Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Facebook, displaying 176 billion ad impressions in Q1'10 is irrelevant if the clickthrus are a rounding error to ZERO - http://bit.ly/bnipK9

Use a Pseudonym to Better Control Your Searchable Online Identity You can establish and monitor your real name's Google presence, but you won't get complete control, especially when others with your name try the same tactic. Using a pseudonym/alias/author's name in conjunction with pages you control can be much more effective.

Mister Jalopy, a true DIY enthusiast, writer, and all-around device enthusiast, takes his nom de plume to the extreme, preferring not to give his real name, even in interviews. You wouldn't have to do the same to get the same benefit he does from the "Mister Jalopy" tag, though—just use a unique alias in conjunction with sites and profiles you have the most say in:

If you Google my nom de bullshit, Mister Jalopy, all the top hits are for web pages that I control. And my e-mail address is right on the front page of all of them. For detractors, fans and spam scraping robots alike, I am super easy to find.

Mister Jalopy utilizes all the methods Jason detailed in his online identity how-to, just with his alter ego instead of his real name. It's worth considering, especially if you're one of the world's Robert Smiths or Nancy Jones.

Mister Jalopy's Business Card [Dinosaurs and Robots via BoingBoing]

Use Read-Only Media to Protect Against Kiosk-Propagated Viruses [Security]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5580329/use-read+only-media-to-protect-against-kiosk-propagated-viruses

Use Read-Only Media to Protect Against Kiosk-Propagated Viruses Public kiosks, such as those used for photo printing, are exposed to thousands of USB drives and other media every month. Many of them are poorly secured and are using your media as a virus-propagation tool. Protect yourself with these simple steps.

Photo by clix.

Security blog Risky.biz reader Morgan wrote in to highlight how an unsecure photo kiosk at Big W—a Woolworth subsidiary—infected one of his flash drives with a virus.

Photo kiosks in Big W stores are allegedly infecting customers with USB-borne viruses.

The Windows-based Fuji photo kiosks located in the company's stores apparently don't run antivirus software, so lovely little bits of malicious software like Trojan.Poison-36 are winding up on customers' USB keys, according to Risky Business listener and blogger Morgan Storey.

On its own, an isolated incident of a photo kiosk infecting a USB device might not be newsworthy. But what makes this item stick out is Big W's reply to Morgan after he notified the company of the issue:

You can visit the full article at the link below to see a screenshot of the entire email but the most notable quote in the their response should give you pause.

Please note that we are currently testing anti-virus software on our Fuji photo kiosks in a number of stores, and if it is successful, we plan on rolling it out to all stores in the future.

It could be debated whether or not the virus Morgan's flash drive picked up came from that particular photo kiosk but the people in charge of the kiosk acknowledge that the kiosks have no virus protection. All it would take for each kiosk to become a virus propagating machine then—with access to thousands of USB drives, memory sticks, and SD cards a month!—is exposure to one infected flash drive.

What can you do to protect yourself against infection from a dirty public kiosk? To play it extremely safe, burn your photos to read-only media such as a writable CD or DVD. Alternately you can keep a handful of small flash drives around for the task and when you've used the last of your throw-away pile you can boot your computer with a Live CD—check out our Hive Five on the topic—and format them all.

If you've had an experience with a third-party virus infection or have a tip for keeping viruses from public computers and kiosks away from your home network, let's hear about it in the comments.

Big W Infecting Photo Printing Customers? [Risky.Biz]

New ultra-battery is the most powerful non-nuclear energy storage ever [Mad Chemistry]

Source: http://io9.com/5580592/new-ultra+battery-is-the-most-powerful-non+nuclear-energy-storage-ever

New ultra-battery is the most powerful non-nuclear energy storage ever What do you get when you combine some xenon, some fluoride, and pressures similar to those found at the center of the Earth? You get an ultra-battery, capable of storing more condensed energy than any other battery ever built.

The material used to make the "battery" is xenon difluoride (XeF₂), a white crystal primarily used to etch silicon conductors. The crystal was placed in a diamond anvil cell, a tiny device that measures only two inches by three inches. The cell uses two tiny diamond anvils (as you might expect, considering its name) to produce incredibly high pressures in tiny, contained spaces.

Normally, the molecules in xenon difluoride stay relatively far apart. The squeezing process the crystals underwent in the diamond anvil cell forced the molecules closer and closer together. At first, the squeezing caused the crystal to become a two-dimensional semiconductor, but then something even more remarkable happened. When the pressure reached a million atmospheres, similar to the pressure found halfway to the center of the Earth, the molecules formed 3D metallic "network structures", which forced all the mechanical energy of the compression process to be stored as chemical energy within the molecular bonds. At a million atmospheres, that's a whole lot of stored energy.

Heading up this research is Washington State chemistry professor Choong-Shik Yoo, who says this "is the most condensed form of energy storage outside of nuclear energy." The possible applications of the material pretty much all include the word "super": superconductors, super-oxidizing materials that can destroy chemical and biological agents, not to mention new fuels and, most obviously, an energy storage device.

[Nature Chemistry]

Logitech Revue Google TV Box Is Powered Like a Netbook [Google TV]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5580635/logitech-revue-google-tv-box-is-powered-like-a-netbook

Logitech Revue Google TV Box Is Powered Like a Netbook Logitech's Revue, their set-top-box Google TV machine, just hit the FCC and got all of its parts documented. That it's powered by a 1.2GHz Intel Atom processor and 4GB RAM isn't surprising, but the fact that it has a built-in fan is.

What this means is that unless the fan spins at quite a low speed, it's going to generate noise comparable to a netbook. Probably louder than a netbook, because it's going to be doing some intensive video tasks (as well as running apps). You can't say for sure that this is going to be loud until you see it, but the fan hints at the fact that it won't be silent. [FCC via Wireless Goodness via Liluputing via Slashgear]

AppleCare: The iPhone 4 Update Won't Solve the Antenna Problem [Iphone 4]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5580587/applecare-the-iphone-4-update-wont-solve-the-antenna-problem

AppleCare: The iPhone 4 Update Won't Solve the Antenna Problem AppleCare has confirmed what we already knew: The incoming software update won't fix the iPhone 4's transmission and reception problems. They acknowledged the antenna problem exists, offering the same solution as before: Buy a case or hold the iPhone differently.

I was secretly hoping that the software update would magically fix the iPhone 4's antenna design problem, because I really wanted to buy what otherwise is an great gadget. Unfortunately, the cosmetic change to the bar display—which promises to show the actual signal strength—will not fix the transmission/reception problem that countless iPhone 4 users are experiencing.

AppleCare's response

We called AppleCare three times today to confirm it. We told them that we were experiencing voice quality problems and call drops, as well as problems with internet access. Their response was immediate and unequivocal, the same in the three cases:

• There is an antenna interference problem when you hold the iPhone 4 in a certain way (the tests by Anandtech and many demonstration videos in the internet show that the signal drop will happen every time when you touch the phone's dead spot, on the left bottom corner).

• One solution is to hold the phone differently, avoiding to touch the left bottom corner of the phone (coincidentally, this is how models hold the iPhone 4 in most of Apple's promotional material).

• The other other solution is to buy a case or one of Apple's $30 bumpers (we are hosting a petition to ask Apple for free cases. You can sign it here).

• The incoming software update will not fix this antenna problem, only change the way the phone displays the available signal, make it more accurate.

While we already knew about it, the official AppleCare response is sad news. Like Gizmodo reader and former RF engineer for HP Medical products Gordon Cook said in a recent email: "Wrapping a metal antenna around a phone is simply asking for trouble, and Apple may in fact have realized too late that they had a real can of worms, so chose to release what they had instead of enduring a lengthy shipping delay. Now, after millions of phones shipped, and given the alternatives, screwing with the software is the only realistic way of fixing this, even if it's mostly cosmetic."

But cosmetic fixes will not stop the problem from happening. Apple should provide with a real fix to a design problem that ruins what could have been the best smartphone experience out there, bar none. And if they can't fix the units currently in the market, they should fix their manufacturing so this doesn't happen and at least provide with a free solution, like free bumpers or cases.

If you want Apple to solve this problem for free, sign the petition here and pass it around to other iPhone 4 users.

ASUS U43JC and U43F show up at Best Buy boastin' bamboo bods

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/asus-u43jc-and-u43f-show-up-at-best-buy-boastin-bamboo-bods/

ASUS has been showing off bamboo laptops at trade shows for about three years now, but actual machines adorned in the special wood haven't quite made it to market for what we'd call affordable prices... until now. The sub-$1,000 U43JC and U43F have been hanging out on Best Buy's website for the last couple of days, and will be shipping towards the end of the month. Internally, these two 14-inchers certainly match their strong exterior -- the $999 U43JC is a lot like the U30Jc we reviewed a few months ago with its Core i5-450M processor, NVIDIA Optimus / GeForce 310M graphics, and a 640GB hard drive. The $950 U43F has the same Core i5 processor, but instead sticks with Intel's graphics to get some WiDi bragging rights. We're planning to review at least one of these puppies in due time , but hey, don't let that deter you from hitting those pre-order links below.

ASUS U43JC and U43F show up at Best Buy boastin' bamboo bods originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gateway LT32 to hit retailers soon for $450

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/gateway-lt32-to-hit-retailers-soon-for-450/

We're not sure why Gateway's waited so long to release the details and pricing on the LT32 -- considering it's pretty much a rebadge of the Acer Aspire One 721 we just reviewed -- but lo and behold the HD-capable, 11.6-inch ultraportable will be hitting the street soon for $450. Just like the $430 Aspire One 721, the LT32 is powered by AMD's 1.7GHz Athlon II Neo K125 CPU, runs Windows 7 Home Premium, and packs a 250GB hard drive and 2GB of RAM. It also has ATI Radeon HD 4225 integrated graphics, which as we saw on the recent Acers handles 1080p flash and local video like a champ. From the looks of things the LT32 also seems to have a similar chassis to the 721, so we're not totally sure why you'd choose it over the Acer when it's $30 more, but perhaps there's just some Gateway diehards amongst us. Hit the break for the full release.

Continue reading Gateway LT32 to hit retailers soon for $450

Gateway LT32 to hit retailers soon for $450 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acer Aspire One D255 netbook packs Atom N550 processor, subdued appearance

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/acer-aspire-one-d255-netbook-packs-atom-n550-processor-subued-appearance/

It's been less than a month since Acer rolled out its Aspire One D260 netbook at Computex, but it looks like the company already has a followup (of sorts) lined up in the form of the Aspire One D255. That netbook is apparently mostly identical to the D260 in terms of specs, with the notable exception of a brand new dual-core Atom N550 processor -- a first for an Acer netbook. About the only other changes are some minor design tweaks that ditch the chrome accents and flake paint options found on the D260 -- but don't worry, that impossible to miss Aspire One logo on the lid is still there. No word on availability just yet, but we're working to get that information out of Acer.

Acer Aspire One D255 netbook packs Atom N550 processor, subdued appearance originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 03:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netbook Reviews | source

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Lenovo IdeaCentre A310 slips into something a little more Corefortable

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/lenovo-ideacentre-a310-slips-into-something-a-little-more-corefo/

We never felt like the thing holding the IdeaCentre A300 back was its CPU, but that hasn't stopped Lenovo from tacking an extra 10 onto the product number and a modern Core i3-350M inside. The 2.26GHz chip is a dual-core mobile affair, built on Intel's famed 32nm process, and offers an integrated 45nm graphics processor just for kicks as well. For this newfound privilege, Japanese buyers will be expected to pony up ¥109,000 ($1,243) when the A310 becomes available on July 17. Bear in mind that includes a bundled external DVD rewriter, the lack of which was one of our bigger disappointments with this otherwise gorgeous 21.5-inch all-in-one family -- now if Lenovo could only offer a version with a matte screen, we might even care enough to buy one.

Lenovo IdeaCentre A310 slips into something a little more Corefortable originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 05:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PC Watch Impress | source

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Tuesday, July 06, 2010

HTC quarterly profits improve by a third, beat even its own lofty expectations

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/htc-quarterly-profits-improve-by-a-third-beat-even-its-own-loft/

We were impressed with HTC back in April when it forecast a record $1.6 billion revenue for itself over the second quarter, but lo and behold, the Taiwanese superphone maker has gone and outdone that with a $1.88 billion income over the period between April and June. Reporting a very solid 33 percent improvement in profits year-on-year -- $268 million versus $202 million 12 months ago -- the company points to strong sales (no doubt catalyzed by Android's growing popularity) as the chief culprit for its newly increased tax bill. Guess that shows that having a wide catalog of high-end devices doesn't preclude raking in the cash, provided they're all desirable enough to garner mind and market share.

HTC quarterly profits improve by a third, beat even its own lofty expectations originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 06:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roverpad comes clean with five new tablet PCs, one running Tegra

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/roverpad-comes-clean-with-five-new-tablet-pcs-one-running-tegra/

And here you were thinking this whole "tablet revolution" thing was a myth, huh? Out of seemingly nowhere, Russia's own Rover Computer has just issued not one, not two, but five new tablet PCs for its nine time zones, with one of 'em boasting Windows CE 6.0 and the others running on Google's Android system. Kicking things off is the Air G70, which will boast a 7-inch resistive touchscreen, a 667MHz ARM11 CPU, 256MB of RAM, a 4GB internal flash drive, WiFi, optional 3G and a microSD expansion slot. Next up is the Go G50, Android-powered 5-inch slate that relies on a Marvell PXA303, 128MB of RAM, 2GB of storage as well as 3G, WiFi, a microSD slot and a USB socket. Going even smaller is the aptly-named Air G70, which checks in with a 4-inch display (800 x 480 resolution, though), support for a multitude of file formats and compatibility with navigation software. The Go G72 steps it back up to a 7-inch panel, but also throws in a webcam, Bluetooth, GPS chip and a hint of color around the edges. Finally, the 7-inch TegA W70 will hum along with NVIDIA's Tegra within, and being the flagship that it is, it'll also include HDMI, 4GB of flash storage, 3G, a webcam, 512MB of RAM, a capacitive touchscreen and Android 2.1. Pricing details have yet to be hammered out across the line, but we're told to expect the family on store shelves by October.

Update: We've received credible information that Rover may not actually survive as a company long enough to release these. Word has it that the general manager just bolted, and the vast majority of the marketing team was let go. In their words, the company is "practically bankrupt now," and it's unlikely the firm will find the funds to brand these otherwise vanilla ODM designs as its own.

Roverpad comes clean with five new tablet PCs, one running Tegra originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 05:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS Eee PC 1015, 1016 and 1018 to finally ship in August (Updated: some shipping now)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/asus-eee-pc-1015-1016-and-1018-to-finally-ship-in-august/

Well, it's about time! We've been following ASUS's next generation Eee PC 1015, 1016 and 1018 since their CeBIT debut in early March, and all three are finally primed and prepped to arrive by the end of July / beginning of August. ASUS claims, the aluminum-clad 1016 and 1018 will be hitting the US market in three to four weeks, while the 1015 will trail a few weeks behind. According to Excaliberpc.com -- where the first two are already up for pre-order -- the 1018P will ring up at $429.99 and boasts a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N455 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive and three USB 3.0 ports. The 1016P, which is pictured above, has the same processor, but comes in at a higher $499.99 most likely due to its 2GB of memory and 320GB of storage. The 1015 isn't up for order anywhere, though it did just cross the good ol' FCC, so it shouldn't be long before its final specs and pricing are revealed. We're actually a bit giddy to finally see these higher end Eees arriving, and the pre-order links are below for those reckless adventurers that may share the same excitement.

Updated: Well, well, well. It appears that the 1018p and 1015p are already on Best Buy's website and are shipping right NOW for substantially less than we thought!

ASUS Eee PC 1015, 1016 and 1018 to finally ship in August (Updated: some shipping now) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netbook News | source

Excaliberpc (1016p), Excaliberpc.com (1018p), Eeepc.it (1015 FCC) | Email this | Comments

Oregon Scientific ATC9K HD Action Camera does 1080p underwater (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/oregon-scientific-atc9k-hd-action-camera-does-1080p-underwater/

Another action cam joins the 1080p fold. Oregon Scientific, maker of many a fine weather station and the odd helmet cam, has released details on its ATC9K Action Camera. It'll do 1080p video, five megapixel photos, is waterproof to 20 meters, comes with an IR remote, and even has an integrated G meter so that you can see just how big a knock your head took on that last ill-advised endo. GPS is an option too, so you can mark your gnarliest adventures on Google Maps, but there's no mention of price despite the thing set to start shipping here in just a few days. An early unboxing video waits for you after the break, as well as a demo clip that uses extreme angles to make you extremely nauseous. Curiously, all of the demonstrations we've seen have had their audio replaced by awful music, leading us to guess this cam has either a poor microphone or simply has none at all.

Gallery: Oregon Scientific ATC9K

Continue reading Oregon Scientific ATC9K HD Action Camera does 1080p underwater (video)

Oregon Scientific ATC9K HD Action Camera does 1080p underwater (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Chrome gets some early device orientation 'plumbing'

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/google-chrome-gets-some-early-device-orientation-plumbing/

We remember well the first time we managed to put an accelerometer in our possession to good use: back when the MacBook Pros started shipping with them as sudden motion sensors to protect the hard drive, someone hooked up some light saber noises to the tilt motion. A few months later we were pretending to make light saber noises with the Wii, and then the iPhone came along and democratized the accelerometer-based light saber noise for all of humanity. Next up? The browser. Firefox 3.6 already supports this capability, and now Chromium is getting some early work in that direction as well -- and with the browser-as-OS that Google's Chrome OS represents, Chromium's support of this feature is welcome news indeed. We hear that light saber noise-producing low fat snacks are next on the docket!

Google Chrome gets some early device orientation 'plumbing' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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