Rumors of a Google Base

Rumblings of something big is coming from Google.

Google has launched Google Base (which is not entirely functional yet) and people are trying to figure out what Google is planning to do with this release.

The Google Base page, located at http://base.google.com(Google may be taken the page down as it sees fit as it is still in its early stages), states:

Post your items on Google.

Google Base is Google's database into which you can add all types of content. We'll host your content and make it searchable online for free.

Examples of items you can find in Google Base:

• Description of your party planning service


• Articles on current events from your website


• Listing of your used car for sale


• Database of protein structures

You can describe any item you post with attributes, which will help people find it when they search Google Base. In fact, based on the relevance of your items, they may also be included in the main Google search index and other Google products like Froogle and Google Local."

Rumors are swirling that Google could be trying to rival with Ebay and/or introduce a competing online paying service like PayPal.

Others are saying that Google might be replacing MySQL databases with GoogleSQL.

Google has, according to Silicon.com stated in an email that Google Base is simply an easier way for Gooreceiverecieve content from webmasters.

I think it's just looks to big for that. Look for Google Base to make a big splash soon.

Technorati Tags: Google

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iPod Nano Lawsuit Rocks Apple

Well, the iPod nano was on of the biggest hits for music lovers. Unfortunately, most of you have heard the news of the nano's screen defect.

Some unhappy customers have now filed a lawsuit against Apple.


The law firm representing the customers suing Apple stated:

"This consumer class action arises from Apple's deceptive and unlawful conduct in designing, manufacturing, distributing, and selling defectively designed portable, digital music players,"

They also state that Apple knew that the product was defective and went ahead with the launch anyway.

If that's true than this could turn out to be a really ugly situation for Apple because of the great success the nano has had.

The plaintiffs are requesting to have the shipping fee plus the original cost of the iPod nano.

(See: UPI.com)

Technorati Tags: gadgets, Apple, iPod, nano

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Gmail to be Called GoogleMail in Britain

Well, Google has had to change the Gmail tag of its free e-mail service. Google lost the dispute to Independent International Investment Research, a London-based company.

IIR claims that the Gmail name is confusing to prospective clients of IIR's G-mail service which is the mail function of its online information tool Pronet.

That service has been up since 2002.

Also IIR registered "Gmail" as a trademark soon after Google announced its own Gmail service.

This isn't the first time Google has had to drop the Gmail name. In Germany a similar case is still before the courts.

So, has the giant been toppled. We'll have to see. In both cases Google will pursue the dispute in court. It is interesting though to see smaller (in comparison to Google) business going after the big boys and (so far) winning.

(See: AsiaWorld.com)

Technorati Tags: gmail, Google, technology.

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Plastic Slim Hard Case For Your iPod Shuffle

A unique combination of Color, Cover and Clip!

Swedish Clips 4 introduces a new stylish way for you to carry your iPod Shuffle.

Produced in slim, high strength PC plastic, the C4 Shuffle Clip lets you securely and fashionably carry your iPod.

The ultra-light case is a unique combination of Color, Cover and Clip.

Magnus Norberg, Managing Director says:

“The C4 Shuffle clip is more than a cover, more than a clip, and more than just color.

In the C4 Shuffle clip we’ve combined function and esthetics, giving you the perfect accessory to your iPod Shuffle.

It keep your Shuffle safe from scratches, give you a stylish way to carry it, and the option of glowing neon colors or sleek deep, piano black.

An absolute must for the shuffler.”

The clips are available in glowing translucent neon pink, lime, non-colored translucent and deep Piano black.

If you want more information or want to buy this protective item, check out http://www.clips4.com/index.htm.

The site is really well designed and offers useful info on how to put together the case in three easy steps and an online store.

Technorati Tags: gadgets, technology, iPod, shuffle.

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ConnectMobiles.com Reviewed

www.ConnectMobiles.com was referred to me by a reader so I checked out. This is a beta site was launched on September 20th, 2005. It offers a lot of information on Nokia cell phones.

The founder of the site is Meheer Thakare, a 19 year old Management student studying in his final year as a BMS(Bachelor of Management Studies).

On ConnectMobiles.com, Thakare explains why he set up the site. According to him there are plenty of sites on cell phones, but very few were publishing information which is solely dealt with Nokia GSM Cell Phones.

ConnectMobiles.com has everything from news, reviews, tips and tricks, software, a glossary, links, and even support (although it doesn't deal with unlocking cases).

Thakare has even received recognition. While under the .blogspot domain, he received a Personal Token of appreciation, on his email, from a Nokia Employee working with Nokia Lifeblog in Nokia corporation, Finland, appreciating his uniqueness.

He then set up this website and made it bigger than it was before. If you do have a Nokia cell phone check out this site - you might find it very useful.

Technorati Tags: gadgets, cellphone, Nokia.

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The Video iPod is Finally Here!

Apple yesterday launched an iPod that was capable of playing videos, making the music player a media center.

The cool thing is that videos are now being sold on iTunes (Apple's music store).

Steve Jobs also announced that iTunes will also sell episodes of Desperate Housewives and Lost for $1.99(US).

Furthermore, those episodes will be available a day after they air.

The video iPod is available in black or white and comes in a 30 gigabyte version ($299) and 60 gigabyte version ($399).

Moreover, as a tech lover I love the whole idea, but I like to think bigger than just what's out there.

Is this the beginning of something bigger? I think so. I think that in the near future you will be able to download any episode from a TV show. Apple started it here, but it will expand to other legal download sites such as Napster, Rhapsody etc.

This is a new and interesting direction that Apple has taken. Look for bigger things in the future.

Technorati Tags: gadgets, technology, iPod, video, Apple,

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MSN and Yahoo Messenger Unite!

Microsoft and Yahoo are to announce a deal to make their instant messaging service compatible with each other.

That move will cut into AOL's share of the Instant Messaging (IM) pie.

The deal is to be announced today. This move would be a first. Why? Because it allows users using competing instant messengers to exchange messages themselves.

The merge would mean that MSN/Yahoo users would be about the same people using AOL.

(See: Canada.com)

Technorati Tags: msn, messenger, Microsoft, Yahoo, AOL.

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Microsoft Allows PDF Capability in Office 12

Microsoft has announced that Office 12, the next version of Microsoft Office to be released in the second half of 2006, will allow PDF writing capability.

Brian Jones, a program manager for Microsoft Office, stated that one would still need a PDF viewer to see PDFs, but that Office 12 would be able to publish documents into the popular PDF format.

Other sources are saying that Microsoft isn't sure if it will offer that feature with a bigger price tag or include it for free.

Still, it would be a deal because an Adobe program that includes its the PDF writer, for example the Adobe Acrobat professional 7.0 costs over $500.

That would be a sweet addition to the next version of Microsoft Office especially if it comes free.

(See: ZDNetIndia.com)

Technorati Tags: adobe, Microsoft, PDF.

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Apple to Release News on Possible Video iPod

Well, Apple has released the iPod nano and now it may be coming out with something else.

Apple's invitation to the announcement included the words "One More Thing . . ." on them.

Steve Jobs has often used the phrase, "Oh and one more thing," when introducing a new item.

Invitations for the event have been sent out and The Mac Observer's invitation reportedly read, "Please join us at the California Theatre in San Jose on October 12 at 10:00 AM [PDT],".

There is much speculation that now is the time that Apple will release the video iPod.

(See: MacObserver.com)

Technorati Tags: gadgets, technology, apple, iPod, video.

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Music Players For Everyone!

No, I'm not giving music players to everyone who reads this post, but I am commenting on a very interesting trend I have seen lately.

It seems that ads for music players are always trying to target a younger audience. Let's say between 16 - 25. But I have seen a trend that blows up that range.

While, taking the bus to college I see many people with music players, listening away.

That's when I realized that young people weren't the only ones with music players.

Why everyone, from old to young, had one. At first I was shocked. I thought learning how a new technology works would have put them off from buying one.

But I was wrong.

After thinking about it more I realized why everyone had a music player, no matter what race, gender, or age.

It was music. Music transcends borders such as race, gender and age. Music is also vast so that anyone can enjoy it no matter what part of the world they come from.

Another reason is that living in Toronto, Canada there are often high work and high stress levels. Music helps one to forget one's problems, relax, and become more stress-free (studies have actually proved this).

Those two factors, I believe, are why the music trend is growing. So, do you have a music player yet?

If not get one. You may be surprised by how much you enjoy it.

Technorati Tags: music.

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Apple Acknowledges iPod Nano Screen Says Not An Issue

The slick and slim iPod nano has undoubtedly has come in with a bang, maybe too much about the nano's defective screen.

I discussed the problem in a post on the new iPod nano.

The nano's screen can be easily scratched and the cries of iPod fans has made it's way all over Internet forums.

Apple has admitted that some iPod nanos have had their screen scratched or even cracked.

It says that the defect is minor and only occurs in less than one tenth of 1% of the all nanos they ship.

While this may be so, it hasn't been consoling news to those who have one of these defective nanos.

Tyler Hall, a web designer said, "I got my Nano a week and a half ago, and it was scratched within 30 minutes,". He has put up a website (nanoscratch.com).

I checked it out. One of the first things I saw was a label on the back of the nano that read: Not For Pocket Use!

The owner of the site and other visitors feel that label should have been placed there.

Here were some of the stories written in to the website:

Lasted less than 2 hours in my shirt pocket before it was scratched. No keys or anything, just pure cloth and the extra cord from the headphones.

I don't believe that my nano scratched so fast, it is a terrible thing to happened to a so expensive electronic. It should come with a tube, come on we pay $250 and we cant get a tube to protect it.

This defect, though, will hit Apple in its pockets (wait that's where the problem started isn't it). Apple was anticipating earning $5 million dollars from sales of the new iPod nano.

unfortunately, that probably won't be the case. I think some might wait to buy the nano, until this little mess is fixed.

In the end I don't believe this defect is going to hurt Apple.

They will come through.

Apple has already begun replacing the defective iPod nano for free (AustraliaIT.com is reporting that an Apple's spokesman has stated that, "Any user with a defective screen should contact Apple ... and we will replace it for free") and on top of that protective cases are coming out.

So, if you have a nano don't put it in your pocket!

(Source: USA Today)

Technorati Tags: gadgets, technology, Apple, ipod, nano.

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