than the human head mount (video)

As you're undoubtedly well aware, the chicken's vestibulo-ocular reflex and gaze stabilizing function (Google it!) is highly evolved, making it just the thing for steadying your camera. Of course, you need access to live poultry, a tiny camera, some sort of rubber band, and the patience and skill to befriend a rooster and bring him to your film shoots. You've already seen one loyal Engadget reader's fledgling attempts at the Chicken Powered Steadicam[TM], but you can rest assured that this fowl gadget (groan) is constantly in development. Check out our friend Jeremiah's video after the break to see comparison shots between a rooster cam, a handheld camera, and one just sort of strapped to Jeremiah's head.

Continue reading Chicken-based camera stabilization more effective than the human head mount (video)

Chicken-based camera stabilization more effective than the human head mount (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/30/chicken-based-camera-stabilization-more-effective-than-the-human/

Rf Micro Devices Red Hat Radisys Rackable Systems

5 perfect computery Christmas gifts for your mother, father or family elder

Let's be honest: if you're reading Download Squad, you're in the 99th percentile when it comes to computer technology. You probably know how to touch type, or send a file across the world at the speed of light, and in all likelihood you own one of the big three video game consoles. Like all things that you've grown up with and come to rely on, though, you don't realize just how lucky you are to have high-tech gadgets in your life.

Don't worry, I'm not going to go on about the malnourished kids in Sub-Saharan Africa and how you ought to feel thankful for food and good health this Christmas. Instead, just take a moment and think about what life would be like without a computer, without an Internet connection -- without LOLCATS.

The sad truth is, only the last couple of generations have attained computer mastery. Your parents might use computers, but as a means to an end, not as a tool. I don't think I've ever heard my mother say she likes Microsoft Word, but it gets the job done. You and I both know that technology can be so much more than that. It can become an extension of our everyday life -- and there's no reason your older relatives should miss out on the fun!

I've compiled a list of five items that can all massively improve a nascent computer user's enjoyment of technology. Some are cheap, and some are expensive -- but do your parents a favor and buy them something from this list this Christmas.

Continue reading 5 perfect computery Christmas gifts for your mother, father or family elder

5 perfect computery Christmas gifts for your mother, father or family elder originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/13/5-perfect-computery-christmas-gifts-for-your-mother-father-or-f/

Inventec Kddi Kla-Tencor Koninklijke Kpn

ChromeMarks Syncs Chrome Bookmarks with Android [Downloads]

Android: If you're tired of manually adding new bookmarks to both your PC and your phone, ChromeMarks will sync all your bookmarks between Android and Chrome with minimal setup. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/sN-Ol59vZGg/chromemarks-syncs-chrome-bookmarks-with-android

Millicom Intl. Cellular Mobile Telesystems Nanya Technology Nii Holdings

So Much For FREE!: Apple Will Sell $2B in Apps in 2011

I've often wondered if the early Web pioneers had it all to do over again if Web companies would have put less of an emphasis on free. People have been conditioned against paying for services or content on the Web, and the Web elite only have each other to blame. For all the talk of Web companies getting users first and "figuring out" how to make money later, the only two jaw-droppingly, multi-billion-dollar, innovative new ways to advertise online have been Google's paid search ads and Groupon's solution to unlocking local ad dollars on a mass scale. Those who win big--like Google-- just perpetuate the cult of free content and services as a way of spoiling would be competitors. Witness a big disconnect between popularity and money. Exhibit A: Yahoo. But on the mobile Web it's a do-over, and it's a totally different playbook from FREE!

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/sYIhIlZi_24/

Iron Mountain Inorated Iomega Intuit Intersections

Buildor Pro Web-authoring tool invites 300 Download Squad readers to early beta

Buildor Pro is a fantastic authoring tool for Web developers. It lets you inspect and tweak each element on an existing page -- much like Firebug, in a way, but not exactly. You can also use it to create entirely new designs and very quick mock-ups. What's interesting about it is that it manages to be browser-based and visual at the same time. Of course, coders don't always like to do everything visually, so Buildor Pro also lets you enter your markup directly and see it in real-time on the page.

Rather than wax poetic about the application, I've decided to show you an 8-minute video by James Law, Buildor Pro's creator. In the video you can watch James use Download Squad's new look as a template and add on new content. But that's not all: Buildor Pro extended an invitation to the closed beta for the first 300 Download Squad readers who use this link to sign up!

If you do any sort of Web development work, Buildor Pro is definitely worth a look.

Continue reading Buildor Pro Web-authoring tool invites 300 Download Squad readers to early beta

Buildor Pro Web-authoring tool invites 300 Download Squad readers to early beta originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/09/buildor-pro-web-authoring-tool-invites-300-download-squad-reader/

Tibco Software Tibco Software Thq Texas Instruments

Skyfire For iPad Arriving Soon

Many iPhone users have been enjoying the Skyfire web browser since November and a lot of people have been patiently waiting for an iPad compatible version. If all goes well Skyfire should be available for the iPad very soon, perhaps before Christmas which is a good possibility according to a Skyfire spokesman. The iPad version [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ipadbuzzblog/~3/4VSn23GwYD8/

Quantum Qlogic . Progress Software Planar Systems

Russia's first GLONASS phone an 'iPhone 4 competitor,' except not really (video)

As the story goes, Russia-based AFK Sistema's subsidiary Sitronics (along with US' Qualcomm and China's ZTE) have developed the first smartphone to use GLONASS -- specifically one with a 90nm GPS-GLONASS chip. It's been called, in so many words, the "Russian answer to the iPhone 4" by the Powers That Be, and without getting into key details like platform and specs, we know officially the phone is going on sale in Russian sometime in March for 10,990 rubles (about $360 in US).

For other details on the device, we seek more unofficial (and therefore not 100 percent confirmed) sources, like the notably well-connected Eldar Murtazin. According to him, we're looking at the ZTE model A918, an analog of the A916 with Android 2.1, a 3.2-inch QVGA screen, FM radio, and 2 megapixel camera -- yeah, hardly an iPhone 4 competitor, if you ask us. That version is supposedly launching on MTS for 7,500 rubles ($246), meaning the GLONASS-equipped equivalent has a 3,490 ruble ($114) markup. And the March release? Apparently in limited quantities, with mass production not coming until second half of 2011. Unfortunately, we're not sure this one'll be making an appearance at CES for further inspection. Check out the video after the break for a cameo of the device featuring Putin, Russian billionaire (and head of AFK Sistema) Vladimir Yevtushenkov, and Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov.

Continue reading Russia's first GLONASS phone an 'iPhone 4 competitor,' except not really (video)

Russia's first GLONASS phone an 'iPhone 4 competitor,' except not really (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 13:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink AppleInsider.ru, Bloomberg  |  Moscow News, NTV.ru  | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/30/russias-first-glonass-phone-an-iphone-4-competitor-except-no/

Bt Group Canon Cdw China Mobile

Foursquare finally adds photos, comments and check-in history

Proving that we are well and truly ensconced by the 21st century, Foursquare has finally added photos to the check-in experience. We can only begin to imagine the technological mountains Foursquare had to scale in order to implement this much-wanted, but dauntingly-hard-to-implement feature. There's also a brand-spanking-new first-party Foursquare iPhone app.

You can now also comment on check-ins (above right), which should make the synchronization of schedules and meet-ups easier. To make the most of both photos and comments, there is now a History page on foursquare.com, which you can visit to see all of your previous check-ins -- including any photos and comments.

Foursquare has been working with its partners to make the most of the new functionality, too: Instagram and Foodspotting will both automatically create 'photo check-ins.'

For now, the only mobile Foursquare client for Android is picplz. WebOS is coming later this week, and BlackBerry in January. Developers will get access to the new API later this week.

Gallery: Foursquare App for iPhone

Foursquare finally adds photos, comments and check-in history originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/20/foursquare-finally-adds-photos-comments-and-check-in-history/

Silicon Laboratories Si International Seagate Technology Scientific Games

Deal of the Day ?Save 45% on Logitech Z520 Speakers

This LogicBUY deal saves you 45% on the Logitech Z520 speaker system.� Normal price is $99.99 for these speakers, but the lowest price found by the LogicBUY folks is $54.95 with $2.99 shipping. This deal expires January 2, 2011 or sooner.� Check the above link for more details on this deal, and check the LogicBUY [...]

Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2010/12/29/deal-of-the-day-%e2%80%93save-45-on-logitech-z520-speakers/

Oracle Powerchip Semiconductor Priceline.Com Qimonda

Daily Crunch: Wipeout Edition

Go Away, Snoopers: Internet Explorer 9 To Add Anti-Tracking Feature The Kisai Satellite: More Crazy Tokyoflash Watches WhiteyBoards Introduces the Next Generation In Dry Erase Technology: The WhiteyNotes and WhiteyPads Outfitting Your Family?s Traveler For Stellar Photography Rolex Owner Gets A Christmas Surprise: Posted His Watch On eBay For $9.95, Final Bid Was $60,000

Source: http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/12/09/daily-crunch-wipeout-edition/

Adobe Systems Advanced Semiconductor Engineering Alliance Data Systems Alltel

TinyOgg lets you quickly convert YouTube videos to Ogg format

It's fairly easy to download YouTube videos, but they usually come in FLV or MP4 format when you grab them right off YouTube. TinyOgg is a lightweight service that lets you grab those same videos, or just the audio, in the open source Ogg format.

It couldn't be simpler to use: you just feed it with a YouTube URL, and hit Convert. You then get a short URL; after a few minutes, this URL contains a link to an Ogg file you can download and watch at your leisure. By default, this link is made public and can be seen in the queue.

There's also a more detailed form that lets you keep the link private (so it doesn't show up in the public queue), download the file in the highest quality from YouTube (so the converter gets the best raw material to work with), and rip just the music, with no video content at all. That last one is somewhat dubious on the copyright side of things, but is very handy nonetheless.

TinyOgg lets you quickly convert YouTube videos to Ogg format originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 03:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/14/tinyogg-lets-you-quickly-convert-youtube-videos-to-ogg-format/

Qlogic . Progress Software Planar Systems Perot Systems

China Effectively Bans Skype and Other Non State-Owned VoIP Services [VoIP]

China just made all VoIP services on networks besides the state-run China Telecom and China Unicom illegal, effectively banning the use of Skype and other popular VoIP services in the country. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/EE-Y38Lb4Mk/china-deems-skype-and-all-other-non-state+owned-voip-illegal

Rackable Systems Quest Software Quantum Qlogic .

Nintendo's 3DS Warning: Children, Avert Thine Eyes

Nintendo has issued a warning for parents of children under age 6: If you're planning on giving the kid a Nintendo 3DS when the device is released early next year, keep it in 2D mode. The 3DS is a portable video game system capable of displaying 3D games without the use of special glasses. However, the warning urges parents to use the 2D feature of the device instead if their kids are less than six years old.

Source: http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/71549.html

Siemens Zoran Zions Ban Yahoo!

Opera 11 downloaded 6.7 million times on day one -- thanks to the power of bacon

While Opera 11's warm reception had a lot to do with a greatly improved browser and a very loyal fan base, the boys in Oslo had one clever trick up their sleeve which they saved for launch day. And with nearly 7 million downloads in 24 hours, you've got to hand it to Opera: they know how to tempt a geek.

How'd they do it? By dangling delicious bacon in front of Reddit users. You've got to admit, the Opera 11 Web advert is at least as enticing as those Evony ads -- you know which ones I'm talking about.

As for those of us who already tried Opera 11 and knew it was a solid browser... well, if you're like me, you're probably just craving some sizzlin' hot bacon right about now.

Curse you, Opera!

Opera 11 downloaded 6.7 million times on day one -- thanks to the power of bacon originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/17/opera-11-downloaded-6-7-million-times-on-day-one-thanks-to-bacon/

Rackable Systems Quest Software Quantum Qlogic .

The Best Shooting Challenges of the Year [Bestof2010]

This was a phenomenal year of Shooting Challenges. Your submissions were as beautiful as they were plentiful. Check out some of the best user-submitted images of 2010. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/_OnKGw6ZhWY/the-best-shooting-challenges-of-the-year

Sra International Spss Spansion Sonus Networks

LG ST600 Smart TV Upgrader brings DLNA, apps, and a web browser to formerly dumb displays

If you buy any of LG's latest HDTVs, you're pretty much assured it'll have a big sticker saying "Smart TV" somewhere along its fascia assuring you of its internet connectivity and compatibility. But, if you're still rocking some old school piece of visual tech that isn't yet past its "watch by" date, you'll be needing a set-top box of some kind to get on the web without leaving your couch. Naturally, LG would like to be the one to Smarten up your viewing habits there too, and so it's just unveiled its new ST600 sidekick for older television sets. It adds DLNA connectivity for some wireless media transfer fun, grants access to a "vast range" of premium content as well as local programming, throws in a web browser, and finishes things off with LG's TV Apps selection. Of course, this is the week of the pre-CES announcement, hence we've no pricing to share yet, but the way the company's talking about it, the ST600 sounds like it might make an aggressive MSRP its standout feature. Sadly, that's a bit of a distant hope for now as this Upgrader isn't expected in shops until Q2 2011. Who knows if we'll even be watching TV by that time?

Continue reading LG ST600 Smart TV Upgrader brings DLNA, apps, and a web browser to formerly dumb displays

LG ST600 Smart TV Upgrader brings DLNA, apps, and a web browser to formerly dumb displays originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 03:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/zwMO5NHRz1M/

Jack Henry & Associates Ixys Itron Iron Mountain Inorated