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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Telus recruits Leonard Nimoy to vet your Facebook status updates]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/telus-recruits-leonard-nimoy-to-vet-your-facebook-status-updates/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/telus-recruits-leonard-nimoy-to-vet-your-facebook-status-updates/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/telus-recruits-leonard-nimoy-to-vet-your-facebook-status-updates/#comments What Would Leonard Nimoy Say Have you ever thought your Facebook status updates lacked finesse? Ever regretted saying that to the whole of Facebook about 30 seconds after hitting send? Ever wished you had your own personal Leonard Nimoy to proof read your mind-dumps before you make a fool of yourself? Yes, me too, and now you can!

Brought to you by Telus, What Would Leonard Nimoy Say (WWLNS) is a Facebook app, which allows you to run your status updates past the legendary sci-fi actor before slapping them up on Facebook. To use the app you must 'Like' it, and sacrifice your https connection if you happen to have it enabled, but that's the price you pay to have Spock proof read your inane musings.

Check out Telus on Facebook to take the app for a whirl, and jump on over to Engadget to see more Nimoy-Telus combinations.

Download SquadTelus recruits Leonard Nimoy to vet your Facebook status updates originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 03:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsFacebookLeonard NimoyLeonardNimoysocial networkingSocialNetworkingTelusWebWWLNSFri, 08 Apr 2011 03:40:00 EST<![CDATA[LinkedIn app for Android now available]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/07/linkedin-app-for-android-now-available/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/07/linkedin-app-for-android-now-available/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/07/linkedin-app-for-android-now-available/#comments LinkedIn for Android LinkedIn, the 'professional' social network, has finally launched an Android app. The app has previously been available in beta for a while. The final version includes support for messages, as well as a new Reconnect button, which suggests people you may know based on your profile and current connections. LinkedIn for Android obviously has all the features you'd expect, making it easy to connect with fellow LinkedIn users from your smartphone.

The app lets you post status updates, view updates from your contacts, view your contacts' profiles, add new contacts, search for LinkedIn users (this can be either limited to your contacts, or it can go through the entire user base), and respond to invitations.

LinkedIn expects to improve its Android app in future versions by adding some features that "have been heavily requested during the public Beta".

Download LinkedIn for Android for free from the Android Market, from LinkedIn directly, or just point your Android smartphone to m.linkedin.com/android

Download SquadLinkedIn app for Android now available originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappsbusinesslinkedinlinkedin for androidLinkedinForAndroidsocial networkingSocialNetworkingThu, 07 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TweetDeck to launch as HTML5 Web app, now accepting beta testers]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/06/tweetdeck-to-launch-as-web-app-now-accepting-beta-testers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/06/tweetdeck-to-launch-as-web-app-now-accepting-beta-testers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/06/tweetdeck-to-launch-as-web-app-now-accepting-beta-testers/#comments When TweetDeck landed in the Chrome Web Store, it seemed like an indication that it might eventually evolve into a pure HTML5 Web app. Now it looks as though that's exactly what's going to happen, with TweetDeck announcing that a new, not-just-for-Chrome Web client is ready for beta testing.

It's a natural progression for TweetDeck, especially since its originally Adobe Air app is practically all Web code. TweetDeck Web will sport a feature set which is nearly identical to the Chrome app, with the notable exception of Twitter streaming.

Initially, TweetDeck is targeting Firefox 4 and 3.6, Google Chrome, and Safari. Opera and Internet Explorer 9 won't be invited to the dance until a bit later on.

If you'd like to get in on the TweetDeck Web beta, head on over and register -- or sign up using your existing TweetDeck account.

Download SquadTweetDeck to launch as HTML5 Web app, now accepting beta testers originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activity streamsActivityStreamsappssocialsocialnetworkingstreamstweetdecktwitterwebweb appsWebAppsWed, 06 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Twitter beefs up People search with associated name discovery]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/twitter-beefs-up-people-search-with-associated-name-discovery/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/twitter-beefs-up-people-search-with-associated-name-discovery/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/twitter-beefs-up-people-search-with-associated-name-discovery/#comments Twitter People Search Twitter has finally made its people search algorithm a little more useful. It's integrated the ability to search for people using associated terms. For instance searching for 'Tech' might bring up a bunch of tech journalists or publications, where as searching for 'hip hop' will bring up some hip hop artists as suggestions. Previously the Twitter people search would only bring up people with the keyword search term actually in their username.

Twitter has also rolled out an Advanced Search page, which lets you drill down with exact phrase matching, and other conditional searching additions. It'll even let you search using positive, negative, question, and retweet inclusion modifiers, with the best bit being that you can use emoticons to do it. :)

Download SquadTwitter beefs up People search with associated name discovery originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>searchsocial networkingSocialNetworkingTwitterWebTue, 05 Apr 2011 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook iPhone app gains Map View for Places, Unfriend and Event check-ins]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/facebook-iphone-app-gains-map-view-for-places-unfriend-and-even/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/facebook-iphone-app-gains-map-view-for-places-unfriend-and-even/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/facebook-iphone-app-gains-map-view-for-places-unfriend-and-even/#commentsFacebook iPhone app UnfriendFacebook just updated its iPhone app to include some frequently requested features including the ability to check-in to events, view maps for Places and unfriend people on the go.

Places now lets you see locations using an integrated Google map, so that you can scope out where your friends have checked into and the surrounding area; handy if you're meant to be meeting your friend at a bar, but are running late, have no idea where it is, and they've already checked-in there. Speaking of checking-in you can now also check-in to Events you happen to be attending, which seems a logical inclusion.

Unfriending people works as you might expect. Select a friend, hit the do more button and choose to add them as a favorite, send them a message, poke them, or unfriend them! No more will you have to wait till you get back to your desktop to remove the scourge that just slighted you. Just be careful you don't hit the Unfriend button when you're aiming to give them a quick poke.

Facebook also made some minor updates to the News Feed and Notifications UI, which now includes profile pictures next to notification items.

Jump on over to the App Store to pick up the free update, or hit the 'check for updates' button in iTunes.

Download SquadFacebook iPhone app gains Map View for Places, Unfriend and Event check-ins originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscheck-infacebookiOSiPhoneMap ViewMapViewsocial networkingSocialNetworkingUnfriendTue, 05 Apr 2011 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RockMelt Beta 2 redefines bookmarking, gets new Twitter app, is based on Chromium 10]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/rockmelt-beta-2-redefines-bookmarking-gets-new-twitter-app-is/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/rockmelt-beta-2-redefines-bookmarking-gets-new-twitter-app-is/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/rockmelt-beta-2-redefines-bookmarking-gets-new-twitter-app-is/#comments RockMelt Beta 2
RockMelt, the Chromium-based social Web browser has reached a new milestone today. Following its first public beta that was released in early March, RockMelt Beta 2 has started being pushed to the browser's users. The new version brings many new features, alongside the usual bug fixes, performance enhancements, and a new base for the browser -- Chromium 10, which also powers Google Chrome's stable channel releases at the moment. The previous RockMelt beta was based on Chromium 9, and it's nice to see it kept up-to-date.

Perhaps the most intriguing new feature in RockMelt Beta 2 is the new bookmarking system, intuitively called View Later. RockMelt's developers have come to the conclusion that, in a modern browser that offers address auto-complete and makes the most visited sites accessible on the new tab page, people don't use bookmarks anymore -- at least not the way they used to back in the day. These days apparently, bookmarking is mostly about saving interesting pages for future reference. Which is where View Later comes in. You just click on the new clock icon at the far right of the address bar (where Chrome's star icon is), and you've added the page you're viewing to your View Later queue. You can even add individual posts from Facebook or Twitter. Your View Later contents are synced using RockMelt's general sync mechanism.

RockMelt Beta 2 also packs a new Twitter app, which now lets you edit retweets, view direct messages, reply to all, and easily use Twitter search. It uses Twitter's new real-time API, so you get the tweets exactly at the moment they're published.

The Chat bar has been redesigned, making it easier to keep track of multiple conversations, since chats are now docked in the Chat bar along the bottom of the browser, where they even stay visible while you browse the Web. Incoming chat messages will trigger notifications, and the ability to drag individual chat sessions out of the bar and into separate windows is still there.

All in all a solid update, that has started rolling out today and will reach all of the browser's users in a week's time. What remains to be seen is how many people are willing to switch from any of the 'big guys' to RockMelt for its added features.

Download RockMelt for Windows or Mac

Download SquadRockMelt Beta 2 redefines bookmarking, gets new Twitter app, is based on Chromium 10 originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbrowserschromiumfacebookMacOSXrockmeltrockmelt beta 2RockmeltBeta2social networkingsocial web browserSocialNetworkingSocialWebBrowsertwitterwindowsFri, 01 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook launches unified mobile site, announces 250 million mobile users]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/facebook-launches-unified-mobile-site-announces-250-million-mob/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/facebook-launches-unified-mobile-site-announces-250-million-mob/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/facebook-launches-unified-mobile-site-announces-250-million-mob/#commentsFacebook has announced that its two mobile sites -- m.facebook.com and touch.facebook.com -- have been unified, bringing a simpler mobile experience to Facebook users. And there are a lot of those -- a quarter billion, according to Facebook.

Smartphone users won't be losing any functionality because of the consolidation. If your phone supported the enhacned features offered by touch.facebook.com, the new site will automatically flip the switch when you visit.

Rolling the sites together helps simplify things for Facebook's developer team. Now changes can be pushed to a single site instead of two separate sites, which makes it easier to ensure that all mobile users receive a nearly identical experience regardless of the device they're using.

The new Facebook mobile can also check to see if your phone supports geolocation. If it doesn't, you won't be seeing much of Facebook Places -- which obviously relies heavily on geolocation. Images can also be optimized on the fly to keep page performance from suffering on less powerful devices. You can see the three different versions of the share button below, courtesy our friends at TechCrunch.

Download SquadFacebook launches unified mobile site, announces 250 million mobile users originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookInternetmobilesocialsocial networkingsocialnetworkingwebFri, 01 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boxcar for Mac now available for beta testing]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/boxcar-for-mac-now-available-in-beta/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/boxcar-for-mac-now-available-in-beta/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/boxcar-for-mac-now-available-in-beta/#commentsBoxcar Beta for MacBoxcar, the push notification application that has a great number of fans on iOS, has just made it to the Mac, though in beta form for now. Essentially, Boxcar allows you to get push notifications for many different services, and lets you organize those messages and deal with them in a less stressful way than, say, the notification system that Apple has built into iOS. About a couple of months ago, Boxcar unveiled a Web interface that allows you to control your push notifications without even touching your iDevice.

The Mac version takes a place in your toolbar. When you click it, it shows a drop-down list of all your notifications as they arrive, in real-time. You can set it to play a sound for each new notification, and if you have Growl installed, Boxcar is able to notify you visually each time too.

Boxcar is not available from the Mac App Store. According to Jonathan George, the app's creator, it will be in the future though -- possibly once it's out of beta. George also laid out Boxcar's mission to TechCrunch, and it certainly looks like you can expect Boxcar to pop up in many more places, since he believes in "delivering messages to people -- not devices; [...] to you, wherever you're at. That will be on your phone, tablet, desktop, TV or car".

Download Boxcar Beta for Mac

Download SquadBoxcar for Mac now available for beta testing originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsBoxCarboxcar for macBoxcarForMacMacnotificationsOSXproductivitypushpush notificationsPushNotificationssocial networkingSocialNetworkingutilitiesThu, 31 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Twitter kills QuickBar from its iOS app]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/twitter-kills-quickbar-from-its-ios-app/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/twitter-kills-quickbar-from-its-ios-app/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/twitter-kills-quickbar-from-its-ios-app/#commentsTwitter for iOS QuickBar removedTwitter has just updated its iOS app, and the biggest change that version 3.3.3 brings is something many users have asked for -- the removal of the (in)famous dickQuickBar. First introduced in an update at the beginning of this month, this new feature has seen immense backlash from users of the app, who considered it had only one purpose -- to intrusively serve 'promoted trends' and help Twitter make some money.

Subsequently, Twitter backpedaled a bit by making the QuickBar no longer cover tweets once you scrolled down. Apparently that hasn't gone down well with users either, since Twitter has now decided to outright remove the QuickBar. In its blog post on the matter, Twitter explains that its goals for the QuickBar were innocent -- it wanted to let users in on what happened in the world beyond the borders of who they follow, and the feature was also supposed to serve as a means of delivering in-app notifications for @ mentions and direct messages.

Despite Twitter's sweet talk, one thing is clear: the QuickBar was a mistake. Perhaps not its addition per se, rather the fact that it was forced upon everyone. A setting (defaulted to Off) may have gone a lot better with the vocal lot that Twitter 'influencers' are. Anyway, today's the day Twitter ends another backlash surrounding a choice it has made regarding the way people use its service. Not the first one, by any stretch of the imagination, and it probably won't be the last either.

Download Twitter for iOS for free from the iTunes App Store

Download SquadTwitter kills QuickBar from its iOS app originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingappsbreakingIOSipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchpromoted trendsPromotedTrendsquickbarsocial networkingSocialNetworkingtwittertwitter for iostwitter trendsTwitterForIosTwitterTrendsThu, 31 Mar 2011 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Flickr adds to sharing options, now easier to share photos across the Web]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/flickr-adds-to-sharing-options-now-easier-to-share-photos-acros/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/flickr-adds-to-sharing-options-now-easier-to-share-photos-acros/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/flickr-adds-to-sharing-options-now-easier-to-share-photos-acros/#comments flickr It sure is nice to see some new developer action over at Flickr. The relatively slow-moving photo-sharing service has just announced a new sharing update, which consists of several new and easy ways to embed or link to your photos:
  • Share from Photo page: There's a new sharing option on each and every photo page. When logged off, the button shows only Facebook and Twitter options. But once you log on, you get Tumblr and Blogger too, and can configure other sharing venues as well.
  • Share non-public content on Facebook: This doesn't sound like a great idea, but you now can share private photos on Facebook if you're so inclined (and if you trust your privacy settings).
That's the gist of the update; it makes it easier to show off your pretty pictures in a plethora of places.

Download SquadFlickr adds to sharing options, now easier to share photos across the Web originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BloggerFacebookflickrphotographysocial networkingSocialNetworkingTumblrTwitterWebyahooThu, 31 Mar 2011 03:30:00 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[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[Cloud Girlfriend will use a swarm of females to satisfy men]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/cloud-girlfriend-will-use-an-army-of-females-to-please-lonely-me/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/cloud-girlfriend-will-use-an-army-of-females-to-please-lonely-me/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/cloud-girlfriend-will-use-an-army-of-females-to-please-lonely-me/#comments The social network Cloud Girlfriend
Cloud Girlfriend, despite what it sounds like, doesn't really have anything to do with cloud computing. Rather, it uses a cloud of women to pose as your girlfriend on Facebook, or your favorite social network of choice. The service is scheduled to launch 'soon,' and there's no indication of how much it will cost.

With the tagline 'The easiest way to get a girlfriend is to already have one,' Cloud Girlfriend promises to be a very interesting startup indeed. The brains of the operation, David Fuhriman, speaking to CNET, says it's all about fulfilling Maslow's hierarchy of needs. "CloudGirlfriend.com can fulfill Maslow's higher needs, even though the users know that the interaction is virtual. They will interact with a real person and see real profile images of the girl with whom they interact. This interaction can build confidence and esteem as well as provide real training experiences in navigating a friendship and a relationship."

Our concern, of course, is that it's very nearly April 1. We're also worried by the fact that Fuhriman has a name that sounds ominously like a social subculture that we've grown strangely attracted to here in the Download Squad bunker.

Finally, just stop and think about it for a second. Because your cloud girlfriend will be entirely virtual, she could be based anywhere. She could be underage -- or overage -- or she might be someone who you know in real life. She could even be a relative of yours, and you'd never know.

Let's not forget this is the Internet we're talking about, folks. Worst case scenario, she could turn out to be a hairy, male truck driver from Texas. Such as... your dad, perhaps?

Download SquadCloud Girlfriend will use a swarm of females to satisfy men originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudcloud girlfriendCloudGirlfriendfacebookgirlfriendmaslowsocial networksocial networkingSocialNetworkSocialNetworkingtwittervirtualvirtual girlfriendVirtualGirlfriendWed, 30 Mar 2011 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Facebook scams revealed by BitDefender (infographic)]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/29/top-facebook-scams-revealed-by-bitdefender/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/29/top-facebook-scams-revealed-by-bitdefender/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/29/top-facebook-scams-revealed-by-bitdefender/#comments Security company BitDefender -- which recently released the Safego app to protect your Facebook account -- has put together an infographic illustrating information about the state of scams on the social networking site.

At an impressive 7,532 pixels tall, the graphic offers plenty of insight into the dark underbelly of Facebook. The company found profile insight apps -- like those which promise to show you who's viewing your page and who deleted you -- to be the most widespread scam. BitDefender estimates that this particular type of scam has generated more than 1.4 million clickthroughs. Facebook's popular social games are a common trap as well, but are in a distant second, with less than half the clickthroughs.

Somewhat surprisingly, shocking image and video posts came in at number three on the list. We've seen so many of this type of scam appear in our security feeds that we thought they'd be the most common.

Download SquadTop Facebook scams revealed by BitDefender (infographic) originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookinternetmalwarescamscamssecuritysocialsocial networkingsocialnetworkingwebTue, 29 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Twitter for iOS updated with iPad 2 photo and video capture support]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/twitter-for-ios-updated-with-ipad-2-photo-and-video-capture-supp/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/twitter-for-ios-updated-with-ipad-2-photo-and-video-capture-supp/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/25/twitter-for-ios-updated-with-ipad-2-photo-and-video-capture-supp/#comments Twitter for iPad 2 camera support Twitter has updated its iOS app today, bringing it to version 3.3.2. It integrates support for snapping pictures and capturing videos with the iPad 2. This means that you can now quickly take a picture or record a video with your shiny new iPad and instantly share it with the world via Twitter.

Since Twitter has one iOS app that works across all of Apple's mobile devices, this update is also available for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Alongside camera support for the iPad 2, Twitter for iOS 3.3.2 has disabled location change monitoring, something that was causing the compass to constantly show up inside the app. A lot of bugs have also been squashed, following user reported crashes of the app.

Download Twitter for iOS 3.3.2 for free from the iTunes App Store

Download SquadTwitter for iOS updated with iPad 2 photo and video capture support originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsIOSipad 2ipad cameraIpad2IpadCameraphotographysocial networkingSocialNetworkingtwittertwitter for iosTwitterForIosvideoFri, 25 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Color location-based photo sharing app makes a big splash on iPhone and Android]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/color-location-based-photo-sharing-app-makes-a-big-splash-on-iph/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/color-location-based-photo-sharing-app-makes-a-big-splash-on-iph/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/color-location-based-photo-sharing-app-makes-a-big-splash-on-iph/#comments Just when Instagram had reached the peak of trendiness, along comes the next big thing in mobile photo-sharing: Color. Color is an iPhone/Android app that lets you share location-tagged photos. What's new about Color is the way it builds your contacts: it shows you photos from people who are currently within 100 feet of you, whether you know them or not.

If you're around someone all the time, Color will figure out that you know that person, and start showing you more of their photos. Meanwhile, photos from the strangers who move in and out of your life will disappear as quickly as the people themselves. This "elastic" social network is supposed to encourage people to say hi to one another, while keeping the photos relevant by showing your current location.

It's an interesting play with a ton of money behind it -- the color.com domain name alone cost the startup $350,000. It's also got a big name attached: Bill Nguyen, who also founded Lala.com and sold it to Apple. Whether users are comfortable with this new, very public way of sharing photos will determine whether Color's future is bright. If it doesn't work on its own, we're sure the technology would be an attractive buy for a company like Facebook which thrives on creatively pushing the bounds of privacy.

Download SquadColor location-based photo sharing app makes a big splash on iPhone and Android originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcolorgpsiosiphonelocationlocation-basedphotographysharingsocialnetworkingThu, 24 Mar 2011 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[GroupMe group messaging service launches beta BlackBerry app]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/groupme-group-messaging-service-launches-beta-blackberry-app/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/groupme-group-messaging-service-launches-beta-blackberry-app/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/groupme-group-messaging-service-launches-beta-blackberry-app/#comments GroupMe beta for BlackBerry
GroupMe, the group texting and call conferencing service that made its name by relying on SMS to send group messages, has launched an application for BlackBerry smartphones. The app is still in beta stage, and it doesn't seem to incorporate the most recent changes to the company's iOS and Android apps, which now also let you use your data connection to send messages.

GroupMe beta for BlackBerry does have all the basics, though. You can create new groups, send messages to any of your groups, and attach photos. The user interface is simple and easy to use, and doesn't really get in your way (although it probably won't win any design awards either).

If you're unfamiliar with GroupMe's basic principle, here's a quick rundown. Each group that you create gets its own unique phone number. When you send a text message to that number, all the members of that group receive it (and you only send one message, instead of one to each contact). If you call a group's number, you'll be connected to all the group's members in a conference call. The numbers assigned to your groups can be saved as contacts, making things even easier to manage. You can even create 'short-term groups', which you can set to expire after a certain time.

GroupMe is free to install and use, but keep in mind that the BlackBerry beta app will use text messages and minutes from your mobile plan.

Download GroupMe beta for BlackBerry from the BlackBerry App World

Download SquadGroupMe group messaging service launches beta BlackBerry app originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbetaBlackBerryconference callConferenceCallfreegroup textgroupmeGroupTextsmssocial networkingSocialNetworkingtexttext messagingTextingTextMessagingMon, 21 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook acquires Snaptu to bolster 'dumb phone' mobile apps]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/facebook-acquires-snaptu-to-bolster-mobile-apps/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/facebook-acquires-snaptu-to-bolster-mobile-apps/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/facebook-acquires-snaptu-to-bolster-mobile-apps/#commentsFacebook has plunked down between $60 and 70 million on mobile app developer Snaptu, which creates Java-based applications for feature phones. Snaptu had been hand-picked by Facebook to develop its non-smartphone app, and the acquisition means Snaptu will now be part of the internal team. Snaptu's reach goes beyond Facebook, of course: the company's mobile app also integrates with Twitter, Picasa, LinkedIn, and other services like RSS.

Snaptu's Facebook app works with more than 2,500 handsets. Delivering a powerful, easy-to-use app to the millions of mobile users worldwide who don't own a smartphone is critical if Facebook wishes to make itself as ubiquitous and accessible as possible.

Download SquadFacebook acquires Snaptu to bolster 'dumb phone' mobile apps originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionappsdumb phonedumbphonefacebookfeature phonefeaturephonejavamobilesnaptusocialsocial networkingsocial-networkingSocialNetworkingtwitterMon, 21 Mar 2011 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GetGlue BlackBerry app now available for download]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/getglue-blackberry-app-now-available-for-download/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/getglue-blackberry-app-now-available-for-download/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/getglue-blackberry-app-now-available-for-download/#commentsGetGlue, the popular social activity check-in app, has finally arrived in BlackBerry App World. Now, users of just about any BlackBerry 8xxx or 9xxx device with OS 5 or better can share what they're watching, reading, playing, listening to, or thinking about.

After a little more than a month in beta testing, GetGlue is now fully ready to provide BlackBerry owners with a way to earn piles of free stickers for posting their check-ins. The app features a stream view where you can keep tabs on friends' activities, and a polished, streamlined rating interface. There's also a dedicated section for displaying time-limited achievements.

BlackBerry users can download GetGlue from AppWorld.

Gallery: GetGlue for BlackBerry

Download SquadGetGlue BlackBerry app now available for download originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsblackberrycheck-incheckingetgluemobilerateratingsocialsocialnetworkingFri, 18 Mar 2011 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Useful keyboard shortcuts for Twitter.com]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/useful-keyboard-shortcuts-for-twitter-com/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/useful-keyboard-shortcuts-for-twitter-com/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/useful-keyboard-shortcuts-for-twitter-com/#comments Twitter.com keyboard shortcuts When Twitter.com unveiled its recent overhaul at the end of 2010, one of the least-discussed features was the addition of some excellent keyboard shortcuts.

Some keyboard shortcuts only work from some pages, but we'll mark those where appropriate.
  • n -- post a new status update (works from any page)
  • r -- reply to your selected tweet
  • t -- retweet (only works on Twitter profiles other than your own)
  • m -- direct message (but it doesn't auto-fill the recipient)
  • / -- move the cursor to the search box
  • . -- move back to the top of the page, and check feed for updates
  • g then h -- go to your home page (twitter.com)
  • g then r -- see your @ mentions
  • g then m -- see your direct messages
  • g then p -- go to your profile page (twitter.com/username)
  • g then u -- go to a specific user's profile page (it pops up a dialog box)
For a complete list of keyboard shortcuts, type ?.

Now, if you don't use Twitter.com (which is about 65% of Twitter's users), these keyboard shortcuts probably won't work. Every installed Twitter client has different keyboard shortcuts (and some don't have any at all). If you want to lessen your mouse hand dependency, your best bet is to simply head to Google and type the name of your client + "keyboard shortcuts".

For more tech tips, check our tips index.

Download SquadUseful keyboard shortcuts for Twitter.com originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotkeyskeyboardkeyboard shortcutsKeyboardShortcutssocial networkingsocial-networkingSocialNetworkingtipstwitterFri, 18 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook for BlackBerry 2.0 beta now available for download for OS 6 devices]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/facebook-for-blackberry-2-0-beta-now-available-for-download-for/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/facebook-for-blackberry-2-0-beta-now-available-for-download-for/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/facebook-for-blackberry-2-0-beta-now-available-for-download-for/#comments Facebook 2.0 beta for BlackBerry Good news BlackBerry-wielding Social Network fans -- Facebook's BlackBerry app just got an update to 2.0 beta. The new version brings with it a redesigned UI, some new features and Facebook Chat integration.

Facebook 2.0 BlackBerry beta profileHighlights include, an improved News Feed, which now lets you scroll through your feed a little easier, and removes the problem of accidental 'Like' clicking. You can now post photos to your Wall, check into Facebook Places and update things, all directly from your News Feed.

The new UI update brings the BlackBerry Facebook app more into line with its iOS cousin feature-wise, with access to the usual profile information including Wall, Info, Photos, and Pages. A drop-down navigation bar has also been implemented, replacing the static nav bar, and is scalable 'to support new features in the future.' The notifications bar has also been given a bit of polish with a BB OS 6 'Today View'-style notification break down page.

Facebook 2.0 BlackBerry beta ChatProbably the biggest addition, however, has to be the integrated Facebook Chat, which now lets you chat from the Facebook app itself, or the BlackBerry unified mailbox. You'll even get messages with the Facebook app closed as long as you've got your status set to online.

Facebook for BlackBerry 2.0 beta can be downloaded from the BlackBerry Beta Zone (registration required) with limited slots up for grabs. The app is currently only available for devices running OS 6, but future beta releases will push support down to devices running BB OS 4.6 and higher.

Download SquadFacebook for BlackBerry 2.0 beta now available for download for OS 6 devices originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsBlackBerryFacebookFacebook ChatFacebookChatOS 6Os6RIMsocial networkingSocialNetworkingFri, 18 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How to edit your comments on Facebook]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/17/how-to-edit-your-comments-on-facebook/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/17/how-to-edit-your-comments-on-facebook/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/17/how-to-edit-your-comments-on-facebook/#comments Editing Facebook comments Facebook recently rolled out an update to its commenting system. Now, instead of pressing Comment, you simply press the Enter key to save a comment. More excitingly, however, Facebook silently rolled out another new feature at the same time: you can now edit comments!

If you comment on a friend's status update, link or photo, you can now press the 'X' in the top right corner to edit it. Your comment instantly turns into a text box where you can alter what you've written; then just press Enter to save it again.

There are some caveats, though! First, if someone comments after you, your comment is locked; you can still delete it, but you can't edit. Second, there seems to be some kind of time limit on editing. The editing window might be as short as 60 seconds. Still, for those of you that have 'accidentally' submitted comments by pressing Enter, the ability to edit is a godsend.

It's also worth noting that everyone still gets email (and SMS!) notifications when you comment, and when you edit comments.

For more Facebook and tech tips, check our tips index!

Download SquadHow to edit your comments on Facebook originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commentsdeletedeletingediteditingfacebooksocial networkingsocial-networkingSocialNetworkingstatustipsThu, 17 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM's BlackBerry Messenger Social Platform beta SDK now available for developers]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/17/rims-blackberry-messenger-social-platform-beta-sdk-now-availabl/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/17/rims-blackberry-messenger-social-platform-beta-sdk-now-availabl/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/17/rims-blackberry-messenger-social-platform-beta-sdk-now-availabl/#commentsBBM Social Platform SDKRIM have announced that their BlackBerry Messenger-based social initiative, dubbed 'BBM Social Platform,' has made it into public beta. Promised at the end of September last year, RIM has created a BBM SDK, opening up its popular messaging service to developers for integration into other apps, pushing the social edge, allowing embedded chat, status updates, location sharing, and file transfers.

This will give developers the ability to embed BBM chats into games for example, creating what RIM calls 'Super Apps,' allowing gamers to communicate over BBM without exiting the game and without having to have pre-existing contacts to chat like you do in the ordinary BBM client.

Currently the beta SDK is only for Java developers, but RIM promised that BlackBerry WebWorks developers will get a taste of the pie starting in April, including all the API access given to Java apps. Interested developers can head on over to the BlackBerry Developers zone for more information or download the SDK.

Download SquadRIM's BlackBerry Messenger Social Platform beta SDK now available for developers originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBMbbm social platformBbmSocialPlatformBlackBerryBlackBerry MessengerBlackberryMessengerdeveloperRIMSDKSocialNetworkingThu, 17 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook for Android update improves images, security (in theory)]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/16/facebook-app-android-update-improves-images-security-in-theory/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/16/facebook-app-android-update-improves-images-security-in-theory/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/16/facebook-app-android-update-improves-images-security-in-theory/#comments Facebook updated its official app for Android devices last night, bringing significant image-posting improvements, bug fixes, and a promise of "improved security using SSL."

Changes for the app's handling of images include users now being able to upload photos to their friends' walls and also to groups. Photos are now supposed to always maintain their correct orientation when uploaded, but that won't help the people who are notorious for knocked-over portraits (we all know one).

As for the bolstered usage of SSL, it wouldn't normally be a big deal. You may, nowever, remember recent rumblings about the app sending huge amounts of data in the clear. That news caused plenty of users to be more than slightly perturbed -- and rightly so, given the importance of a secure connection in the world of social networking. It's good to see the devs at Facebook working to correct this problem, but nothing's really final until the updated app has been run over a packet-sniffed network.

Now the bad news. Within an hour of the update's release, over 10 pages of shriekingly bad reviews were posted, reporting that images (which were supposed to be a plus) weren't showing up at all, and that the app was crashing almost immediately upon opening it. Several reviewers noted that they were using older versions of Android, so it could simply be an issue of OS fragmentation since it works for me on Gingerbread (2.3.3).

So, as usual, buyer beware, and if you're not scared off by the reviews then you can grab the update at the Android Market.

Download SquadFacebook for Android update improves images, security (in theory) originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappscellphonesfacebookmobilephotographysecuritysocial networkingSocialNetworkingsslWed, 16 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Twitter adds permanent HTTPS option for improved security]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/16/twitter-adds-permanent-https-option-for-improved-security/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/16/twitter-adds-permanent-https-option-for-improved-security/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/16/twitter-adds-permanent-https-option-for-improved-security/#comments
Those of you who don't want your Twitter account 'jacked like so many unsuspecting Firesheep victims, take heed! Twitter has added an "always use HTTPS" option to its settings page for added security while you tweet, @mention, and DM.

There's really no reason not to enable permanent HTTPS, so click the drop down by your avatar, choose settings, and then head all the way to the bottom of the page. Pop in a checkmark, enter your password, and save. Now each time you visit the site, your activity will be wrapped in 256-bit AES encryption.

Twitter's mobile website does not currently support the permanent setting, but the company says it's being worked on.

Download SquadTwitter adds permanent HTTPS option for improved security originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aesencryptionfiresheephttpssecuresecuritysocialnetworkingssltwitterwebWed, 16 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Frenzy for Mac is a social network inside Dropbox]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/15/frenzy-for-mac-is-a-social-network-inside-dropbox/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/15/frenzy-for-mac-is-a-social-network-inside-dropbox/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/15/frenzy-for-mac-is-a-social-network-inside-dropbox/#comments Frenzy for Mac Beta You probably weren't expecting the next social network to pop up inside your Dropbox storage, but that's exactly what Frenzy is. From the developers of Dropzone, the "Swiss Army knife of drag and drop for the Mac," Frenzy is a private social network that lives entirely in hidden folders within your Dropbox cloud storage.

With Frenzy, you can share links, files and messages as well as see real-time updates via a stream of feed items. The shared items and feeds get automatically synced by Dropbox, since they're all basically hidden files, and there's no signing up for Frenzy -- having a Dropbox account, whether free or paid, is enough.

Unlike other social networks that try to get you to be as public as possible, Frenzy is all about sharing with your closest friends -- provided that those friends also have Macs and Dropbox accounts. You own everything you share because the content never leaves your Dropbox folder, and, as such, you always have the option of simply deleting everything and starting from scratch (or not). That's in stark contrast to the open Internet, where once you've uploaded something, it's impossible to erase all tracks of it.

When you first run Frenzy, you pick your default sharing locations. Then you can use a customizable keyboard shortcut to share files on your computer or pages from your browser. A neat touch is that once you've shared your link or file and added your personal message to it, Frenzy immediately returns focus to the app you were using. Frenzy also lets you post status updates and comment on other people's items.

Frenzy is in public beta right now and it works on Mac OS X 10.5 or newer with Intel processors. The beta is free and will not expire, but the final version will not be free. Whether or not Frenzy ends up on the Mac App Store depends on how Apple will feel about it requiring Dropbox to function.

Download Frenzy 0.5 Beta

Download SquadFrenzy for Mac is a social network inside Dropbox originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscloudcloud storageCloudStorageDropBoxfrenzyFrenzy for MacFrenzyForMacMacmac os xMacOsXOSXsocial networkingsocial-networkingSocialNetworkingTue, 15 Mar 2011 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[How to prevent people from seeing your recent activity on Facebook]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/how-to-prevent-people-from-seeing-your-recent-activity-on-facebook/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/how-to-prevent-people-from-seeing-your-recent-activity-on-facebook/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/how-to-prevent-people-from-seeing-your-recent-activity-on-facebook/#comments Hiding Facebook recent activity Facebook changed its privacy controls a few times in 2010, and while it's now quite easy to block entire groups from seeing your location or contact details, there's no obvious way to hide your recent activities.

Recent activities are everything you do on Facebook, from commenting on a friend's wall to posting photos or changing your relationship status. If a friend visits your profile they can see all of your actions -- a humbling thought, eh? -- unless they don't have permission.

Put simply, the only way to prevent people from seeing "John Lonelypants is now single" on their News Feed is to change your privacy settings so that your current relationship is hidden from your friends. This in turn makes any relationship-related status changes invisible.

Likewise, the only way to prevent other people from seeing which things you 'like' is to prevent them from seeing all of your likes and interests. It's either one way or the other with Facebook's current privacy model.

To begin, click Account in the top right corner, and then Privacy Settings -- or click this link.

Continue reading How to prevent people from seeing your recent activity on Facebook

Download SquadHow to prevent people from seeing your recent activity on Facebook originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookprivacyrecent activityRecentActivityrelationship statusRelationshipStatussocial networkingsocial networkssocial-networkingSocialNetworkingSocialNetworksstatusstatus updateStatusUpdatetipsMon, 14 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Instagallery for iPad lets you view and interact with Instagram photos, create slideshows]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/instagallery-for-ipad-lets-you-view-and-interact-with-instagram/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/instagallery-for-ipad-lets-you-view-and-interact-with-instagram/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/instagallery-for-ipad-lets-you-view-and-interact-with-instagram/#comments Instagallery for iPad
Instagallery is an iPad app that lets you view a gallery of Instagram photos. The app shows you popular Instagram photos once you start it up, but you can also sign in with your Instagram account. If you do that, you'll be able to see photos from the people you follow, view your own photos, "like" photos, view and add comments, and see who your friends are following.

Photos are shown at full size on a neutral background. While you're viewing a photo you can easily jump to more photos by the same user, other pics from the same location, or more images with a specific tag. You can also find photos with tags that match your interests, as well as search for people you know and follow them.

Instagallery also lets you view any set of photos as a slideshow. You can adjust the display time for each photo, and set the slideshow to auto-repeat.

Buy Instagallery from the iTunes App Store for $1.99

Download SquadInstagallery for iPad lets you view and interact with Instagram photos, create slideshows originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsinstagalleryinstagramIOSipadphotographysocial networkingSocialNetworkingMon, 14 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Twitter puts its foot down, calls for client consistency and tightens controls]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/12/twitter-puts-its-foot-down-calls-for-client-consistency-and-tig/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/12/twitter-puts-its-foot-down-calls-for-client-consistency-and-tig/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/12/twitter-puts-its-foot-down-calls-for-client-consistency-and-tig/#commentsRealistically, the writing has been on the wall for quite some time when it comes to Twitter's attitude toward non-official clients -- likely around the time the company turned Tweetie into Twitter for iPhone. Now, in a developer forum, Twitter's Ryan Sarver has penned a post which leaves little doubt.

"[...]user research shows that consumers continue to be confused by the different ways that a fractured landscape of third-party Twitter clients display tweets and let users interact with core Twitter functions." says Sarver.

It's time for that to come to an end, Twitter believes, and the company will begin enforcing standards very strictly.
Existing clients will continue to function, reveals Sarver, so it's not that Twitter is simply pulling the pin.

Popular apps like Seesmic and TweetDeck likely won't be affected either, since they're designed to provide a more complete social networking dashboard -- not merely a different interface for Twitter. Sarver also encourages developers to start focusing on vertical markets (like customer relations) and analysis instead of mimicking official client functionality.

Download SquadTwitter puts its foot down, calls for client consistency and tightens controls originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 12 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsclientclientsdevdevelopersocialsocialnetworkingtwitterwebSat, 12 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook expands @ mention tagging to comments]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/facebook-expands-mention-tagging-to-comments/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/facebook-expands-mention-tagging-to-comments/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/facebook-expands-mention-tagging-to-comments/#comments facebook comments tag A while back, Facebook introduced Twitter-esque @ tagging, allowing users to mention specific people in posts and status messages. Now Facebook has expanded that same functionality to include comments. The update also provides users with a notification when someone tags them, the same way Facebook notifies you about -- well, about nearly everything.

There's also a benefit for Facebook Page admins. Pages you mention this way are always displayed, making them immune to Facebook's spam filters which sometimes cause regular URLs to be discarded.

Download SquadFacebook expands @ mention tagging to comments originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commentfacebookfriendfriendssocialsocialnetworkingstatustaggingtagswallwebFri, 11 Mar 2011 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[The best social networking add-ons for all your browsers]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/social-networking-add-ons-for-firefox-chrome-internet-explorer-opera-safari/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/social-networking-add-ons-for-firefox-chrome-internet-explorer-opera-safari/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/social-networking-add-ons-for-firefox-chrome-internet-explorer-opera-safari/#comments Best social networking add-ons for Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera and Safari If you're a social networking butterfly, or if you have the malevolent aspirations of one day becoming a 'social media expert,' you almost certainly spend a vast amount of time surfing the Web. You probably use a modern browser like Firefox or Chrome, and you almost certainly have a ton of tabs open at the same time.

It can be hard work, keeping track of multiple websites. Hitting F5 is a pain in the ass -- and waiting those few seconds for a page to reload can be mighty frustrating. Then there's the matter of remembering all of your login names and passwords (because you don't use the same password on more than one site, right?)

Wouldn't it be great if there were some add-ons and extensions that could make light work of your surprisingly busy social networking lifestyle? Even if you only use Facebook or Twitter, there are still plenty of annoyances that could be offloaded to add-ons.

Fortunately, as you've probably guessed, there are plenty of add-ons and extensions for both Chrome and Firefox. We've even thrown in a few Opera, Internet Explorer and Safari add-ons where possible. Read on!

Continue reading The best social networking add-ons for all your browsers

Download SquadThe best social networking add-ons for all your browsers originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onadd-onsaddonaddonsbrowserschromeextensionextensionsfeaturesfirefoxgoogle chromeGoogleChromeieinternet explorerInternetExplorerlastpassoperaread it laterReadItLatersafarishareaholicsocial networkingsocial-networkingSocialNetworkingstumbleupontoolbaryoonoFri, 11 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LinkedIn Today gives you social news from your peers]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/linkedin-today-gives-you-social-news-from-your-peers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/linkedin-today-gives-you-social-news-from-your-peers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/linkedin-today-gives-you-social-news-from-your-peers/#comments LinkedIn Today
LinkedIn has introduced a news aggregation service called LinkedIn Today. This delivers a personalized news experience, letting you quickly discover the top headlines of the day based around what your connections and industry peers are reading and sharing.

LinkedIn Today gives you three different social views of professional news. First off, there's what your connections and coworkers are sharing. The service looks at the news being shared across your network and who is doing the sharing in order to highlight the stories that you should probably pay attention to as well.

Next up, LinkedIn Today looks at what your industry peers are sharing, therefore surfacing the top stories on what's happening in the industries you care about. It will automatically give you news from the industry you're working in, but if you're interested in other industries, you can follow them -- and get the relevant news from those particular fields as well. You'll also receive a weekly email digest of the top headlines from all the industries you follow.

LinkedIn Today also lets you take a peek at what news is trending across industries, employing the wisdom of the professional crowd that makes up LinkedIn's user base. You can easily see who shared a specific story that shows up in your LinkedIn Today stream, along with their comments, and you can filter the stream by industry or even by company.

A demo video of the new service is available after the break. LinkedIn Today will be making it into LinkedIn's iPhone app as well. The app will let you save articles for later reading, and see what your connections are reading.

Continue reading LinkedIn Today gives you social news from your peers

Download SquadLinkedIn Today gives you social news from your peers originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesslinkedinLinkedIn TodayLinkedinTodaynewsproductivitysocial networkingsocial newsSocialNetworkingSocialNewsFri, 11 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Charlie Sheen death hoax spreads malware on Facebook and Twitter]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/charlie-sheen-death-hoax-spreads-malware-on-facebook-and-twitter/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/charlie-sheen-death-hoax-spreads-malware-on-facebook-and-twitter/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/charlie-sheen-death-hoax-spreads-malware-on-facebook-and-twitter/#comments Facebook Charlie sheen scam No, despite what you may have heard on Facebook and Twitter, Charlie Sheen is not yet dead.

With the eye-catching title of "RIP! Charlie Sheen found Dead at his House," a massive clickjacking hoax is doing the rounds on Facebook and Twitter. Clicking the link will take you to a fake YouTube page -- and if you click anywhere on the page, the hoax will infect your Facebook profile and begin sharing the link to your friends.

You are then asked to complete a survey (why does anyone complete these surveys?) Finally, to consummate the malware trifecta, some users are reporting that malware is downloaded to your computer.

If you've fallen prey to this drug-and-porn media orgy and clicked the "RIP!" link, head to Account > Privacy Settings > Edit your settings (bottom left). Alternatively, click this link to go straight to your app settings. From there, revoke any applications that look spammy (they'll be at the top of the list).

You should also update and run your antivirus/anti-malware software to clean up any residual mess.

Finally, to protect yourself from future scams, you really should follow FaceCrooks, which is dedicated to uncovering and publicizing the latest Facebook scams.

Download SquadCharlie Sheen death hoax spreads malware on Facebook and Twitter originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charlie sheenCharlieSheenclickjackingfacebookhoaxmalwareprivacyscamsecuritysocial networkingsocial-networkingSocialNetworkingspamFri, 11 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How to customize exactly what appears in your Facebook News Feed]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/10/how-to-customize-exactly-what-appears-in-your-facebook-news-feed/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/10/how-to-customize-exactly-what-appears-in-your-facebook-news-feed/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/10/how-to-customize-exactly-what-appears-in-your-facebook-news-feed/#comments Hide friends and pages from Facebook News Feed By default, Facebook uses a magical algorithm called EdgeRank to decide what makes it to your News Feed, and what falls by the wayside. Lots of factors affect what ultimately appears in your News Feed, but mostly it's determined by a) things you've explicitly signed up for ('liking' pages), and b) updates from friends that you regularly interact with.

But what if you're bored of reading dull updates from distant cousins, or emotastic posts from eyelinered types that seem to spend 90% of their time whining on Facebook? Or maybe you're friends with someone on Facebook and a follower on Twitter and you don't want to see every status update in double.

Fortunately, it's as simple as hovering over an item in your News Feed, clicking the X that appears in the top right corner, and then clicking Hide all by X. Updates from that person or page will no longer appear in your News Feed.

But what if you want to disable the EdgeRank entirely, and simply show all activity by friends and pages in your News Feed?

Continue reading How to customize exactly what appears in your Facebook News Feed

Download SquadHow to customize exactly what appears in your Facebook News Feed originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>friendsnews feedNewsFeedsocial networkingsocial-networkingSocialNetworkingstatus updateStatusUpdatetipswallThu, 10 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RockMelt, the Facebook-powered Web browser, enters public beta]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/10/rockmelt-the-facebook-powered-web-browser-enters-public-beta/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/10/rockmelt-the-facebook-powered-web-browser-enters-public-beta/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/10/rockmelt-the-facebook-powered-web-browser-enters-public-beta/#comments
In November 2010, RockMelt launched the private beta of its social Web browser. The app features tight Facebook integration and offers plenty of social networking conveniences for its users. Now RockMelt has entered open beta testing, and the app is available for download by anyone who wants to kick the tires.

Like Flock, RockMelt offers at least one feature we really like: a master login. If you choose not to have RockMelt log in to your Facebook account automatically, you're prompted for your email address and password each time to launch the browser. Preferences like bookmarks aren't shared across accounts, either -- each Facebook ID gets its own unique browser profile.

If you're using a private computer which you can secure with a standard OS password, RockMelt offers a new QuickLaunch mode which will automatically sign you in to your Facebook account whenever you fire up the app. A new YouTube app has also been added, and it's a nice way to browse through some videos without leaving your current tab.

RockMelt's Chromium base has been bumped from version 6 to 9, which brings a whole slew of performance, security, and other improvements. Those of you who use Facebook frequently and think quick access to its communication tools might be handy should definitely give the new RockMelt a try.

Download RockMelt

Download SquadRockMelt, the Facebook-powered Web browser, enters public beta originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbrowserbrowserschromiumfacebookrockmeltsocialsocial networkingsocialnetworkingwebwindowsThu, 10 Mar 2011 07:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Flipboard gains Instagram support, social search, and gets much faster]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/10/flipboard-gains-instagram-support-social-search-and-gets-much/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/10/flipboard-gains-instagram-support-social-search-and-gets-much/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/10/flipboard-gains-instagram-support-social-search-and-gets-much/#comments Flipboard gains Instagram support Flipboard has just updated its social-feed reading iPad app to version 1.2. This new version adds a performance boost and bug-fixes, with the highlight being Instagram integration.

Instagram integration

Taking advantage of the recent API access Instagram made available, the Flipboard team have enabled users to browse through the plethora of user-made photos in a digital representation of an old school photo album. It's a beautiful way to flip through the social-photo sharing feed and even lets you tap to expand shared photos, giving you a 2/3 iPad screen size view. You can even Like, comment, and share Instagram photos straight from Flipboard.

Gallery: Flipboard Update with Instagram

Continue reading Flipboard gains Instagram support, social search, and gets much faster

Download SquadFlipboard gains Instagram support, social search, and gets much faster originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsFlipboardInstagramiOSiPadphotographysearchsocial networkingSocialNetworkingupdateThu, 10 Mar 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to block specific friends from reading a Facebook status update]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/how-to-block-specific-friends-from-reading-a-facebook-status-upd/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/how-to-block-specific-friends-from-reading-a-facebook-status-upd/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/how-to-block-specific-friends-from-reading-a-facebook-status-upd/#comments Facebook granular status updates This week's set of tech tips are all about the most popular website in the world: Facebook. For more tips, check our tips index!

Facebook, despite the blogosphere's perpetual bickering, actually has good, granular privacy controls. You can control exactly who can see each section of your profile, and easily block specific people from even finding your profile.

One lesser-known feature, however, is that you can control who can read each and every one of your status updates. You've probably seen the padblock below the status update box, but if you click it, and then Customize, you can block specific people from reading your update!

Maybe you're not quite ready to unfriend someone, or perhaps you're simply trying to arrange a surprise birthday party for one of your friends -- either way, it's a great little feature. As a commenter points out, it's also rather handy if you want to block family members from reading... sensitive... things.

Now, if only you could control who could read your posts on your friends' pages...

Download SquadHow to block specific friends from reading a Facebook status update originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookprivacysocial networkingsocial-networkingSocialNetworkingstatusstatus updateStatusUpdatetipswall postsWallPostsWed, 09 Mar 2011 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Twitter backpedals on the Quickbar, makes it no longer cover tweets]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/twitter-backpedals-on-the-quickbar-makes-it-no-longer-cover-tweets/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/twitter-backpedals-on-the-quickbar-makes-it-no-longer-cover-tweets/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/twitter-backpedals-on-the-quickbar-makes-it-no-longer-cover-tweets/#commentsTwitter 3.3.1 for iOS Twitter has reacted to the backlash about the Quickbar, the new addition to its iOS apps that shows you trending topics (including promoted trends). The Quickbar was introduced in an update to Twitter for iOS that became available on March 3, and, in just a few days, it's been made very clear that people really hate it. So Twitter decided to step up and submitted an updated version of its app to Apple last Friday, just one day after the previous one was released. While Apple was reviewing the new version, however, the term "dickbar" was created along with its own hashtag, and a quick Twitter search will let you know just how people feel about the Quickbar.

The newly available Twitter app for iOS, version 3.3.1, still has the Quickbar, however it will no longer cover tweets once you scroll down. Twitter also says that it's fixed some bugs in this version, however some users are discovering that even more bugs may have been introduced. The Next Web has received reports of an erratic Quickbar, that sometimes even shows up at the middle of the screen, as well as the coming back of a Direct Messages bug that was thought to have been eradicated -- every time you open the app, the top three DMs are marked as unread. Alongside these bugs, it looks like the new Twitter app always displays the location icon when it is in use. Of course, as with all bugs, you may be lucky and never see any of the above -- or you may be very unlucky and get all three of them.

Twitter will surely continue to pump out updates to squash these bugs, however it may have already lost some users due to the recent mishaps. With dozens of Twitter apps available for iOS, it's not like they're short of choices.

Download Twitter 3.3.1 for iOS from the iTunes App Store

Download SquadTwitter backpedals on the Quickbar, makes it no longer cover tweets originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbacklashIOSipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchquickbarsocial networkingsocial-networkingSocialNetworkingtwitterWed, 09 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Foursquare 3.0 update adds recommendation engine, more deals and SXSW AmEx experiment]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/foursquare-3-0-update-adds-recommendation-engine-more-deals-and/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/foursquare-3-0-update-adds-recommendation-engine-more-deals-and/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/foursquare-3-0-update-adds-recommendation-engine-more-deals-and/#comments Foursquare 3.0 for iPhone As promised in a company blog post, Foursquare 3.0 landed in the App Store packing quite a few changes. The biggest of these is the use of the vast amounts of check-in data Foursquare users generate. The company has now started putting the collective power of every check-in made since its inception two years ago into a new recommendation engine.

Continue reading Foursquare 3.0 update adds recommendation engine, more deals and SXSW AmEx experiment

Download SquadFoursquare 3.0 update adds recommendation engine, more deals and SXSW AmEx experiment originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 04:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>American ExpressAmericanExpressappsbusinessFoursquareiOSsocial networkingSocialNetworkingSXSWWed, 09 Mar 2011 04:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Bros. renting movies on Facebook for $3]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/08/warner-bros-renting-movies-on-facebook-for-3/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/08/warner-bros-renting-movies-on-facebook-for-3/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/08/warner-bros-renting-movies-on-facebook-for-3/#comments The Dark Knight rental on Facebook Warner Bros., finding yet another corner piece of the Social Networking Jigsaw, has begun renting movies on Facebook for 30 Facebook Credits, or $3.

The films are packaged as apps -- like FarmVille and CityVille -- but it really is as simple as heading to a page, using 30 Credits, and watching the movie. You can watch the movie as many times as you like for 48 hours, after which the rental terminates. You can stop and start the movie whenever you like, too.

Facebook Credits, if they somehow passed you by (there must be a few people who don't play FarmVille, right?) are Facebook's new all-encompassing currency. Every virtual good transaction (such as in-app purchases, or renting a movie) must use Facebook Credits. Facebook, like Apple, takes a 30% cut of all purchases with Credits.

For now, the only movie available to rent on Facebook is Batman: The Dark Knight, but more should begin to appear soon. If you 'Like' a movie, you should see a status update when it becomes available to rent (see the Dark Knight page for an example).

Download SquadWarner Bros. renting movies on Facebook for $3 originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanfacebookfacebook creditsFacebookCreditsmoviemovie rentalMovieRentalmoviessocial networkingsocial-networkingSocialNetworkingthe dark knightTheDarkKnightvideovideo on demandvideo rentalVideoOnDemandVideoRentalvodwebTue, 08 Mar 2011 08:15:00 EST