Wednesday, February 29, 2012

HTTPS Everywhere Keeps Your Personal Information Safe on Over 1,400 Sites, Available for Firefox and Chrome [Security]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5889087/https-everywhere-keeps-your-personal-information-safe-on-over-1400-sites-available-for-firefox-and-chrome

HTTPS Everywhere Keeps Your Personal Information Safe on Over 1,400 Sites, Available for Firefox and ChromeChrome/Firefox: HTTPS Everywhere is a simple extension that, with just a one-click installation, can seriously increase your security on over 1,400 web sites by encrypting your connection.

We've talked before about HTTPS, what it does, and why you should use it. Many sites, like Gmail (and Facebook, with caveats) have options that let you browse with HTTPS always turned on, but the HTTPS Everywhere extension makes this simpler. Instead of turning it on for individual sites, HTTPS Everywhere will automatically routes all your data through a secure connection on any of its 1,400 supported web sites, keeping your information safe and away from prying eyes—in short, it's an extension everyone should have installed.

HTTPS Everywhere has long been a favorite of Firefox users, but today marks the first time Chrome users can get in on the fun, with a new beta version of the extension that quietly sits in your address bar and switches you to HTTPS whenever possible. The Firefox version has also been updated to 2.0, which adds a new feature called the Observatory which, when turned on, detects encryption weaknesses and will notify you when you're browsing a site with a security vulnerability. To read more about the new version of the extension and install it in your browser, hit the link below.

HTTPS Everywhere is a free extension, works wherever Chrome and Firefox do.

New 'HTTPS Everywhere' Version Warns Users About Web Security Holes | Electronic Frontier Foundation

Photo by dgbomb (Shutterstock).

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Fix Your Photo's Exposure Problems in Seconds With This Simple Trick [Video]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5889078/fix-your-photos-exposure-problems-in-seconds-with-this-simple-trick

Despite our best efforts to take great photos, we can't always control the light in our images. When you end up taking a picture with an uneven exposure, this little trick can fix the problem in just a few seconds.

You can perform this trick with just about any image editor you like (so long as it supports layers, is able to invert the image, and offers the Overlay blending mode). To see how this works, watch the video above. Alternatively, just follow these steps:

  1. Open up the photo and duplicate the layer containing it.
  2. Invert the duplicated layer. (The shortcut is Control/Command+I in Photoshop and is likely the same in other image editors.)
  3. Set the duplicated layer's blending mode to Overlay.
  4. Optional: Reduce the opacity of the duplicated layer if the effects are too much.
  5. Optional: Merge the two layers and adjust the levels or curves to suit your taste. (If you're in Photoshop, you can just make a new adjustment layer to do this.)

Problem solved! Pretty easy, right?

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Most Popular PowerPoint Alternative: Keynote [Hive Five Followup]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5888913/most-popular-powerpoint-alternative-keynote

Most Popular PowerPoint Alternative: Keynote Creating an interesting, informative, and elegant presentation or slideshow for a company meeting or job interview doesn't have to be difficult, and you don't have to lock yourself into Microsoft PowerPoint to make a good one, even though it's the industry standard. Earlier in the week, we asked you which presentation tools you preferred. You responded, and we took a look at the top five PowerPoint alternatives. Now we're back to highlight the winner.

Voting was tight all weekend, but even though it's Mac-only, Apple's Keynote edged out the competition for the top spot with just over 35% of the votes cast. Behind it in second place however was the web-based Prezi, with 26% of the vote, and in third place was OpenOffice.org and LibreOffice Impress with 18%. Hot on Impress' heels in fourth place with close to 15% of the vote was Google Docs, and bringing up the rear in fifth with close to 7% of the overall vote was Beamer.

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Qualcomm, Microsoft giving Snapdragon S4 PCs to Windows-on-ARM developers

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/qualcomm-windows-8/

Microsoft spent a big chunk of MWC today telling everyone about Windows 8 and if you're the coding type, the news gets even better. If invited, you'll be expecting something nice in the mail to arrive from Redmond very shortly. It's sending out test PCs powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 MSM8960 that includes the beefy LTE, camera and sensor gear we played with in our hands-on. It's intended to give developers a head-start in building and refining Metro-style apps ahead of the operating system's big debut. You can check out the consumer preview of what was shown today here and if you'd like to know more, head on past the break for a sprinkling of PR.

Continue reading Qualcomm, Microsoft giving Snapdragon S4 PCs to Windows-on-ARM developers

Qualcomm, Microsoft giving Snapdragon S4 PCs to Windows-on-ARM developers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Galaxy S Advance hands-on (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/samsung-galaxy-s-advance-hands-on-video/

It's getting so you need a map to traverse Samsung's mobile Galaxy, but that's not stopping the outfit from cranking out handsets -- no matter how minuscule the tweaks. Announced back in January, the Galaxy S Advance falls solidly on the middle of the OEM's consumer scale, delivering a speedy 1GHz dual-core experience on a build of Android 2.3.6. Naturally, the device comes outfitted with TouchWiz, but that skin doesn't get in the way of the apparent snappy performance, as we noticed navigation, transitions and browsing all carried on without a hiccup. As you might've guessed, the saturated, 4-inch 800 x 480 display is of the Super AMOLED variety, so you won't have much difficulty viewing the screen from a variety of angles. And while the construction is a typical plastic enclosure with subtly textured back, the combination of its light weight and thin profile conspire to make this one attractive purchase. A mostly global roll out's already underway, though sadly, the US isn't included on that select list. Peep the gallery below for some additional shots and, while you're at it, check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy S Advance hands-on (video)

Samsung Galaxy S Advance hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharp AQUOS SH-06D arrives from Japan, we go hands-on (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/sharp-aquos-sh-06d-arrives-from-japan-we-go-hands-on-video/

Sharp's AQUOS SH-06D will most probably never leave the Land of The Rising Sun. That doesn't stop us, however, from lusting after its 4.5-inch. This 720p display also manages 3D, spread across a slinky 10mm frame that houses NTT DoCoMo's recently launched NOTTV streaming broadcast system. The device arrives in pink, white and blue options -- all provided with a matching dock and built-in aerial. Like several eastern phones with the ability to tune into live TV broadcasts, the AQUOS SH-06D has its own extendable antenna built into the side. The device, despite its largely plastic build felt solid in our hand, although the minuscule power and volume buttons proved difficult to manipulate at times. The screen technology is still a closely guarded secret, but it aims to bring both 3D functionality alongside a crisp HD display performance during two-dimensional antics. Viewing angles are great -- a welcome trend we've seen on plenty of handsets at this year's MWC -- but the heavily customized Android 2.3 skin took away some of that sheen. Applications are stowed away into several drop-down menus that took some getting used to -- regardless of any language barrier. Sharp hasn't revealed any plans to join its Japanese competitors in the frenzied global smartphone market, but some import options wouldn't go amiss. See why in our hands-on right after the break! .

Sean Cooper contributed to this report


Continue reading Sharp AQUOS SH-06D arrives from Japan, we go hands-on (video)

Sharp AQUOS SH-06D arrives from Japan, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Virginia Residents Are Sounding The Alarm On Prepaid Debit Card Fraud

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/virginia-residents-are-sounding-the-alarm-on-prepaid-debit-card-fraud-2012-2


prepaid-debit-cards

As if legit prepaid debit cards weren't rigged with enough booby traps as it is, Richmond, Va. consumers have sounded the alarm over an influx of fraudulent card offers turning up in mailboxes, NBC News 12 reports.

The offers are usually addressed to fictitious names and are fashioned as products from well-known financial products like Turbo Tax, Western Union and even celeb-backed cards like the Rush Card.

But just call the 800 number listed in the letters and you could find yourself a few steps away from identity theft

When resident Bob Beukema called to have the incessant mailings stopped, he told NBC the agent who answered wanted one thing first: his Social Security Number. 

If you've received prepaid debit card offers you think are fraudulent, the Better Business Bureau advises consumers to rip them up and not even bother calling. 

"If the first thing they're going to ask when you haven't even given them your name is asking for your Social Security number, they're going for the kill right there," the BBB's Tom Gallagher told NBC. "These folks are professionals. They can go in, find out what you got, where you have that information and they'll be able to strip your account."

Prepaid debit cards can be a handy tool for consumers looking to watch their budget, but they're loaded with fees that can add up to hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.

If you're in the market, try NerdWallet's prepaid debit card comparison tool online to find the right fit.

Contact the FTC if you've received fraudulent offers in the mail or by phone or email: 1-877-438-4338 or www.ftc.gov.  Better Business Bureau: 804-648-0016.

Now check out the best rewards cards for road warriors > 

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Option XYFI is 'world's smallest' personal hotspot -- we go hands-on!

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/option-xyfi-is-worlds-smallest-personal-hotspot-we-go-hand/

Option's XYFI (pronounced ex-WiFi) was announced earlier this week with little fanfare but piqued our interest with its claim to being the world's smallest personal hotspot. We had an opportunity to look and discuss it at a quiet table at MWC today, a nice change from a showy booth. Option has been out of the data connectivity game in any significant way -- for what seems like forever -- in a segment it once led with some 70% of market share. The XYFI is indeed small and at first glance looks like a simple USB modem and not an access point that can support up to 8 people's roaming internet needs via WiFi or 3G connectivity. The USB plug swivels open in switchblade-style -- we found that little button somehow so soothing -- and then pops into your desktop for a quick 4-step setup. As you've likely sussed, the XYFI doesn't have a battery of its own but rather relies on a beautiful 4000mAh xpal adapter the Option device plugs into -- and once connected we're told you can expect about 8 hours of battery life. Option's other accessories for the XYFI include a plug for the car and AC adapter. We'll admit that Option has a steep hill to climb in the mobile hotspot world, but we're sold already. Pricing should be sub $100 for the XYFI alone and we'll be back with details on the accessories and launch date as soon as can. Gallery of this really sharp looking device follows.

Option XYFI is 'world's smallest' personal hotspot -- we go hands-on! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fox, Warner, SanDisk and Western Digital's Project Phenix: promotes DRM, misspelling

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/project-phenix-drm/

Studios Fox and Warner Bros. have teamed up with SanDisk and Western Digital to create "Project Phenix." Beneath the orthographically offensive name, it's pitched as DRM that'll permit you to organize, move and watch high-definition content on more than one device. It's the brainchild of the Secure Content Storage Association (SCSA), which has ensured compatibility with UltraViolet, so that users will be able to download cloud-based media to compliant WD and SanDisk storage -- to play on any alliance-approved TVs, tablets and display devices. We'll see the technology available to license later in the year, which promises to render content ten times faster than streaming media on "over the top internet" (translation: streaming services). Yes, there's PR after the break, but we'd only suggest taking a look if you've got a good pair of waders.

Continue reading Fox, Warner, SanDisk and Western Digital's Project Phenix: promotes DRM, misspelling

Fox, Warner, SanDisk and Western Digital's Project Phenix: promotes DRM, misspelling originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on with FXI's Cotton Candy, now available for pre-order (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/hands-on-with-fxi-cotton-candy-at-mwc-video/

Hands-on with FXI's Cotton Candy, now available for pre-order (video)
By now, we hope you're mighty familiar with FXI's Cotton Candy -- the much anticipated pocketable computer that just became available for pre-order. We've previously shown photos of the device running both Ice Cream Sandwich and Ubuntu, but now we're able to bring you a video demonstration that may help you better understand what this tiny beast is all about. At the core of the Cotton Candy system is the Exynos 4210 SoC, which capably pushes 1080p video without batting an eye. As such, FXI hopes the miniature computer will gain traction with consumers who want an unobtrusive (and silent) media center or gaming setup in their home. To this end, the company will include the Polkast app for easy access to content and will also bundle games with the system -- though it's not yet able to share specific titles. Those with a sweet tooth may taste the delights of Cotton Candy in March, which will sell for $199.

Continue reading Hands-on with FXI's Cotton Candy, now available for pre-order (video)

Hands-on with FXI's Cotton Candy, now available for pre-order (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Broadcom: 802.11ac chipsets already in preproduction, preparing router invasion in summer

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/broadcom-802-11ac-chipsets-already-in-preproduction-preparing/

Broadcom: 802.11ac chipsets already in preproduction, preparing router invasion in summer
Broadcom might have unveiled a bevy of 802.11ac chipsets back at CES, however when it came to availability the chipmaker played more than coy as to when they'd sashay their way out of developmental labs and into the hands of actual consumers. Fast-forward to MWC and the chipmaker's isn't nearly as shy, proclaiming its future WiFi solutions were "beyond the sampling phase" and now in preproduction. Also of note, was the estimate that finished products (read: the ones you can buy) containing this tech would go on sale by mid-2012. With competitor, Qualcomm, also previewing its 802.11ac concoction, could this year possibly shape up to golden era of speedy wireless transfers? Bring it on, we say.

Broadcom: 802.11ac chipsets already in preproduction, preparing router invasion in summer originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 05:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) hands-on (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/samsung-galaxy-tab-2-10-1-hands-on-video/

As far as product launches go, the 10-inch Galaxy Tab 2's debut was relatively discreet. Announced with little fanfare, it's not even on display in Samsung's booth here at Mobile World Congress; you'll have to talk your way into a private room if you want a shot at getting hands-on.

And we can see why: with a 1280 x 800 display, 1GHz dual-core processor and 3-megapixel rear camera, its specs are nearly identical to what you'll find in last year's Galaxy Tab 10.1. Sure, it has a redesigned back cover and ships with Android 4.0, but otherwise, it's the same tablet. But with the new Galaxy Note tablet replacing the original 10.1 as Samsung's premier 10-inch tablet, the new 10.1 could be the budget-friendly option its predecessor wasn't. So does it hold promise as a mid-range tab? It'll be impossible to say until we know the price, but watch our hands-on video after the break and decide for yourselves just how much you'd pay for this thing.

Joseph Volpe contributed to this report.

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) hands-on (video)

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 05:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) hands-on (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/samsung-galaxy-tab-2-7-0-hands-on-video/

It's easy to get confused by the variety of 7-inchers coming out of Samsung's gate; you might even speculate that the category is getting a bit crowded. But with the arrival of the Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0), it appears the popular Android manufacturer has an ace in its sleeve. The slate leaps past its cousins with the latest build of Ice Cream Sandwich out of the gate, although it still reps the same 1024 x 600 PLS TFT display, 3MP rear camera, 4,000mAh battery and dual-core setup. We had a chance to get a real feel for the tablet, so join us after the break as we parse through our initial impressions.

Continu! e readin g Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) hands-on (video)

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 06:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PixelQi has heavy night, wakes up married to French 'PadPro' tablet

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/pixelqi-appears-on-french-padpro-tablet/

10-inch Pad Pro slate with PixelQi display
What has Mary Lou Jepsen been up to since 3M's cash injection? It's hard to say, but her sunlight-readable PixelQi panels are still popping up on the odd device -- like this Windows 7 slate from little-known Evigroup. The 10-inch PadPro is aimed at graphics types who are willing to bid adieu to €599 ($800) in return for a pressure-sensitive display, a 1.6GHz Atom processor (no mention of Cedar Trail), 1GB RAM and 160GB hard-drive. They also need to really hate Android.

PixelQi has heavy night, wakes up married to French 'PadPro' tablet originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 07:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Olympus OM-D E-M5 Micro Four Thirds camera to ship on March 31st?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/olympus-om-d-e-m5-micro-four-thirds-march-31st/

If a ship date pops up on Amazon for a date in the not-so-distant future, we're typically inclined to listen up -- after all, the world's largest e-tailer probably has a fairly good idea of when its products will first leave the warehouse. This time, it's the Olympus OM-D E-M5, which just appeared on the distributor's Japanese site with an estimated release date of March 31st. There's no mention of a date on the company's U.S. site, however, so it's still unclear whether or not the Micro Four Thirds cam will hit North American shores on the 31st as well. Still, unless a trip to Japan is in the cards for the end of Q1, your best bet for getting early access to the highly-anticipated mirrorless cam would probably be to get your pre-order on at our coverage link below.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Micro Four Thirds camera to ship on March 31st? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 07:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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