“ Imagine a world where YouTube, Flickr, Facebook or Twitter had never been created due to the cost of regulatory compliance. Imagine an Internet where any website where users can upload text, pictures or video is liable for copyrighted material uploaded to it. Imagine a world where the addresses to those websites could not be found using search engines like Google and Bing, even if you typed them in directly. ”
1. You Can +1 a Page to Show Support or Add Them to Your Circles
We know you love some brands and businesses. Others you may want to show a quick note of support, but not see all their updates. So just drop a little +1 and keep going, or add a page to any circle you want. You’re in control.
2. No Google+ Page Can Follow You Until You Follow Them
We want Google+ to be a place you love to share. Pages cannot circle you until you follow them first. Of course, if you are in their circles, they can share great deals, exclusive coupons, product tips and hangouts, but the relationship is yours to start.
3. In Fact, Google+ Pages Can’t Even Mention You Unless You’re Connected
That’s right. The +Google+ page can’t even say your name unless you’re following. No +mention spam.
4. Google+ Pages Automatically Unfollow You If You Unfollow Them
If you remove a Google+ Page from your circles, you are automatically removed from their circles. You always are in charge.
5. You Can Find Google+ Pages In Google Search
With a new feature we call Direct Connect, just type + followed by the brand name in Google Search, and you can see pages automatically display. Type +Pepsi to see Pepsi, and +Dell for Dell. It’s that easy.
Interesting stuff from Microsoft Research (via NewScientist)
Chris Harrison, who worked on the project, calls it a “mega Kinect hack” and an extension of his previous device which could only work on skin. While the prototype device is quite bulky, the team says it may be possible for future versions to be the size of a matchbox.
There is a movement afoot, and it’s really exciting: the move to viewing design and development as “knowledge acquisition”. Most of this movement is taking place within software development, but some in business development, web development, marketing and others. I am very interested in how this will (or won’t) change how organizations behave.
The new Aakash tablet will be distributed to students in India, with a government aim of 10 million tablets over the next few years at subsidised cost of $35 (USD) per tablet. A commercial version, the UbiSlate, will be available for $60.
The Aakash is a 7” Android 2.2 touch screen tablet that has a HD video co-processor for a high-quality multimedia experience and core graphics accelerator for faster application support. The Aakash tablet is the only Android device in the market to offer DataWind’s UbiSurfer browser, based on 18 international patents. The UbiSurfer browser accelerates web pages by factors of 10x to 30x, allowing for a web experience who’s speed is unrivalled.
At less than 10% of the price of an iPad, it’s an affordable option for students and their families. UbiSlate also lists an accessory cover with built in keyboard to allow the device to function like a Netbook.
It’s guaranteed to be far less shiny and responsive than an iPad or high end Android (especially with a resistive screen instead of a capacitive one) but also far more affordable. I would have said a $35 tablet was a hoax (or vapourware) but the device was launched on October 5th 2011.
The iPad will dominate tablet sales until 2014, according to a new report from research firm Gartner. But Android models will take about 17% of the market this year, and there are a few reasons to consider one, according to our computer-savvy cousins at Consumer Reports.
To the point, but probably missing the key selling feature of the iPad which is its attention to user experience.
At less than 10% of the price of an iPad, it’s an affordable option for students and their families. UbiSlate also lists an accessory cover with built in keyboard to allow the device to function like a Netbook.