Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com Download Squad http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[YouTube Live now streaming select partners in real time]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/11/youtube-live-now-streaming-select-partners-in-realtime/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/11/youtube-live-now-streaming-select-partners-in-realtime/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/11/youtube-live-now-streaming-select-partners-in-realtime/#comments
Not content with limiting its dominance in streaming uploaded videos, YouTube is now ready to take on competitors like Justin.TV and Ustream. The new YouTube Live service is being rolled out to select YouTube partners and will enable real-time broadcasting. In its official announcement, Google states that "The goal is to provide thousands of partners with the capability to live stream from their channels in the months ahead."

You can check out live broadcasts at http://www.youtube.com/live, where you'll also find a schedule of upcoming episodes from beta partners like Revision3 and Destructoid. You're also able to subscribe to YouTube Live broadcasts -- which will ensure you're notified when a new episode is coming up.

Download SquadYouTube Live now streaming select partners in real time originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlejustin.tvlivestreamingustreamvideowebyoutubeyoutube liveYoutubeLiveMon, 11 Apr 2011 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Chrome now uses SPDY HTTP replacement, halves page load time]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/11/google-chrome-now-uses-spdy-http-replacement-halves-page-load-t/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/11/google-chrome-now-uses-spdy-http-replacement-halves-page-load-t/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/11/google-chrome-now-uses-spdy-http-replacement-halves-page-load-t/#comments SPDY in Google Chrome
We're not entirely sure of the time line here, but it looks like Google has now rolled out the SPDY HTTP replacement to its full bevy of Web services, including Gmail, Docs, and YouTube. If you're currently using Google's Chrome browser you're probably already using SPDY.

We originally reported on SPDY way back in November 2009, when Google introduced it as yet another experiment in making the Web faster, like Go, Native Client and speculative pre-connections. Over the last 18 months, though, SPDY support has found its way into the stable build of Chrome.

SPDY is basically a streamlined and more efficient version of HTTP. At its most basic, SPDY introduces parallel, multiplexed streams over a single TCP connection -- but at the same time, SPDY allows for prioritization, so that vital content (HTML) can be sent before periphery content (JavaScript, video). All in all, the SPDY protocol can halve page load times, which is obviously rather significant.

The best bit, though, is that SPDY is an open-source project. HTTP 1.1 is a lumbering beast that needs to be replaced before low-latency real-time computing really becomes a reality, and SPDY is one of the best options currently on the table. To be honest, we're not sure why SPDY hasn't received more coverage -- it's awesome in every way. At the moment, though, the only way to help speed up SPDY's proliferation, is with an experimental Apache mod.

As far as actually 'trying it out,' your best bet is downloading Chrome, hitting up some Google sites, and then checking chrome://net-internals to see your active SPDY sessions. SPDY is a transparent replacement for HTTP, though, and as such it's rather hard to see its effects. Google's sites definitely feel fast in Chrome, but there are more technologies than just SPDY at work.

Download SquadGoogle Chrome now uses SPDY HTTP replacement, halves page load time originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserschromefastergooglegoogle chromeGoogleChromehttphttp 1.1Http1.1spdyspeedwebMon, 11 Apr 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Hotpot finally (and fully) merged into Places]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/google-hotpot-finally-and-fully-merged-into-places/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/google-hotpot-finally-and-fully-merged-into-places/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/google-hotpot-finally-and-fully-merged-into-places/#comments It's taken months of confused looks, but Google's finally seen the light. Hotpot, which has been a universally scorned moniker for a service that just about everyone called Places, is now simply lumped in with Places.

The actual differences between Hotpot and Places were nearly non-existent, especially when dealing with the mobile aspect (which was even worse, since finding and rating restaurants and other venues is typically done on a smartphone, not a desktop). When it came down to it, Hotpot was basically just the rating/reviewing system for Places -- so while it probably started off as a separate project, it was destined to be gobbled up by the bigger app from the get go.

So, now that the hideous name is over and done with, Places can go on to gain popularity alongside its older sibling, Latitude -- and we can definitely expect both of them to get a major boost now that check-in deals have been brought into the mix.

Download SquadGoogle Hotpot finally (and fully) merged into Places originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellphonesgooglehyperlocallocalmobileratingrestaurantssocialvenuesFri, 08 Apr 2011 19:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Latitude check-in deals now available across the US]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/google-latitude-check-in-deals-now-available-across-the-us/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/google-latitude-check-in-deals-now-available-across-the-us/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/google-latitude-check-in-deals-now-available-across-the-us/#comments Recently, Google has been busy beefing up Latitude to make it more competitive with other location apps -- and more fun to use. Location history was added recently, iOS users can post check-ins via Latitude, and now Google has begun rolling out location-based deals which are tied to the service.

If you're in the U.S., you can now score local savings at participating merchants by checking in with Latitude. Google will also be offering "status deals," which users can unlock by visiting a particular merchant on a regular basis. Mashable notes three status levels: regular, VIP, and guru -- though partners can apparently customize those titles if they choose.

Right now deals are available from merchants like American Eagle Outfitters, Arby's, Finish Line, Macy's, Quiznos, and RadioShack.

Download SquadGoogle Latitude check-in deals now available across the US originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 08:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscheck-incheckindealdealsfacebook dealsFacebookDealsgooglegoogle latitudeGoogleLatitudegrouponhyperlocallatitudelocallocationFri, 08 Apr 2011 08:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Google streaming I/O conference 2011 live for those who can't make it]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/google-streaming-i-o-conference-2011-live-for-those-who-cant-ma/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/google-streaming-i-o-conference-2011-live-for-those-who-cant-ma/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/google-streaming-i-o-conference-2011-live-for-those-who-cant-ma/#comments Google I/O 2011 The Google I/O conference, a gathering of developers from across the globe to San Francisco's Moscone Center, sold out in under an hour. In an effort to encompass as many people as clearly want to join in with the conference, Google is going to stream the keynotes, sessions and Developer Sandbox, live via the Google I/O website. This is in addition to the already planned I/O Extended viewing parties that Google and others are hosting around the world.

So if were unlucky in getting tickets, stuck at home, or to your desk on May 10th and 11th, but really want to get in on the I/O action, check out the Google I/O Live page, where you can register your interest by displaying the Google I/O Live 2011 HTML5 badge on your site. Oh and check out the fancy, bouncing ball, countdown clock while you're there too.

Download SquadGoogle streaming I/O conference 2011 live for those who can't make it originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 04:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developerGoogleGoogle IOGoogle IO 2011Google IO LiveGoogleIoGoogleIo2011GoogleIoLiveWebFri, 08 Apr 2011 04:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Grooveshark gets kicked out of the Android Market]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/06/grooveshark-gets-kicked-out-of-the-android-market/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/06/grooveshark-gets-kicked-out-of-the-android-market/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/06/grooveshark-gets-kicked-out-of-the-android-market/#commentsGrooveshark logoGoogle has removed Grooveshark from the Android Market. The move, which comes many months after Apple kicked the music app from its App Store, has to do with (what else?) accusations from several top music labels that Grooveshark violates copyright law.

It's unclear whether Google plans to also remotely remove the app from Android smartphones on which it's already been installed, something that Google has the power to do but has only in the past used to get rid of malware-ridden apps.

In response to questions regarding Grooveshark's removal from the Android Market, a Google spokesperson only had this to say: "We remove apps from Android Market that violate our terms of service." The spokesperson did not mention what violations Grooveshark has committed in relation to the Market's terms of service. Google has also, understandably, not said anything about this happening in response to pressure from the music industry -- yet what else could have triggered this removal?

In an interesting coincidence, Google is set to outline its anti-piracy efforts before the House of Representatives' Judiciary committee today. Google has been accused numerous times that it profits from piracy by allowing 'pirate' sites to post Google ads. The company is expected to deny this as well as issue a tougher stance on piracy at today's hearing.

As for Grooveshark, it looks like it's quickly running out of mobile app stores on which it's allowed to exist. Do consider however that you'll probably still be able to get the Android app from Grooveshark directly -- since (unless you have an AT&T Android device) Android does allow you to install apps that don't come from the Market.

Download SquadGrooveshark gets kicked out of the Android Market originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>android marketAndroidMarketanti-piracyantipiracyappsaudiogoogleGroovesharkgrooveshark for androidGroovesharkForAndroidmusicpiracyWed, 06 Apr 2011 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Chrome and Chromium add protection against malicious downloads]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/google-chrome-and-chromium-add-protection-against-malicious-down/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/google-chrome-and-chromium-add-protection-against-malicious-down/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/google-chrome-and-chromium-add-protection-against-malicious-down/#comments google chrome malicious download Google Chrome already sports a number of security-minded features, from Incognito mode to a software sandbox which makes exploiting the browser a Herculean task. Now, Google has announced additional protection for Chromium and Chrome users.

Built upon the Safe Browsing API, the new feature introduces protection against malicious downloads. If a download link appears in the Safe Browsing blacklist, Chrome and Chromium will warn users against downloading -- a save button is still presented, of course, in case you're convinced a file is perfectly safe to download.

We'd like to see something a bit more eye-catching than the red warning icon -- like perhaps painting the entire bar red. Many of the people a feature like this aims to protect probably won't notice the icon or change in wording as they'll be focused on clicking the save button.

Google is initially making download protection available to Chrome dev channel users, and you'll likely see it in Canary and Chromium snapshot builds as well. After thorough testing, beta and stable users will be next in line.

Download SquadGoogle Chrome and Chromium add protection against malicious downloads originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbrowserbrowserschromechromiumdownloadgoogle chromeGoogleChromemaliciousprotectionsafe browsingSafeBrowsingsafetysecuritywebTue, 05 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Books for iPad adds in-book search and landscape mode]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/google-books-for-ipad-adds-in-book-search-and-landscape-mode/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/google-books-for-ipad-adds-in-book-search-and-landscape-mode/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/google-books-for-ipad-adds-in-book-search-and-landscape-mode/#comments Google Books for iPad landscape view
Google has updated its Books app for iOS today, and the new version brings a handful of bug fixes, performance improvements, and a couple of new features. One of these is iPad-specific: reading books in the landscape orientation on Apple tablets is now possible. The second is the addition of a Find feature which shows you all the matches for a particular query as you scroll.

Tapping Get Books now logs you into the Google eBookstore with the same username you used to log into the app itself. The magnifier has been removed, the book downloading experience and the overall speed of the app have been improved, and 3D page turning now works on iPads running iOS 4.3.

All of these represent small steps toward making Google Books a solid and compelling e-book reader for iOS. What remains to be seen is whether it will ever manage to attract a significant number of users from the likes of iBooks, Kindle, or Kobo.

Download Google Books for iOS 1.1.0.2247 for free from the iTunes App Store

Download SquadGoogle Books for iPad adds in-book search and landscape mode originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbook searchBookSearche-booksfindgooglegoogle booksgoogle ebooksgoogle ebookstoreGoogleBooksGoogleEbooksGoogleEbookstoreIOSipadlandscape viewLandscapeViewsearchtextTue, 05 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Maps for Android updated to bring Latitude home, keywords to Hotpot ratings]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/google-maps-for-android-updated-to-bring-latitude-home-keywords/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/google-maps-for-android-updated-to-bring-latitude-home-keywords/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/google-maps-for-android-updated-to-bring-latitude-home-keywords/#commentsGoogle Maps for Android Barely one month after an update that brought Latitude and Hotpot closer than ever, Google's updated Maps for Android again to further sweeten the deal.

This time around, Latitude seems to have gotten the most attention, but Places a.k.a. Hotpot hasn't been left entirely out of the mix. For Latitude, Google's added a feature for setting a "home" location, as well as the ability to check into it. For the folks who chose to enable it, they can now view their Location History dashboard straight from the app.

As for Places/Hotpot, you can now add keywords of your own choosing for places when you rate them, like food, music or entertainment. Google calls these "aspects," but hey, it's a search company, and these things are bound to count for something (so let's call them what they are). Sarcasm aside, adding little descriptive keywords for places makes perfect sense, and may actually end up being the most useful thing to come out of this update -- if only more people used Places. I mean Hotpot.

The only potentially bad thing here is that the option to check in at home is a public act. Very public, in fact. When you go to add a "home" location in Latitude, you're warned right up front that the address is going to be visible to anybody who can see your check-ins (so buyer beware). You do have to love Google for at least including the warning, though.

The update's live now and available in the Android Market.

Download SquadGoogle Maps for Android updated to bring Latitude home, keywords to Hotpot ratings originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappscellphonescheck-ingooglemapsmobilesearchutilitiesTue, 05 Apr 2011 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blogger Dynamic Views for Google Chrome lets you toggle blog designs while browsing]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/blogger-dynamic-views-for-google-chrome-lets-you-toggle-blog-des/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/blogger-dynamic-views-for-google-chrome-lets-you-toggle-blog-des/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/blogger-dynamic-views-for-google-chrome-lets-you-toggle-blog-des/#commentsBlogger Dynamic Views Chrome extensionGoogle's Blogger service has launched a new extension for Google's Chrome browser today, called Blogger Dynamic Views. As its name implies, this is related to last week's unveiling of five new HTML5-based Dynamic Views for Blogger.

The extension adds an orange Blogger icon in your address bar when you're visiting a Blogger blog. If you click on the orange icon, you'll get a list of the five aforementioned Dynamic Views. You can then select an option and Chrome will render the blog you're visiting using that particular view. Rinse and repeat if needed.

Naturally, you can still access the new Dynamic Views (in any 'modern' browser) just by appending /view to the URL of the blog you want to visit, however the Chrome extension makes it a lot easier to get to the new layouts.

Download Blogger Dynamic Views from the Google Chrome extension gallery

Download SquadBlogger Dynamic Views for Google Chrome lets you toggle blog designs while browsing originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AJAXBlogbloggerblogger dynamic viewsBlogger.comBloggerDynamicViewsbloggingchromechrome extensionsChromeExtensionsCss3designdynamic viewsDynamicViewsgooglegoogle chromegoogle chrome extensionGoogleChromeGoogleChromeExtensionlayouttemplatesWebMon, 04 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google bids $900 million for Nortel's patents to protect against litigation trolls]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/google-bids-900-million-for-nortels-patents-to-protect-from-li/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/google-bids-900-million-for-nortels-patents-to-protect-from-li/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/google-bids-900-million-for-nortels-patents-to-protect-from-li/#commentsNortel, once one of the biggest telecoms company in the world but now in the death throes of bankruptcy, has selected Google's $900 million bid for its patent portfolio as the stalking horse bid. This doesn't mean that Google will automatically win Nortel's massive array of telecoms patents, but it does mean that Google is the preferred buyer.

Google, which has a history of lobbying for patent law reform, has been the target of many patent litigation suits. Google's relative infancy means that it has a lot less patents in the vault than big-hitters like Microsoft, Oracle and IBM, and buying Nortel's portfolio of 6,000 patents could provide better protection against patent litigation in the future. It's worth noting that both Apple and RIM have showed interested in the portfolio, too.

Mashable speculates that the patents -- which are nearly all telecoms-related -- will be used to defend against Oracle's attacks on Android's use of Java. We reckon that Google is simply looking to cover its future endeavors in the world of networking. In the absence of patent law reform, and continued threats to net neutrality, owning a bunch of telecoms patents sounds like a very sensible move.

Download SquadGoogle bids $900 million for Nortel's patents to protect against litigation trolls originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptcygooglelitigationnortelpatentpatent lawpatent portfolioPatentLawPatentPortfoliopatentstelecomtelecommunicationswebMon, 04 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ChromeLite: experience the ASCII Web of yesteryear]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/chromelite-experience-the-ascii-web-of-yesteryear/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/chromelite-experience-the-ascii-web-of-yesteryear/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/chromelite-experience-the-ascii-web-of-yesteryear/#comments ChromeLite ASCII extension Have you ever wondered what the Web was like before the Mosaic Web browser? If you were born in the last 20-odd years, or you only discovered your inner geek recently, did you miss out on monochrome monitors and the dial-up BBS era? Well, here's your chance to get a sneak peek at history: grab the ChromeLite extension and marvel as the entire Web is transformed into ASCII characters.

Now, ChromeLite isn't really all that functional. For the most part, it simply strips images and converts text into a monospaced terminal font. There are a few Easter eggs inserted -- such as a fun message at the bottom of YouTube (image after the break) -- and some fun ASCII art, but that's about it. Rather oddly, most JavaScript continues to work -- so you can still enjoy Google Instant Search!

ChromeLite was actually made by Google as an April Fools' joke -- and indeed, an annoying 'you can uninstall this!' message appears at the top of every page -- but we're kind of hoping that Google, or another developer, takes ChromeLite and turns it into a real ASCII browsing extension with configurable settings. If anything, it will provide an easy way to save bandwidth and CPU time.

Continue reading ChromeLite: experience the ASCII Web of yesteryear

Download SquadChromeLite: experience the ASCII Web of yesteryear originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onadd-onsaddonaddonsappsapril foolsAprilFoolsasciibbsbrowserschromechromelitedial upDialUpextensionextensionsgoogle chromeGoogleChromemosaicwebweb browserWebBrowserMon, 04 Apr 2011 07:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Google mobile search gets redesigned results for stocks]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/google-mobile-search-gets-redesigned-results-for-stocks/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/google-mobile-search-gets-redesigned-results-for-stocks/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/google-mobile-search-gets-redesigned-results-for-stocks/#comments Google mobile search results for stocks
Google has launched a new mobile-optimized way to display search results for stocks. This works around the inherent limitations of how much information can be shown at once on a phone's small screen by letting you swipe horizontally to navigate.

When you search for your favorite stock ticker symbol on your smartphone, you'll be presented with a result page that can be seen to the left in the image above. It displays an interactive graph on a 'card', and you can switch the amount of time that the graph covers by simply tapping on the buttons below it.

If you swipe the card from the right to the left, you'll be presented with a new 'card' that contains the latest financial news for the company. If you swipe again, you'll get a market overview, and a further swipe will get you to a summary of your stock portfolio (but only if you have created a Google Finance portfolio and are logged in to your Google account).

The new feature is now available in English for iPhone and devices running Android 2.1 or newer. More languages are on the way, but support for other mobile platforms seems unlikely, judging from Google's recent track record.

Download SquadGoogle mobile search gets redesigned results for stocks originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbusinessdesignfinancegooglegoogle financegoogle mobile searchGoogleFinanceGoogleMobileSearchIOSMobile SearchMobileSearchsearchsearch stocksSearchStocksstocksFri, 01 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Cloud Print comes to HP ePrint printers]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/google-cloud-print-comes-to-hp-eprint-printers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/google-cloud-print-comes-to-hp-eprint-printers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/google-cloud-print-comes-to-hp-eprint-printers/#comments hp google cloud print HP has become the first major OEM to deliver support for Google Cloud Print in retail-boxed printers. In an official release, HP announced that its ePrint-enabled printers are now fully Cloud Print compatible. Just sign in to your Google account, pick your HP ePrint device, and you're ready to fire off a print job from anywhere you've got Internet access. Well, as long as your app supports Cloud Print as well -- like Gmail and Google Docs, for example.

We're curious, though -- how many of you are still printing? Like our pals at Engadget, our printers have been mostly gathering dust for the last few years.

Download SquadGoogle Cloud Print comes to HP ePrint printers originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudcloud printCloudPrinteprintgooglehpinternetmobileprintprintingwebFri, 01 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google launches two new domains for Iraq and Tunisia]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/google-launches-two-new-domains-for-iraq-and-tunisia/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/google-launches-two-new-domains-for-iraq-and-tunisia/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/google-launches-two-new-domains-for-iraq-and-tunisia/#comments Google.iq Google have launched two new localized domains for Iraq and Tunisia, bringing Google's search domains to a whopping 184 worldwide. The two new domains google.iq and google.tn allow for faster, better, and easier local search in both Iraq and Tunisia, as well as interface languages to suit. Both domains are available in English, but google.iq is also available in Arabic and Kurdish, where as google.tn can be read in Arabic and French.

Now users from either Iraq or Tunisia can search and find local listings for shops, banks, restaurants and other businesses, as well as government provided amenities, just by searching using the appropriate keywords like you would on google.com or google.co.uk. It's all part of Google's vision to cover the world's top 40 spoken languages, allowing them to reach 99% of global Internet users and provide them with Google services, oh and ads, of course.

Download SquadGoogle launches two new domains for Iraq and Tunisia originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>domainsgoogleIraqlocalSearchTunisiaWebFri, 01 Apr 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's Blogger platform adds five new HTML5 Dynamic Views]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-blogger-platform-introduces-five-new-html5-dynamic-views/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-blogger-platform-introduces-five-new-html5-dynamic-views/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-blogger-platform-introduces-five-new-html5-dynamic-views/#comments Google Blogger Mosaic Dynamic View Google, as part of its ongoing and much-needed overhaul of its popular Blogger platform, has just enabled five dynamic, HTML5ish, AJAXy 'Dynamic Views'. There's a video introducing the new layouts after the break.

The five new views provide fresh and interesting ways to explore your favorite Blogger blogs. The Mosaic view, for example, creates a wall of thumbnails -- click one, and it zooms to fill the screen; click it again and it minimizes. Flipcard is similar to Mosaic, but not quite as eclectic. Sidebar, Timeslide and Snapshot round off the new views, with each one obviously targeted at different types of content, from photo blogs, to text-only philosophy blogs, and everything in between.

For now, you have to visit a Blogger blog and add /view to the URL to enable the new Dynamic Views. If you own a Blogger blog, you can disable the new views -- and really, why weren't they disabled by default?

If feedback is positive -- which we're sure it will be -- these Dynamic Views will soon be enabled by default. You'll also be able to edit the views in much the same way as current Blogger templates.

Continue reading Google's Blogger platform adds five new HTML5 Dynamic Views

Download SquadGoogle's Blogger platform adds five new HTML5 Dynamic Views originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ajaxblogbloggerbloggersbloggingcss3dynamicdynamic viewsDynamicViewsgooglehtml5layouttemplateThu, 31 Mar 2011 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Voice Search learns Latin American Spanish, Indonesian, and Malaysian]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-voice-search-learns-latin-american-spanish-indonesian-a/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-voice-search-learns-latin-american-spanish-indonesian-a/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-voice-search-learns-latin-american-spanish-indonesian-a/#comments google voice search Google Voice Search has just introduced localizations for Latin America, Indonesia and Malaysia, enabling native language search for hundreds of millions of users.

Google's official blog post offers some interesting insights into the process of collecting and analyzing the speech data needed to expand support. Thousands of hours were spent gathering voice samples and choosing key regional accents to analyze, and International Program Manager Linne Ha is clearly very appreciative of the Google users who helped the company complete the expansion. Without an enthusiastic base of users to lend a hand, Google Voice Search's polyglot powers would have been nearly impossible to deliver.

Download SquadGoogle Voice Search learns Latin American Spanish, Indonesian, and Malaysian originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlegoogle voice searchGoogleVoiceSearchmobilesearchvoiceThu, 31 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google demands veto on OEM Android changes, stretches definition of 'open source']]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-demands-veto-on-android-changes-stretches-definition-of/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-demands-veto-on-android-changes-stretches-definition-of/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-demands-veto-on-android-changes-stretches-definition-of/#comments
Google, according to reports from "a dozen executives working at key companies in the Android ecosystem" is finally locking down the open source and easily-fragmented Android operating system.

As it currently stands, Google hands over the 'final' code for each version of Android, and OEMs and developers then spend some time customizing the OS to fit their hardware, and to create a unique and marketable flavor. That's all set to change, however.

Over the last few months, according to several people familiar with the matter, Android licensees such as HTC, Motorola and Facebook, have been asked to sign 'non-fragmentation clauses.' This new contract caveat will give Google the right to review and pass judgment on all changes to the Android OS. Two executives at Facebook say that they're unhappy that Google gets to review its changes to Android -- which is understandable, given Facebook and Google are direct competitors -- and there have also been allegations that Google is preventing some Verizon devices from shipping because they include Microsoft's Bing instead of Google search.

Continue reading Google demands veto on OEM Android changes, stretches definition of 'open source'

Download SquadGoogle demands veto on OEM Android changes, stretches definition of 'open source' originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 07:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidaospbingfragmentationgoogle searchGoogleSearchhoneycombmobilemobile deviceMobileDeviceoemopen sourceOpenSourcesmartphonesourcetabletThu, 31 Mar 2011 07:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft files antitrust complaint against Google in Europe, showdown imminent]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/microsoft-files-antitrust-complaint-against-google-in-europe-sh/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/microsoft-files-antitrust-complaint-against-google-in-europe-sh/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/microsoft-files-antitrust-complaint-against-google-in-europe-sh/#commentsMicrosoft, citing Google's tyrannical 95% share of the European search market, has lodged a formal complaint with the European Commission. It's not like Microsoft is breaking any ground here -- the European Commission has been investigating Google's alleged violation of European competition law since November 2010 -- but there's no doubt that the addition of Microsoft's gravitas will affect the proceedings.

Microsoft's complaint reads like a sincere and plaintive cry for help against the Google Overlord. Microsoft lists no less than six damning reasons why Google's behavior is anti-competitive -- from Windows Phone 7's incompatibility with YouTube, to its nefarious handling of Google Books -- and finishes with a wide-eyed plea to the European Commission to please find Google guilty.

For those of you that have been following Microsoft's own antitrust troubles over the last decade, don't worry: MS is quick to point out the irony in the situation. "There of course will be some who will point out the irony in today's filing. Having spent more than a decade wearing the shoe on the other foot with the European Commission, the filing of a formal antitrust complaint is not something we take lightly. This is the first time Microsoft Corporation has ever taken this step. More so than most, we recognize the importance of ensuring that competition laws remain balanced and that technology innovation moves forward."

It sounds like Microsoft, having well and truly gone through the wringer, wants Google to be held similarly accountable. That's fair enough, right?

Download SquadMicrosoft files antitrust complaint against Google in Europe, showdown imminent originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-competitiveantitrustbingcompetition lawCompetitionLaweuropeeuropean commissionEuropeanCommissiongooglegoogle searchGoogleSearchmicrosoftsearchwebThu, 31 Mar 2011 05:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Google +1 finally unveiled, probably not what you expected it to be]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/google-plus-1-announced/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/google-plus-1-announced/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/google-plus-1-announced/#comments google +1 plus one
It's a big day for Google, what with the announcement that Kansas City (not that Kansas City, but the other one that's actually in Kansas) has been selected to be the lucky town to get wired up with Google Fiber -- but that's not all they've gone public with today. Their "+1" project, which has been the subject of conjecture for months, was finally unveiled as well.

Google didn't exactly surprise anyone by announcing +1, but they did throw plenty of people for a loop. +1 isn't what most people expected it to be; it's technically social, but it's not social like a social network. The phrase "plus one" has nothing to do with dining out or going to parties. Google Profiles did not suddenly gain any sort of hyper-social layer. No, its name is actually more literal than even those examples, because all +1 is, is a tiny little box that says "+1" next to search results.

Basically, +1 is a "Like" button for Google Search.

The idea behind +1 is that while you're searching, you can "+1" results that you want to vouch for (or just plain love). When your friends go searching for something related that brings up those results, they'll be able to see that you've "+1'd" them. There will also be a tab added to your Google Profile just for +1, so you can see all your recommendations (and delete them).

Continue reading Google +1 finally unveiled, probably not what you expected it to be

Download SquadGoogle +1 finally unveiled, probably not what you expected it to be originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakinggooglegoogle searchGoogleSearchinternetlike buttonLikeButtonsearchsocial networkingSocialNetworkingwebWed, 30 Mar 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Gmail ads will start learning from your email habits]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/gmail-ads-will-start-learning-from-your-email-habits/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/gmail-ads-will-start-learning-from-your-email-habits/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/gmail-ads-will-start-learning-from-your-email-habits/#comments Gmail better ads
Google is preparing to make the ads in Gmail even more accurately predict your tastes and needs. While Google has been relying on the contents of each individual email to help it target the ads next to it, the coming overhaul will make ads learn from the entirety of your email correspondence.

To become more relevant to you, Gmail ads will start using some of the same signals that are incorporated into Priority Inbox, the feature which lets you separate important messages from bacn. Google explains that if you've had a lot of email conversations about digital cameras, for example, you may want to see a local deal from a camera store. If, however, you've recently marked camera-related messages as spam, you probably don't. A Google spokesperson has told TechCrunch that "offers and coupons for your local area" will soon be served by Gmail as part of the new system, highlighting the company's increasing efforts in the local space.

The ads featuring improved relevance will be slowly rolling out to Gmail users. For starters, you'll see a notification such as the one depicted in the image above, inviting you to Google's dedicated information page about the new system. You'll be able to turn the new feature off through Gmail's Settings, but you will be opted-in by default.

For those concerned with the privacy implications of this, Google says that the interest profile established by Gmail will not be used by any of Google's other advertising products. Also, like the original Gmail ad product, this will be a fully automated system -- no Google employees will secretly read your emails to find out just how much you love those lolcats.

Download SquadGmail ads will start learning from your email habits originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingGmailgoogleprivacyWebWed, 30 Mar 2011 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Google settles Buzz privacy case with FTC, apologizes]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/google-settles-buzz-privacy-case-with-ftc-apologizes/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/google-settles-buzz-privacy-case-with-ftc-apologizes/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/google-settles-buzz-privacy-case-with-ftc-apologizes/#commentsGoogle Buzz logoGoogle and the FTC have just announced that they've reached a settlement in the FTC's investigation of Google's privacy violations committed during the rollout of Google Buzz, the company's social network built inside of Gmail.

One of the reasons Buzz never quite took off may have been the enormous backlash surrounding its launch, and Google's handling of Gmail users' privacy. The FTC claims that by not adequately informing users of the privacy issues surrounding Buzz, Google has violated the FTC Act. Specifically, Google didn't properly inform Gmail users that they had the option to decline or leave the social network, and the controls for limiting the sharing of personal information were confusing and difficult to find. If you remember, before the backlash kicked in and Google subsequently backtracked, upon joining Buzz the identities and email addresses of the people you frequently emailed were made public by default. Google received "thousands of emails" complaining about this situation, the FTC claims.

Continue reading Google settles Buzz privacy case with FTC, apologizes

Download SquadGoogle settles Buzz privacy case with FTC, apologizes originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbuzzftcftc investigationftc settlementFtcInvestigationFtcSettlementgooglegoogle buzzgoogle buzz privacyGoogleBuzzGoogleBuzzPrivacyInternetprivacysocial networkingSocialNetworkingWed, 30 Mar 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[In-app payment support arrives on Android]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/in-app-payment-support-arrives-on-android/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/in-app-payment-support-arrives-on-android/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/in-app-payment-support-arrives-on-android/#comments Right on cue, Google has launched in-app payment support for Android applications. Developer testing began last week, and now many popular apps -- like the ones pictured above -- can begin charging users for add-on functionality, content, or whatever the heck else they feel is worthy of additional bits of your pocket change. If you were wondering, Google will take the same 30% cut that Apple takes from in-app purchases.

At last we can buy individual issues in Comics with minimal fuss!

Download SquadIn-app payment support arrives on Android originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddevelopergooglein-app paymentsIn-appPaymentsmobilemonetizepaymentpaymentsWed, 30 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Street View trike adds historic landmarks from Italy and France to Google Maps]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/google-street-view-trike-adds-historic-landmarks-from-italy-and/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/google-street-view-trike-adds-historic-landmarks-from-italy-and/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/google-street-view-trike-adds-historic-landmarks-from-italy-and/#comments Google Street View Colosseum, Rome, Italy Google's been busy with its pedal-powered Street View trike, going where no Street View car can reach, bringing us some of the most impressive virtual tours of significant landmarks across the globe. Now Google has made available Street View imagery of some of the most historic and impressive places in both Italy and France.

Have you ever wanted to take a look round the Colosseum in Rome which was built in 80 AD, but just haven't had the chance to jump on a jet over to Italy? Or how about the glorious Château de Fontainebleau, which has been home to French Royalty through the ages just outside of Paris in France? Well now you can make a virtual visit from the comfort of your office chair courtesy of Google Street View. While it's never going to be the same as feasting your eyes on the real thing, it's incredible to be able to take a virtual stroll through some of the world's most prestigious and fantastic landmarks.

So what are you waiting for, point your browser to Google's Street View gallery, and take a gander at some of the wonders of the world, or seek them out directly in Google Maps. Just don't let the boss catch you on your little virtual holiday.

Download SquadGoogle Street View trike adds historic landmarks from Italy and France to Google Maps originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsFranceGoogleGoogle MapsGoogleMapsItalylandmarksphotographyStreet Viewstreet view trikeStreetViewStreetViewTrikevirtual tourVirtualTourWebWed, 30 Mar 2011 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Android Market in-app billing now testing, goes live next week]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/android-market-in-app-billing-now-testing-goes-live-next-week/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/android-market-in-app-billing-now-testing-goes-live-next-week/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/android-market-in-app-billing-now-testing-goes-live-next-week/#comments android in-app purchase
The Android Market is still missing a few key pieces of functionality. Among them is in-app payments -- which Google has now announced will begin rolling out next week. The company is encouraging developers to upload apps that include in-app purchases, and instructions have been provided to walk submitters through the set-up and testing process. Google has made sure test apps can't actually be published until the launch next week, though.

While it's nice that Android users will finally be able to make in-app purchases, we're not going to lie -- right now we're more interested in the Amazon Appstore's daily freebie...

Download SquadAndroid Market in-app billing now testing, goes live next week originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazon appstoreAmazonAppstoreandroidandroid marketAndroidMarketappsdevelopergooglein-app purchasesIn-appPurchasesmarketmobilemobile world congressMobileWorldCongressFri, 25 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Music being tested internally, beta soon?]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/google-music-being-tested-internally/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/google-music-being-tested-internally/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/google-music-being-tested-internally/#commentsOne day soon, we may actually get to spend some hands-on time with the oft-delayed Google Music service.

According to CNET, Google is currently testing the service internally. Unfortunately for the rest of us, until Google works out all the licensing details with the major record labels, there's not really any chance of us being able to set up our own cloud-based music lockers on Google servers.

We know that's what the aim is -- thanks to the sync functionality in the leaked Android Music app -- but without label consent Google Music still has the whiff of vaporware.

It sure would be nice to see things finalized so that we can start synchronizing our iTunes libraries with Google Music in the cloud, though...

Download SquadGoogle Music being tested internally, beta soon? originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidaudiocloudgooglegoogle musicGoogleMusicitunesmusicstreamingsyncsynchronizewebFri, 25 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google holds back on open-sourcing Honeycomb, heralds massive shift for Android]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/google-holds-back-on-open-sourcing-honeycomb-heralds-shift-android/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/google-holds-back-on-open-sourcing-honeycomb-heralds-shift-android/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/google-holds-back-on-open-sourcing-honeycomb-heralds-shift-android/#comments Android Honeycomb Google, in an interesting but not entirely unexpected twist, will not be open-sourcing Android 3.0 Honeycomb for the foreseeable future.

Historically, Android is usually open-sourced via the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) a few days or weeks after the code is finalized. While this departure from the norm won't affect OEMs like HTC and Motorola that have access to internal builds of Android, small-time developers will likely have to wait months before rolling their own distributions.

As to why Google is holding back Honeycomb, its reasons are actually rather rational. Honeycomb, while originally intended to run on all mobile form factors, is only ready for deployment on tablets. "To make our schedule to ship the tablet, we made some design tradeoffs," says Andy Rubin, the head of Google's Android group. "We didn't want to think about what it would take for the same software to run on phones. It would have required a lot of additional resources and extended our schedule beyond what we thought was reasonable. So we took a shortcut."

In other words, Google wants to prevent OEMs and homebrew developers like Cyanogen from rolling their own smartphone versions of Honeycomb -- it doesn't want to see the same bitter-tasting tabletified bastardization that occurred with Android 2.1 and 2.2 last year.

Continue reading Google holds back on open-sourcing Honeycomb, heralds massive shift for Android

Download SquadGoogle holds back on open-sourcing Honeycomb, heralds massive shift for Android originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 3.0android 3.0 honeycombandroid honeycombAndroid3.0Android3.0HoneycombAndroidHoneycombAOSPgooglehoneycombice creamIceCreamopen sourceopen-sourceOpenSourceosupdatestabletFri, 25 Mar 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Chrome changes its logo... again! (pictures)]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/chrome-changes-its-logo-again-pictures/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/chrome-changes-its-logo-again-pictures/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/chrome-changes-its-logo-again-pictures/#comments Chrome logo reversion Esteemed bleeding-edge browser downloaders, we are saddened to announce that Chrome's bulbous, off-center and slightly 90s-looking logo is back.

The change occurred yesterday, when the Chrome Dev channel was moved from version 11 to version 12. We're not yet sure whether this is simply a mistake, or an actual reversion to the previous logo. We're seeing the change on both Windows and Mac builds of Chrome, incidentally.

The odd thing is, it was only four days ago that the Google Chrome team published its rationale for the previous logo change. It sounds like they put a lot of effort into the new logo, too! If the logo has actually been reverted, it's possible that the new logo was merely a beta test -- Google may have guaged populist opinion and found that people preferred the orb.

Which logo do you prefer? You can see some before-and-after(-and-before) shots of the Chrome logo after the break.

[thanks to Matthew for the tip!]

Continue reading Google Chrome changes its logo... again! (pictures)

Download SquadGoogle Chrome changes its logo... again! (pictures) originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 05:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserschromegoogle chromeGoogleChromelogoorbwebFri, 25 Mar 2011 05:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Spreadsheets gains filtering, one more reason not to use Excel]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/google-spreadsheets-gains-filtering-one-more-reason-not-to-use/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/google-spreadsheets-gains-filtering-one-more-reason-not-to-use/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/google-spreadsheets-gains-filtering-one-more-reason-not-to-use/#comments Google Spreadsheets filtering Toying with spreadsheets is just about the most mundane office work you can possibly do these days, and it's a world that is dominated by Microsoft Excel. Google's fairly basic offering, Spreadsheets, has just been bestowed with yet another reason to eschew Excel: Filtering.

Filtering allows you to instantly deep dive into both large or small amounts of data in ways which would take hours if done manually. Google's added pretty comprehensive filtering that mimics what's available in Excel. You can filter by row or column, by multiple keywords, or partial search terms, all indicated on the spreadsheet by green highlights. Add this to the existing sorting function of Spreadsheets and you've got yet another reason to use the light cloud-based Google Docs over the juggernaut that is Microsoft Office.

Download SquadGoogle Spreadsheets gains filtering, one more reason not to use Excel originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsDocsfilteringGoogleGoogle DocsGoogle SpreadsheetsGoogleDocsGoogleSpreadsheetsproductivitySpreadsheetsWebThu, 24 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google launches beautiful online magazine Think Quarterly]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/google-launches-beautiful-online-magazine-think-quarterly/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/google-launches-beautiful-online-magazine-think-quarterly/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/google-launches-beautiful-online-magazine-think-quarterly/#comments Think Quarterly, by Google Who would've thought it: First Netflix dives into the original content foray, and now the ultimate aggregator is also getting in on the action. In a rather weird twist of fate, Google has published the first edition of its new online magazine: Think Quarterly.

Think Quarterly is, in the words of Matt Brittin, Google's UK & Ireland Operations Managing Director, "a breathing space in a busy world. It's a place to take time out and consider what's happening and why it matters." This edition is ostensibly focused on the flow, control and tabulation of data, but it touches on near field communication (NFC) and the magic of viral videos.

The site itself is beautiful. It looks and feels a lot like Google's '20 things...' HTML5 guide, but you have the option of reading individual articles, or flipping through a page-turning Flash magazine applet. The stories themselves are interesting and well-written, too.

In short, Think Quarterly looks and feels like it was intentionally designed and produced to be distinctly un-Google. As Brittin says, it's meant to represent a breathing space in a busy world -- and Google has never exactly been the cautious, analytical type. Perhaps Think Quarterly represents a shift towards a more mature and institutionalized Google -- or perhaps it's just a flight of fancy. We'll have to wait and see.

Download SquadGoogle launches beautiful online magazine Think Quarterly originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>datagooglemagazinemediapublicationthink quarterlyThinkQuarterlywebThu, 24 Mar 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Drawings gets revisions, presence, and format painter tool]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/google-drawings-gets-revisions-presence-and-format-painter-too/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/google-drawings-gets-revisions-presence-and-format-painter-too/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/google-drawings-gets-revisions-presence-and-format-painter-too/#comments Google Drawings Google Drawings has just been updated to bring it into line with the rest of the Google Docs suite. The update includes revision history, which lets you see who added what and when, with the same interface used in both Documents and Spreadsheets. Presence indication has been added too, with shapes highlighted with a color linked to the current user. It mimics the text colors used to highlight what each person is writing in Documents, except highlighting the shapes and drawing elements that each person is contributing instead. Combined with revision history, the two features make is easier than ever to create collaborative drawings.

Google's added a format painter tool to Drawings as well, which lets you copy the format of a shape and paste it onto another shape. This helps you copy exact colors, as well as shape formatting, allowing you to create multiples of shapes and colors quickly and easily. Sub-group selection has been introduced too, making selection of shapes within a group possible without ungrouping the group.

There are a few things missing from Google Drawings, but it's rapidly becoming the easiest and quickest way to knock up a rough drawing with colleagues or friends. Check out these additions and more by heading to Google Docs and starting a new drawing.

Download SquadGoogle Drawings gets revisions, presence, and format painter tool originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 05:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsDocsDrawingsGoogleGoogle DocsGoogleDocsproductivityutilitiesWebThu, 24 Mar 2011 05:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrome 11 goes beta, adds hardware-accelerated 3D CSS and HTML5 speech input]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/23/chrome-11-goes-beta-adds-hardware-accelerated-3d-css-and-html5/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/23/chrome-11-goes-beta-adds-hardware-accelerated-3d-css-and-html5/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/23/chrome-11-goes-beta-adds-hardware-accelerated-3d-css-and-html5/#commentsGoogle Chrome 11 has arrived on the beta channel, and while there's not a lot reported in Google's official release post there have been a few important additions. As we've come to expect from Chrome version bumps, both the Webkit core and V8 JavaScript engine have been updated and tweaked for better performance. GPU-accelerated 3D CSS transforms and compositing are now enabled as well, allowing for richer, smoother Web visuals.

Chrome 11 adds HTML5 Speech Recognition, improving accessibility, and no doubt leading to Web apps which mimic certain mobile apps like Google Voice Search. Chrome 11's Speech Recognition worked quite well in our testing, and you can give it a go yourself by visiting this demo page.

Mac users will also find that Tab Overview has been enabled by default, Chrome 11 also includes improved support for the newer MacBooks' accelerometer. Finally, there's an experimental New Tab Page designed for touchscreens which you can enable on about:flags.

If you're on the beta channel already, you should be upgraded to Chrome 11 automatically. Want to install manually? Grab the Google Chrome 11 beta from this page.

Download SquadChrome 11 goes beta, adds hardware-accelerated 3D CSS and HTML5 speech input originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbetabrowserbrowserschromechrome 11Chrome11googlegoogle chromeGoogleChromelinuxmacwebwindowsWed, 23 Mar 2011 07:55:00 EST<![CDATA[YouTube Video Editor gets impressive stabilization and 3D Video Creator]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/23/youtube-video-editor-gets-impressive-stabilizer-and-3d-video-cre/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/23/youtube-video-editor-gets-impressive-stabilizer-and-3d-video-cre/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/23/youtube-video-editor-gets-impressive-stabilizer-and-3d-video-cre/#comments YouTube Video editor with stablization Google has just updated its cloud-based YouTube video editor to include the fruits of its recent purchase, plus a bit of 3D thrown in for good measure. The in-browser editor can now dramatically reduce camera shake using technology acquired from Green Parrot Pictures. It works by charting the best camera path for you, as if you were using a dolly or tripod, using a 'unified optimization technique.' In essence, it gives you a one-click solution for clearing up your shaky camera work, and the best bit is that you can preview it in real-time before you publish. Considering how much processing power video optimization like this demands, Google's pushing some impressive cloud computing here, distributing the load across a range of servers.

If video stabilization wasn't enough to sate your demands for a cloud-based video editor, how about a bit of 3D? Google's integrated 3D video production using two separate streams -- the kind of thing you get when you bolt two cameras together filming at a set distance apart at the same time. It's been quite difficult to create a 3D video from two cameras using just free tools, but now Google has integrated it into the YouTube 3D Video Creator and made it compatible with YouTube's 3D features.

So if you're a budding 3D movie maker on a budget, or you're a tad shaky when it comes to hand-held video, then checkout the new YouTube 3D Video Creator or the YouTube video editor. Hit the jump for a before and after comparison of the video stabilizer in action.

Continue reading YouTube Video Editor gets impressive stabilization and 3D Video Creator

Download SquadYouTube Video Editor gets impressive stabilization and 3D Video Creator originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 06:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsGooglegreen parrot picturesGreenParrotPicturesproductivitystabilizationvideoVideo EditorVideoEditorWebYouTubeWed, 23 Mar 2011 06:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Doodles awarded patent for 'enticing users to access a website']]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/23/google-doodles-awarded-patent-for-enticing-users-to-access-a-we/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/23/google-doodles-awarded-patent-for-enticing-users-to-access-a-we/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/23/google-doodles-awarded-patent-for-enticing-users-to-access-a-we/#comments Google Doodle patent If you thought the crazy, Wild West days of the United States Patent and Trademark Office were over... think again! Google has been awarded a patent for its famous Doodles. The application was originally filed in 2001, some three years after Google began using custom logos on its home page.

With the awesomely vague title "Systems and methods for enticing users to access a web site" we can only hope that Google isn't in a particularly litigious mood. Wouldn't such a patent cover animated Flash splash screens? And with the steady rise of HTML5esque Web apps and Web-based add-ons, will their shiny, enticing front pages fall under the auspices of Google's patent?

The USPTO has seen weirder days, though. Sun, the company behind Java, famously ran a contest to see which developer could secure the 'goofiest' patent -- and then there was the time that British Telecom tried to enforce a patent issued in 1976 that apparently gave it ownership of the ubiquitous HTML hyperlink. BT lost that court case, thankfully.

Download SquadGoogle Doodles awarded patent for 'enticing users to access a website' originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doodlesgooglegoogle doodleGoogleDoodlelawpatentusptowebWed, 23 Mar 2011 05:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Appstore for Android hands-on review: Android Market is in trouble]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/amazon-appstore-for-android-hands-on-review-android-market-in-trouble/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/amazon-appstore-for-android-hands-on-review-android-market-in-trouble/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/amazon-appstore-for-android-hands-on-review-android-market-in-trouble/#comments Amazon Appstore vs. Android Market
Earlier today Amazon released its long-awaited Appstore for Android. Fundamentally it's very similar to Google's first-party Android Market or the third-party AppBrain, but it has a few Amazonian differences that could set it apart from the competition very quickly.

First and foremost, Amazon is promising to give away one paid app for free every day. Today it's Angry Birds Rio, and it only retails for 99 cents, but that doesn't really matter: people love free stuff. People will download stuff simply because it's free, even if they don't want it! The best bit (or worst bit) is that developers still get 20% of the usual retail price, which will be paid out of Amazon's pockets.

The next defining feature is Amazon Appstore exclusives. Angry Birds Rio, CoD:MW:Force Recon and other apps will be available only from Amazon. As we know from the console wars, exclusive titles aren't always a good thing, but who cares? Amazon simply wants unique selling points, and exclusive titles are definitely that.

It's not all good, though. We ran in to some rather serious bugs while playing around with the Amazon Appstore for Android app, and then there's the matter of having to enable installation from Unknown Sources before it will even install...

Gallery: Amazon Appstore for Android

Continue reading Amazon Appstore for Android hands-on review: Android Market is in trouble

Download SquadAmazon Appstore for Android hands-on review: Android Market is in trouble originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon appstoreAmazonAppstoreandroidandroid marketAndroidMarketapp storeappsAppStorefeaturesgooglehands onhands-onHandsOnmarketreviewwebTue, 22 Mar 2011 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Chrome slated for bloat removal]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/google-chrome-slated-for-bloat-removal/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/google-chrome-slated-for-bloat-removal/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/google-chrome-slated-for-bloat-removal/#comments google chrome bloat Over the course of its rapid progression from version 1.0 to 10.0, Google Chrome has packed on the pounds, so to speak. The introduction of features like the internal Flash player, PDF reader, sync engine, and extension and app support have all been contributing factors in the growth of Chrome's footprint.

Now, however, Google is starting to take a look at where Chrome can be slimmed down. A special group of Chromium developers has been assembled and tasked with reducing the size of the Chrome binaries. While Windows is the primary target, it's likely that Mac and Linux versions will be looked at as well.

Various reasons for the "diet" are put forward by developers. Ian Fette notes that Chrome is delivered as part of several app bundles (like Avast) and larger binaries can cause difficulties. He also points out that Google sees an increased number of failed download attempts as the file size grows. Another developer, Lei Zhang, reminds that not everyone in the world has broadband -- and even a few megs here and there can make a big difference to those users.

A monitoring system has been put in place, and developers will now made made aware of increases in size as the Chromium buildbot churns out new snapshots.

Download SquadGoogle Chrome slated for bloat removal originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbloatbrowserbrowserschromechromiumfile sizeFileSizefootprintgooglegoogle chromeGoogleChromewebTue, 22 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Latitude for iOS adds check-in, Places goes multilingual]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/google-latitude-for-ios-adds-check-in-places-goes-multilingual/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/google-latitude-for-ios-adds-check-in-places-goes-multilingual/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/google-latitude-for-ios-adds-check-in-places-goes-multilingual/#commentsAndroid users have been able to post Latitude check-ins via the Google Maps app for some time. Now, Google has brought the same functionality to its Latitude app for iOS. Being able to check-in at specific locations gives the app a much more social feel, and it's nice to be able to do more than track your friends' positions on a map.

Google has also delivered a massive internationalization update for the Google Places app. Version 1.1 now supports a total of 30 languages, and it adds a saved places feature which allows you to quickly access your favorite check-in locations while you're out and about. Your saved places will also sync with Maps and Hotpot.

Head to the App Store and grab the new Google Latitude and Google Places apps for your iOS device!

Download SquadGoogle Latitude for iOS adds check-in, Places goes multilingual originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscheck-ingooglegoogle latitudegoogle placesGoogleLatitudeGooglePlacesioslatitudemapmapsmobileplacesTue, 22 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google accuses China of interfering with Gmail]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/google-accuses-china-of-interfering-with-gmail/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/google-accuses-china-of-interfering-with-gmail/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/google-accuses-china-of-interfering-with-gmail/#comments gmail china It's act three of Google vs. China. We've seen the two duke it out over accusations of cyberwarfare and search engine censorship, and now Google is throwing down the gauntlet over interference with Gmail.

According to The Guardian, the number of complaints from Gmail users and advertisers in China has steadily risen of late. Google believes that the problems are the result of "a government blockage [which has been] carefully designed to look like the problem is with Gmail." A Google spokesperson went on to say that the company has checked extensively and that there is no problem on its end.

The blockage may be an attempt to quiet the Jasmine Revolution, which arose in China following the identically-named Tunisian revolution earlier this year.

Download SquadGoogle accuses China of interfering with Gmail originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blockchinachineseemailgmailgooglegoogle vs chinaGoogleVsChinajasmine revolutionJasmineRevolutionmailwebMon, 21 Mar 2011 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero-day Flash vulnerability fixed in Chrome, still unpatched elsewhere]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/zero-day-flash-vulnerability-fixed-in-chrome-still-unpatched-el/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/zero-day-flash-vulnerability-fixed-in-chrome-still-unpatched-el/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/zero-day-flash-vulnerability-fixed-in-chrome-still-unpatched-el/#commentsGoogle, proving the efficacy of Chrome's built-in Flash Player and its early, insider access to Adobe's developer builds, has fixed the zero-day vulnerability that emerged last week.

The hole will be plugged on other platforms and browsers by a new version of Flash 10.1 and 10.2 that should've been released by now.

If you've restarted Google Chrome in the last few days, you should now have the updated Flash Player. Otherwise, go ahead and restart your browser now and it will automatically update.

Download SquadZero-day Flash vulnerability fixed in Chrome, still unpatched elsewhere originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeadobe flash playerAdobeFlashPlayerbrowserschromeflashgooglegoogle chromeGoogleChromesecuritywebzero-dayMon, 21 Mar 2011 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Voice comes to Sprint customers, no app or porting required]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/google-voice-comes-to-sprint-customers-no-app-or-porting-required/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/google-voice-comes-to-sprint-customers-no-app-or-porting-required/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/google-voice-comes-to-sprint-customers-no-app-or-porting-required/#comments google voice sprint Google has made a pair of announcements concerning a tighter partnership with Sprint in the U.S. First, the Nexus S has arrived on Sprint's 4G network. Second, the two companies have worked together to deliver a seamless, app-free Google Voice experience to Sprint customers.

Current Sprint users can now make a painless switch to Google Voice. No number porting is required -- existing Sprint phone numbers will just work. That brings the whole enchilada, including ringing multiple phones from a single number, voice mail transcriptions, and the ability to answer calls in Gmail. Other features include cheap international calling rates, per-caller customized voicemail greetings, call blocking, and call recording.

Interested Sprint customer can flip the Google Voice switch by visiting this page. There's a video that demonstrates the new service after the break.

Continue reading Google Voice comes to Sprint customers, no app or porting required

Download SquadGoogle Voice comes to Sprint customers, no app or porting required originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscallcallinggmailgooglegoogle voiceGoogleVoicemobilephonesprintvoicevoipMon, 21 Mar 2011 09:15:00 EST