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Animasher Beta Launch, Take 2

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Internet, Movies,

We first told you about Animasher in May but were cautioned by co-creator Martin Jacobson that we got a little too excited too soon. However, he let us know that the Beta launch is now official. Simply choose pictures, drag and drop, add music and sound effects, and you could be the next Monty Python or JibJab rival.

We understand that the Animasher originated in Sweden when Martin’s programmer friend Samuel wanted to make fun of him online. Nine months later, Animasher was born. It must be some friendship to inspire an entire website, eh?

(Thanks, Martin)

Apple beta testing iPhone 2.1 firmware, adding more GPS features

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, GPS, Handhelds, Software,

We just got word that Apple has released a beta version of iPhone OS 2.1 to developers. Along with the 2.1 firmware, a new version of the iPhone SDK has been seeded as well, but the new SDK can’t be used for submitting applications to the App Store at the moment.

A few new things we are seeing in this version of the software is the addition of a bunch of Core Location features that track the direction you are heading, and the speed you are traveling. Looks like we might see a turn-by-turn GPS app after all on the iPhone 3G.

Mahalo Offers Human-Powered Search

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Internet, Videos,

If you are tired of Googling and coming up with stuff that is meta word infested or meant only to make a buck, consider Mahalo beta. Originally launched last year, it’s creator, Jason Calacanis, believes that the “curated web” is the answer. The human-powered search engine claims that it creates organized, spam free searches. Sign up with them, enter your searches and get paid for your efforts (according to relevance and difficulty.) And if you are really into the Mahalo phenomenon, check out their new VlogIdol search for Mahalo Daily which began yesterday or join their Mahalo Social Network.

Firefox Releases 3.0.1 Beta

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Internet,

We were just beginning to get accustomed to Firefox 2, when we started getting advisories that Firefox 3.0.1 is going into its fourth beta cycle, with one more to come. Among the improvements is a better layout with a large back button, better drop down, security info about sites, faster JavaScript, and more support. We found a dandy little slide show if you are as hesitant as we are to try out the new version. After seeing it, we just might give it a shot. Let us know what you think.

Wikinear is Mobile Guide

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Google, GPS, Internet,

If you are unfamiliar with an area that you are trekking around, Wikinear is a new service that will tell you about its environs. Utilizing Yahoo’s Fire Eagle, APIs will find your location and display the 5 nearest interest points on a Google map courtesy of Wikipedia. The service is currently in beta, so you are required to sign up for Fire Eagle and there are only a limited amount of invitations available. Still, we like what we see since we love traveling, and hope that by the time it is officially open it will have more info for the rest of us.

Microsoft Launches Workspace

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Microsoft, Misc. Tech,

Say hello to Microsoft Office Live Workspace. The beta service lets you create and share documents, provided you use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to do so. New features include an activity panel and e-mail notification about changes made. Bookmark a workspace or item with direct links and upload more than one file at a time with drag-and-drop. You also get access with any computer and can invite others into your private space. MS claims that you can store 1000+ files on the Workspace, so if you feel lucky, punk, give it a shot.

Firefox 3 Beta 3 Available

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Internet, Software,

Firefox logo Some of us have enjoyed the advantages of Firefox ever since it was suggested to replace our ailing Explorer. Mozilla has now released their Beta 3 based on Gecko 1.9, which they have been working on for the last 30 months, after almost 2 million lines of code changing. They are now encouraging feedback for those who are brave enough to download it. After some initial testing and bug correction, they are planning on Release Candidate versions. If you have no fear, back up what you have now, check out their notes, download, and report back to Bugzilla if you run into complications.

Train Your Brain With Headstrong

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Internet, Science,

Headstrong is now in beta testing and is allowing its brain training software free of charge. Take their “fitness” test which then creates a custom program for you and suggests exercises to help thwart Alzheimer’s or what we simply refer to CRS disease. Developed by clinical neuropsychologist Nicola Gates, one of their claims is that you never have to worry about memory lapses again. We were a bit hesitant to take the test, but figured we would take a shot at it. It seems that they have forgotten us as they haven’t sent the results. Patience is not one of our virtues.

Designers Create Lamps for Geeks

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Internet, Misc. Tech,

We have discovered a new home for creative types called GNR8 Pipeline. Still in beta, it features such prototypes as these lamps. This Mosaic Pixellated piece, designed by &Design, says “the play of light through the myriad cubes has to be seen to be truly appreciated.” We also found this DNA Lamp built by Büro Für Form, perfect for any geek’s lab. Check GNR8 out for other cool ideas and artistic developments or feel free to submit your own.

PDFs to Become Mini-Billboards

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Misc. Tech,

PDF logo Thanks to an agreement between Yahoo and Adobe, PDFs will no longer be advertisement-free. Legally termed “Ads for Adobe PDF Powered by Yahoo,” it is currently in its beta phase. The ads will be located on an adjacent panel and if clicked will open a new window. So far the service is only being used for pay-per-click text and is free for publishers, who can also block up to 200 urls if they don’t want it on selected files. On the upside, readers may now be able to obtain files that were formerly available for a charge or not provided online.

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