Ridden with inaccuracies, half truths, and plain old news.
Archive for December, 2008
Time to replace Internet Explorer with Firefox?
Dec 16th
It has recently been announced that current versions of Internet Explorer have a serious security flaw. Antivirus software maker Trend Micro Inc. has said that the vulnerability could be “adopted by … financially motivated criminals for more serious mayhem”. The flaw allows criminals to take control of an infected computer and steal passwords.
“If users can find an alternative browser, then that’s good mitigation against the threat.”
Rick Ferguson, senior security advisor at Trend Micro
With this is mind perhaps it is time for IE users to switch the Firefox which is a far more advanced system. Firefox is faster and more dynamic than Internet Explorer with plenty of add-ons available to customize it to your needs.
For more information about the security alert see the BBC news story.
Firefox can be downloaded here. Information about how to install it here.
Sony and Samsung Android phones on the way.
Dec 12th
Sony Ericcson, Vodafone and now Samsung look set to launch high end mobile phones running on Android. The Mobile Device Platform developed by Google was first launched on the T Mobile G1 phone which was released in October. It has been called a “flexible, upgradeable system” and includes a web browser. This , combined with a 3G connection provides an internet connection much faster than than via WAP. It still has some way to go before it is a quick as a broadband connection via a standard landline however.
Sony Ericcson, Vodaphone and Samsung have recently joined the Open Handset Alliance which was set up to develop open standards for mobile devices. They are expected to include software created by the Alliance (Android being the only release so far) on their next generation devices.
Sony’s Xperia 1 is due for release in summer 2009 and features a (surprising low quality) 3.2MP camera, a 800 x 480 touchscreen, and an optical joystick. The first release is due to run on Windows Mobile but a second release running on Android is expected.
Sony Ericcson are also expected to release the C905 which will be a 3G model with an 8 megapixel camera and GPS. There are unconfirmed reports that this will run on Android.
Samsung are rumoured to be creating a touchscreen phone called the Memoir. It should feature a camera with optical zoom which would be a big step forward in the evolution of on-phone cameras. A photo of a Memoir prototype can be seen below.
The Top 5 Celebrity Blogs
Dec 11th
Everybody has a blog these days even celebrities. Some of them even write their own blogs! Here are my top 5 celebrity blogs.
1. Olivia Munn
Attack of the show host Olivia Munn knows her audience. Almost every post features a photo of her either doing something stupid or wearing a small amount of clothes.
Key quote: “I went last night and it was awesome, here are some photos…”
2. Kanye West
There has been some debate about whether Kanye actually writes his own blog. Some entries are clearly Kanye but most of the posts are an introduction to an Artist, Model, Product or even architect. It doesn’t really matter who writes it because there is always something interesting to see.
Key quote: “Commissioned by Dior Homme artistic director Kris Van Assche, the Dior Homme store in Paris was given a fresh new installation by Italian artist Andrea Mastrovito…”
3. Moby
Even if you aren’t a big fan of his music Moby’s blog is still an entertaining read.
Key quote: “somebody at some point should really teach me how to be a proper rock star, not some bald geek who goes to whole foods at 9:58 pm to buy soap and lion hats.”
4 Stephen Fry
You already know that Stephen Fry is funny, charming and clever but did you know that he is a tech head? His blog features his Guardian ‘Dork Talk’ columns as well as posts about anything else he thinks is interesting. It has a great design and there are Podcasts too.
Key quote: “I seem to use one iPhone exclusively for mad hacking, jailbreaking and frigging about with, another as a pedometer, another for music, another as a – guess what ? – phone.”
5 Kevin Smith
It’s arguable that Smith hasn’t released a good film since ‘Mallrats’ (I haven’t seen the new one yet) but that is irrelevant. His blog is funny and well written although you have to overlook the fact that it is only one post per page due to the massive amount of ads for his new movie.
Key quote: “Big month around here. Hope ya’ll can come out and support the flick. Then, come November 1st, if you see me with any junk food in my hand, you are entitled to kick me in the ass.”
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