Windows Phone users who want to use Google Sync for contact and calendar integration had better act quickly: today is the last day that they can link their handsets to the service before Google pulls the plug. From August 1st onwards, Google Sync will only work on a given Windows Phone if it's already configured. The GDR 2 upgrade keeps syncing alive through CalDAV and CardDAV support, although many users could go without that support for some time -- to date, Americans can only see the OS refresh on the HTC 8XT, Lumia 520, Lumia 925 and Lumia 1020. If you're not in that group and miss the Google Sync deadline, you'll just have to sit tight while Microsoft finishes rolling out the GDR 2 update this summer.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, Microsoft, Google
Via: Neowin
Source: Google Apps
Want to take a virtual field trip? Or find a pizza place nearby? Or break up with someone? Well, there’s an app for that. And I mean, all of that.
The apps for the first two functions have been around for a while now. As for the third function – well, let’s just say the app for that went viral recently.
It’s called the BreakUp Text app and it will apparently break up with your not-so-significant-anymore other for you. Via text. Because yeah, some people actually do that and if you don’t have the guts to do it yourself, then you might find some use for this.
You can choose from serious and casual reasons for the break-up. Aside from that, you can also use the app to pen longer, supposedly heartfelt messages about why you want to end the relationship. Some people might take this as a joke, but don’t be surprised when others take this seriously as well.
One of the app’s creators, Jake Levine, explained: “As much as we did it as a joke, it has sort of captured a moment in time when tech is becoming more pervasive in our lives and relationships.”
Curious? The app can be downloaded from the iTunes app store for $0.99.
[via C|NET]
Glass hasn't exactly been revered for its brilliant image quality, but that's not stopping Google from making a push among budding filmmakers. The Glass Creative Collective, a partnership with film and design schools, is intended to familiarize students at a handful of institutions with the video-capture wearable. Several colleges, including the Rhode Island School of Design, UCLA and the University of Southern California are on board -- students will reportedly begin exploring the device as a filmmaking tool beginning this fall. Glass could be a fit for documentary filmmaking, and for capturing point-of-view footage, of course, but performance limitations would likely prevent it from taking on a starring role in any production. We're a bit skeptical that the Creative Collective will be a booming success, but Google's promised to circle back with results once the program gets off the ground.
Filed under: Cameras, Displays, Wearables, Alt, Google
Via: CNET
Source: Google Glass (Google+)
According to a report from Quartz, Google is preparing to launch an improved local news card in Now. The card would be an extension of its existing local news offerings, but would bring those stories directly to your handset based on your location. Quartz confirmed the card's existence through Johanna Wright, the vice president of search and assist at Google. She described the card as be "hyper-local," with granularity down to individual neighborhoods. According to Wright, the card is only being tested internally right now, and there's no guarantee of when, or even if, Google will actually bring it to the public.
In many ways Now is meant to be a filter for the absurd amount of information constantly at your fingertips. It's supposed to deliver only the information you need, when you need it. Problem is, Google still seems to be figuring out just what information you need at any given moment. Bus schedules, boarding passes, traffic reports, tourist attractions, calendar appointments, sports scores... the depth of data served up is growing more intimidating with every day. Now already delivers links to news stories that you're following on your desktop. The logical next step (we suppose) is to serve up articles you didn't know you were interested in, based on your location. We've reached out to Google for comment and confirmation, and we'll update this story if we hear back.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Google
Source: Quartz
Though we got tired of the word "selfie" in about 1/8000th of a second, it's true that snapping yourself can be tricky, especially on video. Canon wants to aid and abet such vanity with the Legria mini, a 1080p camcorder with an ultra-wide angle lens, flipscreen and built-in stand. To make sure that we, er, you look as good as possible, Canon's equipped it with a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, DIGIC DV 4 processor, 12.8-megapixel still shooter, stereo audio and 160 degree wide lens (170 degrees for stills). You'll also get built-in WiFi, an iOS app, DLNA support, time-lapse, slow motion and mirror image recording and playback. There's even a decidedly HTC Zoe-like feature which takes a four second video when you snap a photo, and assembles them together when you're ready. All of that should help keep your Vine, Video on Instagram and other filmic pipelines full. Check the PR and video after the break for more.
As the person who gets to write this column, it can get tiring to see special after special about the same thing. Desktops, monitors and laptops. Now and then though, we get something like the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13, which is a convertible tablet/laptop. Granted, you could say it’s still a laptop, but really it’s a little more creative than that, since it can be transformed into a tablet when you want it. “The 13.3″ 1600 x 900 display uses an IPS screen for great viewing angles and is only 17mm (0.67 inches) thin! Lenovo will offer Yoga 13 with range of 3rd generation Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 CPU and all models come with 128GB SSD by default. Despite how thin and light this machine is, Lenovo claims up to 8 hours of battery life.” And the base model comes with a 3rd gen Core i3 1.9GHz processor, Win 8, 8GB RAM, and the aforementioned 128GB SSD. Normally $1,099, it’s $899 after today’s rebate.
[ $200 Off On Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 ] VIA [ logicBuy ]
The Kikkerland Design Crew has reinvented the traditional rubber eraser in multiple innovative and fun ways to brighten up your office space- Who wouldn’t adopt an office rhinoceros?As a kid, I’d always see my grandma rocking one of her grandkids to sleep in her lap on her rocking chair. (Yes, I was one of those grandkids, although obviously I wouldn’t be able to see myself if I’m the one being rocked.) Somehow, seeing that implanted the image that one day, I’d be rocking a baby to sleep in a rocking chair too. In this case, it won’t be my baby (because I don’t have one yet!) but my sister’s.
One thing I noticed lately is how heavy my niece is now, so my arms feel like they’re about to fall off after ten mere minutes. So when I saw this awesome Rocker Cradle woodworker Scott Morrison, I just knew it’s something like-minded people would love.
The concept is pretty obvious: the adult is supposed to be in the seat, and the tiny tot lays beside you. Of course, it’s more comfortable for the baby if you line his or her space with some bedding or with a blanket.
When everyone’s all set, start rocking and start your very own family tradition. Just make sure the baby’s tucked in securely and that you don’t rock too hard, or else you might find yourself covered in baby barf.
[via BookofJoe and Well Done Stuff via Laughing Squid]