Google Ad Revenue for First Half of 2012 Almost $500 Million More than Entire U.S. Print Industry

According to German statistics company Statista, Google makes almost $500 million more in advertising than all U.S. print publications combined -- newspapers and magazines. Statista reports that Google generated $10.9 billion in ad revenue in the first six months of 2012, while the entire U.S. print media industry made only $10.5 billion.

Google still has some worries, however. Lat month Google reported their advertising cost-per-click dropped 15 percent year-over-year. Cost-per-click measures the average amount advertisers pay Google for each time a viewer clicks on an ad.

Take a Tour Through Google Data Center: Google Begins Virtual Open House of Server Centers


Google's data centers in a guided tour. See what powers Google's products, and then explore on your own in Street View: google.com/about/datacenters/streetview


Google is showing their data centers in guided tours via YouTube, StreetView and Photo galleries. Google data has a virtual open house that shows what data centers look like.

Joe Kava Senior Director, Google is appearing on morning television explaining that Google is showing the public a virtual open house via a new website. Google serves billions of pages, but the security of customer data doesn't allow walking tours for the public in their facilities. However, Google now shows off its facilities using its own technology -- Google Street view, YouTube and traditional photo galleries.

Google data centers exist in Council Bluffs, Iowa; St. Ghislain, Belgium; and future sites include Hong Kong and Singapore.

See also ...
google.com/about/datacenters/gallery/

My Token Is What? Facebook Token Is "uh Broken"

Facebook has a way of messing with App publishers and users by making changes and not documenting the changes. They have something called an access token that allows an app to publish to a Facebook page while a user is not logged in. Lately a message pops up when a blogger/user checks the RSS Graffiti app that warns of expired access tokens. Problem is: This blogger is never logged out of Facebook because at least one device is always logged in to Facebook in the company.  So why is there an issue with the Access Token? That's anyone's guess, and don't count on Facebook helping out in any way.

RSS Graffiti explains it this way ...


You’re on this page because RSS Graffiti displayed the following message: 
“Facebook returned an access token that expires in x minutes. Please see our troubleshooting guide for help in resolving this issue.” 
This message is related to these errors which may be appearing in your activity log:
“RSS Graffiti does not have the proper credentials to publish to the target. No credentials found for target/page type” 
“Facebook error code: 190: Error invalidating access token: Session has expired at unix time …” 
These notices indicate RSS Graffiti doesn’t have a long-term access token for your profile. Access tokens allow RSS Graffiti to publish on your behalf when you’re not logged into Facebook. Whenever you visit the app, we attempt to request both a never-expiring access token for pages and a 60-day token for profiles and groups, so that publishing can continue for as long as possible without any action from you. 
However, Facebook made some recent changes which caused problems granting long term access tokens and there are certain cases where we are only able to get a 60-minute access token, which is nearly useless after you’re logged out for more than an hour.

The app publishers at RSS Graffiti seem a little frustrated with the message, too.

If you continue to see the short-lived access token message, you may be subject to a confirmed Facebook bug related to this problem. You can subscribe to the bug here to try and raise Facebook’s awareness of the problem so that they quickly implement a fix.

One user, Justin Tazyn, sums up Facebook's response to the issue perfectly ...


"This has been high priority for over 2 months. Is it really high priority?"

Apple iPad Mini Announcement October 23? Wi-Fi Only?

The invites that were expected for the Apple iPad mini were expected on October 10, 2012, but never arrived. However All Things D is reporting this morning that Apple will hold a press conference on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 to unveil the iPad mini. Fortune had reported that Apple would send out iPad mini invitations on Oct. 10, hold its event on Oct. 17, and start selling the new device by Nov. 2. Wrong so far. Now there is a rumor that the Apple iPad mini will not have a cellular radio version -- only a Wi-Fi version to keep the price down. Apple often release great product, but doesn't go all out -- probably a great marketing design so that people who have money to burn will by -- in this case -- the Wi-Fi model, even thought they would rather have a cellular-capable iPad mini. Then when the cellular-capable iPad mini comes out in three-to-six months, they hand down the Wi-Fi only model and buy the new cellular-capable version. That means more sales for Apple.

Atrix HD Car Camera Recorder

With the Atrix HD Car Camera Recorder, immediately pull footage from the accident and solve insurance disputes easily with other drivers. It records everything while you drive -- a simple concept that can save hours of hassle time, or provide proof of innocence in traffic accidents.

Over 10 million car accidents per year. Shoots in 720p resolution with 10 built-in LED lights for low light situations. Memory card works as a continuous loop.

Camera has 120 degree view angle, this on-the-go and easy to use Car Camera won't miss a second of action (picks up almost entire freeway on a 4 lane highway). The camera is also adjustable and rotates 360 degrees to face the inside or outside of the car. While recording in 720p resolution High Definition, you can watch what it records, while you drive, on a compact 2.5 inch LCD screen that flips open.


720p HD recording resolution
2.5" LCD monitor
10 built-in LEDs lights
Supports SD cards up to 32GB (not included)
Battery life of 3 hours and 12c Adapter (included)
Easy connection to PC or television for instant viewing



homesecuritystore.com DVRG0101M - Atrix HD Car Camera Recorder


FixMeStick Bootable USB Operating System for Virus and Trojan Fixes




A TRUSTED BOOTABLE USB DEVICE
Independent industry and government organizations (including the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team and the Canadian Cyber Incident Response Centre) recommend that consumers use a "live-CD, rescue-CD, or trusted bootable USB Operating System" to scan and clean an infected PC. In partnership with three of the world's leading anti-virus companies, Kaspersky Lab, Sophos, and GFI, the FixMeStick is a consumer-ready trusted bootable USB device that makes PC virus removal simple and safe.

More virus can be removed when the computer is booted by an outsider.








NewKinetix NK100 Universal IR Remote for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch

NewKinetix NK100 Universal IR Remote for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. Ranking as a better remote because it includes the database of manufacturer codes and has a stronger IR transmitter.

Fix? MobileMe Switch to iCloud Doesn't Work for Mail: Apple Mail Doesn't Work for OS 10.6.8 Users


Apple OS X (10.6.8) is not supported with Apple iCloud, but Apple claims that the desktop Mail app will remain functional. Even though users have moved supported devices over to iCloud, Apple still asks the user with an old 10.6.8  to move over. Mail unfortunately fails. Apple didn't send any instructions on how to keep older 10.6.8 machines working with Mail. They did send a reminder that iDisk would be shut down after June 30, 2012; but no words were offered on how to keep your Mac's mail working.

iCloud: What if my device or computer doesn't meet iCloud system requirements for moving from MobileMe?
MobileMe ended June 30, 2012. MobileMe services are no longer available. For a limited time, you can still move your MobileMe account to iCloud, or you can choose to keep Mail working, even on devices that don't meet iCloud requirements.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4929

So why doesn't it work? Your old 10.6.8 might be stuck on an old server or using an old port.

Try this ...

Open Mail.

Go to Mail Menu: Preferences: Account Information tab
[If you want, take a peek a the Advanced tab and take note what Port is being used -- it's probably not 993. The instructions below will hopefully get the Port number to 993. ]

Make sure Outgoing Mail Server is set to ...

smtp.mail.me.com

Uncheck "Use only this server"

Go to the Advanced tab, and check to see if the Port is now 993. Make sure SSL is checked. You might have to click the Get Mail button after you save your settings in Mail preferences.

Hopefully, you will see that the Port is now 993 and your mail is being sent and received.

We have still seen intermittent failure even with port 993. There are times when and e-mail can be sent to the sending account with success, but in the same time frame replies to another account fail. Email may also succeed by using your Internet provider, such as Comcast -- using smtp.comcast.net.

No doubt Apple has not properly managed the Mail app for OS X non-Lion systems. Although with Apple's history, it's surprising they didn't force a switch of all devices to Lion -- even for e-mail to work on iCloud.


Some Apple discussions on Apple Support Communities ...


omg_its_al
May 28, 2012 7:21 AM
Some time this month, my iMac running OS/X 10.6.8 stopped syncing to my Mobile Me email account. I know that Apple was planning on cutting off ME but why did OS Mail stop working?   WHat
iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8), MAIL not working with Mobile Me



http://support.apple.com/kb/index?page=search&src=support_site.psp.mobileme.more&q=Moving%20from%20MobileMe%20to%20iCloud

Inexcusable Interface Problems Occurring with Apple's OSX

Apple has had its greatest success with its Apple iPhone and iPad. Certainly, Apple Computer built an awesome interface with Macintosh and later changed the name to Mac and changed their company name from Apple Computer to Apple, Inc. In a little over 10 years their stock skyrocketed from the 20's to over 500 with a couple of stock splits on the way.

Unfortunately some idiots in control at Apple have decided to merge the interface of the successful iPhone and iPad user interface with the desktop interface -- presumably because of the success of the mobile devices. The problem is a computer is still a computer, or a desktop is still a desktop, or a laptop is still a laptop. Desktops and laptops don't need super skinny scroll bars like the iPhone does. They might not even need all of the touch gestures that the iPhone or iPad need. Sure Apple's mobile devices have excellent user interface design, but their success doesn't mean that mobile features should be incorporated backward into the desktop design, at least not at the expense of the desktop operating system.


Apple Fined for Misleading iPad Ads in Australia

Federal Court Justice Mordecai Bromberg on Thursday said that Apple has been charged with a a fine over $2 million. Under new consumer laws, the fine is only the fifth fine exceeding $1 million, which emphasizes the “seriousness of a company the size of Apple refusing to change its advertising”.

Apple promoted in an ad that the new iPad can run on 4G mobile networks using a sim card, but the connection was not possible. High quality global journalism requires investment.  Apple’s third-generation iPad -- launched in March 2012 -- uses the 700 megahertz and 2,100MHz frequencies to connect with 4G LTE services. Telstra, the telecommunication company that operates Australia’s first 4G LTE network, involves dual mode LTE / HSPA+ mobile broadband devices that operate seamlessly across 1800MHz and 850MHz spectrum bands. Telstra Next G network customers access 4G where it is available and then get a seamless switchover to the 3GHSPA technology in other areas where 4G is not available.

The Apple ads ran from March8 to May 12, even after Apple was notified about the misleading advertising.


Obsolete! New Connection Port and Power Adapter Plug Rumor for Apple iPhone


Apple has a double attack when it comes to making money and becoming the wealthiest company in the world with cash reserves that dwarf some countries' treasuries.

First, they make killer products with coveted features -- products that leave other tech companies only dreaming about innovation, and only copying Apple Inc. products.

Second, they make their products obsolete -- making it difficult for people to extend the life of their products.

The latest rumor out of Cupertino is that the next-generation iPhone will have a new connection port about one-third the size of the current model. It will use a 19-pin connector instead of the current 30-pin design. It will also incorporate electronic chips in the power supply that will block unlicensed accessories.

That means you extra chargers, clock radios, boom boxes, car chargers with your old phone won't work with your new phone.

AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson: Data Only Plans Coming

AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson recently discussed that he expects 'data only' plans for wireless customers in the future. Stephenson said the plans were inevitable as more customers move to smartphones and use text or applications to communicate with friends and family. Stephenson anticipates that these plans will likely be available within the next 24 months.

Wireless companies still make most of their money from calling plans and texting, which use very little data. Expectations are that phone companies would want to balance the revenue fall-off by raising data prices.

Dark iClouds Over Apple As iCloud Service Fails: No Email, No Calendar, No iMessage

iCloud services were disrupted for some users Wednesday, June 20, 2012. Apple's official status page? "Users may be unable to access iCloud services." Apple's email, Calendar, and iMessage and more were down during the outage.

Apple's iCloud glitches rarely affect all services at once, but the incident affected all service, including Photo Stream and later Mail and Notes.


Microsoft Surface Coming Soon to a Tablet Computer


Microsoft unveiled the Surface on Monday, a new tablet computer that's expected to compete with Apple's iPad. The Surface is 9.3 millimeters thick and works on the Windows RT operating system.


What's the big deal about getting rid of the computer? So far manufacturers attempts to converge mobile operating systems with computer operating systems have been awkward.  That said ...

Microsoft introduced on June 18, 2012 a line of tablet ultra-portable PCs -- Surface -- designed to work with Windows RT and Windows 8 operating systems. Versions will be available featuring ARM and Intel CPUs. Displays feature a 10.6", 16:9 widescreen HD Display  for the RT version, or a full HD Display for the Pro version.  Surface models feature a USB port, a micro-SD slot, and a magnetic strip to attach accessories such as the 'Touch Cover' and 'Type Cover'.  Two cameras, front-facing and rear-facing are also included. No pricing information or release dates were declared on June 18, 2012.


Windows RT, announced on April 16, 2012 and known during development as Windows on ARM, is a version of the Microsoft Windows operating system for ARM devices --  namely tablets. Windows RT will officially only run software available through the Windows Store or included in Windows RT including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote as standard. Microsoft will only be selling the operating system to device manufacturers directly, and not as a stand-alone product to consumers.

Windows Store is an upcoming digital distribution platform, similar to Apple's App Store, developed by Microsoft Corporation as part of Windows 8 for Metro style applications. The Windows Store will also allow developers to advertise their desktop applications. Windows Store will support both free and paid applications. Developers will also be able to offer free trials. The Windows Store was made available concurrently with the release of the Windows 8 Consumer Preview which was released on February 29, 2012.

Metro is an internal code name for a typography-based design language created by Microsoft, originally for use in Windows Phone 7, but now includes

A key design principle of Metro is better focus on the content of applications, relying more on typography (using design principles of classic Swiss graphic design) and less on graphics. As the saying goes "content before chrome".

Facebook Messenger Gets Good Reviews

Facebook Messenger is reported to be better than the full Facebook app because it focuses on messaging. The app gives feedback regarding whether messages have been seen.

The app has the ability to send SMS texts in addition to instant messages, and includes multiple settings for push notifications.

The app retrieves phone numbers from Facebook connections, rather than the iPhone contacts list -- reducing the chance that user will use an outdated or incorrect phone number.

Some duplication of messages has been reported.


News of 4-Inch Apple iPhone Displays; By End of Summer?

Reuters and the Wall Street Journal are reporting that Apple will be using a 4-inch display for the next iPhone. According to sources, new parts are already on order with suppliers including LG Display, Sharp, and Japan Display. Full production orders is expected to begin in June.

Based on previous production schedules, iPhone assembly could start as soon as August.

Apple's iPhone 4s has a 3.5-inch display.

Samsung's Galaxy Note has a 5.3-inch display.

Apple iCloud to Gain Upgrade Including Photo Sharing

Apple iCloud users will be able to share sets of photos with other iCloud users and to comment on photos. An official announcement is expected at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2012. The service already allows users to share photos among multiple devices as soon as a photo is taken. The upgrade is seen as a way to compete with Instagram, which was recently acquired by Facebook.

Instagram is a free photo sharing program launched in October 2010 that allows users to take a photo, apply a digital filter to it, and then share it on a variety of social networking services, including Instagram's own. The product launched in Apple's App Store on October 6, 2010. Instagram for Android was released on April 3, 2012. Facebook acquired Instagram for approximately $1 billion in cash and stock on April 12, 2012.


'Swÿp' App from MIT Will Allow File Swipe from One Device to Another


Video demonstration of swiping framework from one mobile device to another with Swÿp.


Swÿp, the work of MIT PhD student Natan Linder and undergraduate researcher Alexander List, who both of work with MIT Media Lab's Fluid Interfaces group. Swÿp, is a "framework" allowing the transfer of files through apps from one device to another with a physical gesture or swipe.

Swÿp will also with another of Linder's projects, LuminAR, technology which works with existing light fixtures to enhance normal physical surfaces with the the same media and information display you can view on your laptop or smartphone.

According to the LuminAR website LuminAR reinvents the traditional incandescent bulb and desk lamp, evolving them into a new category of robotic, digital information devices.

See also ...
swyp.us

Fluid Interfaces Group

fluid.media.mit.edu/people/natan/current/luminar.html

Analyst David Kirkpatrick: Facebook Will Not Be Typical Public Company


Facebook is preparing for its initial public offering later this month. Analysts say CEO Mark Zuckerberg will not operate the company the way Wall Street would typically expect.

According to David Kirkpatrick, author of 'The Facebook Effect,' shareholders won't have any power, because Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg will hold most of the voting shares in the company (55%).

Facebook hopes to raise about $5 billion dollars.

AOL Launches 'AOL On' -- Lifestyle Video Channels

AOL has introduced a new network named 'AOL On' designed to facilitate programming of Internet content, the way television programming is organized.  AOL On, is designed as a one-stop online destination where viewers can find 14 channels categorized by interests such as food, business, entertainment, health and technology. The short-form video could be viewed on four dominant screens -- computers, tablets, mobile phones and Internet-connected TVs.


The World Clock (TWC) App Available for iOS

The World Clock TWC by Andrei Kolev is now available on iOS devices.  The World Clock shows day and night areas of the earth, which adjust to the rotation of the earth and the orbit of the earth around the sun.

A GEOCHRON device that businesses and libraries have on display costs about $2500.

The World Clock TWC costs $0.99.


'Send to Kindle' for PC and Mac Now Available


Send to Kindle is now available for Mac. started by Send to Kindle for PC, Amazon unveiled Send to Kindle for Mac on Tuesday, April 24, 2012.

Send to Kindle for Mac is a lightweight application occupying 18.5MB on the hard drive. When a user drops supported documents on the dock icon, the document is automatically sent over Whispernet or WiFi to a registered Kindle device or iOS application.

Send personal documents to your Kindle from your Mac.

Drag and drop one or more documents on to the Send to Kindle icon in your Dock or launch the application and drag and drop one or more documents on to it.

From any Mac application that can print, select the print menu and choose Send to Kindle.

From Finder, simply control-click on one or more documents and choose Send to Kindle.

Choose to archive documents in your Kindle library, where you can re-download them conveniently at any time.

Apple Earnings Higher Than Expectations, Stocks Up in After Hours Trading

AAPL delivered earnings that far exceeded analysts’ expectations, with earnings excluding items of $12.30 a share on revenue of $39.2 billion. Only $10.04 a share on revenue of $36.81 billion was expected.

The earnings was driven by strong demand for its iPhones and iPads. Shares, which had been down the past week, were up in after hours trading Tuesday.


Funny 'Tad' is a Tad Bit Too Much of a Stretch to Understand Microsoft's Message and Comparison of Virtualization and Cloud Technology


Some IT providers are talking cloud, but still living in a virt-based world. See why Microsoft offers a private cloud solution that is built for the future and ready now (See vm-limited.com).


Have you seen Tad? ... complete with a horseshoe mustache and 70's hairstyle and clothing? OK Tad might be funny, but Microsoft, as usual, doesn't explain itself very well. Good luck understanding what VMlimited and virtualization -- apparently Tad's mystic version of IT.


Can't Add App to Facebook Page: "The page you requested was not found"

Confusing set of instructions from Facebook exist regarding adding a simple iframe app to a Facebook page. Following are some 'heads-up' tips and a work-around.

Here is our first example of ineffective Facebook instructions regarding adding an App to a Facebook page ...

Facebook Removing App Profile Pages on Feb 1, 2012; and Again Lacking Foresight

On Friday, Dec 9, 2011, Facebook announced that as of February 1, 2012 they are removing App Profile Pages, which contain a link "Add to My Page" for adding Apps to Pages.

Today, we are announcing that we will remove all App Profile Pages on February 1st, 2012. Though similar in appearance, the automatically generated App Profile Pages differ in features from traditional Facebook Pages, and over time the inconsistencies between the two, such as different Insights, APIs, and distribution channels, have become more apparent.

Unfortunately, Facebook gives developers no hint about whether there will be another location for the link to add an App to a Page in the Dev App area.