Robert Scoble Is Switching To Android

rumour has it that this guy is known in america. i’ve never heard of him
http://readwrite.com/2013/02/19/robe…ing-to-android

Quote:

Social media maven Robert Scoble says he’s migrating from Apple to Android. “I’m no longer an Apple fanboy,” Scoble wrote in a post on Google+ yesterday. “I’m getting ready to leave the Apple platform and switch to Android.”

That might not seem like a big deal. But the fact is, a lot of people follow Scoble on social media and consider him influential. They respect his opinion. And Scoble isn’t just any fanboy. He’s the kind who camps outside Apple stores and sleeps on the sidewalk when a new Apple product is coming out and cheers like a triumphant hero when he walks out of the store with the latest iToy in his hands. (See also here and here and here.)

Scoble isn’t the first high-profile Apple defector. A few months ago we reported that legendary Apple evangelist Guy Kawasaki had become a hardcore Android fan.

Reasons For Switching

Kawasaki said he moved to Android because he simply believed that Android had leapfrogged past Apple and was delivering a better solution.

Scoble said he’s bailing because “Apple lately HAS slipped in my eyes and there are lots of examples how (Google Now, Waze maps, and tons of apps that are here already and coming on the Android platform, like SwiftKey keyboards).”

Scoble still believes that “most apps are smoother and have fewer problems on iOS,” but he’s switching anyway.

Partly Scoble seems excited about Google’s Project Glass wearable computer. He’s getting one soon, and says that “of course that will work better if you use Android.”

Yet Another Switcher

The irony is that Scoble was writing this stuff about Android in a post where he was criticizing a reporter from GigaOm who Scoble felt had unfairly criticized Apple.

The GigaOm reporter, Mathew Ingram, had written an article describing his own switch from Apple to Android.

Ingram originally adopted Android because he got sick of Apple’s walled garden, only to discover that he also likes the way Android handles notifications and finds it less intrusive than how Apple does it.
Scoble went on a rant saying you can just turn off Apple notifications if you don’t like them. But then Scoble confessed that he too is in the process of switching to Android.

What does it mean when high-profile “influencers” and devoted Apple lovers start moving to Android? They all have different reasons, and you may or may not agree with them or be persuaded by their arguments. But even the most hardcore Apple fans must recognize that these decisions are significant.


via HowardForums: Your Mobile Phone Community & Resource – Android http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php/1791402-Robert-Scoble-Is-Switching-To-Android

Posterous closing on April 30th to focus on Twitter

Posterous closing on April 30th to focus on Twitter

It’s almost inevitable as breathing: a tech powerhouse acquires a clever yet small startup solely for its talent or technology, and lets any leftover services wither away. Posterous’ decision to shut down following its 2012 acquisition by Twitter is very nearly a textbook example. The 4-year-old firm will close its Posterous Spaces service on April 30th to shift all of its attention to Twitter, giving customers just over two months to back up their content. There is an unusual twist to this seemingly predictable story, however. Those still using Spaces will have a place to go — along with Squarespace and WordPress import tools, Posterous founders Brett Gibson and Garry Tan are planning to launch Posthaven as a (not entirely intentional) refuge. Diehards will still have reason to mourn the end of an era, but the closure at least won’t be the end to their creations.

via Engadget 

Posterous Will Shut Down On April 30th, Co-Founder Garry Tan Launches Posthaven To Save Your Sites

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It was just a matter of time before Twitter shut the blogging platform Posterous down, after acquiring the company last March. The team had already been folded into the flock, but this means that nobody has to worry about pesky service interruptions of keeping the service’s diminishing number of users happy. The site will be shutting down on April 30th, but it’s not a completely sad story.

Have no fear, Posterous co-founder Garry Tan is coming to the rescue with a new site called Posthaven, which he promises will never shut down. Here’s what Tan had to say about the launch when we spoke to him:

I’m teaming up with another cofounder of Posterous, Brett Gibson, and we are taking a pledge to keeping the URLs online forever. It’s $5 a month and will have all of the ease of use and power of Posterous. It’s just the two of us and we’re coding it in our bedrooms right now.

 

Tan tells us that Posthaven will never accept funding and will be available to its users “forever.”

Here’s what the Posterous/Twitter team had to say about the shutdown, along with instructions on how to get your data:

Posterous launched in 2008. Our mission was to make it easier to share photos and connect with your social networks. Since joining Twitter almost one year ago, we’ve been able to continue that journey, building features to help you discover and share what’s happening in the world – on an even larger scale.

On April 30th, we will turn off posterous.com and our mobile apps in order to focus 100% of our efforts on Twitter. This means that as of April 30, Posterous Spaces will no longer be available either to view or to edit.

Right now and over the next couple months until April 30th, you can download all of your Posterous Spaces including your photos, videos, and documents.

As Twitter delves into how to make discovery easier for its users, some of the findings learned by Posterous will most definitely come into play. On the other hand, it’s nice to know that there’s an easy way to move your information, with one of Posterous’ co-founders providing the service “from the heart.”

Posthaven is currently taking reservations for its service, so grab your name.

UPDATE: It looks like Posthaven is having difficulties managing all of the attention:

Please bear with us through the 503 errors — we’re working to fix Posthaven asap. (We had no idea Posterous would announce today.)

via TechCrunch

AT&T wins ruling in price-fixing suit against LCD makers

A view shows the AT&T store sign in Broomfield, Colorado(Reuters) – AT&T on Thursday won a ruling from a federal appeals court in a lawsuit against liquid crystal display panel makers alleging a price-fixing conspiracy. The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco reinstated AT&T’s claims based on California law over panel purchases outside the state. The decision reversed a lower court partial dismissal of AT&T’s lawsuit. The manufacturer defendants, including Taiwan-based AU Optronics Corporation and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, had argued that AT&T’s claims violated the due process clause of the U.S. Constitution. …

via Tech News Headlinesl

Android 4.2.2 update reportedly rolling out to Nexus devices

According to a user on Reddit, Android 4.2.2 is now rolling out to Nexus brand devices. It had previously been reported that the latest Android update was being tested by Google (GOOG) employees and would be available to consumers as early as mid-February. The update is said to finally address a Bluetooth streaming issue among other things, such as security enhancements, device performance, minor cosmetic changes and additional bug fixes. Android 4.2.2 appears to be rolling out to carrier-unlocked Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4 smartphones, as well as the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 tablets.

via Tech News Headlines – Yahoo! News http://news.yahoo.com/android-4-2-2-reportedly-rolling-nexus-devices-133520960.html

Google wants self-driving cars on the road in 3-5 years, but regulators are pumping the brakes

The potential of Google’s (GOOG) driverless cars is very enticing. Not only would they likely drastically reduce accident rates in the United States but they could also allow drivers to play Minecraft on their tablets during morning commutes. But how long will it take for this potentially revolutionary technology to be useable by actual drivers? Bloomberg reports that Google thinks it can get the job done within the next three to five years. According to Bloomberg, Anthony Levandowski, the product manager for Google’s driverless car technology, told a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) meeting recently that “we expect to release the technology in the next five years,” while adding that “in what form it gets released is still to be determined.”

via Tech News Headlines – Yahoo! News http://news.yahoo.com/google-wants-self-driving-cars-road-3-5-125017853.html

Mastering The Option Key On Your OS X Mac

keyboardOptionblk

The Option key is a powerful ally in the transition from new, beginner user of OS X to the power user that you want to be. There are a ton of hidden features in the Finder alone that are hidden behind the underrated and unassuming Option key. There are Option key tricks for the OS X Menu Bar, for apps in the iWork suite, in Safari, and a few more random ones to boot.

So, sit back, relax, and get ready to hit that Option key a whole bunch of times in a row.

 

Master The Option Key In OS X Finder

De-Select All The Files
Makes sense, right?Makes sense, right?

When you open up a Finder window with files in it, you can hit Command-A to Select All the items in the window, right? However, if you add Option key in, Command-Option-A, it will Deselect all the items.

Quickly Move To The Search Field
Hit Command-Option-F to skip the Spotlight windowHit Command-Option-F to skip the Spotlight window

Want to quickly go to the search field in a Finder window? Usually, Command-F will open a new Finder window defaulting to Search view, but press Command-Option-F instead and your cursor will jump straight to the “Search” box without opening a new Spotlight window.

Quickly Close or Minimize Multiple Windows
Or, Command-Option-W to close them all.Or, Command-Option-W to close them all.

Got a bunch of Finder windows open? Simply hit Command-Option-M to minimize them, and Command-Option-W to close them all. You can do the same for any open app, just click on the app icon in the Dock and use the same keybaord shortcuts. Magic!

Full Disclosure
Open all the things.Open all the things.

Usually, when you’re in List View, clicking on a little triangle next to a folder will open it and only it. If you want to open all the nsted folders inside, however, simply add the Option key to the mix. Option-Click that little disclosure triangle and it will open all the stuff inside, too.

No More Trash Dialog
Get rid of this thing with a quick Option key click.Get rid of this thing with a quick Option key click.

If you want to empty the Trash, you can hit Command-Shift-Delete. Typically, you’ll get a warning dialog box, asking if you’re sure you want to do so. If you want to skip this dialog box, add in the Option key, with Command-Shift-Option-Delete, and you’ll skip that dialog. Of course, you can also right click on the Trash icon to Empty it, with the Option key skipping the dialog box, here, too.

Master The Option Key In The OS X Menu Bar

Quickly Change Audio Settings
Why mess with the System Preferences?Why mess with the System Preferences?

Usually, if you want to change sound settings, you launch System Preferences, click on the Sound preference pane icon, and then switch the audio output and input settings from there. Instead, use the Option key – hold it down while you click on the Volume menu bar icon, and you’ll get access to the connected Inputs and Outputs.

More Wireless Info
More info than most of us need, for sure.More info than most of us need, for sure.

If you click on the WiFi rainbow in your menu bar, you’ll see the available WiFi networks nearby, plus a lock icon if they’re password protected. Hold the Option key down, and you’ll see plenty of info about the WiFi access node you’re connected to, including it’s SSID, the type of 802.11 you’re connected to, the channel, signal strength, and the rate of transmission. This can all help if you’re troubleshooting a slow WiFi connection.

Extra Bluetooth Details
A simple Option key press.A simple Option key press.

Typically, the Bluetooth menu bar icon lets you connect to already paired devices, open the Preferences pane, and turn Bluetooth on and off. Add in the Option key when you click on it, and you’ll see the Bluetooth version number (usefull if you’re checking to see if a particular headset or speaker will wrok with your Mac), the name of your Mac (good when connecting another device to it), and the Bluetooth address (helpful for troubleshooting). You’ll also be able to create a Bluetooth diagnostics report on your Desktop, if that float your boat.

Skip About This Mac
Could save you seconds per day.Could save you seconds per day.

Normally, when you click on the Apple menu, you’ll see “About This Mac,” which shows you an overview of your Mac’s information, like its processor, memory, and which OS X version you’re running. Then you can click the “More Info…” button, and then the “System Report…” to get to the giant list of technical specs about your Mac and its several subsystems. To skip all of that, simply hit the Option key when clicking on the Apple menu, and you’ll go right to the System Report.

Master The Option Key In iWork

Navigation
But I'm a creep.But I’m a creep.

Whether you’re in Pages or Keynote, there are several Option-related ways to navigate around in your document. Hit the Option key and an Arrow key (left or right), and you’ll be able to navigate by word, rather than by character, making moving to a word you need to edit that much faster. Need to jump up or down a paragraph? Hit the Option key and the up or down Arrow to do just that, making your way through that report for your boss lickety split.

In Numbers, the Option key makes navigating faster, as well, if you add it to the Page Up or Page Down buttons on your Keyboard. Option-Page Up will scroll one screen left, while Option-Page Down will scroll one screen right. Without the Option key, you’ll just scroll a page up or page down, accordingly.

Formatting Text
Luckily, I already have a perfect body.Luckily, I already have a perfect body.

If you use styles in iWork (and you should be), you can copy the paragraph style with the Option-Command-C keyboard shortcut, and the style of the character by adding a shift, so Option-Shift-Command-C. To paste the style to another character (or word) or paragraph, simply enhance the normal Paste command (Command-V) with an Option-Command-V to paste that character or paragraph style to other selected text.

Object Options
You're a star!You’re a star!

Whether you’re drawing a vector graphic in Pages or Keynote or messing about with charts in Numbers, the Option key can unleash its power for you when it comes to objects. To duplicate an object in an iWork document, hold the Option key down before you click on that object. Your mouse cursor will show a little + sign by it, and you’ll create a copy of that object as you drag away from the original.

To resize an object from the middle, rather than the side handle you’re ragging from, hold the Option key down when you click and drag on the resize handle. The object will now enlarge or get smaller on all sides equally.

Using Option-Shift-Command-B or Option-Shift-Command-F keyboard shortcuts when you’re working with objects will send the selected object back or forward by only one layer. Without the Option key, you’ll send that sucker all the way to the back or front.

Keynote Options
Click it!Click it!

Playing a slideshow in Keynote is straightforward: just hit the Play button in the toolbar. However, if you want to set it in motion without using the mouse, hit the Option-Command-P buttons on your keyboard and it will start. If you’re in the middle of a slideshow, but want to start it playing from the beginning, hold the Option key down when you click the Play button; your slideshow will play from the start.

Master The Option Key In OS X Safari

Tab To More Links
Like point and click without a mouse.Like point and click without a mouse.

When you hit the Tab key in Safari, you move from search field to search field or drop-down menu down the page. If you add the Option key, you get more keyboard control, skipping your way merrily through every link on the page. If you hit the Return key when you highlight a link with Option-Tab, Safari will open the link for you.

Precise Scrollbar Positioning
Scrollin, scrollin, scrollin.

Typically, if you click in the scrollbar area in Safari, you’ll move down a page at a time. It’s like scrolling, only faster. If you add the Option key in, and Option-Click anywhere in the scrollbar area, you’ll move the scrollbar indicator right to that spot. So, if you want to zap down near the bottom of a long web page, for example, Option-Click in the scrollbar region near the bottom of Safari’s window. This will also work within any window with a scrollbar.

Download Options
Just, you know, be careful what you click.Just, you know, be careful what you click.

Typically, when you click on a link in Safari, you will go to whatever web page it links to. You can use the Command key to open that link in a new tab, too. But if you Option-Click that link, you’ll download the target right to your downloads folder on your Mac. Slick! Clicking a web link will download the target .html file, while clicking a link to a data file will download that specific file.

Close Those Other Tabs
No, no. Not THIS tab. The OTHER ones!No, no. Not THIS tab. The OTHER ones!

Got a bunch of tabs open in Safari? Of course you do, that’s why they’re there, of course. If you click on the File Menu, you can click on Close Tab there, or hit Command-W to close the currently active tab. Add Option to the keystroke or menu command, though, and you can close all the other tabs, except the one you’re currently looking at. Just press the Option key when you head up to the File menu, or hit Option-Command-W.

Even More Option Key Tricks And Tips

Simple Save As… Fix
Option turns Duplicate back to Save As... temporarily.Option turns Duplicate back to Save As… temporarily.

In case you haven’t been following along at home, Apple took away the Save As… menu feature in OS X Lion, then secretly put it back in Mountain Lion. There are a few ways to get it back permanently, but if you want a quick fix without messing about in the Terminal or with configuration files, press the Option key while clicking on the File menu, or hit Shift-Option-Cmd-S instead of Shift-Cmd-S for Duplicate.

Get More File Formats
BMP anyone? I didn't think so.BMP anyone? I didn’t think so.

While you’re in there Saving As…, you can typically click on the Format drop down menu at the bottom of the Save dialog box and get the top 6 or so formats that you might want to save your file as, like PDF, JPG, and the like. IF you want a few more, hit the Option key when you click on the Format drop down, and you’ll get a more expansive list of file formats, like Microsoft BMP, OpenEXR, and Photoshop.

Copy and Replace Options
Skip it, man, just skip it.Skip it, man, just skip it.

When you try and copy a file to a new location that is named the same as a file in that location, you’ll get a dialog box that basically asks if you want to stop, replace it, or keep both files. If you try and copy me name, you’ll get the same dialog box, but there’s a trick here. Hit the Option key when you see the “Do you want to replace it” dialog, and you’ll see that the Keep Both button turns into a Skip button, letting you skip the first of the multiple files and then deal with the next one, and so on.

via Cult of Mac http://www.cultofmac.com/213986/mastering-the-option-key-on-your-os-x-mac-feature/

Apple Releases MacBook Firmware Update To Address Rare Battery Issue

new macbook pro 2012

Apple has released a new SMC firmware update for the MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. “This update addresses a rare issue on some Apple notebooks where a battery that has accumulated more than 1000 charge cycles may unexpectedly shut down or stop functioning,” according to Apple. This applies specifically to older batteries, but the update is recommended for all MacBook models.

You can find this new firmware update in the Mac App Store or download it directly from Apple’s website.

Source: Apple Support

via Cult of Mac

Judge Koh finds Samsung infringement of Apple patents was not willful, won’t triple damages

Judge Koh finds Samsung infringement of Apple patents was not willful, won't triple damages

Judge Lucy Koh has decided on several post-trial motions from Samsung and Apple in their long running patent case, overturning one key element of the jury’s ruling while upholding several others. What was overturned was the jury’s ruling that Samsung’s acts of patent infringement were willful, which meant Judge Koh could have tripled some parts of the $1 billion+ in damages granted to Apple. On the other hand, she also rejected Samsung’s request for a new trial, and invalidated two claims a wireless patent it holds. AppleInsider posted the decision to Scribd, which you can find embedded after the break, hit the source links for a few other looks at the ruling and what this means going forward. Naturally of course, it’s not over yet (it’s never over) as each company can still appeal elements of the ruling, and other appeals in the case are already ongoing.

 

via Engadget

Apple Announces 128GB iPad 4

ipad4-128gb

It what seemed to be hasty decision without a trip to a keynote event, Apple introduced their latest iPad 4 with 128GBs of storage via a press release. While 128GB is overkill for most people it does have a place in the market. More and more industries are switching to paperless solutions and the iPad is a perfect fit. Both designers working with large image files and doctors with MRI and Cat scans will benefit from the increased storage.

While most users can get away with their data in the cloud some people just don’t want to go that route. While I do use iCloud I have no interested in storing 128GBs in it because honestly Apple has a hard enough time restoring 2GBs.

The new iPad will be available starting February 5 for $799 for WiFi only and $929 for WiFi + Cellar. Sprint has confirmed that they will be carrying the new iPad at launch.

Click here to read the press release from Apple.

 

 

via Life On My Mobile 

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