My favorite tech news aggregator, Techmeme has just introduced the mobile version of their tech news aggregation site. Techmeme Mobile runs smoothly on popular smartphones including iPhone, Droid, Palm Pre and some other devices. Now this is something that I was really looking forward to as I check Techmeme very often on a regular web browser. [Read more…] about Techmeme Mobile Available Now for Smartphones
Google continues to push image features with Image Swirl
How did we survive without Google Image Search? I frequently use it when someone utters the name of some “celebrity” I’ve never heard of, or I think is actually someone else, to make sure I’m thinking of the right person (like it really matters).
Now, not only can we check out similar images of those Z-list celebs, but thanks to a new feature being tested in Google Labs, we could see a whole swirl of related images.
Google Image Swirl uses advances in computer vision research to group together a dozen images based on a certain keyword.
Google gives the example: “if you search on Image Swirl for [washington], you’ll see 12 image thumbnails including President Washington, the Washington Monument, a map of Washington D.C. and the Capitol Building”
The “swirl” comes when you click on one of those thumbnails, which expands to show similar and related images based on that image. It’s Google’s own mashup of related images and the Wonder Wheel that you might have used for text-based search queries.
It’s interesting to see image search evolve, and presumably if enough people provide positive feedback this will eventually graduate from the labs and become part of the standard Google search.
Look Ma! Facebook is Now the No.3 Video Site
Honestly, this new report by Nielsen saying that Facebook has become the no.3 video streaming site, following YouTube and Hulu. It was no.3 10 last month. And judging by the number of videos that are being shared on the Facebook network, Facebook as the no.2 if not no.1 video site soon is not far from happening. [Read more…] about Look Ma! Facebook is Now the No.3 Video Site
Orange launches People Projects Facebook app for willing volunteers
It seems every large corporate has to do something on Facebook these days, with UK mobile operator Orange deciding to launch its People Projects app that encourages people to become part of local community volunteer initiatives.
It’s not the only community-focused web site doing the rounds, but the fact that it’s integrated with Facebook rather than sitting on the Internet on its own may mean that it gets picked up and used by Facebookers, who are often accused of being armchair campaigners and protesters.
Maybe this will encourage them to get off their butts and actually join in with something in the real world.
If altruism isn’t quite enough, once you’ve contacted the project owners and volunteered, you can tell everyone how wonderful you are.
Of course it needs people who are running community projects to set them up in the app in the first place. Tools provided include a dedicated project page, promotional tools, virtual rewards for volunteers, task list, events tool and a timeline for keeping goals on track.
Orange will also highlight up to eight inspiring projects on its own People Projects website. Orange plans to launch a mobile version of the app in due course.
Google Earth for iPhone Gets Updated to v2.0
The Google Latlong Blog has just announced the updated version of its Google Earth for iPhone app. In case you haven’t noticed, Google Earth for iPhone is now the second most downloaded free app at the iTunes App Store. [Read more…] about Google Earth for iPhone Gets Updated to v2.0
Oxford Names “Unfriend” as Word of the Year
And here’s how Oxford defines the Word of the Year:
unfriend – verb – To remove someone as a ‘friend’ on a social networking site such as Facebook.
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