Want to grab the latest, Street-View-included version of Google Earth without having to install the cross-promomting “Google Updater”? Google Operating System has direct links for Earth and a few other popular apps.
For YouTube videos, presentations, or even just system sounds, having the right sound effect file can make all the difference. FindSounds, a search engine focused on audio files, is a heck of a lot more convenient than typing “.wav” into Google and wading through inconsistent results. Type in what you’re looking for and specify parameters, and the results are offered in playable previews and waveform diagrams. I almost always found relevant results in the 10 or so test searches I performed, and being able to see how long the sound helps winnow down results when you’re hunting just the right sound to fit into a project. Got your own sound clip search methods? Share ‘em in the comments.
Want to share a presentation with friends, co-workers, or the web at large without worrying about who does or doesn’t have PowerPoint installed? authorStream, a free presentation sharing site, offers the same kind of embed-anywhere utility as previously-posted SlideShare, but also provides options to download presentations as MP4 video files, putting slideshows with or without audio one step away from YouTube, iPods, DVDs, or whatever format comes in handy. To work as video, presentations must have either recorded narration or rehearsed timings added in PowerPoint, which the Digital Inspiration blog explains in detail at the via link below. AuthorStream [via Digital Inspiration]
Drivers will be able to get daily updates of where to buy the cheapest petrol under a nationwide Fuelwatch scheme which will start in December. It will be run by watchdog the ACCC. You’ll be able to get the updates via SMS, email or at the website. WA’s run a similar scheme for years, according to The Age article. More »
There was once a time when ripping and backing up DVDs was limited to those with hours to spend weeding through convoluted tutorials and difficult-to-use software. Today, a handful of full-featured, easy-to-use DVD ripping tools can back up virtually any DVD in a snap. We’ve highlighted several of them before, but for this week’s Hive Five, we want you to tell us about your favourite DVD ripping tools. Hit the jump for details and to nominate your favourite DVD ripper.
Windows/Mac/Linux: Google Earth has updated and integrated Google Maps Street View, meaning that not only can you soar over the globe with Google Earth—you can also hit the streets and look around when you get tired of flying. In addition to Street View, Google Earth 4.3 promises time-lapse videos of sunrises and sunsets, improved speed, and better 3D graphics. It’s also added new first-person controls so using the software feels closer to what it feels like to play a video game. Google Earth is freeware for all platforms.
This will be welcome news to anyone who hates doubling up on online accounts and identities – you can now use your Google account as an OpenID login. This means you can log in to any site which uses OpenID using your Google credentials. Digital Inspiration explains how to do it:
“To create a custom OpenID URL with your Google Account username, go to appspot.com and login using your Google credentials. You will be assigned an OpenID sign-on that looks something like this:
http://openid-provider.appspot.com/abc@xyz.com where abc@xyz.com is the email address associated with your Google Account.”
Good stuff. I haven’t gotten around to creating an OpenID, and this could mean I don’t need to. Anyone know of any compelling reason why you should have a standalone OpenID rather than using your Google ID?
Use your Google Account as an OpenID [Digital Inspiration]
If you use Twitter in Australia, you know that you need to SMS a UK-based number to update (or tweet). That could work out to be expensive! I’m going to go through a few options which might work out cheaper for you. Today let’s look at using Google Talk.To update Twitter via IM from your Gtalk account, you’ll need to add Twitter as a contact.
Here’s how – just add twitter@twitter.com as your contact in GTalk and then go to the Twitter home page to add IM as a method of updating. On the left hand side of the page you’ll see a link to “add device” – hit that, then put in your IM account details. It will give you a password to send to twitter via IM to confirm. You can also send an IM saying “Help” if you want further information.
Now whenever you IM this new friend called Twitter, the message will automatically publish on your Twitter account. It seems to appear pretty quickly too. More »
Oh noes! Twitter may be about to add advertising into its microblogging feeds, according to The Social blog over at CNET. The company’s said no, but there have supposedly been a few sightings. I haven’t spotted any – let me know if you do? More »
Blogger Jonathan Mead lists 11 “odd but simple” ways to improve your health, like using a Neti pot, brushing your skin, fasting, and using colon hydrotherapy. In fact, our own guest editor Brad Isaac swears by a Neti pot’s ability to kill his allergies. Along the same lines, just this morning a friend was telling me all about the health benefits of Bikram hot yoga, which detoxifies your system. So we’re wondering: what unconventional ways do you improve your health? Do you fast, get special foot massages, practice Tai Chi walking? Let us know in the comments. 11 Odd but Simple Ways to Improve Your Health [Dumb Little Man]
