Last Chance to Win an Otterbox iPad Defender Series Case!
Here’s your final opportunity to win an Otterbox iPad Defender Series case, folks. Valued at $80, this case is rugged, comfortable, and reliable — things I’ve previously described in my review of the case.
In order to qualify for the contest, you need to do two things: first, become a fan of Erictric on Facebook. Next, leave a comment on this post. Make your comment appropriate.
At noon time (Eastern) today [Friday, September 3rd] we will be selecting the winner, followed by announcing said winner right here on our homepage. The winner will be contacted via email, as well.
So good luck!
Twitter Accrues Over 145 Million Users, Continues To Grow
Twitter is, without a doubt, a fast-growing service. Scores of users from all across the globe have flocked to the micro-blogging service, posting status updates containing 140 characters or less. In all honesty, I’ve never really caught on with Twitter. Erictric has its own Twitter account, but I don’t personally Tweet.
But despite the fact that I’m just not into the service, that doesn’t mean that other folks aren’t, either. As a matter of fact, it looks like millions of people are simply in love with Twitter.
In a blog post published on Thursday evening, Twitter’s Evan Williams wrote the following:
“We’re making great progress in these areas—we currently have more than 145 million registered users and the performance of our Promoted Products has exceeded our expectations.”
Apple Throws Up iOS 4.2 Update For iPad Page
Just in case you wanted to get all of the details surrounding iOS 4.2 for iPad, Cupertino-based Apple has thrown up a page explaining to you just what is so wonderful about the update.
“iOS 4 is the world’s most advanced mobile operating system. And soon iPad owners will get to enjoy its 100+ new features and innovations — including multitasking, folders, printing, and more. Look for iOS 4.2 coming in November for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch,” touts the page.
Provided alongside the mouth-watering description are scores of images enough to make you compose an email to Apple CEO Steve Jobs demanding the update right away.
Just a few more months, fanatics.
Build FRG33 of Android 2.2 [Froyo] for Nexus One Leaked – We Got It!
Great news, Nexus One owners! Android 2.2 [Froyo] Build FRG33 has been leaked. The build is now apparently available for download. The best part is that both stock and rooted Nexus One units are supported. Those who have successfully managed to install the new build claim that it is faster than the existing FRF91 build. Additionally, Build FRG33 comes with a new radio.
Check out the full instructions after the jump.
Apple Censoring Profanity on iTunes Ping?
Not surprising, Cupertino, California-based Apple is ruling its newest iTunes 10 social networking service for music fans Ping with an iron fist. Apparently, bad words in comments are being censored. Apple is only leaving the first and last letter of a profanity word visible. The rest is covered with asterisks [pictured].
Ping has only been available to users for approximately 24 hours, and already controversy is surrounding the service. Yesterday, it was reported that Apple censored Lady Gaga anti-Prop 8 tweets. Today, the Facebook Connect feature was removed due to the fact that Facebook denied Apple access to its API.
Facebook Blocks API Access to Ping
Yesterday, Cupertino, California-based Apple introduced its new social networking service for music fans dubbed Ping as part of the new iTunes 10. On Stage, Apple CEO Steve Jobs demoed the service, stating that users could find Facebook friends using the Facebook Connect login feature. As a matter of fact, the Facebook Connect feature was available right after iTunes 10 became available for download.
The feature is now gone. That’s because Apple apparently didn’t have permission to use the API in the first place. Kara Swisher from AllThingsD reports that while the Facebook Connect API is usually open, the company requires an agreement when the service will be utilized a lot to protect its users’ data and infrastructure. Considering that iTunes currently has over 160 million members, Facebook asked Apple to sign an agreement.
Google Sued Over Nexus One Connectivity Issues
Mountain View, California-based Google has been hit with a new class-action lawsuit because of the Nexus One connectivity issue. The complaint, filed by Florida resident Nathan Nabors, claims that Google breached contract by failing to provide good customer support and warn users that Nexus One connectivity would not be as fast or efficient — even in areas with 3G coverage.
Nabors, as usual, is seeking damages on behalf of Nexus One owners in Florida and California. The lawsuit is directly aimed at Google. Taoyuan, Taiwan-based HTC — who manufactured the device — and Bellevue, Washington-based T-Mobile USA — who provides wireless service — are not mentioned in the complaint.
Skype Introduces 10-Way Video Calls
Back in May, Luxembourg-based Skype Limited introduced five-way video calling for Windows through the first beta of Skype 5.0. Today, the company announced on The Big Blog the introduction the second Skype 5.0 Beta, which brings along 10-way video calling. As the name suggest, up to a whopping 10 individuals will be able to have group call simultaneously. In order to have a 10-way video calls, all participants must have the Beta 2 of Skype 5.o.
Additionally, the new beta of Skype 5.0 features a new interface, which the company describes as “sleeker, neater and crisper than before.” There’s also a new section called “Skype Home,” where users can read their contacts’ Moods, set profile photos and mood messages, and receive notifications.
Consumer Watchdog Play Anti-Google Video in Times Square, New York
As part of its “Do Not Track Me” campaign, Santa Monica, California-based Consumer Watchdog has been playing a new anti-Google video made by Inside Google — a project of Consumer Watchdog — in Times Square, New York to raise awareness of privacy issues with the Mountain View, California search giant. The organization also calls on U.S. citizens to demand their respective member of Congress to establish a “Do Not Track Me” list.
The video features an extremely evil-looking cartoon of Google CEO Eric Schmidt on an ice cream truck, which resembles a Google Street View Car. Schmidt offers children free ice cream, while they spy on them and collect some of their secrets. The video also features quotes taken directly from Schmidt, who has been previously quoted as saying that “if you have something that you don’t want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn’t be doing it in the first place.”
The “Do Not Track Me” list would be similar to the existing National Do Not Call Registry, which prevents telemarketers from calling registered citizens.
Video and press release available in the full post.
