geeksugar -- Geek is chic.

Google Introduces Picasa For Mac

geeksugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:02:19 -0800

Christmas for geeks comes in January, as we're in the midst of both MacWorld and CES. Google's gift for us today is Picasa for Mac. It doesn't matter if you're already using iPhoto or Picasa on the web, Picasa for Mac is a seamless companion.

Its standout features are the photo management and organization, as well as its editing abilities (including the genius ways Picasa preserves your original files, post-editing). Want to see it in action before you download? Check out this video demo.

Daily Tech: LG to Unveil a Slim LED-Backlit LCD TV at CES

geeksugar — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:02:44 -0800

Get ready, get set, because LG is getting ready to show off its tiny LH95 LED-lit LCD television at the Consumer Electronics Show next week. — The Boy Genius Report
Google Search, Maps, Image Search, and Gmail rank as Google's top four products. — TechCrunch
A mass influx of Zune 30GB owners are reporting that their players started locking up at midnight last night. — Engadget
Want to make sure your decaf cup of coffee is really decaf? There's actually some new strips that can read the caffeine content in coffee. — CrunchGear
Check out the top 12 tech flops in the tech world from the past year. — Switched

Best of 2008 Winner: Favorite New Google Feature

geeksugar — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:30:04 -0800

Gmail had a banner year in 2008 — but really, when have they not? I would have thought that in their big year — whose crowning glory was the release of T-mobile's Android-outfitted G1 — you guys would have found a favorite in the first Google cell phone.

However, like Google itself, you kept it simple, and voted the new Gmail Themes as your favorite new Google feature!

With 32 percent of the vote, it ousted heavy hitters like the brand-new G1 and the new Chrome browser. They impressed me as well — Gmail Themes are also my pick for favorite new Google feature!

Don't forget to check out the other Best of 2008 winners!

Those Three Little Words: "I Google You"

geeksugar — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:02:31 -0800

Chanteuse Amanda Palmer, formerly of the Dresden Dolls, is a girl after my own heart. At a recent performance, she busted out with a sultry tune about modern courtship — "I Google You."

Amazing how seductive geeky can be, eh? I've been saying it for years, but it turns out I should have been using Palmer's voice to do so.

Is Your House on Google Street View?

geeksugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 07:00:32 -0800

What a difference a year makes, especially if you are The Google. The monolith says that in 2008 alone, Street View's coverage has more than doubled in the US! Even my dad's super rural home is now on Street View, to my total shock. I know I've asked you guys before if you had seen your homes on Street View, but many people mentioned that their houses weren't even on yet. Considering yesterday's mass addition to its coverage, I want to know: Is your place on Street View?

Is Your House on Google Street View?

Yes, my house is on Google Street View!

No, you can't see my house on Street View.

Something else. See my comment below.

Get a Tip a Day With Google Countdown!

geeksugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 07:00:09 -0800

Eeeeeee! It's almost 2009! Whether or not you have done all you wanted to in 2008 (at the very least, do try to make your voice heard on some Best of 2008 polls), the end of the year is nigh — and Google wants to help you get there with Google Countdown.

Follow along with Google and you'll be rewarded one useful tip per day (such as iGoogle holiday themes and baking measurements). Me, I just like seeing the days, hours, and minutes count down before my eyes. . . like sands through the hourglass.

What Is Your Favorite New Google Feature?

geeksugar — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 10:00:44 -0800

When I reminisce about the Best of 2008 I can't help but think Google. Their biggest addition to the geek world in 2008 is probably the Android platform (which now runs on the T-mobile G1 phone), but other features and updates like the Chrome Browser, Gmail themes and additions, iGoogle (and themes), Knol (Google’s Wikipedia), Mail Goggles for Gmail, Picasa 3.0 and Video Chat for Gmail all provided their own unique function and entertainment.

How to Get Your Own (Mostly Free) Gmail Stickers!

geeksugar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 07:30:35 -0800

Gmail is dead serious about making their own stickers, and like any good geek, I started freaking out about how much I wanted these immediately.

But, as we already know, Google is a fair and lovely company, and has made it easy for you to get your own. No, there's no online order form, you just have to send a self-addressed stamped envelope (remember those?!) to:

Send me some Gmail stickers already
P.O. Box 391420
Mountain View, CA 94039-1420

Better send it in soon, because you know those will not last. Oh, and my fave is definitely the Gmail m-velope.

Have Some Holiday Fun With Google Docs

geeksugar — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:00:15 -0800

Why spend a small fortune on things like holiday cards, gift tags, and festive mail labels when you can get them all for free on Google Docs? Google Docs offers a great selection of holiday templates that include the holiday snowflake postcard, address labels, holiday gift tags, and video card templates. And if you're like me and you need an updated address list for friends and family members, there's even a template that makes it easy to gather addresses. Just sign in to Google Docs and click on any of the above links to get started, or click on File, then New, then Holiday to see all of the ones you can choose from.

And for gift ideas, make sure you head on over to HolidaySugar!

Daily Tech: Let Me Google That For You Is Search in Slow-Mo

geeksugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:55:09 -0800

The next time someone asks you a question that is "Googleable" a new funny site called Let Me Google That For You lets you do a Google Search and then copy the search link so you can send it to that friend. When the person clicks on the link, it will direct them to the actual search results page. Funny and harmless. — Lifehacker
Snoop Dogg recently appeared on The Martha Stewart Show (yes, random), and he told Martha about his texting habits and his love for his BlackBerry. — Switched
The reviews for the BlackBerry Storm are in, and so far it's not living up to all of the hype. — Gizmodo
Designer Mac Funamizu has created two glass phone concepts that offer multiple uses, but are certainly fingerprint prone. — Yanko Design
Last Day! It's giveaway time! Be sure to log in for your chances to win a Nintendo DS Lite and fitness games! — geeksugar

Gmail Gets Trendy New Themes!

geeksugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:11:29 -0800

You know the pleasure you get when you add a colorful new theme to your iGoogle page? OK, multiply that by 1,000, and I give you the sleek new themes for Gmail. Just launched today, there are already 30 different themes to choose from — ranging from nature themes to shiny and chrome-style themes. Google has given Gmail a little makeover with crisper and cleaner lines (it reminds me of Google reader). To spice up your email, go to the themes section in settings and you should see the new themes. And if you don't see them, keep checking back and they should appear sometime within the next few days!

Do You Use Google Docs?

geeksugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:45:38 -0800

If you haven't tested out Google Docs yet, what's stopping you? The spreadsheets were indispensable for me over the last few months when I collaborated with friends on a party and planned a trip out of town with several friends — my boyfriend and I even use it to make grocery lists (watching someone edit your doc simultaneously is endlessly fascinating).So I was shocked when I read that only 1 percent of users utilize Google Docs, and that people are still using Microsoft Office. I use both; not ready, I guess, to completely live on the cloud and go Google Docs all the way, but I can foresee a day when I might. What about you? Are you a Google Docs user?

Do You Use Google Docs?

Yes, I use Google Docs.

No, I don't use Google Docs.

Something else. See my comment below!

Definition: Googleganger

geeksugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:02:52 -0800

Similar to a doppelganger, who is your physical twin, a Googleganger is someone "with the same name as you whose records and/or stories are mixed in with your own when you Google yourself."

True story: When I started dating my boyfriend, he Googled me, only to find someone with the same name as me who wrote awful amateur love poetry. Luckily, he liked me enough to see past the terrible poems — at least until he told me he saw my poems, and I explained that I merely had a Googleganger!

Source

Daily Tech: BlackBerry Storm Arriving on Nov. 21 For $199

geeksugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:33:54 -0800

The official date has arrived! On Nov. 21, you'll be able to pick up the BlackBerry Storm from Verizon for $199 on a two-year contract (and after a $50 mail-in rebate). — Engadget
Set to debut next month is Belkin's Swith-to-Mac Cable ($50), which will make file copying from computer to computer a breeze. — Unplggd
Sony is currently working on new image sensor that could offer a 12-megapixel resolution on cameraphones! — Wired
The Predict and Prevent team at Google noticed that data from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed a direct correlation between searches for flu-related terms and symptoms. — Switched
It's giveaway time! Be sure to log in for your chances to win a Nintendo DS Lite and fitness games! — geeksugar

Google's NYC Office: You Had Me at Lego Wall

geeksugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:00:13 -0800

Dream office alert! I thought I had hit workplace nirvana when I visited Google's NorCal headquarters, but it appears that I am sorely mistaken. Check out this video of their NYC office, which has a Lego wall, an old computer museum, and a live screen of current Google searches!

Daily Tech: Google Improves Its Search Page For the iPhone!

geeksugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:10:22 -0800

Last night, Google rolled out some new improvements for search on the iPhone, including more links to phone numbers, directions, and map previews. — Lifehacker
Good news! A big California web hosting company that contributed to a majority of the world's junk emails has finally been shut down. — Switched
Christina Aguilera recently revealed to MTV that she loves playing Mario Kart on her Nintendo DS. — Kotaku
On Nov. 24, Sling Media will make its new video portal open to the public, offering TV episodes, clips, and full-length movies. — CNET
It's giveaway time! Be sure to log in for your chances to win a Nintendo DS Lite and fitness games! — geeksugar

Gmail Gets Video and Voice Chat!

geeksugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:00:12 -0800

Talk about Google rolling out an exciting new FREE feature! If you have friends and family all over the world, and hate the thought of spending a small fortune on long distance calls, you can now use Gmail to chat via voice or video! Available on Macs and PCs within the next couple of days, Gmail users will be able to select "start video chat" or "start voice chat" right from their chat windows and start talking for free. Even if you don't have a webcam, you can still have voice conversations with this useful plugin. To install, visit this link or click on options in the Gmail chat window and choose "add voice/video chat." Thank you Google!

Google's Best Attribute: Technology or Customer Service?

geeksugar — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 13:10:32 -0800

I don't need to go off on a rant about why I love Google so much, lest I compromise my professionalism by being too gushy. In short, it's the quality of Google's technology and products that won me over, but what keeps me an avid user is its customer service.The company's latest achievement is the new Google Help Forums, which include improved searching and a ranking system so you can get support easier and faster. I love the accompanying video to this new announcement, because I feel it shows them really considering what their customer wants and needs. It's a tossup as to what makes Google great.What do you think?

Google's Best Attribute: Technology or Customer Service?

Technology/products

Customer service

Other (see my comment below)

I don't like Google.

Google Adds Colorful (and Animated) Emoticons to Gmail!

geeksugar — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:04:33 -0700

What's with Google rolling-out all the Gmail upgrades lately? First with the Gmail Mobile Enhancements and now Gmail finally has emoticons? Whatever their reasons, I'm just glad they did!

To start using these colorful cartoons, just click on the smiley face located in the formatting toolbar when you are composing an email (if you don't see it, make sure you have rich formatting turned on and sign out and sign back in), and start clicking away to add wonderful emoticons to your emails!

Google Enhances Gmail For Cell Phones

geeksugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 02:00:31 -0700

As you already know, I bat for both cell phone teams: the iPhone and the BlackBerry Curve. So I'm thrilled that Google is introducing Gmail for mobile 2.0 — the faster, stronger, better, mail client for cell phones, naturally. What can you do now that you couldn't do before? You get offline access so you can whip up emails while sitting on the bus to send later, you will also get better service in low signal areas and you'll now be able to access multiple Gmail or Google Apps email accounts. Check out the changes in action below!

Royally Geeky: The Queen Visits Google, Loves Viral Videos!

geeksugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:00:08 -0700

Bow to your Queen Geek, ladies and gents! Queen Elizabeth II (she of her very own YouTube channel) paid a visit to a modern place of worship: Google. No, she's not in California, but rather Google's London HQ.

While there, the Queen watched a YouTube video and laughed her little hat off — it's so refreshing that she's just like us, giggling at funny Internet videos.

Want to know what video tickled her? It was this one!

Daily Tech: Watch the Presidential Debates Online With Hulu!

geeksugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:30:01 -0700

If you want to watch the debate coverage tonight, but aren't going to be near a television, you can catch all the action on Hulu, who will be streaming tonight's presidential debate live. They will also be streaming the Oct. 15 debate as well! — Download Squad
Google has just launched one of the coolest tools to date people who have a tendency to send drunken emails — Google's Mail Goggles! When activated, this helpful program will force users to solve a series of math programs before being able to send any emails. It's set up to work on weekend nights, but you can change the settings. — Wired
Looking for some great sites where you can post your high-definition videos? Have a peek at some of the options. — USA Today
Google employees have been spotted surfing the web with their T-Mobile Android phones. — CNET News
The invitation site MyPunchbowl has unveiled the 2.0 version of its site that includes a new interface and a custom electronic invitation creator. — TechCrunch

Daily Tech: T-Mobile's G1 Boxed and Unboxed

geeksugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:35:21 -0700

The first pictures of T-Mobile's G1 Android handset have been spotted in the wild. Next up? The official unboxing! — Engadget
Google is celebrating its 10th birthday by honoring their old-school search engine from 2001. Gosh, does this ever bring back memories! — TechCrunch
Considering purchasing a new computer soon? Here are five things to consider before splurging for a new desktop. — Switched
The Marriott and Renaissance Hotels in New York City, Boston, Maryland, and Phoenix are said to be fully equipped with Nintendo Wiis in all of their guest rooms. Game titles so far include Wii Sports, Wii Fit, Mario Kart Wii, and Super Mario Galaxy. — Yahoo! Tech
Wired Gadget Lab takes a look at the Microsoft Zune and the iPod nano, discussing the pros and cons of each. — Wired
Google has just added a Google Image Search option, which is helpful when you want actual photo to appear, rather than just illustrations and logos. — Lifehacker

Google Goes All Out For its Tenth Birthday!

geeksugar — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 07:07:16 -0700

I can never seem to get enough Google goodness, so when I discovered that it was Google's tenth birthday this month and that they set up a fun educational website for this special occasion, I was all over it! Learn trivia tidbits about the company — like what the most popular Google.com search query was in 1999, or when Klingon became one of Google's supported languages — you can find all of these fun facts on their site. You can also check out a really neat time line that showcases all of the Google milestones from the past ten years!

Google Maps Gets NYC Transit Directions

geeksugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 02:00:36 -0700

Go Google! I've already confessed how much I love Google Maps, and that was even before the latest news — Google Maps now offers transit info for the entire New York metro region! With the transit option you can check out transit stops in your area and view station information and schedules. Did you know that Google Maps offers transit info for other cities like Chicago and San Francisco? Be sure to see if your city is on the list. Oh, and if you need to find out what time your train is going to arrive while on the go, you can visit m.google.com/nyc for transit directions on your cell phone.

Website of the Day: What Google Knows

geeksugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:00:17 -0700

Does Google's seemingly infinite knowledge make you nervous? I mean, they've got your email, photos, documents, and now your browsing history. Even if they have sworn not to be evil, you've got to be curious about what they know. Enter What Google Knows, the perfect website to fuel your curiosity and paranoia!

It turns out that their knowledge is vast and secretive. They know where Carmen Sandiego is, you guys.

And PS, it actually makes me really nervous that Google knows how to kill Chuck Norris.

Daily Tech: Google Reveals "An Almost Complete" Android Phone

geeksugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:55:27 -0700

It hasn't officially been announced, but Google showed off its latest pics of a working Android Handset at a Developer Day in London. — Engadget
The Internet provider Wayport will be enabling wireless music downloads for Microsoft Zune customers in WiFi hotspots at more than 9,800 McDonalds. — CrunchGear
MTV has just launched the Backchannel, a new online game that mixes chat and social networking tools. Basically providing you with a new place to complain about characters on The Hills. — Switched
Note to self. Be sure to erase all the data on my cell phone before I sell, recycle, trade, or give it away. A woman's phone ended up on eBay after she donated it to charity; with all of her personal information intact. — Consumerist
George Lucas decided to make a "surprise" appearance at the official launch party for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed at Best Buy in San Francisco. — Crave CNET
It's giveaway time! Be sure to log in to your TeamSugar account for your chances to win geek-chic beach gadgets and accessories! — geeksugar

Google Rolls Out a Mobile App for the BlackBerry

geeksugar — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 06:55:12 -0700

I've been using Google Mobile on my BlackBerry Curve for a while now and I absolutely love it; let's just say that the built-in web browser and map on the BlackBerry is . . . ugh. Well Google is kicking it up a notch by introducing a Google Mobile App download for the BlackBerry, which offers all the same features you've grown to love with Google Mobile (like Gmail, Maps, News, and you Reader), but it also comes with a faster Google search, Google suggest, Search history and other useful goodies. To download just go to m.google.com on your BlackBerry device.

Play With Gmail Labs to Enhance Your Gmail Account

geeksugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:40:14 -0700

As a Gmail convert, you have probably already messed around in your settings to optimize your email experience, and no doubt you've come here for helpful Gmail tips, like how the period in Gmail accounts can go basically anywhere in your email address, but are you aware of Gmail Labs?

To hear what I like about Gmail Labs, just

New iGoogle Designer Themes Continue to be Hot, Hot, Hot

geeksugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 02:00:11 -0700

It doesn't matter that it's the end of the Summer, Google continues to churn out one hot product after the other. In the past two weeks alone, we saw the launch of Chrome and the facial-recognition technology of Picasa, and now they've released more fabulous iGoogle themes.

Where the first batch of designer themes included Todd Oldham, Diane Von Furstenburg, and Dolce & Gabbana, this crop includes not only designers like Stella McCartney, Vera Wang, Anna Sui, and Burberry, but some off-the-wall choices like Radiohead and Gnarls Barkley. I can't take my eyes (or iGoogle page) away from the Stella McCartney theme; what's your pick?

Do You Read the News in the Newspaper or the Internet?

geeksugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:03:46 -0700

Extra! Extra! Read all about Google bringing old newspaper articles and archives online, right on. . . their blog? So yes, Google is going to start digitizing news archives so you can read virtually any article ever published in any newspaper. Excellent news, to be sure, but I'm also wrapping my head around reading the news on newsprint, on the Internet; will my head actually explode if there is an old published article about Google that I'm reading on Google's Chrome? I may be stretching this, but let's talk this out — do you ever have a real newspaper in your hands anymore, or do you exclusively read news on the Internet now?

Do You Read the News in the Newspaper or the Internet?

The newspaper.

The Internet.

Something else (TV, radio, etc.). See my comment below.

I don't read the news.

Will You Download Google's New Chrome Browser?

geeksugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 05:00:44 -0700

Dilemma! What's a Google-devoted but equally Firefox-loving geek to do? When Google broke the news over the holiday weekend that they were releasing a new browser called Chrome, I was excited, but also a little guilty-feeling since I use and adore Firefox.Google Chrome promises a faster and simpler interface, which sound great (the download is still only available to PC users, btw), but I'll have to play around a bit before I decide to make the switch. Considering that 65 percent said you were Firefox users in last year's browser poll, I assume many of you are also pretty content with Mozilla's browser. But the question begs to be asked — will you download Chrome's browser (that is, if you haven't already)?

Will You Download Google's New Chrome Browser?

Yes, I'll download Google's Chrome browser.

No, I don't need a new browser, thank you!

Maybe — when I see whether it's better than what I'm currently using.

Something else. See my comment below.

Follow What Obama and McCain Are Reading on the Internet!

geeksugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:30:56 -0700

This is the first campaign we've got to follow in this particular age of the Internet; with blogs, every little story becomes a big story, every mountain a molehill, as word-of-mouth has become URL-link-hand-offs. I'm already trying to keep up with CitizenSugar, and now, you can keep up with what the candidates and their campaigns are reading themselves, with Google's new Power Readers feature.

The Power Readers page is like reading shared items in Google Reader, only instead of a shared blog post from your friend, it's from Barack Obama. Choice on his reading list? The Daily Show!

Use Google Talk in Safari on Your iPhone

geeksugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:45:55 -0700

I'll admit this isn't a life-changing tip, but a reminder that Google Talk has been redesigned specifically for the iPhone. It runs right in your Safari browser, so you don't have to download any special application. All you have to do is navigate to talk.google.com and sign in to your account.

The version was made to work in your browser so you'll be automatically signed out of Talk when you navigate to a different browser window or app. That means you won't always be online, but you can check in at any time to see if your friends are online or if they have updated their clever status updates.

Googlers Ham It Up For Street View — Including the Icon!

geeksugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Remember when I said my goal was to spot the Google Street View cars around town? Old goal! My new goal is to be spotted. My inspirations are these Google employees, who clowned around at the Googleplex (on the clock, I'd bet too) for their very own Street View cameras.

I have a small sampling of the madness in the gallery below, but visit Google Blogoscoped to see more of this goofy "photo shoot," including a YMCA and mime tribute! Of course my very favorite picture is this one, with the Street View icon himself (he's so tall!).

And I take back all my gushings about wanting to live/work/eat/sleep at the Google headquarters. It looks way too serious for me.

Google Launches Knol, a Wikipedia Competitor

geeksugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:00:54 -0700

Google has just launched a new product called Knol, a website which contains a few hundred articles actually called "Knols." It's similar to Wikipedia in that it's open to the public and encourages "experts" on various topics to contribute their knowledge online, although it differs by making the author of the Knols sign their real names — unlike the anonymity of Wikipedia.

Google will actually go to the trouble of verifying a writer's identity, either by credit card or phone, which is said to only take 20 seconds. I guess once you can see the name behind the content, it definitely adds some reputability to the information being presented.

So far, I'm seeing quite the abundance of health topic entries, but hopefully in due time the subject matter will expand.

Daily Tech: Now Get Walking Directions With Google Maps

geeksugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:50:47 -0700

Love it! Now when you type in directions on Google Maps, you can change from driving directions to walking directions with the click of a button. — Lifehacker
Nissan Motor's and Tennessee’s state government are teaming up to promote the local use of electric cars, with Nissan planning to release electric cars in the US by 2010. — CrunchGear
Remember the Zune guy, with the ginormous tattoo? Well he's not so impressed with Zune anymore and is planning to cover up his Zune tattoos with something else. — Engadget
It's almost back-to-school time, and what does that mean? New gadgetry! Check out Switched's list of the best iPod docks for your dorm room. — Switched
Want a clean, clutter-free workspace? Here's a modern and chic desk, which may do the trick. — Unplggd
It's giveaway time! Be sure to log in for your chance to win a new iPhone 3G by Apple! — geeksugar

Geek Tip: Text Google to Find the Best Prices While Shopping!

geeksugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:00:21 -0700

This geek tip is coming to you courtesy of Real Simple, and without being too punny, it is real simple. I knew you could text Google for info on mostly anything, and I was really stoked when I found the Checkout SmartShop iPhone app last week.

But if you don't have an iPhone or don't want to pay $5 for the app, then RS advises you to text 466453 with the item name that you spot while out shopping (like "Joe's Jeans Muse") and then type "price" after that.

Google will then text you back with the price of that item at different stores! You won't overspend if you have tech on your side (well . . . maybe you won't).

Source

Google's New Virtual Reality Site Launches . . . In Real Life

geeksugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 07:30:04 -0700

Since Second Life is so five years ago, you can either stay with the same 'ole, same 'ole, or jump ship and live out your virtual reality dreams in some new digs brought to you by Google. Lively, the new VR world lets you create avatars, design and customize your "chat" rooms, and invite other users to visit, helping you make new friends to hang out with. . . virtually.

But what's different about Lively than other virtual reality sites like Second Life, is you aren't stuck on one website to roam around in. You can enter Lively from sites like Facebook (which is already up and running), other social networking sites, and blogs. Still in beta, Lively is free, but only available to Windows users running IE and Firefox. Hopefully, the Mac fans will be able to invade your virtual world soon!

YouTube Ordered to Shell Out Viewer Info

geeksugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:30:53 -0700

If you've ever checked out YouTube clips from The Daily Show and The Colbert Report (among many others), your information may soon be released to Viacom — they've been granted access to private user data to find out how many people are watching!

Part of a copyright infringement lawsuit, Google was ordered to release the deets about how many times copyrighted clips are played, and who's watching to determine if damages are owed to Viacom.

Viacom claims that Google knew about the infringements and could do more to stop it. Although the Goog was opposed to handing over the 12 terabytes of data (that's a lot), saying that info should be kept private, Viacom assures us that they will proceed with caution. Here's more:

Any data provided will be used exclusively for the purpose of proving our case against YouTube and Google (and) will be handled subject to a court protective order and in a highly confidential manner.

Thoughts of anonymity and identity theft come to my paranoid mind when companies are forced to hand over user information, but does this case make you think twice before using YouTube if your info and viewing history (no matter how delicately handled) are available for others to see? Tell me your thoughts in the comments below.

Source

Geek Tip: Put Your Gmail Account to Work For You

geeksugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:00:22 -0700

I love learning new tips and tricks for managing my Gmail account so I was thrilled to see the official Gmail blog celebrated its one-year anniversary with a rundown of its 10 most-viewed tips.

While I've already put together my own Top 10 Gmail Tips it was really interesting to see theirs. Here are highlights of the Gmail list:

Tips for importing old mail into Gmail — Considering the amount of storage on Gmail it really is worth it to import your most precious message from your old accounts into one account. Their guide is shockingly easy to follow.
Two ways to get more out of your account — Gmail notes that when you choose a Gmail address, you actually get more than just "yourusername@gmail.com." You can insert one or several dots (".") anywhere in your email address. Gmail doesn't recognize periods as characters in addresses, they actually just ignore them. (This is one of my classic faves.)
Five little-known Gmail features — Did you know you can share Gmail searches with friends? I didn't! You can prove that you did indeed send that message. Search for the message and when you find it listed in the results, just copy and paste the URL and email it to your friend. When she goes to that link while in Gmail, your friend's Gmail will run the same search you ran and will be able to locate that "lost" email instantly. It's time to make some bets!

Want more? Check out the complete list on the Gmail blog.

Google Street View Car Pulled Over by the Fuzz!

geeksugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 04:30:19 -0700

Coincidence of coincidences? Remember how I was talking that noise yesterday about wanting to spot a Google Street View car and Earthmine being the next best thing? Well that wasn't the next best thing, but this is: A Google Street View car (Prius, to be responsibly exact) was snapped — while being pulled over!

No word on why he was being pulled over, but something tells me that cop had an ounce of curiosity and a few minutes to kill.

Source

Google Sari: Love It or Leave It?

geeksugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:46:50 -0700

OK, no, you can't buy this Google Sari from ThinkGeek (but I guess you can make it, so Etsy sellers, start your engines), but this takes geekwear into a whole new level.Spotted at a mall in India by a Boing Boing reader, there's no word on whether this was simply a display or if these were on sale inside. Sheer glee has me hoping for the latter. What do you think of this intersection of Delhi and Mountain View?Source

Google Sari: Love It or Leave It?

Love it!

Leave it!

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Google's Toilets Are High-Tech and Luxurious

geeksugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 06:00:02 -0700

After attending the Doodle 4 Google awards day at the Googleplex in Mountain View, California, I was certainly enamored with all of the goodies offered to full-time staffers. But what I happened to miss, and should have sought out to see if the rumors were true, were the posh Toto toilets. According to sfist, these modern toilets - found in Google's California offices - not only offer front and rear cleansing but they'll dry you as well! And for those employees that don't feel like getting the full bidet treatment, they can rest and relax on the toilet's heated seat. This takes the saying "business as usual" to a whole new level!
Source

Daily Tech: The Andriod to Get More People Using the Web Via Their Cell

geeksugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:10:07 -0700

The open-source Android OS is said to be making its debut later this year and under the Android rules, everyone's their own boss as phones are set to get more web friendly thanks to Google. — Wired
Dell's colorful new Studio laptops have officially been announced with prices starting at $799 for the 15-inch Studio 15 model. — USA Today
Nintendo gets a big thumbs down for its "Green" ranking. According to the "Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics" who ranked 18 different electronics companies by how green their products and production processes are, Nintendo sadly came in last place. — Switched
Lifehacker tallies up five of the best desktop media players. — Lifehacker
The new and improved iPhone 3G may support MMS, an internal AT&T memo reveals. — CrunchGear
Movies and TV shows will be available for download on the PS3 sometime this Summer. — Crave

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Android Steals the Limelight From the iPhone 3G

geeksugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 06:20:27 -0700

Just when we get swept off our feet and are falling head over heels in love with the iPhone 3G, the underdog comes in for the kill — the Android!

Google's Senior Director of Mobile Platforms, Andy Rubin, has already started showing off the Android's open source operating system to the media, and it looks glorious! One fabulous feature of the Android's OS is its ability to multitask, allowing multiple applications and programs to function at once. . . effortlessly, without your phone freezing up! Phones will need at least a 200MHz ARM 9 processor for the OS to operate, and it will be compatible with a variety of keyboard types and small or large screens.

Which Google Mogul Would You Rather Go to Space With?

geeksugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:06:23 -0700

Well, he has already beat Lance Bass in my book: Google cofounder Sergey Brin has put up $5 million to reserve a seat to space! I guess if I was worth about $18 billion dollars, I'd make my way to space eventually, too (after Fiji, all of Europe, Antarctica, you know). Being a long-time Sergey-lover, I'm more concerned with who will be sitting in the seat next to him (all relationships notwithstanding) because between him and his other Googler, Larry Page, I'd pick Sergey every time. Who would you pick to fly you to the moon?Source

Which Google Mogul Would You Rather Go to Space With?

Sergey Brin

Larry Page

Neither! (What?!)

Daily Tech: Google's New "g" Logo Isn't That New

geeksugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:15:00 -0700

If you haven't already noticed, Google has introduced a tiny new g favicon that is shown in your browser's address bar. A g that bears a striking resemblence to the one that's on a Garth Brooks two-CD set. — Valleywag
Downloadable apps for the iPod Touch and iPhone are said to become available on June 27. — CrunchGear
Now full episodes of both The Daily Show and The Colbert Report are being streamed online for free via Hulu. — Switched
Vaja (the creators behind the hot iPhone cases) has just released the leather ivolution for the Macbook Air that provides both protection and sleekness. — Unplggd
Wondering what goodies you get with the new iPhone 3G? Not a ton of stuff, just the basics. — Gizmodo