Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Find Spammers Who Are Following You On Twitter

Source: http://www.labnol.org/internet/find-twitter-spam-followers/9686/

If that large follower base (count of people following you) on Twitter gives you a high, here’s a tool that might break your heart, a little bit at least.

twitter spammers Most of these Twitter users are @spam

Called TwitBlock, the tool will scan profiles of everyone who follows you on Twitter and it will then prepare a list of Twitter accounts that may be fake or have been created with the sole purpose of spamming Twitter.

The tools doesn’t require you password but since it uses Twitter’s OAuth to initiate the scanning process, you can’t use TwitBlock to determine spammers that be following another Twitter user.

For my Twitter account, the tool flagged some 354 accounts (or about 6%) – a lot of these accounts are spam for sure but there are some real people (human beings) and legitimate bots in the list as well so be a little careful before you block any user. Here’s the full spam report generated by TwitBlock.

For more tools like these, check The Twitter Guide.

Hat tip: Prem Kumar Aparanji (via FB)

How to Embed Facebook Videos in your Web Pages

Source: http://www.labnol.org/internet/embed-facebook-videos-in-web-pages/9715/

Anyone can upload video clips to the Facebook site but unlike YouTube and other online video sharing sites, Facebook doesn’t (officially) provide an embed code for their videos. That’s a problem for two reasons.

#1. You found a very interesting video on Facebook but how you do share it with your blog readers since there’s no code to embed that video into your site.

#2. You can watch video clips on Facebook only if you are logged into your Facebook account. How do you share these video clips with people who aren’t members of Facebook?

How to Add a Facebook Video to your Web Site

Here’s a simple trick that will let you embed any Facebook video into your web pages.

facebook videos

Every video uploaded on Facebook has a unique ID that you can find in the browser’s address bar (look for the value of parameter "v").

Copy that number and replace it with xxx in the code below.

<object width="400" height="224" >  <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" />  <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" />  <param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/xxx" />  <embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/xxx" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"    allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="224">  </embed> </object>

Now you can put that code on any web pages and the video will play just fine.

For instance, here’s a Facebook video uploaded by the founder himself – you can watch it here itself without having to become a Facebook member.

Related: How to Embed Almost Anything in your Website

Layar Brings Semi-Augmented Reality to Your Android Phone [Downloads]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/6WAG6t9yeNI/layar-brings-semi+augmented-reality-to-your-android-phone

Android: "Augmented Reality" is a buzz phrase gaining a lot of notice lately. Free Android app Layar, one of the first full-featured AR apps for Android, layers helpful, location-specific data on top of whatever you're looking at through your device's camera.

In a true-to-form augmented reality app, a phone's camera would be used to provide a live video stream, and the application would analyze objects in that stream and interact with them in some way. This video demonstrates what the future will likely hold for motion-sensitive, GPS-enabled, decent-camera-toting phones—with zombies:

Until phones catch up to developers' ambitions, we have half-breed apps like Layar that pull in geographic data from your phone's GPS location, check it against web databases, and then show the locations of nearby subway stations, restaurants, and more overlaid on the image of your surroundings from your phone's camera. Android phones allow apps to access the video stream for overlays, while the iPhone 3GS picked up that ability with the 3.1 firmware update, as ReadWriteWeb details. Here's how Layar's developers demonstrate the app in their native Amsterdam:

For a real-world, smaller-city test, I grabbed a T-Mobile G1 and headed to Buffal! o's Elmw ood Avenue commercial strip, with a side venture to Main Street, to see what Layar could show me. The app has a single view and function that pulls in your camera's video stream, but you can switch up what "layer" you see over it on the fly. The layers, listed at Layar's web site, come from web services with big geographic data piles, like Wikipedia, review site Yelp, real estate finder Trulia, and sites that mash up social apps like Flickr and Twitter. Yelp and Flickr (pulled in as "FlickAR" in this app) are, as you might imagine, the most densely packed of the apps I tried. You normally turn your camera, or yourself, to get thumbnail data on any "blips" that come up in Layar. When you come up with clusters of results in layers like Yelp, though, you'll end up switching to the less impressive list view, because trying to pinpoint individual finds will have passersby wondering why it looks like you're trying to rotate the world with your phone.

I didn't get any results for local tweets or Trulia real estate findings, but an architectural society layer and Wikipedia yielded a few fun surprises. If you were new in a city and looking for something to check out, Layar might well be worth the time (and battery drain) to check out. Who wouldn't want to check out the spot where President William McKinley was shot in Buffalo, or the seriously creepy spires of the H.R. Richardson "State Lunatic Asylum"? Layar is neat stuff, and will probably get better as more developers buy into it.

Layar is a free download for Android phones only. If you've used the app for something useful, fun, or something in-between, tell us about it, and post pictures, in the comments.

First iPhone game with 3GS-specific graphics released?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/11/first-iphone-game-with-3gs-specific-graphics-released/

Back in June it was revealed that the iPhone 3GS' newfound support of OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics put one of the first meaningful, material boundaries in software capability between iPhone generations (magnetic compass and video would be two other biggies), meaning that 3D-accelerated games targeted specifically for the 3GS platform could look a good deal fancier than their 2G / 3G counterparts -- and furthermore, they could be built to only work on the 3GS if the developer chose not to build in support for both. French software shop Eurocenter is touting that its newly-released Adrenaline Golf is the first game to take advantage of the 3GS' added graphics capabilities -- and while we can't verify that no other application submitted to the App Store in the past three months hasn't utilized OpenGL ES 2.0 in some regard, we can definitely verify that it looks way cooler on the 3GS. The good news is that Eurocenter has set up the game so that it chooses the correct graphics engine at runtime, regardless of the iPhone you're using, but after you see it on the 3GS it might seem a little inadequate on the older gear. Follow the break for our side-by-side demo of the sweet 3GS-exclusive water reflections, which are considerably better than real life since you don't risk getting wet.

Update: Sure enough, Eurocenter got a little overzealous with their claim -- Rocking Pocket's Blue Skies has had 3GS-specific enhancements for a while now. Thanks, everyone!

Continue reading First iPhone game with 3GS-specific graphics released?

Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Handhelds

First iPhone game with 3GS-specific graphics released? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Medion's S47000 sports camera shoots HD video, ain't too pretty

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/11/medions-s47000-sports-camera-shoots-hd-video-aint-too-pretty/

Finally a product that integrates an MP3 player with a Flip-style digital video camera! Of course, we're talking about Medion's S47000 Digital HD Sports Camera, which counts among its many charms: h.264 video recording, 2x digital zoom, a whopping 1MP still camera, HDMI out, and 90MB storage (though there is an SD card slot, for what it's worth). Tempted? Didn't think so. As for us, we're not shelling out £100 ($165) on anything without a pedometer.

[Via Oh Gizmo]

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Portable Audio

Medion's S47000 sports camera shoots HD video, ain't too pretty originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Packard Bell's Viseo 200T display gets multi-touchy-feely next month

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/11/packard-bells-viseo-200t-display-gets-multi-touchy-feely-next-m/

We don't see too many multitouch displays for desktop systems in these parts, but if Packard Bell has its way that's likely to change tout de suite. Not only has the company just announced its oneTwo line of all-in-one PCs with touchscreen displays at CEDIA, but now its back with the Viseo 200T Touch Edition -- a 20-inch multitouch monitor featuring built-in stereo speakers, a 16:9 aspect ratio, 50,000:1 contrast ratio, 5ms response time, and VGA and DVI input. When this thing hits Merry Olde England in mid-October, you can expect to pay roughly £200 (about $330) to take advantage of all that Windows 7 multitouch magic. And, believe us, it is truly magical.

Filed under: Displays

Packard Bell's Viseo 200T display gets multi-touchy-feely next month originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3rd gen iPod touch gets torn down, 802.11n and possible camera slot found

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/11/3rd-gen-ipod-touch-gets-torn-down-802-11n-and-possible-camera-s/

There's no denying that Apple let the entire world (yes, even the native Easter Islanders) down by not shoving a camera of some sort into its iPod touch, but if a delicate teardown completed by the screwdriver-wielding fiends over at iFixit is any indication, a seasoned modder could certainly add one. A 6- x 6- x 3-millimeter space was spotted between a Broadcom chip and the wireless antenna, which is reportedly not enough room for an iPhone-esque sensor, but just enough space for the video camera module found in the 5G iPod nano. In potentially more interesting news, the aforesaid Broadcom BCM4329 chip actually supports 802.11n. For the nerds in attendance, you'll recognize that even the iPhone 3GS can't handle those high-speed airwaves. Furthermore, the chip supports FM transmission, so at least theoretically, the device could stream tunes to your old school stereo through an open FM station. Eager for more? Tap that read link, buster.

Filed under: Handhelds, Portable Audio, Portable Video

3rd gen iPod touch gets torn down, 802.11n and possible camera slot found originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OWC Mercury On-The-Go Pro takes longer to say than to boot

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/11/owc-mercury-on-the-go-pro-takes-longer-to-say-than-to-boot/

One of these days, SSDs will hit a price point that doesn't require a second mortgage to buy one. Until then, we can just gawk at things like OWC's latest, which is a portable version of Crucial's still relatively new line of affordable SSDs, built around the familiar Indilinx controller and Samsung NAND flash. Coming in sizes from 64GB ($280) to 256GB ($730), the new Pro devices can transfer data and get their power from either a Firewire or USB port. Alas, that means you'll be limited to 100MBps read rates -- as opposed to the 250MBps you could get from an eSATA connection -- but that's a small sacrifice to make if you care about losing the moving parts in your portable storage.

[Via Electronista]

Filed under: Storage

OWC Mercury On-The-Go Pro takes longer to say than to boot originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia puts Booklet 3G netbook up for pre-order... in Italy

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/12/nokia-puts-booklet-3g-netbook-up-for-pre-order-in-italy/

So, we've got some good news and bad news. The good news is that Nokia's already offering up its Booklet 3G netbook for pre-order over in Italy, which is becoming an all-too-familiar scene for Nokia wares. The bad news is that the posted price is, um, absurd. During a keynote at Nokia World 09, listeners were told that the Windows 7-powered machine would ring up at "just" €570, yet Nokia's own Italian e-store has it listed for €699. That's just over a grand in Greenbacks, though we get the feeling it'll be selling for substantially less once the feel-good emotions fade and cold, hard economics take their toll.

Update: As pointed out in the comments, the announced €570 price was likely pre-tax and pre-carrier subsidy as is typical for Nokia's European announcements. The €699 price is thus VAT inclusive.

[Via I4U News]

Filed under: Laptops

Nokia puts Booklet 3G netbook up for pre-order... in Italy originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 05:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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M-Audio and Digidesign team up for $99 Pro Tools, hardware bundles

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/12/m-audio-and-digidesign-team-up-for-99-pro-tools-hardware-bundl/

It's probably safe to assume that most of the Grammy Award-winning readers of Engadget (hi, Evanescence!) already have expansive -- and expensive -- recording studios in their Bel Aire mansions. For the rest of us, however, the fruits of Avid's acquisition of M-Audio is beginning to pay off in the form of inexpensive Pro Tools bundles that see the digital audio workstation paired with entry-level recording gear. Right now, we have three Pro Tools Essentials packages for you, including: the Pro Tools Vocal Studio USB condenser mic (includes a stand and a case for $99), the Pro Tools Recording Studio comes with a Fast Track 2-in / 2-out USB audio interface with mic / line / instrument inputs ($129), and finally Pro Tools KeyStudio 49-key MIDI keyboard (bundled with M-Audio USB Micro soundcard for $99). Of course, for prices this low you can't expect the full-blown ProTools treatment, but even the streamlined version here should be sufficient for most would-be Johnny Marrs: 5 GB of instruments and loops, 60 virtual instrument sounds, and the usual reverb / chorus / delay / flanger / phaser / compression / EQ effects. To be released mid-September, but in the meantime check out the hardware in the gallery below.

Gallery: M-Audio and Digidesign team up for $99 Pro Tools + instrument bundles

090911-protools-g01

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Peripherals

M-Audio and Digidesign team up for $99 Pro Tools, hardware bundles originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 07:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Friday, September 11, 2009

Optoma Pico PK102 Projector Bragging It's World's Smallest [Projectors]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/2SRL6smpXrk/optoma-pico-pk102-projector-bragging-its-worlds-smallest

Lucky for projectors being the smallest is a good thing. Optoma says its newest 4x2 inch PK102 actually is. An upgrade to its Optoma PK101, it is now thinner but managed to squeeze in 4GB of storage.

Besides now being able to hold pictures and video, the Pico PK102 also now has a new universal port capable of receiving VGA and component video. This should make connecting it to a laptop easier and the component port will let you hook it up to your iPod or portable gaming device with the bundled cords. Other than that there aren't any substantial updates — it still got the same 480 x 320 native resolution and a DLP engine as the PK101.

The Pico PK102 is now available for $250 (which is significantly less than the $450 that the PK101 hit the market at and its 3M MPro120 competitor). The now slightly chunkier PK101 has been lowered to $230. [Optoma PR via Engadget]

Dropbox Adds Search and Bulk Operations to Web Site [Syncing]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/lfG_Evn64Gw/dropbox-adds-search-and-bulk-operations-to-web-site

Grabbing Dropbox files from a web browser got a bit easier overnight, as the file synchronizing service added search, bulk operations for separate items, Gmail-style keyboard shortcuts, and a mobile interface for non-iPhone browsers to its web site.

The site as a whole got a visual overhaul, actually, but what established Dropbox users are going to most appreciate is the ability to create new ZIP-ed packages of different files—a few files, one or two folders, and maybe that picture, all at once—and grab them. The Dropbox team also added a search bar and "Gmail-style keyboard shortcuts," ~~although we haven't seen a guide to those shortcuts as of yet.~~

Update: Reader Samuel points out that keyboard shortcuts are something you have to enable from the "Other Preferences" section of your Account settings on Dropbox's web site. Once you do, hitting "?" brings up the shortcut list you see here. Very Gmail-like indeed.

The non-iPhone mobile version, assuming I'm seeing it on my Android model, works fairly well, providing quick access to files and recent changes. We're still waiting on a dedicated iPhone app—submitted for Apple's approval about four weeks ago—but these changes, mobile and otherwise, are a nice step forward for grabbing files when you're at a non-synced computer or on your mobile device.

How It's Made: The Dropbox Web [The Dropbox Blog via TechCrunch]

TxtNinja Stashes Your Text Inside Images [Security]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/cz11LOlhHXo/txtninja-stashes-your-text-inside-images

Have something you want other people to read but not spam bots and search-engine crawlers? TxtNinja will turn your plain text into an image to keep the bots at bay.

Why might you want to forgo plain text? One of the more popular reasons is to mask your email to keep spam bots from sucking it up as they scan web pages. Leaving your email@someprovider.com in the open makes it ripe for picking. TxtNinja allows you to turn that plain text into:

The result is an image file which is human friendly but not machine readable.

TxtNinja allows you to change the font, font size, color, background, and supports international character sets for a dozen non-English languages.

TxtNinja [via MakeUseOf]

An Enlightening Look at Digital Distractions [Distractions]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/yMRqA2jCtLs/an-enlightening-look-at-digital-distractions

David McCandless, crafter of the buzz vs. bulge caffeine/calories axis we dug, examined his work days and found a kind of protocol for what was likely to pull him away from actual work. It's both smile inducing and thought provoking.

You'll chuckle once or twice reading through McCandless' examination of how certain things (hot strangers following on Twitter) are more likely to grab his attention than others (a Google AdSense summary). Then, possibly, you'll think about your own day and how certain things are absolutely irresistible, no matter how many times you tell your co-workers that you're in "crunch mode" or "keeping my head down." The idea that "device failure" is the ace attention-getter certainly holds true at Lifehacker East.

If you had to re-map the Hierarchy of Digital Distractions for your own life, what would take up the top few pyramid spots? Tell us your take in the comments, and seek therapy in our top 10 distraction stoppers.

The Hierarchy Of Digital Distractions [Information Is Beautiful via Digital Inspiration]

Twistory Backs Up Your Tweets to a Calendar Feed [Backup Utilities]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/L8ZKwiRFQrE/twistory-backs-up-your-tweets-to-a-calendar-feed

Twistory is yet another free tool to back up online accounts, specifically Twitter posts. It goes beyond a simple data dump, though, by plotting your tweets in an easy-to-import iCal feed.

Twistory is really simple to use, and doesn't require authentication. Just feed it your Twitter username—or any Twitter name, really—and it kicks back an iCal feed link that you can push into iCal, Google Calendar, or any calendar app that accepts the .ics format. Start using it with Google Calendar before you reach Twitter's 3,200 tweet backup limit, and you'll have a search-ready, exportable database of your tweets.

Twistory is a free service, doesn't require a sign-up to use. Calendar geeks, feel free to share any neat hacks you can pull off with tweets in an iCal feed in the comments.

Twistory [via The Steve Rubel Lifestream]

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