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Filed under: Browsers, Mobile, Android

Layar is a glimpse at the future of mobile computing


I really, really want to be Dutch right now. After taking a look at Layar, a mobile Augmented Reality browser that's currently only available in the Netherlands, I can't wait until similar technology is available in the rest of the world. Layar uses the camera and location-based services of your mobile device -- Android devices only, so far -- and overlays information on the camera image.

This is flying-car level tech, the kind of stuff that sci-fi nerds dream about, and it's got plenty of practical applications for the average user, too. Although Layar is still in its early stages, this is the technology that's going to make it possible to point your phone at a restaurant and see prices and reviews, or point it at a transit stop and see schedules. One the features Layar is pushing is the ability to create your own layers, so it could be used for everything from business to gaming. Every cool piece of tech has its downside, though, and I imagine advertisers are salivating a little bit about the possibilities something like Layar presents.

Filed under: Productivity, Web services, web 2.0

Jooce: online desktop & computer replacement


There's a lot of you out there that use computers everywhere, making use of web-based services like Gmail, Google Reader, Pixenate, and Zoho. Here's something that'll help you organize your computing experience no matter what computer you use: Jooce, the online desktop. We covered the service back in August, but it's finally out of beta with old features refined and new ones to offer.

Jooce is web-based, meaning all you need is a computer with a web browser and a connection to the internet. Through Jooce, you can store unlimited files, share those files, access applications, email others, instant message, and more just like you would on a regular computer. The difference is that Jooce lets you do it anywhere on any computer and keeps the experience consistent. Other similar services exist from other companies such as Goowy and YouOS, which also emulate the desktop of a computer.

Jooce looks fairly easy to use and simulates the desktop computer experience pretty well. It's funded through the occasional, non-intrusive ad, so it's free to use. Future improvements include third party widgets from Widgetbox and Jooce's very own email client. The company was started by three friends from around the world who worked together at a Paris based NGO. The project took off in the wake of the United Nations sponsored World Summit on the Information Society.

[via TechCrunch]

Filed under: Fun, Internet, E-mail

Send a message into the future MailFreezr

Send a message into the future MailFreezrWe usually think of email as a way to instantly communicate, but what happens when all that goes out the window and we can freeze email to send at a later date?

MailFreezr is a website where people can fill out a form and send an email, in the future. The service stores your email for up to 100 years then finally sends it out. If we still have email then. t's a great way to ensure you send those special birthday or anniversary notes, or even a way to send a shout out to someone that you don't want to loose touch with but have nothing important to say.

You can freeze an email for one year, a hundred years, or any number in between. But the only choice you have is years, not months, weeks, or days. In other words, if you send a message today, it can be delivered next Halloween, but not next week.
It would be nice to see a date selector to pick the exact month, day and year you would like to send the email.

MailFreezr's creator says that messages are secure and confidential and will be sent on time. However, with any service that requires an email address stay cautious for spam harvesters.

Filed under: Internet, Video, News, Web services

Georgie thinks movie downloads are the future

Goerge LucasMr. Star Wars, the geek-man, OB1 himself, none other than George Lucas thinks movie downloads are where it's at for the future of movie entertainment distribution. Really? We didn't see that coming. Steve Jobs has also been chatting with Lucas at various times about the idea, which isn't surprising now that iTunes now has movies from Disney, with more to follow invariably. Lucas and Jobs have history as most people know in the Pixar sale back in the day. The two it seems are interested in where movies are headed. Diversity of content is a big thing, as the audience will determine what movies make it and which don't. The media moguls seem to think that most people who would download movies are somewhat picky, and generally I have to agree. I am picky too, can't deny it, I want movie studios, download services, websites, and software makers to cater to me, and so does everyone. It isn't that out of the ordinary. Lucas says that those who can capitalize on the public's wants and desires by producing the kind of content they want will win in the new world of movie downloads. This begs the question then, are the theatres in trouble of becoming extinct? Will they have to reinvent themselves to remain relevant? Maybe not extinct tomorrow, but what about in five or ten years?

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The World's Hardest Game 2.0 - Time Waster

So, just how good at time waster games are you? Think you've got the stuff? Well, The World's Hardest Game 2.0 doesn't think you do. Yes, amazingly, it's possible to have a sequel to a game called "The World's Hardest Game". It doesn't seem logically possible, since if the first one was actually the world's hardest, how could another one come along and share the moniker? It made me doubt the name in the first place. That is, until I tried the game. The mechanics of the game are very simple. You are a small red square, ...

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