Gadgets Control

With the collected and accumulated data, which includes searched & collected private data, Google will now try harder to more tightly target its web ads at users. For example, ads that a person sees on one Google search may be influenced by what was searched a few minutes earlier. Searching for “scuba,” then something else, and then “vacations” could pull up ads for diving trips. This is just one of the ways the ads become more compelling and are targeted with higher accuracy towards the given user.

Google changed its privacy policy a few years ago and warned users that it might capture personal information about them for reasons that include “the display of customized content and advertising.” Last year, Google started looking at the immediately previous search when considering ads.

(Read the full post about ‘Google displaying more targeted web ads’…)

Share This

Apple Inc on Monday issued software updates to patch more than two dozen security holes in its OS X operating systems and various Apple software applications.  The company also issued a patch to fix security vulnerability in Safari for the Mac (The issue in Windows XP & Vista was fixed earlier). The updates are available through Apple Software Update or directly from Apple Downloads.

Apple has released Security Update 2008-04 for users of Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger, addressing several issues with the operating system. This update is only for Tiger users; Leopard users received this update as part of the 10.5.4 update, also released on Monday.

(Read the full post about ‘Mac OS X 10.4 security patches and Mac OS X 10.5.4 now available’…)

Share This

Motion Computing has a couple of new devices in the form of the C5 mobile clinical assistant (MCA) and the F5 semi-rugged tablet PC. The former boasts integrated mobile broadband and solid state drive (SSD) options that will certainly help it go the distance in the environment which it is used, while the latter comes with improved capacity thanks to the inclusion of an 80GB hard drive without you having to fork out an additional penny. More information on both devices will be available after the jump, so read on. The C5 features optional integrated mobile broadband that enables mobile clinicians to improve productivity by accessing important patient information such as digital images and patient history details on-the-fly. (Read the full post about ‘Motion Computing launches new models’…)

Share This

The Bracketron Nav-Mat GPS dash mount is a good alternative for those who are looking for a GPS mount to replace their suction cup mounts as the latter is prohibited in some areas. It is easy to install as it requires no tools for installation (no drilling involved!) but instead, has a non-slip base made out of a bean bag for stability as it moulds to the surface of the dashboard and a non-slip base to keep it from sliding off making it hassle free for consumers who do not want to go through the trouble of finding ways to install their suction cup GPS mounts because of a non-stick surface on the dashboard or not having a convenient location of securing it. (Read the full post about ‘Bracketron Nav-Mat GPS Dash Mount’…)

Share This

So you’ve got a little kitty in your home, but you’re running short on living space as well. What’s there to do? Why, pick up the Catty Corner Litter Box, of course! Tuck it into a corner…this full-size cat box comes in a space-saving design! The Catty Corner litter box fits even in smaller rooms, but still gives your cat plenty of room to maneuver. Scatter Guard Doorflap keeps spilled litter to a minimum, while the handy sifting tray makes it easy to clean. The door flap gives kitty extra privacy and helps reduce “litter scatter.” The interchangeable halves make it ultra-easy to “scoop”…just remove the top half and use the convenient handles to lift out the sifting screen. (Read the full post about ‘Catty Corner Litter Box’…)

Share This

Not long ago we heard that the OpenMoko FreeRunner was just about ready to hit the market, in fact it was expected to be clearing customs as of July 1. Well, July is here and OpenMoko has announced that the FreeRunner will be available for order beginning on July 4, and that the shipping will begin just a few days later on July 7. The FreeRunner will feature a 2.8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi, A-GPS, GPRS 2.6G, 128MB WSDRAM, and 256MB NAND flash. It will be available with support for both the 850Mhz and 900Mhz tri-band GSM networks and is going to retail for $399. Product [OpenMoko] Via [EngadgetMobile] Keep up with the latest gadget goodness! (Read the full post about ‘OpenMoko FreeRunner available for order July 4′…)

Share This

FROM APPLETELL - If you still don’t know what you’re going to do with your old iPhone once you upgrade to the iphone 3G, convert it to a Wi-Fi enabled ipod. MORE » Keep up with the latest gadget goodness! - Subscribe to our feed → Tags: amps, gear, ipod, mobile phone (Read the full post about ‘Turn your old iPhone into a WiFi iPod’…)

Share This

Yesterday we reported that Microsoft could be acquiring Powerset in the coming months. Well, just a day later and Microsoft has officially confirmed the acquisition of Powerset.

According to Microsoft, it bought Powerset because it was impressed with the people there, but also because they share a vision to take search to the next level by understanding the intent and meaning behind people’s search terms. By joining forces with Powerset, Microsoft hopes to improve its understanding of users’ intent behind their searches and provide an improved user experience, instead of just running a straight query on the keywords used and forcing users to click through numerous results to find what they want.

Powerset is also excited about the acquisition.

(Read the full post about ‘Microsoft confirms purchase of Powerset for $100 million’…)

Share This

GEAR4 has unveiled its BlackBox Micro portable speaker system that relies on USB power to keep it going, boasting integrated SFX technology for pure audio bliss. It won’t satisfy audiophiles though, but is perfect for casual and easy listening no matter where you are. The BlackBox Micro was so named as it holds the distinction of being the smallest speaker in the BlackBox range. With a SFX gel base, any flat, solid surface that it’s placed will augment the bass notes, improving both the volume and audio quality of the speaker. Of course, if there isn’t a USB port nearby, you can always choose to power it by attaching a hamster-powered running wheel generator. I’m kidding - you can use an AC charger instead. (Read the full post about ‘GEAR4 BlackBox Micro’…)

Share This

Skinit has collaborated with Samsung to offer an in-box offering, distributing pre-packaged design skins with Samsung’s WEP301 Bluetooth headset. The Samsung WEP301 Bluetooth headset features a simple yet robust design that compliments any style. With six interchangeable, easy-to-apply skins by Skinit, the WEP301 allows users to customize the headset to match their own personal style. The WEP301 features a kernel-type ear piece designed to fit securely and block ambient noise for clear communication. The headset also offers a detachable ear hook, up to five hours of talk time, and up to 80 hours of standby time. The WEP301 with the Skinit fashion package is compatible with Samsung Mobile and other Bluetooth enabled phones utilizing Bluetooth v2.0. (Read the full post about ‘Skinit teams up with Samsung’…)

Share This