Tag: Google

  • Google’s Swiffy Converts SWF Files to HTML5

    Amidst of all the recent announcements from Google comes a lesser-known feature that’s available now in Google Labs. It’s a small service called Swiffy, and it will convert SWF (the file format for Flash) files into HTML5 versions for use in most modern browsers like Chrome and Safari. Google says the process works by first…

  • Firebug add-on for Firefox is known to slow Gmail

    Firebug is a free, open source add-on for Firefox that provides essential tools for web developers. If you have Firebug installed and have logged into Gmail recently, however, you’ll be greeted with an intimidating message that states: “Firebug is known to make Gmail slow unless it is configured correctly.” This message also contains a link…

  • Support Techerator with Google’s +1

    Google recently rolled out their +1 button for websites, which is their answer to Facebook’s near-ubiquitous Like button you see pretty much everywhere nowadays. By clicking the +1 button on websites you enjoy, you give them a “vote” in Google’s search engine listings. Due of the sheer popularity of Facebook and the Like button, sites…

  • Communal Masses, Meet Google Map Maker

    The word “community” is a very strong word in this new, digitized world.  From Wikipedia to YouTube, the beneficial effects of a community-driven environment are not only obvious, but essential to the betterment of the internet.  A sense of  community brings out awareness, efficiency, and self sustainability wherever it is applied.  But you don’t have to tell…

  • Chrome: ‘New Tabs At End’ Puts New Tabs at the End

    Never has a title been more self-explanatory. Chris Finke, who has previously developed killer Firefox add-ons like TwitterBar, ScribeFire, and the innovative TapSure for mobile Firefox, recently brought some much-needed functionality to Google’s Chrome web browser: the ability to open new tabs at the end of the tab bar, just like Firefox. If you have a…

  • DroidWall: The Aptly Named Android Firewall Solution

    Installing Android applications can sometimes be a risky operation. A list of permissions requested by the application pops up before installation, but how many people actually read those? Even if you do read them, they can often leave you puzzled as to why that application needs that permission. I recently installed a newly-released game on…

  • Unleash the Full Power of Android Multitasking Using SwipePad

    One of Android’s greatest advantages over its biggest competitor is its awesome support for multitasking right out of the box. Simply hold down the Home button for a few seconds to gain access to the eight most recently used applications on your device without ever leaving the currently running application. But what do you do…

  • First Look: Logitech Revue with Google TV

    Editor’s note: I am joined at the end of this article by software engineer Chris Finke, who was kind enough to share his experiences integrating Google TV with his Tivo.  Both Chris and I won our Logitech Revues through a developer contest held by Google. The Logitech Revue with Google TV is Google’s first foray into…

  • The Day I Left Firefox Behind

    In the early times of the Information Age, web junkies like myself did not have many web browsing options. Internet Explorer had been absolutely terrible for essentially its entire existence, but early versions of Netscape Navigator and Netscape Communicator left much to be desired. Then Netscape 6 was released, which was based on the young,…

  • Schmidt, Schmidt, Page, Schmidt: An Ode to Google’s Breaking News

    By now you’ve no doubt heard the news: Eric Schmidt is stepping down from his position as Google CEO and will be replaced by Google co-founder Larry Page. Schmidt joined Google in 2001, and has guided the company towards huge growth and tremendous profits (and by tremendous, I mean $25 billion in a year). Schmidt…