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[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[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[O'Reilly helps Japan, offers entire e-book catalog for 50% off, today only]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/oreilly-helps-japan-offers-entire-e-book-catalog-for-50-off/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/oreilly-helps-japan-offers-entire-e-book-catalog-for-50-off/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/22/oreilly-helps-japan-offers-entire-e-book-catalog-for-50-off/#comments
O'reilly make some of the best computer books in the world. They also sell them as DRM-free e-books in a bunch of formats, including PDFs and Mobi for Kindle.

They usually offer one "Deal of the Day", which is a 50% discount code for a book chosen for that one day. But just for for today, they've created a discount code -- DDJPN -- that gives you a 50% discount on their entire catalog, and they give a part of the proceeds to aid Japan relief efforts.

So far they've raised over $60,000, and the day is still young. So if you've been recently hankering after some nerdy book (or three), now would be a great time to grab one.

Download SquadO'Reilly helps Japan, offers entire e-book catalog for 50% off, today only originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingeducationTue, 22 Mar 2011 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Mac OS X 10.6.7 now available, fixes MacBook Pro issues and many bugs]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/mac-os-x-10-6-7-now-available-fixes-macbook-pro-issues-and-many/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/mac-os-x-10-6-7-now-available-fixes-macbook-pro-issues-and-many/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/21/mac-os-x-10-6-7-now-available-fixes-macbook-pro-issues-and-many/#comments Mac OS X 10.6.7 update
Apple has just released Mac OS X 10.6.7. As its version number implies, this is a minor software update, even more so than 10.6.6 which at least ushered the Mac App Store into the world. However, 10.6.7 does apparently fix many issues that people who have bought the newest MacBook Pros have encountered, and as such it's a recommended update for all early 2011 MacBook Pro models.

The update also improves the reliability of the Back to My Mac service which allows MobileMe users to access their computers remotely, and brings many bug fixes to the aforementioned Mac App Store. FaceTime performance has also been improved, as has graphics stability and compatibility with external displays. An issue that occurred when transferring files to certain SMB servers has been fixed too. Many security-related problems have been dealt with as well, and if you're interested in a full list, visit this dedicated page. Also, to get the full rundown on everything that's included in the 10.6.7 update, head over to Apple's Support website.

You can install Mac OS X 10.6.7 by running Software Update on your Mac, or by downloading the update directly from Apple's Downloads website. If you choose the latter, you're facing a 475 MB download, while using the former may result in a smaller download (as seen in the image above).

Download SquadMac OS X 10.6.7 now available, fixes MacBook Pro issues and many bugs originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplebreakingMacmac os x 10.6.7macbook pro early 2011MacbookProEarly2011MacOsX10.6.7OSXSoftware UpdateSoftwareUpdateMon, 21 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple makes iOS 4.3 golden master available to developers]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/03/apple-makes-ios-4-3-golden-master-available-to-developers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/03/apple-makes-ios-4-3-golden-master-available-to-developers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/03/apple-makes-ios-4-3-golden-master-available-to-developers/#comments iOS 4.3 GM
The iOS 4.3 golden master (GM), as well as the Xcode and iOS SDK 4.3 GM are now available to download from Apple's Dev Center. The golden master, usually referred to as GM, is the last step before a new iOS version actually gets released to the whole world. Of course, this time we already know when that will happen -- next Friday, on March 11. We found out as much during yesterday's iPad 2 unveiling.

Still, if you're a developer, you're probably very interested in getting your hands on the pre-release versions of the OS and SDK, so go get them and start optimizing your apps for the latest version of iOS! Or you could start playing with the new functionality in iOS 4.3, such as iTunes home sharing, and, for the iPhone, the Personal Hotspot.

Sadly, there isn't anything new available for Apple TV yet. For now, this update is limited to the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad, and iPod touch 3rd and 4th generation.

Download SquadApple makes iOS 4.3 golden master available to developers originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebreakingdevelopergold masterGoldMasterIOSios 4.3Ios4.3ipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchThu, 03 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds and Plants vs. Zombies for Windows Phone 7 arrive April 6]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/angry-birds-and-plants-vs-zombies-for-windows-phone-7-arrive-ap/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/angry-birds-and-plants-vs-zombies-for-windows-phone-7-arrive-ap/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/angry-birds-and-plants-vs-zombies-for-windows-phone-7-arrive-ap/#comments Angry Birds plants vs zombies windows phone 7 wp7 Microsoft may have jumped the gun when it displayed an Angry Birds icon at the launch of Windows Phone 7, but it turns out that the hit game will be coming to Microsoft's newest mobile platform, and soon.

According to a Microsoft blog post on the matter, Angry Birds and well as five other well-known games are all set to become available for WP7 starting on April 6. The other games are: Plants vs. Zombies, Doodle Jump, Hydro Thunder Go, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I, and geoDefense.

All five new additions will be Xbox Live-friendly, showing achievements and leaderboards. For more details on each of the games, go to Microsoft's Must Have Games site on Xbox.com.

Download SquadAngry Birds and Plants vs. Zombies for Windows Phone 7 arrive April 6 originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry birdsangry birds for windows phone 7AngryBirdsAngryBirdsForWindowsPhone7appsbreakingdoodle jumpDoodleJumpgaminggeodefensehydro thunder goHydroThunderGoplants vs zombiesPlantsVsZombiesSonic the Hedgehog 4SonicTheHedgehog4windows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple releases Mac OS X Lion developer preview via the Mac App Store]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/apple-releases-mac-os-x-lion-developer-preview-via-the-mac-app-s/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/apple-releases-mac-os-x-lion-developer-preview-via-the-mac-app-s/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/apple-releases-mac-os-x-lion-developer-preview-via-the-mac-app-s/#comments Apple Mac OS X Lion Developer preview Apple's on a charge today and has just released the Mac OS X Lion developer preview via the Mac App Store. The good news is it's full of fancy new features, including Launchpad, an app launcher that displays all of your Mac apps in one easy to use screen; Mission Control, a unification of Expose, Dashboard, Spaces, and full screen apps; and some new multi-touch gestures. The bad news is that you're going to have to be a member of the Apple Mac Developer program to get in on the action. (Developers: check your email for a promo code that you can redeem on the Mac App Store to download Lion.)

Other highlights include: AirDrop, a new way to share files between Macs; a new iPad-inspired Mac Mail; Versions and Auto Save, which will auto-save your documents and let you view revisions, just in case; Resume, which gives you back your apps the way you left them when you restart; and an improved FileVault with local and external disk encryption.

It's a lot to chew on, but for now the general feel is that Apple's bringing the full screen experience people like from the iPad to the desktop. Hit the break for the full press release.

Continue reading Apple releases Mac OS X Lion developer preview via the Mac App Store

Download SquadApple releases Mac OS X Lion developer preview via the Mac App Store originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplebreakingdesktopsdeveloperDeveloper previewDeveloperPreviewLionMac App StoreMacAppStoreOS XOsXproductivityThu, 24 Feb 2011 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[FaceTime hits the Mac App Store for 99c]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/facetime-hits-the-mac-app-store-for-99c/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/facetime-hits-the-mac-app-store-for-99c/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/facetime-hits-the-mac-app-store-for-99c/#comments FaceTime for OS X Apple has just released FaceTime for OS X onto the Mac App Store. The app will take advantage of the 'built-in FaceTime HD camera' or any other iSight-equipped Intel Mac, to bring you Mac-to-Mac and Mac-to-iPhone 4 (or latest generation iPod touch) video calling over Wi-Fi. It supports up to 720p video for those soon to be released Macs sporting fancy new FaceTime HD cameras, or standard VGA for all others. FaceTime will even ring on your Mac when not running once installed, and will ring on any number of Macs all using the same Apple ID, making sure you're never going to miss a call.

FaceTime has been in beta for a while now, but this marks its first official release -- so if you're a fan of video calling, and have friends with Macs or iPhone 4s then head on over to the Mac App Store and pick up FaceTime for one cent shy of a buck.

Download SquadFaceTime hits the Mac App Store for 99c originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 08:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleappsbreakingdesktopsFaceTimeFaceTime HDFacetimeHdMac App StoreMacAppStoreOS XOsXsocial networkingSocialNetworkingvideo callingVideoCallingVoIPThu, 24 Feb 2011 08:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Google Calendar users not seeing their data, Google is working on a fix]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/23/some-google-calendar-users-not-seeing-their-data-google-is-work/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/23/some-google-calendar-users-not-seeing-their-data-google-is-work/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/23/some-google-calendar-users-not-seeing-their-data-google-is-work/#commentsGoogle Calendar Today some Google Calendar users have been suffering from missing data in their calendars. They have been able to access Google Calendar just fine, but found that some or all of their calendar data, such as appointments and tasks, was simply missing. The Next Web has seen many such reports during the day, even if the number of people affected is still small compared to the total number of Google Calendar users.

Google has acknowledged the problem on its App Status Dashboard, claiming that less than 0.001% of Calendar users have had issues today. Apparently, alongside the missing data, some of these users have been seeing various error messages and other "unexpected behavior."

As of an hour ago, Google says that Calendar service has been fully restored for some of the affected users, and a resolution for all users is on its way in the near future. There's nothing more specific than that, but if you've been a victim of today's problems and they haven't been fixed for you yet, make sure you keep an eye on Google's App Status Dashboard, which is where you'll be able to find out when your account should be back to normal.

Download SquadSome Google Calendar users not seeing their data, Google is working on a fix originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbreakinggooglegoogle calendarGoogleCalendaroutageproductivityWebWed, 23 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle, Skype, and Time magazine subscriptions coming to webOS devices]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/09/kindle-skype-and-time-magazine-subscriptions-coming-to-webos-d/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/09/kindle-skype-and-time-magazine-subscriptions-coming-to-webos-d/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/09/kindle-skype-and-time-magazine-subscriptions-coming-to-webos-d/#commentsHP TouchPadBesides the previously-unseen webOS 3.0 and introducing new hardware in the form of a tablet and two smartphones, HP had some other gems under its sleeves at today's Think Beyond event. Taking center stage at the event was HP's new TouchPad, its first webOS tablet.

There was more on display than hardware of course. We now know the TouchPad will get an official Amazon Kindle application, that, like all other Kindle apps, will deliver the books you've purchased from Amazon via its Whispernet sync system. All the features you'd expect are there, including rendering text and color images, and a neat page turning animation. The Kindle app will naturally be free and will allow Amazon to stay true to its "buy once, read everywhere" stance.

Also coming to the TouchPad is an official Skype application that support video calls -- and presumably voice calls and instant messaging as well. The Skype app may come preinstalled on the TouchPad.

Last, but not least, HP has unveiled a partnership with Time Inc. that will bring magazine subscriptions to the first webOS-powered tablet. The first magazines that you'll be able to subscribe to on the TouchPad are Sports Illustrated, Time, and People. Fortune and other Time Inc. titles will follow later on. There's no info on pricing yet, but subscribing to the print magazine will get you full access to the tablet version. HP promises they'll deliver an "immersive reading experience," and we'll see in a few months whether they've done so or not.

Download SquadKindle, Skype, and Time magazine subscriptions coming to webOS devices originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonAmazon KindleAmazonKindleappsbreakinghphp touchpadHpTouchpadkindlemagazine subscriptionsmagazinesMagazineSubscriptionsmediaskypetextvideovoipweboswebos 3.0Webos3.0Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iOS 4.3 Beta 3 available to developers]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/01/ios-4-3-beta-3-available-to-developers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/01/ios-4-3-beta-3-available-to-developers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/01/ios-4-3-beta-3-available-to-developers/#commentsiOS 4.3 Beta 3
Apple has just released iOS 4.3 Beta 3 to developers. This is the third Beta of the upcoming version of iOS in as many weeks, and it's called 8F5166b. It's available, as you can see from the picture above, for iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPod touch 3rd and 4th generation. A separate package is also available for the 2nd generation Apple TV.

According to AppAdvice, the iOS 4.3 betas allow cancelling app downloads and deleting apps while they're still downloading. This is not possible in iOS 4.2.1, and will be a welcome feature the next time you change your mind about installing an app mid-install.

As for new features specific to the third beta of iOS 4.3, there's no word yet, however it's safe to assume that many bugs have been squashed since Beta 2. What also remains to be seen is whether the availability of this beta today has anything to do with the fact that tomorrow Apple and News Corporation are set to finally unveil the iPad-only electronic newspaper called The Daily.

What's clear is that a final release for iOS 4.3 is getting closer and closer, and it will probably appear very soon.

Download SquadiOS 4.3 Beta 3 available to developers originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplebetabreakingdeveloperIOSios 4.3iOS 4.3 betaIos4.3Ios4.3Betaipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchTue, 01 Feb 2011 15:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Voice now lets you port your existing phone number for $20]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/25/google-voice-now-lets-you-port-your-existing-phone-number-for-20/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/25/google-voice-now-lets-you-port-your-existing-phone-number-for-20/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/25/google-voice-now-lets-you-port-your-existing-phone-number-for-20/#commentsgoogle voice number porting Google has just officially announced the availability of phone number porting for Google Voice. From now on, you will be able to port your existing phone number to Google Voice, for a one-time fee of $20, paid via Google Checkout -- exactly as anticipated a few days ago, when word of the new feature first got out.

Number porting is available right now for all existing Google Voice users, and will become an option for new users over the next few weeks. To port a number to Google Voice, go to the Settings page and click on Change/Port next to your Google Voice number. The porting procedure is usually completed within 24 hours of your request.

After porting a mobile phone number to Google Voice, your existing mobile subscription will be automatically terminated, and you might incur an early termination fee from your carrier. Since Google Voice is not a mobile phone service provider, you will still need a mobile service plan, and another mobile phone number, if you'll want to use Google Voice with your mobile phone. Also be aware that you may experience issues with sending and receiving text messages for up to three business days after your number has been successfully ported.

If you already have a free Google Voice number on your account, the ported number will replace your old Google Voice number (once the porting is complete).

For more information on porting a phone number to Google Voice, see Google's FAQ on the matter. There's also a demo video waiting after the break.

Continue reading Google Voice now lets you port your existing phone number for $20

Download SquadGoogle Voice now lets you port your existing phone number for $20 originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcellphonesgooglegoogle voiceGoogleVoicenumber portingNumberPortingvoipwebTue, 25 Jan 2011 13:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Mac App Store now live as part of Mac OS X 10.6.6]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/06/mac-app-store-now-live-as-part-of-mac-os-x-10-6-6/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/06/mac-app-store-now-live-as-part-of-mac-os-x-10-6-6/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/06/mac-app-store-now-live-as-part-of-mac-os-x-10-6-6/#commentsMac App Store Mac OS X 10.6.6 has been made available for download, and it should be waiting for you right now in Software Update. Once you install 10.6.6, the Mac App Store, in all its glory, will reveal itself to you. Apple's launching the Mac App Store with over 1,000 apps today, but we expect to see this grow over the next few months as developers sign on.

Unfortunately, downloading the 148MB update is the only way to get the glossy new Mac App Store, packed with apps like the iLife and iWork suites, Aperture 3, and yes, Angry Birds (which just days ago arrived on Windows as well). Of course, we're downloading now and will be getting some serious hands on time with the new Apple app market in the coming days.

You can find out more about the Mac App Store here.

Download SquadMac App Store now live as part of Mac OS X 10.6.6 originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbreakingMacmac app storeMac OS XMac OS X 10.6.6MacAppStoreMacOsXMacOsX10.6.6OSXThu, 06 Jan 2011 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[First look at Google Chrome OS: 'Nothing but the Web']]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/07/first-look-at-googles-chrome-os-nothing-but-the-web/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/07/first-look-at-googles-chrome-os-nothing-but-the-web/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/07/first-look-at-googles-chrome-os-nothing-but-the-web/#commentsGoogle Chrome OS The rumors are true: Google's big Chrome event today was all about Chrome OS. As expected, Chrome OS is a "nothing but the web" operating system that runs entirely on web apps, with the Chrome browser at the center of the experience. Google walked through the whole Chrome OS user experience at the event, and it really looks like a solid choice for everyday users who just want to browse, share, work and play games on the web.

Setup for Chrome OS takes less than 60 seconds. In four steps, you can create a user account that already has access to your Google Apps data, and even carries over the themes, bookmarks and other settings from your existing Chrome browser. If you close the lid of your Chrome netbook and then open it again, your system and your internet connection resume faster than you can even type a Google Search.

In terms of sharing, each user's data on a Chrome OS machine is kept totally separate, so you can let your family make their own accounts (or let a friend use guest mode, which starts an Incognito session) and nobody will see anybody else's browsing history. Meanwhile, anything you do in Chrome on any of your computers will be synced to your account on the others. That means you can install an app or delete a theme on your Mac or PC, and it'll sync to your Chrome OS netbook in a few seconds.

Continue reading First look at Google Chrome OS: 'Nothing but the Web'

Download SquadFirst look at Google Chrome OS: 'Nothing but the Web' originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingchromechrome OSchrome web storeChromeOsChromeWebStorecloud computingCloudComputinggooglegoogle chromeGoogleChromewebTue, 07 Dec 2010 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Chrome 8 goes stable -- brings App support, PDF viewer, expanded sync options]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/02/google-chrome-8-goes-stable-brings-app-support-pdf-viewer-exp/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/02/google-chrome-8-goes-stable-brings-app-support-pdf-viewer-exp/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/02/google-chrome-8-goes-stable-brings-app-support-pdf-viewer-exp/#commentsGoogle Chrome 8 Stable
Google has just released Chrome 8 to the Stable channel. The updated version is already making its way to a computer near you and will bring your Chrome installation up to version 8.0.552.215. This version is also being released to the Beta channel, since the previous version there was 8.0.552.210. It looks like the Beta and Stable channels will host identical releases for a while, until Google decides to take Chrome 9 to Beta.

Making its debut on the Stable channel with this release is Chrome's built-in PDF viewer, that uses Chrome's sandboxing and has been available in the Beta channel for a while now. Also straight from the Beta channel comes support for the upcoming Web apps that Google will host in the Chrome Web Store, when that launches. Sync options have also been expanded to include apps.

The Flags menu has also made it into Chrome 8 Stable, complete with (possibly unstable) options for tabbed settings, side tabs, Google Instant Search, automatically disabling outdated plugins, cross-site scripting protection, GPU accelerated compositing, WebGL 3D canvas rendering, remoting, and cloud print.

Chrome 8 also has over 800 bug fixes and stability improvements added compared to the Chrome 7. So the update is clearly worth it. And in any case, because of Google's update mechanism, you'll be getting it automagically even if you do nothing. If you're itching for the new features, just click on the Wrench > About Google Chrome > Update Now.

Continue reading Google Chrome 8 goes stable -- brings App support, PDF viewer, expanded sync options

Download SquadGoogle Chrome 8 goes stable -- brings App support, PDF viewer, expanded sync options originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbrowserschromegooglegoogle chromegoogle chrome 8GoogleChromeGoogleChrome8web appsWebAppsThu, 02 Dec 2010 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Reader app for Android now available]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/01/google-reader-app-for-android-now-available/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/01/google-reader-app-for-android-now-available/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/01/google-reader-app-for-android-now-available/#commentsGoogle Reader on Android Google has released an official Google Reader app for Android, and it's perhaps unexpectedly quite packed with features for a first release. It obviously allows you to read the feeds you subscribe to on the go, shows unread counts, items shared by friends, and lets you like and star posts -- but there is more to it than just that.

It supports multiple accounts and synced preferences (although the feed sorting preference doesn't seem to be syncing at the moment). You can even subscribe to new feeds straight from within the app. A robust search function is also built in (naturally, this is Google after all), and you can share items via Android's integrated cross-app sharing mechanism.

A couple of neat touches are also in: you can use the volume keys to navigate between posts (if you enable this from Settings), and you can long-press on any folder or subscription to bring up a menu from which you can rename it, unsubscribe or change folders.

The official Google Reader app is now available for free in the Android Market for devices running Android 1.6 and newer. Be advised though that if you search for it in the Market you may have to scroll down quite a bit to get to it. Look for "Google Inc." under the name of the app -- that should make locating it faster.

The QR code is included after the break.

Continue reading Google Reader app for Android now available

Download SquadGoogle Reader app for Android now available originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappsbreakinggooglegoogle readergoogle reader for androidGoogleReaderGoogleReaderForAndroidrssrss readerRssReaderWed, 01 Dec 2010 16:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Breaking: Windows Phone 7 developer and Internet Explorer 9 details emerge at Microsoft MIX10]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/15/breaking-windows-phone-7-developer-and-internet-explorer-9-deta/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/15/breaking-windows-phone-7-developer-and-internet-explorer-9-deta/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/15/breaking-windows-phone-7-developer-and-internet-explorer-9-deta/#comments
Microsoft's three-day conference for web designers and developers -- MIX -- has just begun in Las Vegas. After a rather odd yo-yo-based introductory fanfare, details about Microsoft's upcoming products have already started to emerge. First, Windows Phone 7 Series will not feature Internet Explorer 9 as its browser -- rather, it will be something 'in between IE7 and IE8'.

The first day of MIX will focus on WP7 development, with Internet Explorer 9 receiving the focus tomorrow. This is what we know so far about Windows Phone 7:
  • Visual Studio Express 2010 Express for the Windows Phone -- presumably with full XNA/Silverlight support
  • Lots of developers are working on apps for Windows Phone -- Seesmic, Pandora, Citrix (yay!)
  • XNA Games studio 4.0 -- updated specifically for Windows Phone and Silverlight development
  • Multi-touch -- WP7 will fully support multi-touch devices
  • Microsoft services -- location service and notification service, the latter will push updates to the phone. The former has already been discussed already (geosense?)
So far, we only have the contents of the PR press pack to go on, but we'll be sure to report on any eventualities... when the yo-yo kid leaves the stage and Microsoft personnel arrive...
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Download SquadBreaking: Windows Phone 7 developer and Internet Explorer 9 details emerge at Microsoft MIX10 originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingmicrosoftmixmix10newswindowswindows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:06:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: EC response raises more questions for 'Gang of Six' browsers]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/05/breaking-ec-response-raises-more-questions-for-gang-of-six-br/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/05/breaking-ec-response-raises-more-questions-for-gang-of-six-br/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/03/05/breaking-ec-response-raises-more-questions-for-gang-of-six-br/#commentsFiled under: ,

EU Browser Choice Screen

The European Commission responded earlier today to the petition submitted by the 'Gang of Six' web browsers seeking "any of a myriad of small changes" to alert users of the 7 browser choices not initially displayed on Microsoft's new European Browser Choice update dialog. In an email to CNet writer Stephen Shankland, EC spokeswoman Amelia Torres writes:

"The elements of the Choice Screen were published on the Internet and attention was drawn to them both through a press release and a notice in the EU's Official Journal, in all the languages of the Union. Two of the signatories made submissions in response to this market test, but did not raise the suggestions they advance now. Nor did any other market participant. The elements in question therefore remained unchanged when the final commitments were made binding on Microsoft by the Commission's decision of 16 December 2009."
(emphasis added)

Torres' response leaves little room to argue the merits of the 'Gang of Six' petition. I contacted Flock's Shawn Hardin for a response to Torres' remarks.

"Microsoft informed us on 12/16/09 that Flock had been selected for inclusion. This was the first time Flock received any official information about a decision that Flock would be participating in the program. Prior to this, Flock was never identified or invited as an "interested party" by the European Commission"

(emphasis added)
The EU comment period ends on December 16th when the agreement became binding -- Immediately following which, Microsoft announced the results of the convoluted ranking calculation which defined the 12 browsers to be included.

In contrast to Torres' response on behalf of the Commission, the Directorate General of Competition has responded by scheduling a meeting to discuss the petition with the signatories for Monday.
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Download SquadBREAKING: EC response raises more questions for 'Gang of Six' browsers originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analysisbreakingBreakingNewsbrowser choiceBrowserChoiceeceumicrosoftFri, 05 Mar 2010 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Google enables Push Gmail for iPhone & Windows Mobile]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/09/22/google-enables-push-gmail-for-mobile-devices/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/09/22/google-enables-push-gmail-for-mobile-devices/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2009/09/22/google-enables-push-gmail-for-mobile-devices/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Earlier in the year, Google rolled out Google Sync: push calendar and contact services for mobile users, based on Microsoft's Active Sync protocol. Since then, plenty of users (myself included) have yearned for Google to roll out push email for Google accounts - and today, Google has announced that Gmail is now push enabled for iPhone, iPod touch and Windows Mobile devices.

Unfortunately the system is Microsoft Exchange-based, and iPhone OS devices can only support on Exchange configuration, so if you're already hooked up to an Exchange server at work you won't be able to use Google Sync's push services for a personal Google account.

Google has also reminded folks that these Push services are more resource-intensive and that your battery life may decrease as you use Push services - but if you need to know about emails from a Google account as they come in, you'll want to enable this on your device. Google Apps customers are also able to take advantage of Push email, and simply need to set up syncing via their Google Apps control panel to get started.

Whilst Google-holics everywhere will no-doubt be rejoicing with this addition, it's going to be interesting to see how Apple reacts to this move: until now, the paid-for MobileMe service has been the only few consumer Push-enabled mail-service on the iPhone OS alongside Yahoo Mail which launched Push for iPhone in 2007.

Updated at 3pm EST to reflect the Yahoo Mail push service.

Download SquadGoogle enables Push Gmail for iPhone & Windows Mobile originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingGmailPush EmailPushEmailTue, 22 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST