Weekly Photo Contest: Weather!

It's time to announce this week's photo contest -- weather! Last time, we focused on fall colors and many of our readers expressed sadness at the fact that in their area, the weather has moved on to be more wintery than autumn-y. To make up for that, this week's contest is simply "weather" which will work no matter where you are in the world! Experiencing glorious sunny, hot days like I am in California? Make the rest of the world jealous with a gorgeous pic showing that off! Still suffering on the East Coast from the destruction of Hurricane Sandy? We want to see that, too. Or if you're in Colorado and already getting hit with snow, show the rest of us (except spoiled Californians) what's coming soon.

In case you missed the point, we want to see photos that show off any and all weather conditions whether it's sunshine, rain, snow, fog, clouds, lightning, hurricanes, or tornados.

Congrats to jeffgoodman1 for winning the "fall colors" photo contest!

The prize: $30 iTunes gift certificate

In addition to a thumbs up from the iMore crew and all of us yelling about how great of a photo star you are, the winner of this week's photography contest will receive a $30 iTunes gift card allowing you to stock up on some of those photography apps you've been dying to buy!

The rules

The rules of entry are very simple. The photo must have been taken with an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch (we'll check the EXIF data of the original file to verify) and any edits must have been done with an iPhone or iPad app. No Photoshop CS6! If you have external lens accessories you are more than welcome to use them. You can submit as many photos as you'd like, but remember, this is a contest, so make sure you submit your best work!

Resources

Now, before you run off to take your photo, remember that it's not technical skill alone that will claim this prize. Even if you're not the best photographer (yet!), a great eye and a great subject can still get you the win.

However, a little help can never hurt, so make sure you check out our iPhone photography series for some tips.

How to submit

Submitting your photos is easy. just head over to the iMore Photography Forum and post your photos to the official contest thread. Don't forget to state which apps, if any, you used to edit your photo!

That's it! Now go out and shoot!

ENTER NOW

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/8pX4Bix2ldM/story01.htm

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March 31 is World Backup Day 2011

World Backup Day 2011
Those benevolent armchair philanthropist Redditors are at it again! Four days ago a 'self' post extolling the potential virtues of a Backup Day exploded with 2500 upvotes and 1000 comments -- and now World Backup Day 2011 is actually happening.

On March 31, as part of the global data-saving initiative, you are encouraged to back up all of your cherished photos and videos, and important documents. If you've ever had a hard disk fail, and not had a backup to fall back on, you'll know that it's a bit like losing a sizable fragment of your soul. If you've never backed up your important files -- or if you only back up sporadically -- do it on World Backup Day!

It's not hard to back up your data, either. A 2TB drive costs only a fistful of dollars, and it takes just a few minutes to set SyncToy for Windows, or Time Machine for Mac, to mirror your data every night. If you prefer a cloud-based solution, there's always SugarSync and Dropbox. Finally, don't forget that Bundlelytic has a charity giveaway for three excellent data-backup-and-recovery tools -- $160 of software for only $25, and 100% of the proceeds to go the Japanese Red Cross.

For even more backup options, for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux, check our list of 13 great backup programs.

March 31 is World Backup Day 2011 originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/28/march-31-is-world-backup-day-2011/

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Gladinet maps Amazon Cloud Drive to your Windows desktop

amazon cloud drive
Amazon's recently-introduced Cloud Drive is a great place to store your files online. It offers 5 gigs of totally free space, and U.S. users also get access to the handy Cloud Player app (for Web and Android!) which streams music you upload to your Cloud Drive.

The service could be a little easier to use, however. Until Amazon releases a desktop client, Windows users might want to take another look at Gladinet. The multi-service cloud connector has now added Amazon Cloud Drive support and will let you map a network drive letter to your account with minimal fuss.

Once you've added your credentials to Gladinet, just pick the letter you want to assign to the drive and you're good to go. You can then copy files to and from your Cloud Drive, rename items, and manage folders like you would any local hard drive in your system.

The only downside is that the free version of Gladinet gives you a limited number of cloud interactions. Once you use those up, you'll need to upgrade to the paid version, which costs $49.99. If you work with a number of cloud-based storage providers, however, it could be well worth the price tag.

Gladinet maps Amazon Cloud Drive to your Windows desktop originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/map-amazon-cloud-drive-to-windows-local/

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TweetDeck to launch as HTML5 Web app, now accepting beta testers

When TweetDeck landed in the Chrome Web Store, it seemed like an indication that it might eventually evolve into a pure HTML5 Web app. Now it looks as though that's exactly what's going to happen, with TweetDeck announcing that a new, not-just-for-Chrome Web client is ready for beta testing.

It's a natural progression for TweetDeck, especially since its originally Adobe Air app is practically all Web code. TweetDeck Web will sport a feature set which is nearly identical to the Chrome app, with the notable exception of Twitter streaming.

Initially, TweetDeck is targeting Firefox 4 and 3.6, Google Chrome, and Safari. Opera and Internet Explorer 9 won't be invited to the dance until a bit later on.

If you'd like to get in on the TweetDeck Web beta, head on over and register -- or sign up using your existing TweetDeck account.

TweetDeck to launch as HTML5 Web app, now accepting beta testers originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/06/tweetdeck-to-launch-as-web-app-now-accepting-beta-testers/

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Speedtest.net overhauled with new look, new features

speedtest
Speedtest.net is pretty much the go-to site for quickly figuring out how fast (or slow) your connection really is and comparing the numbers your ISP boasts with what it actually delivers. And now it's got a new coat of paint and a couple of neat features. In brief:
  • New UI: The map widget is much improved; it actually looks like a map now, and it's easy to see where you are.
  • Smart server selection: If there are several test servers nearby, Speedtest will now ping each to see which has the least latency and use that for the test. You can still specify servers manually, too.
  • User accounts: You can sign up for a free account and aggregate results from several computers/connections.
  • Speed Wave: This new feature lets you add your test results to the results of many other users, and get a nice composite view.
All in all, you get some nice, new functionality and a snazzier interface to boot. Nice!

Speedtest.net overhauled with new look, new features originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/07/speedtest-net-overhauled-with-new-look-new-features/

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Beautiful custom eBook reader and tablet cases from Gustin Leatherwork

You like leather cases for your gadgets, but you want something special and unlike what everyone else is carrying.  You could spend ages looking for an obscure design, or you could just customize your case at Gustin Leatherwork.  The picture above is a hand-tooled eBook reader cover.  The price is $75 for the eBook reader cover with a basketweave design, and iPad covers are slightly higher.  You can choose the leather stain and finish, stitching (shown) or lacing, and plain leather or a tooled design (basketweave, flower, or combination).  Gustin Leatherwork features “wallets, purses, checkbook holders, ID holders, belts, holsters, place mats, and coasters”, but they can make most anything you want.  Consultations are free, and this Amarillo, Texas-based company guarantees your satisfaction.  Christmas is coming, Santa, and I want a laced, floral iPad mini sleeve!

Filed in categories: Cases and Covers, News

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Beautiful custom eBook reader and tablet cases from Gustin Leatherwork originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 13, 2012 at 10:00 am.

Lytro to get Perspective Shift and Living Filters for more focus-shifting fun (video)

Lytro has just announced a software update that expands upon the multidimensional elements of the little light-field point-and-shoot. The Lytro Desktop software will get two new features, dubbed Perspective Shift and Living Filters, both of which expand upon the device's focus-shifting capabilities. Perspective Shift lets you change the photo's center of perspective, while Living Filters are interactive image effects that range from cool to kooky. We had a chance to get an early look at these features, so join us after the break for our impressions and video of them in action.

Continue reading Lytro to get Perspective Shift and Living Filters for more focus-shifting fun (video)

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Lytro to get Perspective Shift and Living Filters for more focus-shifting fun (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/6DqQ3U6S9iU/

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Polar RCX5 Run Multisport Training Watch review

For those runners, cyclists, swimmers, triathletes, and pure over-the-top endurance athletes, Polar has always been a name associated with tech-gear engineered to help you train better, smarter, faster. While I look around my spinning class, a healthy percentage of participants wear Polar gear. The same can be said about my running click. The RCX5 multisport watch is one of Polar’s top-shelf training computers design to more efficiently optimize, analyze, and archive your workouts. Being a long time runner who has used many such devices, I hope the RCX5 lives up to my tech-geek hopes and expectations. :)

Polar released the RCX5 in the middle of last year, and it remains one of their flagship training watches. As I stated above, the Polar RCX5 Run Multisport Training Watch is designed/accessorized for runners who want to optimize their training experience. With that in mind, the RCX5 itself is engineered for the hardcore triathlete, expandable for any number of endurance sports boasting the latest “performance enhancing technology”. Polar designed the RCX5 to be extremely versatile in its ability to help you train for not only running, but swimming, biking, cardio, any sort of multisport effort you are up for. This is accomplished by adding various dedicated, specialized sensors and the ability to customize the watch’s preloaded workouts, screens and user interface.

Package Contents:

  • Polar RCX5 training computer
  • Polar WearLink®+ Hybrid transmitter
  • Polar s3+ stride sensor
  • Polar DataLink data transfer unit
  • RCX5 Getting Started Guide
  • s3+ stride sensor User Manual

FEATURES:

As you can see below, the RCX5 has a VERY feature-rich set of capabilities. The sports/training geek-out potential with this watch is nearly limitless.

Body measurement features
  • Automatic age-based target zone – bpm / %
  • Average and maximum heart rate of each lap
  • Average, minimum and maximum heart rate of training
  • Heart rate – bpm / %
  • HR-based target zones with visual and audible alarm
  • HRmax (age-based)
  • HRmax (Polar Fitness test-based)
  • HRmax (user set)
  • Manual target zone – bpm / %
  • Polar Fitness Test
  • Polar OwnCal® – calorie expenditure with fat percentage
  • Polar OwnCode® (5kHz/2.4 GHz W.I.N.D.) – coded transmission
  • Polar sport zones
  • Polar ZoneOptimizer – personalized sport zones
CS cadence sensor W.I.N.D. features
  • Bike settings – for three bicycles
  • Cadence – current, average and maximum
CS speed sensor W.I.N.D. features
  • Autostart/stop
  • Bike settings – for three bicycles
  • Distance based interval
  • Distance – training, lap, trip and total
  • Race Pace
  • Speed – current, average and maximum
  • Speed-based target zones with visual and audible alarm
  • SpeedPointer
Data transfer
  • Compatible with Mac (Intel-based) via Polar DataLink
  • Compatible with PC via Polar DataLink
  • Compatible with polarpersonaltrainer.com via Polar DataLink
G3 GPS sensor W.I.N.D. features
  • Distance based interval
  • Distance – training, lap, trip and total
  • Race Pace
  • Route mapping – opt. with polarpersonaltrainer.com web service
  • Running Index
  • Speed/Pace – current, average and maximum
  • SpeedPointer
G5 GPS sensor features
  • Distance based interval
  • Distance – training, lap, trip and total
  • Race Pace
  • Route mapping – opt. with polarpersonaltrainer.com web service
  • Running Index
  • Speed/Pace – current, average and maximum
  • Speed/Pace-based target zones with visual and audible alarm
  • SpeedPointer
Polarpersonaltrainer.com features
  • Advanced training analyzing
  • Endurance programs
  • Map view – optional with GPS sensor
  • Training computer settings
  • Training Diary
  • Training Load
  • Training programs
Recording features
  • Memory left indication
  • Totals
  • Training files (with summaries) – 99
  • Weekly history
s3/s3+ stride sensor features
  • Average stride length
  • Cadence – current, average and maximum
  • Distance – training, lap, trip and total
  • Race Pace
  • Running Index
  • Speed/Pace – current, average and maximum
  • Speed/Pace-based target zones with visual and audible alarm
Training features
  • Automatic lap recording
  • Display zoom
  • Graphical target zone indicator
  • HeartTouch – button-free operation of wrist unit
  • Interval trainer guided workouts – heart rate / pace / distance
  • Number of laps – 99
  • Sport Profiles
  • User configurable displays – all lines
  • ZoneLock
  • ZonePointer
Watch features
  • Backlight
  • Date and weekday indicator
  • Display text in English, German, Finnish, Swedish, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian
  • Dual time zone
  • KeyLock
  • Low battery indicator
  • StopWatch
  • Time of day (12/24h) with alarm and snooze
  • Training reminder
  • User replaceable battery
  • Water resistant – 30m

Useability:

For how feature-rich the watch is, it is surprisingly simple to use, yet has the feature set and ability to be customized for this power / tech / training enthusiast as well. It took just minutes to get the Polar WearLink+ Hybrid transmitter and s3+ stride sensor paired and talking to the RCX5. After that, the stride sensor needed to be calibrated to my running gate. Total time for setup was less than 30 minutes. Unlike rechargeable training watches, the RCX5 uses a standard 2032 battery that lasts up to 8-11 months depending on use. This is a definite plus in my mind, it makes the watch much more day-to-day wearable, always ready for use without the hassle of needing to charge it.

The Polar RCX5 comes with a handful of built-in sport profiles allowing for swift switching between different activities. The RCX5 is extremely tweakable, you are able to customize many training variables and review your training data right on the screen. You can also download/import various endurance training programs from the polarpersonaltrainer.com via the Polar DataLink.

The Running Package includes the Polar WearLink+ Hybrid transmitter, s3+ stride sensor, and DataLink data transfer unit. The chest strap is comfortable to wear and the stride sensor worked well with all of my running shoes.

Pairing/Websync:

Pairing my MacBook Air with the RCX5 was simple and easy. It involved installing the free WebSync app, inserting the Polar DataLink into the USB port, and getting the two wirelessly talking.

The WebSync app downloads your exercise/training data and then uploads it to polarpersonaltrainer.com.

The Polar Personal Trainer website enable you to do all sorts of data analysis on your exercise efforts.

Accuracy:

I compared the data the RCX5 and its sensors gave me to what various pieces of exercise equipment I used (treadmill for distance and elliptical machine for heart rate) told me. The RCX5 data was within/less than a few percentage points differential with every piece of exercise equipment I used.

Looks & Style:

Compared to many other sports/training watches I have used, the RCX5 is the best looking, least assuming, most wearable of the lot. This watch is relatively stylish, thin and lightweight (46g)….perfect for daily use.

Quality:

The RCX5 is very well made and finished. It has a strong, black aluminum frame/body with well made rubber wristband. The screen is easy to read from both a size of digits and contrast standpoint. The RCX5 will definitely standup to the many, many miles of pounding pavement, spinning wheels, and laps swam.

Bottom Line:

I have used many sports/training watches over the years, most were either big, bulky and/or ugly. This is especially true for those with GPS capabilities. Unlike those watches, the RCX5 is a great physical size and weight, all the while stylish in a sporty-tech kind of way. To achieve this, Polar enables you to expand this training computer capabilities via optional accessory sensors that you keep on yourself or your gear/equipment while exercising. Thus, allowing the RCX5 to be a great wear-whenever timepiece.

I am very pleased with the RCX5 in all respects. It is a great training computer, definitely a tool for those who want to take their efforts to the next level. The RCX5 is expensive, especially when compared to those $50 Ironmans on Amazon, but not when compared to others in its class. The RCX5 is not only available in the black you see in this review but a bold red/black as well. The RCX5 begins at $350, the Run package is $420 and goes up from there. But in this case, you are getting what you pay for; a great, feature-rich, highly expandable training watch for the hardcore athlete.

Product Information

Price:The RCX5 begins at $350. The Run $420 / Bike $390 / GPS $470
Manufacturer:Polar
Pros:
  • - Engineered for the hardcore athlete
  • - Well made
  • - Easy to use
  • - Expandable thru optional sensors
  • - Customizable
  • - Downloadable data
  • - Accurate
  • - Great form factor
  • - Stylish
Cons:
  • - Expensive

Filed in categories: Health Related Gadgets, Outdoor Gear, Reviews, Watches and Clocks

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Polar RCX5 Run Multisport Training Watch review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 13, 2012 at 11:00 am.

Ireland completes spectrum auction after analog shutoff, LTE rollout pegged for mid-2013

Ireland completes spectrum auction after analog shutoff, LTE rollout pegged for mid2013

The dust has settled after Ireland's recent spectrum auction, and wouldn't you know it, Vodafone, O2, Meteor and Three have picked up a combined 140MHz of paired spectrum across the 800, 900 and 1800MHz bands. According to the country's regulator, ComReg, the auction will effectively double the spectrum available in these bands and will allow for LTE deployment across Éire. For its part, O2 has committed to begin its 4G rollout in the first half of 2013. To ensure quick deployment, all license holders are required to make their new spectrum available to 70 percent of Ireland's population within three years. In all, the companies will pay €855 million ($1.09 billion) for spectrum rights until 2030, of which, €482 million is payable up front. Curiously enough, the country's 800MHz spectrum was freed up just last month after its analog shutoff. To find a complete breakdown of the situation, feel free to hit up the announcement from ComReg at the source link below.

[Thanks, Neil]

[Photo credit: Seattleye / Flickr]

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Ireland completes spectrum auction after analog shutoff, LTE rollout pegged for mid-2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 22:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/BLMjj-XOJ5s/

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