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Google launches open source, royalty free WebM video

Doug Groves , , , , , , , 0 comment

Although Google’s plans to release an open-source video codec was widely discussed in the tech community for some time, the big G has made it official. Google’s acquisition of On2 and their video codec has become WebM. According to the announcement during Google I/O conference, WebM is a container based on the popular Matroska, with VP8 video and Ogg audio streams packaged inside. What makes WebM compelling is that Google has decided to make it both open source and royalty free, which could set it up to be the HTML5…

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The boogie-man that is internet cloud security vulnerabilities

Jason , , ,

After participating in a recent online discussion about security vulnerabilities in internet clouds, I was a bit surprised at how many people still seem to think that using publicly-exposed internet clouds are less secure than clouds or networks sitting behind private firewalls. It’s important not to be distracted by buzz words, a cloud is a large network of servers. The servers are set up to talk to each other to share the load. This has been something that’s been around for many years.

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HP TouchSmart tm2 review

Johnathan Leger , , , , , , , , , , 15 Comments

So after waiting for the reveal of Apple’s once “mythical” tablet to be revealed, only to end up being as disappointed as Japanese Anne of Green Gables fans after traveling half way around the world to see the real deal, I decided I was going to buy a Windows based tablet. The Microsoft Courier looked interesting but a bit out there and the HP Slate looked rocking although a bit underspec’d. I decided to hold out for the Slate.

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Google accidentally collected WiFi data

Doug Groves , , 0 comment

In their recent blog update, Google admitted that they inadvertently gathered data from unencrypted WiFi networks, using the Street View cars as the collectors. This comes about a month after Germany’s data protection agency (DPA) in Hamburg started looking more closely at what the Street View vehicles were doing, after it was discovered that the cars were logging access points. Google initially reported that they were merely collecting the locations of access points as they snapped photos and mapped building, but as it turns out, they were actually collecting payload…

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Rockstar releases Red Dead Redemption launch trailer

drsquid , , , , , , , 3 Comments

The more I see of this game, the more I can’t wait to play it! While there have been many attempts before to create a ‘Western’ themed game, none of them have pulled it off successfully, however this game, a ‘Grand Theft Auto in the Old West’, looks like it could change that. Early impressions of the game posted today at Kotaku are good, and it looks like this game will be a must buy for 360 and PS3 owners. Hopefully, like Rockstar San Diego’s other franchise Midnight Club, there…

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If Mario Was Designed in 2010

drsquid , , , , , , , 0 comment

If Mario was first designed in 2010, he’d probably have to adopt some of our modern trends… Game designer Zack Hiwiller recently posted on his blog a series of screenshots of what Super Mario Bros. would be like if it was made today. His observations are spot on but, obviously, from the note he added, there are other game designers who might feel a bit ‘uncomfortable’ looking at his post: While this post is meant to be humorous, it isn’t meant to be humorous at the expense of my fellow…

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Apple taking Canadian iPad pre-orders now, announces Rogers data plans

drsquid , , , , , , , 0 comment

It’s 3am, and I just checked the Apple.ca store, and the iPad pre-order page is up! Apple has also pre-empted Rogers by posting the details of their iPad Data plans: To start 3G service on your iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G, you will need a micro-SIM card and a data plan. A range of data plans are available and most don’t require a contract. When you order your iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G from the Apple Online Store, you can add a micro-SIM card from the carrier listed below. You…

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Apple announces Canadian iPad date, Bell joins Rogers in confirming ‘support’

drsquid , , , , , , , , 0 comment

Apple finally announced on Friday exactly when the iPad will be available internationally. It will hit Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK on May 28th, and will be up for pre-order on May 10th. Both the Wi-Fi and 3G models will be available on that date, and the Canadian prices are as follows: Suggested retail price of $549 (CAN) for 16GB, $649 (CAN) for 32GB, $749 (CAN) for 64GB for Wi-Fi models and $679 (CAN) for 16GB, $779 (CAN) for 32GB and $879 (CAN) for…

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Usage-based billing okayed by CRTC

Doug Groves , , , , , , 2 Comments

The CRTC has unsurprisingly sided with Bell, and is allowing the big blue telco to go ahead with it’s usage-based billing scheme, and yes, scheme is the most appropriate word here. Not only does it mean that Bell gets to charge it’s own customers, who are already paying through the nose for parltry data caps, but now big blue can hit 3rd party suppliers, like TekSavvy and Acanac with fees that look downright preposterous. Bell has complained about traffic congestion, caused mostly by heavy file sharing, but as their own…

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DMCA disaster headed to Canada!

Doug Groves , , , , , 5 Comments

Despite a vocal popular opposition to the idea of enacting anything like the lunacy of the US DMCA here in Canada, that’s exactly the type of copyright bill the Prime Minister’s Office plans on introducing this June. Who cares what the People say, when the US speaks, I guess, even if most of what they say regarding Canada as a copyright violators haven is propagandist FUD. Anyways, instead of ranting, here’s the details from Michael Geist’s site, as well as how to get your voice heard! Months of public debate…

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