So anyway, it’s their fifth year, and the guys at Mozilla threw a birthday party at the beginning of this week. The birthday bash was held at the Terra Space in San Francisco. Naturally, Mozilla employees were there, together with their guests and some other people – probably present on an invitation only basis. (Obviously I wasn’t one of those.)

While Mozilla is celebrating five years of the existence of Firefox, the truth is that this web browser can trace its roots to a couple of years earlier than that, when Mozilla itself was founded. That was way back in 1998.

So what are people saying about Mozilla? Naturally, fanatics are singing praises. To balance it out though, let me quote David Coursey, who says:

On its fifth birthday, Firefox must be considered both an incredible success and somewhat of a failure. The open source Web browser is a great product and quite an achievement, but has not tremendously advanced the cause of “free” software. … You might think Firefox would have encouraged a wave of open source development, but from the perspective of a typical business or home user, it has not happened.

He does have a point, doesn’t he? Then again, for many satisfied users, I think that Mozilla Firefox is doing just great.

Photo courtesy of Business Insider

SGIC, an Australian insurance company, carried out the survey in an effort to check out the correlation between the “fascination” of South Australians with technology and the changes this fascination is making in their lifestyle. The figures show that the average household has about 2.4 members and about 9.7 screens. In fact, the researchers pointed out that the average household is not unlike a showroom for electronics and electrical appliances.

So what are these screens that can be found in the average South Australian household? Televisions, iPods, other mp3 players, laptops, desktop computers, and mobile phones are among the most common ones. Naturally, this led me to thinking about other parts of the world. South Australia is definitely NOT the only place in this world in which people are passionate about gadgets. I wonder what the figures are for the United States? For Japan? Even other countries in Asia would surely have high “screen numbers!”

Let’s not go far – how many screens do you have at home? We have seven (and counting) and we’re only two people. What does this say about us?

Photo courtesy of Virginia Miracle

The service is already available to select customers, and Wal-Mart is planning on having it fully available to everyone before the holidays ensue. This is perfect timing, as people will certainly be making lots of purchases during this season. More than the idea of a Geek Squad being cool, it also serves a very practical purpose. You and I may not have problems using electronics at home after buying them, but we all know those horror stories about people not knowing why their gadgets are not working (when they still need to plug the thing into the socket).

For sure, this new service will make purchasing electronics at Wal-Mart more attractive to the average consumer who may not be all that tech savvy. I cannot help but think about the person who does know how to fiddle with his toys, though. Would having its own Geek Squad make Wal-Mart a more viable alternative for these people? How about you? Would you be more enticed to go to Wal-Mart to buy electronics just because they have their own Geek Squad?

To make this new version of Whopper special, Burger King has stacked up 7 burger patties  in an normal Whooper. Of course that 7 is pretty much symbolic.

The Windows 7 Whopper  will cost you around $8.53, and it doesn’t come with a soda or any drink at all.

The Windows 7-Burger King promotional gig is part of a series of launch gig including the giving away of free copies of Windows 7 to the residents of the remote Dutch Village called Zevenhuisen (trans: “Seven Houses”)

Of course, Microsoft has been dissing Macs for a long time, mainly on the basis that they’re too expensive. Thing is, it’s hard to do that with Linux, given that it will run on exactly the same hardware (and in fact, less powerful hardware, too) as Windows bloated OS, and yet is available for free.

I guess consumers who are happy to go to Best Buy on their search for a PC aren’t really too fussed, and perhaps are more willing to trust the viewpoint of the sales staff.

Though Windows 7 is looking a lot better than its predecessors, Vista has really hurt Microsoft. I suppose it has to do all it can to ensure regular consumers don’t consider switching to an enemy system.

Via

She’s being sponsored by Memset, the aim being that her involvement will encourage more women to get into the IT industry.

“I could honestly not hope to find a better role model than Sophie; she has brains, beauty and talent, and hatters the outdated preconception that technologists are all sandal-wearing blokes with no social skills!” said Memset’s MD, Kate Craig-Wood.

The Miss Universe GB competition is organised by Vibe Models and takes place in London on the 3rd May 2009. Forty women from England, Scotland and Wales will compete for the coveted title. Proceeds from the competition go to The Joshua Foundation.

Sophie has set up a donation page. Brits can vote for Sophie by phoning 0901 656 1555 followed by 25 or texting Sophie Johnson to 84205. Deadline is this Friday, 1st May, so be quick!

The Jabra HALO is a wireless Bluetooth stereo headset that allows users to enjoy wireless music and answer phone calls in crystal clear stereo sound. Featuring A2DP technology, the Jabra HALO gives users the ability to seamlessly connect to any Bluetooth music-playing device – and all 3.5 mm music playing devices – including mobile phones, Mp3 players, laptops, and TVs. -gizmodo

This is my kind of news! I just read that primary school pupils in the UK might be learning how to work Twitter and Wikipedia. This is according to UK MSN. The report, published today, says that “former Ofsted chief Sir Jim Rose will present recommendations for revamping the primary curriculum to ministers next month.”

The reason for this? Sir Jim Rose says that children should understand the inner workings of information technology by the time they reach secondary school. Aside from Twitter and Wikipedia, he included blogging and podcasting in his list. More than this, however, he is also proposing that some history need not be required as part of the curriculum. This means that schools may opt not to teach about the Victorian Era or the Second World War, but if they do decide to include these topics, it should be just fine.

My reactions? Of course I am happy that the authorities are seeing the value of information technology.Wouldn’t it be cool to have young kids using Twitter? I am not so sure as to how Twittering would benefit very young kids, however. As for Wikipedia, I can see how this works out easily. I am even pretty sure that it is already being used by a lot of school kids to do research.

I am concerned about overlooking important historical events, however. I don’t believe that these topics should be passed over for information technology. Can’t they be taught at the same time? What do you think?

Jesse Maiman, a 21 year old Yale University student has filed a lawsuit in the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court against US airway and he is asking for a relatively astounding one million dollars in damages? And what was he complaining about? His Xbox 360 got stolen in the airport.

Maiman claims that his Xbox 360, that contains what he says is a “specialized hard drive” was taken from his luggage when he traveled from New Haven, Connecticut, to Cincinnati, Ohio. He also claimed that he was given “an unconscionable run-around” when he tried to address the problem at the moment he found out his console was missing. In his lawsuit, Maiman is demanding $1,700 in relief for the loss of his Xbox 360 console, and a $1 million as the maximum damages allowable. With the top of the line Xbo 360 retailing for only $399, one begins to wonder what kind of “specialized hard drive” Maiman has installed in his Xbox 360. Could it be some kind of super advanced storage medium from the future? Or could the hard drive contain information that will save the world? Only Maiman knows the answer.

The Palm Treo Pro is all what the Palm IIIC PDA was about and a million times more. I say this because it definitely is a big technology leap. The biggest good news is that after a few launch delays, the Palm Treo Pro is now shipping from Sprint (for $200 with a two-year contract, as of 3/5/09).

You’ve got there some handsome features, check it out:

And the Case Logic line now becomes better as it recently launched a new set of digital camera bags. Yup, they’ve taken advantage of the PMA Convention to unveil the following brand series…

XNSLR Collection

The new XNSLR line offers sleek designs and secure construction to ensure valuable SLR camera equipment stays safe while looking stylish. Case designs vary from a rugged backpack, compact holster and convenient messenger bag. Each bag provides full-featured functionality, including molded EVA Camera Cradlesand customizable interior configurations and compartments to store a variety of gear, while a stealth exterior conceals the professional-grade equipment stored inside. This collection is perfect for the photography enthusiast or professional photographer seeking stylish yet discreet cases that provide quick access and protection.

TBC Collection

Also new at PMA 2009 is the TBC line, with cases that will appeal to both the seasoned photographer on assignment and the dad on the sidelines capturing his daughter’s soccer game. The TBC line makes it possible to store those large camcorders or small digital cameras without breaking the bank. Thick padding and smartly-designed zippers for fast access to gear are additional highlights.

SL Collection

The expanded SL line offers superior hardware protection with an impact- and moisture-resistant base, an adjustable neoprene Hammock Suspension System cradles an SLR camera and lens to minimize impact while in the case. This collection offers professional photographers and enthusiasts alike an assortment of solutions that provide unsurpassed protection and full-featured functionality, all within rugged exteriors that are designed to survive the elements and tests of travel.

[via Coolest Gadgets]

Check out this wonderful demonstration from the Ricoh booth. That young fellow isn’t ironing paper for nothing… he’s actually demonstrating that new erasable advance paper there. Actual printed ink disappears when heat is applied. I bet you chuckled too.

The real-world application (?) oh check this out… re-useable paper! No, you don’t need an iron, silly, one could just fashion a gadget where you put paper in, heat is applied and out comes brand new paper. You could just imagine the great impact this has on everything. Lesser trees to be cut is just the tip of the vast iceberg… I’m talking about a reverse of gobal warming, or at least a small step towards it. The funny side would be the paper shredders maybe a thing of hte past.

This may seem to be your regular netbook except for the quick “LG Smart ON” feature. But if you ever get your hands on one unit be sure to check out its sound features.SRS WOW HD and TruSurround XT bring stereo effect sound to music and video. The screen’s LED Backlight delivers a high-resolution picture that is clearer and brighter, which is not only easier on tired eyes but saves energy, too.

The LG X120 Netbook features:

• 10-inch WSVGA screen
• 1.6GHz Atom processor
• 1GB of RAM
• 160GB hard drive
• Windows XP
• Splashtop based “LG Smart ON” feature

The LG X120 will be available in Europe some time in March with the rest of the world to follow some time later.

No that’s not Michael Arrington’s dog I want to discuss!

Those among us who have reached their ’30s, or especially Europeans, might remember the dog, Lycos’ dog. Today this ‘pre-Web 1.0′ portal, which started as a search engine in 1994/1995 and was the worldwide most visited website in 1999, has shut down in several European countries.

The news was announced last month already, still this is a dinosaur in the deadpool. Not just a dinosaur, for many Lycos was where everything started: their first email account, their first online dating profile and even their first website (Tripod and Angelfire hosting).

Shall we call today a _sad day_ for the internet?

Looks like we’re all about version 2.0s … at least for my posts. Now let me show you another gadget that’s banking on the success of it’s version 1. The Morphie is one sought-after iPhone battery support. In a nutshell, it extends the iPhones “life”. If you’re one who can’t put your iPhone down for a rest because your constantly browsing the web, checking email, voice or net-calling… or watching videos and playing games… you know how quickly the battery flats out on you. Well, the Morphie Juice Pac 3G now extend the iPhone’s battery life by an additional … well, check this out. A full Charged Juice Pack 3G give users:

• Standby Time – Up to additional 350 hours
• Audio Playback – Up to additional 28 hours
• Video Playback – Up to additional 8 hours
• Talk Time –Up to additional 6 hours(3G Network) and 12 hours(2G Network)
• Internet use – Up to additional 6 hours(3G) and 7 hours(Wi-Fi)

Looks good too! Pre-orders are available right here. Commercially available by Spring of 2009.

Well, here’s another gadget that will try to take a slice out of the iPhone’s consumer pie. Such is the fate, I think, of following through after a great product is released… the curse of being called “another gadget”. But from a consumer’s point of view, this is great because more options, more competition, more newer technology breaks WILL mean better inventions at a much better bottomline cost.

The Toshiba TG01 has recently been launched unveiled (edited Feb 6) in Japan and is due for distribution in the USA soon. I know, it really looks like an iPhone with a little tweak in design. But the general “first-glance” looks and tastes like an Apple design.

How “connected” is the TG01? The connectivity section of the Toshiba TG01 includes HSPA and Wi-Fi plus a GPS receiver with A-GPS functionality. The internal storage is “only” 512 MB but you get a microSDHC card slot with support for up to 32GB.

The TG01 also comes with support for DivX video, and finally, the Toshiba TG01 makes use of a built-in 3.2 megapixel camera.

The OS chosen to power the Toshiba TG01 is Windows Mobile 6.1 but as you will see from the following video Toshiba have added their own 3D thumb-optimized user interface on top of it

It’s a desktop phone, really! But it sure does look like something from a Tom Cruise Mission Impossible movie, doesn’t it. I think it’s the screen monitor that made this stand out as it works it as the main console to operate everything in the unit.

It’s designed to make a family manage their connected life. In addition to the regular voice phone features it adds voice mail, contact list management, text messaging, calendar alerts and several monitors like for temperature, the weather and more. It works with any broadband provider, that’s a plus!

It’s a VOIP phone, so it will work wherever an internet wireless spot is around. Verizon Wireless, a joint venture of Verizon and Vodafone Group PLC, will sell the phone in its retail stores beginning Feb. 1. It costs $199 after a $50 rebate. Customers must sign a two-year contract with a monthly charge of $35.

Ah, now this looks like a netbook I’d be happy with, but Sony doesn’t call small laptops a “netbook” though, they call it the Sony VAIO P. “P” standing for “pocket”. Sure does look like it’s pocket-size doesn’t it? I tell you, the main attraction are the colors, Sony seems to perfectly blend it for appreciation.

Ah but wait, it’s not on wide commercial distribution yet… but pre-orders are available over at the Sony website, check it out here.

Price range is from the low of US$899 to a high of US$1,499. The Sony page describes a slight difference between the two models… I see only a change in operating system from the Microsoft Vista Basic and the Microsoft Vista Premium versions.

Basic Model Features: 8″ display with XBRITE-ECO™ LCD technology, 2GB RAM, 128GB SSD, 1.4 lbs., GPS, integrated mobile broadband, glossy Onyx Black, Bluetooth® technology.

Do check it out, as it seems that people are highly anticipating the release. Because it’s the New Year, maybe you can send a “friendly note” to the boss about a “wish gadget”… make sure to drop the Sony VAIO P in it too!

I just did.

The Kiva Mobile Fulfillment System (Kiva MFS) uses a breakthrough new approach to order fulfillment – one that simultaneously improves productivity, speed, accuracy, and flexibility. With the Kiva MFS, operators stand still while the products come to them. Pallets, cases, and orders are stored on inventory pods that are picked up and moved by a fleet of mobile robotic drive units. As a result, any product can go to any operator.

Kiva is known to have great dependence on their software.  They have said that it can control a warehouse to bare bones efficiency.  The system would know which robot is the closest to an item, it will know what the best in-warehouse route from pick-up point to the requesting operator, it will know the traffic from point A to B.That is a huge feat!If you’re as huge as www.zappos.com , you would want that system pretty much.  

Before you read… click this and download it! 

I’m a guy who likes all things updated, that is why when they announced the released of Firefox 3, I just had to grab it pronto!  Today, it has been downloaded close to 20 MILLION times! 

Wall Stree Journal has called Firefox 3 a “record breaking release”, within 24 hours of its announcement it was downloaded 8.3 MILLION times already… they did the math and came out with 283 downloads PER SECOND. Can anyone beat that? 

While Internet Explorer still leads the browser use kingdom, Mozilla Firefox is a hungry little David waiting by the sidelines.  I think it’s happy just where it is now.  It’s FREE, it’s FAST and it WORKS!

You know you just have to make the upgrade punch when you see these top features:

• One-click bookmarking
• Instant website ID
• Improved performance (of course!)
• Full zoom on any part of a webpage (I like this!)
• A password manager
• Smart location bar
• Platform native look & feel (hmmmm….)
• A website library
• Tagging capability (like del.icio.us)
• ahh… and so many more

But it looks like not all Beta testers have the same luck. Last September Microsoft launched the first beta for the next Windows Live client which brought a few useful features to the client, but nothing revolutionary. Features wise, Live Messenger is a few generations behind other clients like Yahoo Messenger and Trillian. And some features we take for granted in most IMs like Tabbed chatting.

“The first Windows Live Messenger 9.0 Beta build was released in November 2007. The release brought the ability to sign into Messenger from up to four computers at once, the ability to choose customized sounds for your sign-in and for your contacts, URLs in Personal Status Messages, and Animated Display Pictures. However, features requested across the many Messenger programs such as Tabbed Conversations and the ability to decline a group conversation invite were nowhere to be seen.”

Microsoft aims to become the most popular IM client, but it saddens me to see them giving the testers the silent treatment. If they want to have limited Beta testing periods, for a select few users, to gain better PR and help improve the product doesn’t this treatment contradict what Beta testing should be about?

The new Eye-Fi Explore, a 2GB SD memory card, automatically adds geographic location tags to you photos and allows you to upload your candid shots from and Wi-Fi spot.

Using a collection of 10,000 Wayport hotspots in America, the $129 product takes the work out of ‘marking up’ your photos.  Each purchase includes hotspot access for one year, unlimited geotagging, unlimited use of the company’s WebShare service and wirless uploads to your computer duh!).

If geotagging isn’t your thing, but you still want to turn your dinosaur of a digital camera into a wireless device, the Eye-Fi share is available for $99.

Specs:

* Wi-Fi Security: Static WEP 40/104/128, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK
* Range: 90+ feet outdoors and 45+ feet indoors
* Storage Capacity: 2.0GB (1GB is defined as 10^9 Bytes)
* Power: advanced power management optimizes use of camera power
* Card Dimensions: SD standard 32mm x 24mm x 2.1mm
* Card Weight: 0.1oz.

As time went by, Grisoft greatly improved their product that went from a very basic anti-virus that provided protection only the simplest, or most obvious, of viruses to a much more solid security program that does most of the things Norton or any other’s AV programs do without consuming 20% (or more) of your computer resources.

Version 8 now includes built-in protection against Trojan horses. Although I still prefer to use a dedicated program like Spybot for that type of malware, this should help protect my friend’s/family’s computers against these annoying programs that seriously gimp their PC’s performance and compromise their security.

If you are looking for a lightweight Anti-Virus I recommend you try out AVG 8 free, and then purchase one of their software packages with added security if you like it.

You can download it from here.

In an attempt to bring back this old/new type of social-networking, Microsoft is beta testing a new Live Messenger functionality called “Messenger Groups“.

Groups allows you to create a virtual chatroom that will always be available for those who wish to join it, or those you wish to invite. You’re not obligated to join it, but getting in is as easy and double clicking a contact on your friend list.

I tried out this new functionality just now with a few friends, and it works well enough. It’s not perfect, but good enough for small groups of friends.

I don’t see this generating large social communities, because it seems much better suited for small groups. And since you can only have two moderators at one time (the creator and the administrator), it would be almost impossible to moderate a large group of people.

This is definitely a step in the right direction, and if it evolves properly, it could very well be the thing that sets Messenger apart from all of the other IMs out there. I, for one, am happy to see Microsoft developing something for it’s messaging client that doesn’t focus on bringing them more income, or annoying it’s users (nudges anyone?).