TechBytesDaily

How to get free inbound calls with Gmail

techbytesdaily — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:47:41 +0000

With Gmail’s new integrated voice service, you’re able to make outbound calls for free. However, to get inbound calls working, you’ll have to sign up for a Google Voice account. When you sign up with Google Voice (free as well), you’ll receive a phone number that you can link to your Gmail account. Once the accounts are linked, you’ll be able to receive free phone calls in Gmail with your new Google Voice phone number. Here’s the link to enable free inbound calling in Gmail.

http://www.google.com/support/chat/bin/answer.py?answer=187936

Netflix Streaming on the iPhone / iTouch

techbytesdaily — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:14:00 +0000

Netflix streaming is finally available on the iPhone and iTouch. Hooray!

Google Rolls Out Free Calling Through Gmail

techbytesdaily — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:56:53 +0000

Google announced today that they are rolling out free domestic phone calls from within the Gmail application. Just to emphasis that again, you can now call any landline or mobile number in the United States and Canada for free using just a web browser, speakers, and microphone. In order to get the call button working from within Gmail, you will have to install the free voice and video chat plugin found here, http://www.google.com/chat/voice/

Don’t worry if the Call Button doesn’t show up immediately within Gmail. A Google spokesman has stated that the roll out is still on-going and that most Gmail users in the US and Canada will be voice-capable within a few days.

Viewing 3D Without Glasses

techbytesdaily — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:48:38 +0000

Toshiba announced today that they are developing a television that’s capable of displaying 3D without the need for glasses. The technology is based on something called a parallax barrier. In essence, the parallax barrier is a thin barrier with precision slits in front of the display that allow different sets of pixels to be displayed at different angles. Time the pixels correctly, and your two eyes will see two different images (thus allowing 3D video) since your eyes are seeing the display from slightly different angles. The upcoming Nintendo 3DS will also be able to display 3D without the need for glasses. Read on to see a visual demo of how the parallax barrier works and what the Nintendo 3DS could look like.

How to Get McAfee or Norton Antivirus Free

techbytesdaily — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 05:16:59 +0000

Here’s a tip for all you broadband users, you can probably download Norton or McAfee antivirus for free from your ISP. Check your internet provider’s website or read on to see the free antivirus links for a few major ISPs.

Cox

http://www.cox.net (Free McAfee, under Internet Tools)
Comcast
http://security.comcast.net (Free Norton)
Roadrunner
http://www.rr.com/security (Free CA Internet Security Suite)

Daily Rant ~ WTB Cheap Backlit Keyboard

techbytesdaily — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 04:44:07 +0000

So I just put together a new computer and was thinking a backlit keyboard would be a great way to finish it off but when i went to go look for one, I was kinda surprised to see that there aren’t too many out there for people on a budget. Now I’m thinking, here we are, living in 2010 and no one’s managed to manufacture a quality backlit keyboard for under $50 bucks. Anyhow, I found this video of the Logitech Illuminated Keyboard. You can get on sale at Staples for $50 but I’m gonna pass for now. Someone let me know when the prices come down…

World Record for Fastest Text Message Broken… Again

techbytesdaily — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 01:07:00 +0000

25.94 seconds. That’s how long it took Melissa Thompson of England to write: “”The razor-toothed piranhas of the genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus are the most ferocious freshwater fish in the world. In reality they seldom attack a human.” She did it on a Samsung Galaxy S using a text input application called Swype. The previous Guiness Book of World Record for fastest text message was 35.54 seconds, set on a Samsung Omnia. Click the video to see how the swipe-to-text application works. Sorry Andrew, better luck next time…

Visual Multitasking with the iPhone and iPad

techbytesdaily — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 05:30:01 +0000

The folks over at multiflOw have developed a new multitasking interface for iPhone and iPad iOS 4 users. While multitasking is native to iOS 4, users of the new operating system have complained that the feature is slow and unwieldy. Enter Multifl0w visual multitasking, now available through Cydia as an add on to your iPhone or iPad device. Read more to see videos highlighting the differences.

Acer Aspire AZ5600 all-in-one touch-screen PC

techbytesdaily — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 20:52:07 +0000

So I was at Microcenter last week and this PC caught my eye, the Acer Aspire AZ5610. It’s an “all-in-one” desktop PC meaning the multi-touch LCD and the computer are integrated into one package. Neat…

Google Chrome OS Tablet PC?

techbytesdaily — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:36:24 +0000

Rumor has it that Google and Verizon plan to release a Chrome OS Table PC on November 26th of this year (Black Friday). The HTC manufactured device “could be based on NVidia’s Tegra 2 platform and sport a 1280×720 multitouch display, 2GB of RAM, minimum 32GB SSD, WiFi/Bluetooth/LTE connectivity, GPS, webcam, and possibly expandable storage via a multi-card reader.” Thanks go out to Geek.com for the HTC Advantage pic..

[via downloadsquad.com]

Adobe Updates – Critical Patch for Flash and Reader

techbytesdaily — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 02:56:50 +0000

Today, a Security Bulletin has been posted regarding security releases for Adobe Reader and Acrobat. The updates address critical security issues in the products, including CVE-2010-2862 discussed at the recent Black Hat USA 2010 security conference and vulnerabilities addressed in the August 10 Adobe Flash Player update as noted in Security Bulletin APSB10-16. Adobe recommends that users apply the updates for their product installations.

Note that today’s updates represent an out-of-cycle release. The next quarterly security updates for Adobe Reader and Acrobat is scheduled for October 12, 2010.

Read about it on the Adobe blog here.

Intel to Buy McAfee for $7.68 Billion

techbytesdaily — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:14:57 +0000

SANTA CLARA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Intel Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire McAfee, Inc., through the purchase of all of the company’s commonstock at $48 per share in cash, for approximately $7.68 billion. Both boards of directors have unanimously approved the deal, which is expected to close after McAfee shareholder approval, regulatory clearances and other customary conditions specified in the agreement.

“Hardware-enhanced security will lead to breakthroughs in effectively countering the increasingly sophisticated threats of today and tomorrow”

The acquisition reflects that security is now a fundamental component of online computing. Today’s security approach does not fully address the billions of new Internet-ready devices connecting, including mobile and wireless devices, TVs, cars, medical devices and ATM machines as well as the accompanying surge in cyber threats. Providing protection to a diverse online world requires a fundamentally new approach involving software, hardware and services.

Inside Intel, the company has elevated the priority of security to be on par with its strategic focus areas in energy-efficient performance and Internet connectivity.

McAfee, which has enjoyed double-digit, year-over-year growth and nearly 80 percent gross margins last year, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intel, reporting into Intel’s Software and Services Group. The group is managed by Renée James, Intel senior vice president, and general manager of the group.

“With the rapid expansion of growth across a vast array of Internet-connected devices, more and more of the elements of our lives have moved online,” said Paul Otellini, Intel president and CEO. “In the past, energy-efficient performance and connectivity have defined computing requirements. Looking forward, security will join those as a third pillar of what people demand from all computing experiences.

“The addition of McAfee products and technologies into the Intel computing portfolio brings us incredibly talented people with a track record of delivering security innovations, products and services that the industry and consumers trust to make connecting to the Internet safer and more secure,” Otellini added.

“Hardware-enhanced security will lead to breakthroughs in effectively countering the increasingly sophisticated threats of today and tomorrow,” said James. “This acquisition is consistent with our software and services strategy to deliver an outstanding computing experience in fast-growing business areas, especially around the move to wireless mobility.”

“McAfee is the next step in this strategy, and the right security partner for us,” she added. “Our current work together has impressive prospects, and we look forward to introducing a product from our strategic partnership next year.”

“The cyber threat landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years, with millions of new threats appearing every month,” said Dave DeWalt, president and CEO of McAfee. “We believe this acquisition will result in our ability to deliver a safer, more secure and trusted Internet-enabled device experience.”

McAfee, based in Santa Clara and founded in 1987, is the world’s largest dedicated security technology company with approximately $2 billion in revenue in 2009. With approximately 6,100 employees, McAfee’s products and technologies deliver secure solutions and services to consumers, enterprises and governments around the world and include a strong sales force that works with a variety of customers.

The company has a suite of software-related security solutions, including end-point and networking products and services that are focused on helping to ensure Internet-connected devices and networks are protected from malicious content, phony requests and unsecured transactions and communications. Among others, products include McAfee Total Protection™, McAfee Antivirus, McAfee Internet Security, McAfee Firewall, McAfee IPS as well as an expanding line of products targeting mobile devices such as smartphones.

Intel has made a series of recent and successful software acquisitions to pursue a deliberate strategy focused on leading companies in their industry delivering software that takes advantage of silicon. These include gaming, visual computing, embedded device and machine software and now security.

Home to two of the most innovative labs and research in the high-tech industry, Intel and McAfee will also jointly explore future product concepts to further strengthen security in the cloud network and myriad of computers and devices people use in their everyday lives.

On a GAAP basis, Intel expects the combination to be slightly dilutive to earnings in the first year of operations and approximately flat in the second year. On a non-GAAP basis, excluding a one-time write down of deferred revenue when the transaction closes and amortization of acquired intangibles, Intel expects the combination to be slightly accretive in the first year and improve beyond that.

Intel was advised by Goldman Sachs & Co. and Morrison & Foerster LLP. McAfee was advised by Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C.

About Intel

Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) is a world leader in computing innovation. The company designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world’s computing devices. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com.

About McAfee

McAfee, Inc. (NYSE:MFE), headquartered in Santa Clara, California, is the world’s largest dedicated security technology company. McAfee is committed to relentlessly tackling the world’s toughest security challenges. The company delivers proactive and proven solutions and services that help secure systems and networks around the world, allowing users to safely connect to the Internet, browse, and shop the web more securely. Backed by an award-winning research team, McAfee creates innovative products that empower home users, businesses, the public sector, and service providers by enabling them to prove compliance with regulations, protect data, prevent disruptions, identify vulnerabilities, and continuously monitor and improve their security. http://www.mcafee.com.

MobileASL – Sign Language Codec for the Deaf via Mobile Devices

techbytesdaily — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:05:56 +0000

Researchers at the University of Washington are working on a video codec that will help advance communication for the deaf over mobile devices. The “video compression metric [takes] into account empirically validated visual and perceptual processes that occur during conversations in ASL [American Sign Language]“. Pretty cool stuff. Read on to see the tube.

Hitachi Launches 2 Terabyte HDD at 7,200 RPMs

techbytesdaily — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:53:26 +0000

Need I say more? Well, ok. It’s the Hitachi Deskstar 7k2000 hard drive. And it has 2 terabytes of storage, 3.5″ form factor, runs at 7200 RPMs, 32 MB cache, and uses a 3 Gb/s SATA interface. I would put up a picture but you all already know what a hard drive looks like right? Fine… I’ll put up a picture of a SSD and HDD side by side instead. For the official Hitachi press release, click here.

Mac X OS Update (v10.5.8)

techbytesdaily — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:24:32 +0000

“The Mac OS X v10.5.8 Update is recommended for Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard users and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility and security of your Mac.”

Read the full update details here.

Speedier Google Chrome Web Browser Beta Released

techbytesdaily — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:11:42 +0000

Google released a new beta version of the Chrome web browser today. According to the official Chrome blog, the beta shows over 30% speed improvement verses the current release. If you’re interested in giving it a run down, head on over to the Google Chrome blog here.

Netflix on the Wii and iPhone?

techbytesdaily — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:16:25 +0000

According to a Multichannel source, Netflix will soon offer streaming video on the iPhone, iTouch, and Nintendo Wii. Although there are iPhone applications that allow Netflix customers to search for movies and manage their queues, it is being rumored that a ‘Watch Instantly’ feature will soon be added that will allow users to watch actual Netflix content on their mobile device.

[via Multichannel]

BlackBerry Desktop for Macs Coming in September

techbytesdaily — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:49:49 +0000

Just a quick FYI for all you crackberry addicts: the Mac version of BlackBerry Desktop is coming in September.

“With BlackBerry® Desktop Software you’ll be able sync your iTunes® playlists and personal information like contacts, tasks and appointments; install new software, games, and more. BlackBerry Desktop Software will offer the best of both worlds by allowing you to manage aspects of your BlackBerry® smartphone from your Mac¹.”

Click here for all the details.

HTC MyTouch 3G Android SmartPhone Now Available Through T-Mobile

techbytesdaily — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:19:13 +0000

It’s official! Google’s second Android smartphone is now on sale through T-Mobile. The HTC MyTouch 3G sports a 3.2″ touchscreen, virtual QWERTY keyboard, WiFi, 3G, GPS, Bluetooth, and 4 GB microSD card. T-Mobile is selling the MyTouch for $199.99 with new 2 year contract.

TECHBYTE

Download the AppPack from T-Mobile’s website to get Visual Voicemail for your Android device!

Nikon CoolPix S1000PJ Projector Camera

techbytesdaily — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 06:06:50 +0000

I don’t normally cover digital cameras but this was one too cool to pass up. The S1000PJ from Nikon is the world’s first digital camera with a built-in projector. Not only does the camera sport 12.1 megapixels, it also features built-in VGA projector that’s able to display images up to 40 inches. Head on over to the Nikon USA Press Center to see a video of it in action.