Work for Google, without pay?

I recently saw an interesting option with Google images. Google is actually asking its user base to go through and tag images in its directory so that is has a very accurate, human moderated title system to deliver more relevant results to all those jpeg searchers out there. Work without compensation seems like an interesting way to cement your position at the top. Apparently the execs at the Googleplex felt it was about time to abuse all of its loyal followers as to keep total domination?

Cloudbook vs. Eee PC?

Everex aka "The Green Company" which hit the press not too long ago for its dirt cheap desktops running the gOS, and pulling Linx into the limelight apparently does not want to loose any steam on account of the Asus Eee PC which has been recieved much better than I think anyone could have anticipated. This particular variant however, instead of using Solid State and an Intel "Mobile" processor uses a VIA chipset, 30gb Hard Drive in tandem with 512mb RAM and a WiFi chipset.

Side Note: Anyone know where in the heck the trackpad is on this thing? It is an unofficial launch, but sheesh!

UPDATE: Thanks to the commenter who noticed the mousing ability on the top right hand corner of the screen.

Google Gears + GMail, Apps = Domination

It is no secret that Google has trounched its competitiors in the search category, and while Yahoo!, Microsoft, and Ask.com are all clamoring to get their slice of the pie, Google has been quietly building its framework to invade the small business and even corporate setting, and in a very big way. GMail (STILL in Beta), is coveted by most of its uers for its ease of use, quick response, clean interface and one of the best spam filters I have seen implemented for a web based application. They have great 3rd party support which now includes IMAP (esp. for all the Apple fans).
They also listen to what their users want. Got an iPhone? Here is a customized web page just for you. Want to see your docs? How about we automatically format for your mobile Safari? They go above and beyond to make sure they keep their current user base on lock down, and continue to grow their business nearly advertising free. Word of mouth - the most trusted form of referral, even ask Mark Zuckerburg since that is what he built his whol advertising model around.

But here is the great news. While Zoho already offers their online suite offline with the help of Google gears, Google itself is planning on integrating its services into this browswer plug in. With the addition of Presenation (while limited) has really opened up a strategic avenue for Google in relation to the business world. Need to work on that Presentation for your boss while on the plane? Lets use the free presentation software. Need to update your calednar or add a contact? That should all be possible with the Google Gears plug in when working with their applications.

Google has focused on their core business model of search and its correlated advertising which has propelled them into being a cash handy company from the day they started monetizing. Now that everyone prefers to search rather than "seek" for their information Google should start to see a great synergy effect from its multiple offerings. Small businesses stand to benefit the most off of this integration as it allows a viable, yet powerful alternative to the Microsoft Office suite, which happens to be Redmonds most profitable sector. Small business will be able to get their productivity sutie onto older and/or cheaper computers as it only needs web capability, and consequently small business owneres are the ones most likely to be clicking on internet advertising to get what they need for their small business. E-Mail relavent ads anyone for that business owner? Google knows what this could do for their business, bottom line, and monetization per user. I also wouldn't be surprised if we saw a start-up or two focusing on consultation for small business to get them on the same productivity of corprate without the corporate budget.

Samsung Premium LCD's 500,000:1 Contrast Ratio

Samsung, the now leader in HD television sales, above even budget set maker Vizio has come out with a stunning new line of LCD displays that are LED backlit and have new dynamic lighting technology to create some of the best contrast numbers ever, excluding that little Sony set that pulls off a 1,000,000:1 contrast. The new displays are classified as "Premium" both in quality as well as price. There is are a few sets rocking the 25,000:1 contrast moniker that can be had for a little bit less than these other ones, but nothing can be described to convey the true color quality that these displays are able to achieve.
The biggest coo for this samsung second to color is that it is sporting the new 120hz technology which has proven to drastically better the quality of things such as sports and video games. While the response time is fast enough to not ghost, the 120hz (compared to 60hz) [which as of yet is only out on the new sony's and samsungs] clears up the picture so that all the objects in motion appear smooth vs. pixelated. If you are a gamer or very much into sports/movies. These are the displays for you.
Other than the extremely high contrast and the 120hz Technology, the rest is pretty much standard affair for this calibar of TV. 3 HDMIT 1.3 ports, hidden speakers, swivel base, SRS surround , optical audio ports etc.

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LN-T4081F

Hulu HD: Shot over YouTube's Bow?

Not long after NBC officially pulled thier content from iTunes, they are enhancing thier Hulu offerings with a small collection of 720p High Definition Material. While the system requirements are a little stingy (internet over 2.4 Mb/s + Adobe Flash Player 9 + Flamingly Fast Computer), the fact that the content is even there is pretty awesome. There was a clip that showed up on Digg not too long ago about how trick YouTube into letting you get a bit of HD content on there and it looked good sans a few glitches (wrong time readout from YouTube, limited file size). The most important thing here is that Hulu has content that people want to watch - assuming the writiers come back, where as YouTube is more of a time killer.

I wonder if we will ever see any kind of hardware solution that converges HD material from NBC etc. Perhaps a set-top version of Joost touting HD content? I would buy it. Throw in a wireless keyboard/mouse, a messenger and a browser then you have a full home invasion of media interaction to capitalize on targeted internet advertising.

Need Dual Sim's?: Verzio Has You Covered

While rare, if you have the need for dual SIM slots in your phone because of your travels abroad, Verzio has you in mind. Sporting two new phones that have a pretty well laid out feature set even without the dual-SIM capability with the 'Duplii' Sporting a 2.2 megapixel camera, 3g, and media playback its pretty much the whole kit and kabootle. The 'Twinn' is practically the same phone, but in slider form and sans the 3g capability for EDGE-only instead. Still a pretty nice device, after all the iPhone "most advacned phone in the world" only has EDGE right? ha.

ROCCAT: New Gaming Line

Roccat is introducing a new ling of gaming peripherals to sooth the gaming urges. There line looks very professional and you will be able to complete your arsenal with their keybaord (Valo), mouse (Kone), and accompanyting mouse pad (Sense). The mouse features a staggering set of 10 programmable buttons, removable weights, lighting and the whole works. MMORPG fans should also love the Valo as it features a plethora of programmable keys for all of those actions in your WoW sessions that you are so fond of. Top all of that off with their non-stick mousing keypad and you should be ready for anything from dragons to COD4.

Game on.

128gb SSD's in May?

With all the buzz about Solid State Drives and what they can do for mobile solutions, Toshiba has announced that as early as May is will be shipping out 128gb models to serve the needs of the space hungry, quick booting, power saving community. You can expect capacities of 36, 64 and 128 from Toshiba and since they are usually in 'cahoots' with SanDisk, I assume that we can expect to see some SSD action from them as well. These increasing capacities should drive prices down pretty quickly on 64gb models which is typically the lower limit in capacity to actually be feasible for most even in a mobile situation.

Ideazon Reaper Edge Laser Gaming Mouse

Ideazon, the makers of the popular Gaming Keyboard the "Z-Board" have made a very nice and slick gaming mouse for those of you not quite satisfied with your G9 or other variant in the near 4000 dpi range.

The mouse itself is a 3200 dpi assault unit with a 1ms response time over usb, but its not neccesarily the specs that make this thing rock. Its the ergonomics with its anti-slip rubberized grip, nice cup to fit in your hand, and the appropriately positioned buttons to use whil gaming. It is a much more attractive unit than Microsofts sidewinder, and a fresh design compared to the notorious Logitech styling (great mice for sure, just a little long on the tooth). In testing you will find the scroll wheel to move nicely without a slip and multiple calibration options for your gaming caress. 5 levels of sensitivity (800, 1200, 1600, 2000, and 3200) should keep all the touchy dpi fans extremely happy. In addition to the 5 prgrammable buttons on the device, it also has multiple profile setups so that buttons etc. can represent different meanings in dfferent applications.

All in all we were very pleased with the Ideazon unit, especially considering how hard it is to stand out in the gaming mouse industry. While it may not be enough of a fresh thing to get you to replace even for MX 500 series mouse, if you are in need of a new system, or a great gift for that gaming geek on your list. Give the Ideazon at least a double-take as it offers performance, value, and just an overall coolness.