Archive for August, 2009

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Netbooks now a fifth of all portable computer shipments

By
acoleman
– August 31, 2009Posted in: Industry News

MSI NetbooksNetbooks currently account for 22.5 percent of all portable computer shipments worldwide. That is quite an impressive jump from last years numbers of 5.6 percent, and 17.8 percent of first quarter of 2009. Netbooks also account for 32.9 percent of shipments in Europe, and 18.8 percent in China.

At the rate of growth that Netbooks are having, it is reported that they may soon be rivaling Notebooks. Netbooks have grown 40 percent per quarter, while Notebooks have grown 22 percent. Compared to each other Netbooks are winning by nearly 2-to-1 in growth.

Part of the reason Netbooks are seeing so much growth is because they are currently being added by broadband providers as incentive for people who sign up for two year plans. Netbooks are also cheaper than Notebooks and more compact.


TechCrunch


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Translate up to 42 languages with Google docs

By
acoleman
– August 27, 2009Posted in: Internet Trends, News

Google LogoGoogle’s popular Google Docs, has received a much needed upgrade. It comes in the form of a language translator that has just been added to the application today. With the new feature you will be able to translate any Google doc into any of 42 languages.

If you enter the tools menu of Google Docs, and then click the “Translate Document,” there will be a drop down of the various languages you can choose. Once you click the language you would like to use, Google Docs will automatically translate your text. You will be able to save your doc in the translated version, or save it as a separate doc so you can have two docs in different translations.

The new feature was created in consideration to families who use more than a single language. Rita Chen, a Product Manager Intern used her family as an example. Rita stated that “My cousin is in first grade and sometimes she writes short stories for class. I try to share the stories with her grandparents, but because Japanese is their first language and they don’t speak English very well, it’s been tough.”

The new feature is available now.

Google Blog


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Some industry leaders expecting new Xbox 360

By
acoleman
– August 24, 2009Posted in: Industry News, Microsoft, News

Microsoft Xbox 360 logoAfter the release of the much anticipated PS3 Slim, some industry analysts are considering the possibility of Microsoft releasing a redesigned Xbox 360 in response. Some have stated that a revamped Xbox 360 console is definitely a possibility and that it could happen in 2010.

Analysts have stated that there is a good chance that a revamped Xbox 360 may be released with Project Natal in 2010. Ben Schachter of Broadpoint AmTech stated “Yes, I think they will release a new look for the hardware in conjunction with the motion sensor next year.”

For some time now there has been speculation that Project Natal would be released as the new Xbox console but that has recently been dismissed by Microsoft. Aaron Greenberg, director of product management for Microsoft stated that new console release for Project Natal was “nonsense.”

Whether a slim version of Xbox is in the works or not is only rumor at this point, Microsoft has not confirmed any speculation.

G4


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Twitter to Launch new location API

By
acoleman
– August 20, 2009Posted in: Internet Trends

Twitter Birds with StringTwitter is currently developing a new API that will allow you to add your latitude and longitude to your Tweets. Meaning you will now be able to give a specific location to any Tweet of your choosing. The new feature, however, is optional and must be activated for use.

The new feature has the potential to be a rather useful tool for getting info on local events. Rather than just following Twitter users who’s Tweets you like, you will be able to follow Twitter users in your area for updates on local news and events. Biz Stone said “It’s easy to imagine how this might be interesting at an event like a concert or even something more dramatic like an earthquake.”

The new API will be going into the testing phases and will first be made available to platform developers. We will most likely be seeing this new API integrated into a mobile app before being released on Twitter. Biz Said “will most likely be available on your app of choice before it’s available on Twitter’s web site.”

Twitter Blog

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iLike got acquisition offers from Facebook and Amazon

By
acoleman
– August 19, 2009Posted in: Industry News, Internet Trends, Tech

iLike LogoYou may remember that on Monday we reported that iLike was being acquired by Myspace for $20 million. Today we have caught wind that a few other big players have made offers to iLike as well. TechCrunch is reporting that Facebook and Amazon made a bid for iLike but the numbers on those are unknown at this point.

Although the Myspace acquisition of iLike has not closed yet, it is reportedly very close to doing so. Apparently iLike went with Myspace because they felt it was a good fit in terms of price and their personal interests. Facebook was not considered due to growing issues, which have not yet been disclosed.

The popularity of iLike has steadily grown since its launch in 2006. It currently has 50 million registered users. Myspace has a lot to gain from the acquisition, as it now has the potential to become the main online identity for bands. Facebook has a struggle ahead of them as iLike is heavily integrated into their site.

TechCrunch

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Myspace to acquire iLike

By
acoleman
– August 17, 2009Posted in: Industry News, Internet Trends

Apparently Myspace, the once social media king, is taking steps to acquire social music service iLike. TechCrunch has stated that “we’ve confirmed with multiple sources,” that the story is legit. It is rumored that the price is floating around $20 million.

Since its launch in 2006 iLike has grown in popularity, and it currently has 50 million registered users. Part of the reason for its popularity is its integration with Facebook, which made it one of the most popular early apps for the social media site. iLike is known for its music tracking service which will let you manage your music as well as recommend new music based on your criteria.

The acquiring of iLike certainly has potential to cause some shake ups. The reason being is because of the close relationship between the music service and Facebook. The third party app is heavily ingrained into the social media site. Nearly 10 million Facebook users currently use it.

TechCrunch

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Twitter Introduces Retweet API

By
acoleman
– August 13, 2009Posted in: Internet Trends

Twitter HeaderFor the long time dedicated Twitter user, Retweeting has almost become second nature. You see something you like, you Retweet it, simple as that. The process, however, is not integrated into the platform, so users must go through a number of steps to do so. Those days are now behind us it seems, as Twitter plans to create a Retweet API.

“The entire Twitter ecosystem is something we very much want to support. That’s why we’re planning to formalize Retweeting by officially adding it to our platform and Twitter.com.”

According to Biz Stone “We are still sketching out exactly how this feature and its API counterpart works.” The new API will make the process of Retweeting much simpler, and it will also allow you to Retweet a number of people without placing their user name within the message.

The new API has the potential to bring some big changes to Twitter. For now it will be tested on a limited group of users.

Twitter Blog


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Microsoft and Nokia team up to bring Mobile Office to Nokia phones

By
acoleman
– August 13, 2009Posted in: Gadgets, Industry News, Tech

Microsoft: “Would you like to form an alliance with me?” Nokia: “Absolutely!”

Microsoft and Nokia have made an agreement that will bring Microsoft Office, as well as other productivity software to Nokia phones. This partnership marks the first time that Microsoft will make office for non-Microsoft mobile phones. The deal is an attempt to get in on the business that RIM has been getting with its BlackBerry e-mail software and services.

Microsoft has been hurting in the mobile market but with the Nokia deal, they hope to have more of an edge. With programs like Word, Excel, and SharePoint, Microsoft will be attempting to gain more ground in the smart phone tech competition.

The first Microsoft Office product that comes with Nokia Smart Phones is the Mobile Communicator, it enables business users to find and communicate with colleagues via IM. Plus, both companies have promised a joint partnership in the development of new applications for Nokia smart phones.


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Activision CEO made 15 million last year

By
acoleman
– August 11, 2009Posted in: Industry News

Robert Kotick Activision Ceo/President

Few game industry leaders have garnered as much criticism from gamers, Robert Kotick must be doing something right. Forbes has reported that his salary last year was a whopping $15 million! According to the Forbes profile, Kotick earned $899,560 in salary and made up the rest in award options and bonuses.

Despite the negative opinions of Robert Kotick, Activision continues to thrive as a developer/publisher of games. It is one of the largest third party publishers in the industry, and its earnings were reportedly better than expected for 2009.

Robert Kotick has been with Activision since 1991 and he has been part of few major projects and ventures. One of them was the merger with Blizzard. In 2008 Kotick was named president of Activision while keeping his role of CEO.

Forbes

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Facebook purchases FriendFeed

By
acoleman
– August 10, 2009Posted in: Industry News, Internet Trends

In what seems like a smart move for the world’s largest social media site, Facebook has purchased FriendFeed. The details of the deal have not been disclosed but the two sites have reached an agreement.

FriendFeed was founded in 2007 by former Google employees who previously worked on projects like Gmail and Google Maps. It is a site that allows users to share content across various social networks and blogs, all in real time. FriendFeed’s 4 co-founders will hold senior roles in Facebook’s engineering and product teams.

Facebook is currently king among the social media sites, with over 250 million registered users. Although the site continues to grow, Twitter has created some serious competition. The purchase of FriendFeed is one in multiple changes that Facebook has made to continue its dominance.

PCMag

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