Android SDK 1.6 Released

Android 1.6 SDK is available for download. Android 1.6, which is based on the donut branch from the Android Open Source Project, introduces a number of new features and technologies. With support for CDMA and additional screen sizes, your apps can be deployed on even more mobile networks and devices. You will have access to new technologies, including framework-level support for additional screen resolutions, like QVGA and WVGA, new telephony APIs to support CDMA, gesture APIs, a text-to-speech engine, and the ability to integrate with Quick Search Box.What's new in Android 1.6 provides a more complete overview of this platform update.

The Android 1.6 SDK requires a new version of Android Development Tools (ADT). The SDK also includes a new tool that enables you to download updates and additional components, such as new add-ons or platforms.

You can expect to see devices running Android 1.6 as early as October. As with previous platform updates, applications written for older versions of Android will continue to run on devices with Android 1.6. Please test your existing apps on the Android 1.6 SDK to make sure they run as expected.

Over the next several weeks, we will publish a series of blog posts to help you get ready for the new developer technologies in Android 1.6. The following topics, and more, will be covered: how to adapt your applications to support different screen sizes, integrating with Quick Search Box, building gestures into your apps, and using the text-to-speech engine.

New Ipod Nano... Worth it?

Last week, Apple showed off the new iteration of its iPod Nano -- it'll have a video recorder, as well as other bells and whistles. And a pedometer. Our Tech Blog reports:

The new Nano is an astonishing triumph of engineering and design that has managed to pack all these new features — along with the old ones — into a sleek, elegant device that’s a pleasure to use.

None of the new features — with the exception of the dorky pedometer — seem like gratuitous add-ons. They’re quality instruments that perform dauntingly well, considering that the player is not much bigger than a couple sticks of gum, side by side.

The new iPod Nano retails for $149 for the 8GB model and $179 for 16GB. Our reporter, David Colker, says it's not perfect, but it's pretty darn cool. Check out the video he shot to try it out -- it's got a cute dog and everything.

Microsoft Launches Windows 7 Enterprise Trial

Microsoft on Tuesday announced the availability of a Windows 7 enterprise trial for IT professionals without access to the release to manufacturing (RTM) version of the OS.

The trial, available for download online now, will last 90 days and provides IT professionals with the opportunity "to test their applications, hardware and deployment strategies with final Windows 7 bits," Microsoft's Stephen Rose wrote in a blog post.

It is intended for workers responsible for desktop administration, Microsoft said. It is aimed at those who are currently working with the release candidate (RC) version of Windows 7 because they do not have access to the RTM via a software assurance license agreement or via MSDN or TechNet.

The enterprise trial is the RTM version of Windows 7, and is feature-complete.

The offer is limited and will be available while supplies last, Rose said. It is available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Japanese in 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

Users must activate the trial within 10 days of downloading or the product will shut down every hour.

After the 90-day trial ends, the computer where the Windows 7 Enterprise trial is installed will shut down every hour. IT professionals will then have to purchase and perform a clean installation of Windows 7, including drivers and applications, to continue using the OS.

Easier To Buy HTC Hero through BestBuy than with Sprint

The HTC Hero will be is Sprint stores on October 11. Best Buy will begin offering this device on that same day, but this retailer will save its customers some hassle.

Whether this Android-based smartphone is purchased directly through Sprint or at a Best Buy store, the cost will be the same: $180. But to get this price, Sprint stores will require consumers to fill out and send in a $100 rebate form. Those who get a Hero through Best Buy won't have to go through this step.

To get this price, it will be necessary to sign up for a two-year Sprint contract, no matter where the smartphone is purchased.

This is not an unusual occurrence. When Sprint introduced the Palm Pre this summer, the carrier required a mail-in rebate that Best Buy did not.

Toshiba & Blu-ray Team Up

Toshiba showed its first Blu-ray Disc player and laptop computer on Thursday, less than a month after confirming it was putting the high-def disc format battle behind it by joining the Blu-ray Disc Association.

The BDX2000 player will be available around the end of this year and is compatible with the latest version of the BD Live format, profile 2.0, that pulls in extra interactive features across an Internet connection, the company said at the IFA electronics fair in Berlin.

The player outputs a full high-definition (1080P) signal and supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD audio. In addition to Blu-ray Disc, it can also play Divx HD and AVCHD video footage and there's an SD card slot.

Few other details were available on the device although Toshiba also released several photographs of the player, which is black and has a stylish and simple design. No price was announced.

The Satellite P500 laptop is part of Toshiba's multimedia range and comes with an impressive full-HD 18-inch screen. Blu-ray support comes courtesy of a BD-RW drive that is compatible with the major Blu-ray and DVD formats. The computer is coming in the fourth quarter at a price yet to be announced.

Some News from Android Market

I'm pleased to let you know about several updates to Android Market. First, we will soon introduce new features in Android Market for Android 1.6 that will improve the overall experience for users. As part of this change, developers will be able to provide screenshots, promotional icons and descriptions that will better show off applications and games.

We have also added four new sub-categories for applications: sports, health, themes, and comics. Developers can now choose these sub-categories for both new and existing applications via the publisher website. Finally, we have added seller support for developers in Italy. Italian developers can go to the publisher website to upload applications and target any of the countries where paid applications are currently available to users.

To take advantage of the upcoming Android Market refresh, we encourage you to visit the Android Market publisher website and upload additional marketing assets. Check out the video below for some of the highlights.

First Look Snow Leopard

Click link to view in HD!

Mac Back Light Visualizer(dancing/disco keyboard) Test/Review

You can download it here.
http://www.keindesign.de/stefan/Web/Sites/iWeb/Site/iSpazz.html


Unfortunately It kills you backlight LED and its only for macs with a backlight

Steam Installed On Mac (No Bootcamp)

Using Crossover Mac you can easily get any windows application to work in you mac simultaneously. Check out the video above