Friday, October 14, 2011

Google kills off Buzz


Google Buzz, Google's failed attempt at creating a social network, has finally been canceled. I don't know if anyone used it regularly, because it was not a popular service at all.

In a blog post, Google announced the cancellation of Buzz, Jaiku, Google code search, iGoogle's social features, and Google Labs (your addons are safe, however).

If you REALLY are upset Buzz is no more, you can check out Wave or even Google+. Hopefully they will stick around for a little while longer.

Box.net offers 50GB of free storage for iPhone and iPad users

Box.net is a widely popular cloud file storage service. They have announced that any user that downloads their iPhone or iPad application will receive 50GB of free file storage.


The promotion is only active for 50 days, so make sure you take advantage of it!

Directions:


This promotion starts at midnight tonight and runs for only 50 days, so get your free space in the cloud by following these steps:


  1. Visit the app store and download the Box app for your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch
  2. Log in to your account or register for a new one directly from the app
  3. Start sharing and collaborating in the cloud

Learn more about Box.net here

How to fix iOS 5 upgrade errors 3002 and 3005

If you have been trying to upgrade your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to iOS 5, but are getting the troublesome 3002 or 3005 error, here is a solution that may work for you.



First download the firmware file from Apple using one of the following links:  iPhone 3GSiPhone 4 GSMiPhone 4 CDMAiPad (1), iPad 2 WiFiiPad 2 GSMiPad 2 CDMA. [Please choose the iDevice you have]

After the download is complete, close iTunes and disconnect your iDevice from your computer.

Next you must copy the ipsw file you previously downloaded from above to the following location:


On Windows: %APPDATA%\Apple Computer\iTunes\iP{one|ad|od} Software Updates

On Mac: ~/Library/iTunes/iP{one|ad|od} Software Updates
Finally connect your iDevice to your computer, Open up iTunes, and click update.

Hopefully this works for you!

Speed comparison video between the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s


Youtube user Eurosausage has posted a comparison video between the iPhone 4 and 4S.


The video, unfortunately, only shows app launching, but the video shows that the 4S excels in opening numerous applications and shows a significant increase over the iPhone 4.

If you are thinking about getting an iPhone 4S, check out the video and decide if the speed boost is worth it.

[via Macrumors]

New Macbook Pros imminent


According to 9to5mac, a small Macbook Pro refresh is incoming. New model numbers for all the Macbook Pros have hit Apple's internal inventory system according to their sources.


MD311 – 17 inchMD313 – 13 inchMD314 – 13 inchMD318 – 15 inchMD322 – 15 inch
The changes are expected to be minimal. They will most likely be a small processor bump and possibly integration with Bluetooth 4.0.

If you are on the market for a new Macbook Pro, I would hold off just a little while longer before purchasing.

Microsoft completes Skype acquistion for a tune of $8.5 billion


The much talked about deal between Microsoft and Skype is finally complete. Skype CEO has posted an official statement on The Official Microsoft Blog

I am delighted to announce the deal with Microsoft has formally closed, and Skype is now a division of Microsoft. This represents a huge leap forward in Skype’s mission to be the communications choice for a billion people every day. Joining forces with Microsoft is the best way to accelerate this mission and capitalize on our position at the intersection of social, mobile and video communications. Simply put, we want to transform communications. We will do this by building the best products in the world that allow all of us to do things together whenever we’re apart and by creating teams who work faster and smarter across the globe building those world-class products.

Microsoft simultaneously posted a press release on Microsoft.com.

REDMOND, Wash., and LUXEMBOURG — Oct. 13, 2011 — Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq “MSFT”) has closed its acquisition of Skype Global S.à r.l. Negotiations of the definitive agreement under which Microsoft would acquire Skype, an Internet communications company, for $8.5 billion were led by investor group Silver Lake and the transaction was originally announced on May 10, 2011. Boards of directors of both Microsoft and Skype previously approved the acquisition.  The Internet has changed video calling for millions of people. Explore some of the numbers and stats showing the scope and impact of how Skype is helping people stay connected. Microsoft and Skype will remain focused on their shared goal of connecting all people across all devices and accelerating both companies’ efforts to transform real-time communications for consumers and enterprise customers. The completion of the acquisition also marks the official introduction of Skype as a new business division within Microsoft. “Skype is a phenomenal product and brand that is loved by hundreds of millions of people around the world,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “We look forward to working with the Skype team to create new ways for people to stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues — anytime, anywhere.”
What does this mean for the future?

It has been rumored that Skype will be fully integrated into Windows phone and Windows OS (Desktop). Microsoft has also promised to allow Skype to be developed for other systems (Android, iOS, etc.).


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