Mashable: Latest 13 News Updates - including “The 3 Biggest Stories in Tech, Business & Social Media This Morning”
* The 3 Biggest Stories in Tech, Business & Social Media This Morning
* Mashable Weekend Recap: 20 Stories You Might Have Missed
* After Hacking Accusations, China Calls Google a Political Tool
* Kids’ Online Game Moshi Monsters Hits 50 Million Registered Users
* 10 Great Android Multiplayer Games
* This Week in Politics & Digital: Weinergate, Palin & Romney
* HOW TO: Parent a Digital Native [COMIC]
* 10 Chic Charging Stations [PICS]
* Motorola Droid 3 Videos Leaked
* Nintendo Wii 2 Touchscreen Controller Confirmed [REPORT]
* McDonald’s Gaming Billboard Gives Winners Free Food [VIDEO]
* What Apple Will Announce at WWDC 2011: 8 Predictions
* How To Embed Practically Anything On Your Blog or Website
* 50 New Digital Media Resources You May Have Missed
The 3 Biggest Stories in Tech, Business & Social Media This Morning
Posted: 06 Jun 2011 05:09 AM PDT
Social Media News
Welcome to this morning’s edition of "First To Know," a series in which we keep you in the know on what's happening in the digital world. We're keeping our eyes on three particular stories of interest today.
Syrian Internet Restored, Violent Footage Emerges
According to Google and Internet intelligence firm Renesys, Syrian Internet services are now operational again.
After Hacking Accusations, China Calls Google a "Political Tool"
People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, openly criticized Google after the company said that a recent Gmail phishing attack originated in China.
What Will Apple Announce at WWDC?
We already know Apple will unveil Mac OS X Lion, iOS 5 and iCloud at WWDC 2011 on Monday, but we think Steve Jobs has a few more things under his sleeve as well.
Further News
* One of Nintendo’s U.S. gaming servers was hacked “a few weeks ago,” Nintendo has admitted to The Telegraph.
* Right on the heels of the Motorola Droid X2 on Verizon release, three training videos for the Motorola Droid 3 have been leaked.
* Details about the Wii gaming console Nintendo plans to unveil at the E3 2011 conference in L.A. Tuesday have been surfaced by a reliable source.
Image courtesy of iStockphoto, DNY59
More About: first to know series
For more Tech & Gadgets coverage:
* Follow Mashable Tech & Gadgets on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Tech & Gadgets channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
Mashable Weekend Recap: 20 Stories You Might Have Missed
Posted: 06 Jun 2011 05:06 AM PDT
Summer’s almost here, and while many of you were already enjoying the fragrant and warm benefits of late spring, we Mashable weekenders were watching the digital world for you.
Despite its overall languid atmosphere, the weekend was lively online, with the run-up to the E3 gaming convention and Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference holding sway over the weekend’s news cycles.
Catch up with it all, right here:
News Essentials
What Apple Will Announce at WWDC 2011: 8 Predictions
Nintendo Wii 2 Touchscreen Controller Confirmed [REPORT]
This Week in Politics & Digital: Weinergate, Palin & Romney
Motorola Droid 3 Videos Leaked
McDonald's Gaming Billboard Gives Winners Free Food [VIDEO]
Syrian Internet Restored, Dramatic Footage Emerges [VIDEO]
Video Glasses Stream Everything You Do to Social Media Sites [VIDEO]
Helpful Resources
How To Embed Practically Anything On Your Blog or Website
50 New Digital Media Resources You May Have Missed
6 New Apps For Getting More Out of Foursquare
Top 10 Twitter Trends This Week [CHART]
Weekend Leisure
10 Great Android Multiplayer Games
Kids’ Online Game Moshi Monsters Hits 50 Million Registered Users
10 Chic Charging Stations [PICS]
HOW TO: Parent a Digital Native [COMIC]
4 Fresh Apps For Your Weekend Enjoyment
Video Preview of "iOS 5″ Makes the iPad Truly Magical
Exclusive Review: Two Elegant iPhone 4 Cases Have Carbon Fiber Backs [PICS]
5 Gadgets We're Playing With This Week
Social Media-Using Guys Are Lovin' The Fast Food [INFOGRAPHIC]
More About: Weekend recap
For more Social Media coverage:
* Follow Mashable Social Media on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Social Media channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
After Hacking Accusations, China Calls Google a Political Tool
Posted: 06 Jun 2011 03:29 AM PDT
People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, openly criticized Google after the company said a recent Gmail phishing attack originated in China, Reuters reports.
The attack originated from Jinan, China, and was pointed at, among others, Chinese political activists and senior U.S. government officials, Google said in a blog post. The Chinese government was quick to deny involvement in the attack, claiming that "allegations that the Chinese government supports hacking activities are completely unfounded and made with ulterior motives."
Now, People’s Daily took it a notch further, warning Google that such political games could ultimately hurt its business. “Google should not become overly embroiled in international political struggle, playing the role of a tool for political contention. … For when the international winds shift direction, it may become sacrificed to politics and will be spurned by the marketplace,” wrote People’s Daily overseas edition.
Google’s relations with China deteriorated in early 2010 when Google partly pulled out of the country over censorship concerns and a hacking attack on Gmail accounts of Chinese human rights activists.
Although Google was far more cautious this time around — it never directly accused the Chinese government of involvement in the attacks — the stern response from Chinese officials and media outlets foreshadows another meltdown in relations between the internet giant and the world’s most populous nation.
[via Reuters]
More About: china, Google, hack, hacking, politics
For more Tech & Gadgets coverage:
* Follow Mashable Tech & Gadgets on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Tech & Gadgets channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
Kids’ Online Game Moshi Monsters Hits 50 Million Registered Users
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 06:01 PM PDT
Two-year-old online game Moshi Monsters has just reached a sizable milestone: 50 million registered users.
Moshi Monsters is a social online game/community that allows kids 6 to 12 to adopt virtual pets, tool around a virtual land called Monstro City, play games to earn virtual currency and communicate with other kids in a moderated, safe environment. The franchise also includes toys (coming soon), books, video games, trading cards and a Moshi magazine. Moshi will also soon begin its foray into music, live tours, a TV platform and film.
Moshi, founded by London-based startup Mind Candy, also reports that it has more than 15 million registered users (out of the total 50 million) in North America. Apparently, the game gets one signup per second.
Fifty million is a pretty hefty community, but it makes sense considering the rise of the digital native we have been privy to lately. In October, a study conducted by Internet security firm AVG found that 92% of children in the U.S. have an online presence by the time they are two, compared to 73% in western Europe.
More About: Children, mind-candy, moshi-monsters, social media
For more Social Media coverage:
* Follow Mashable Social Media on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Social Media channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
10 Great Android Multiplayer Games
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 04:58 PM PDT
With the possible exception of Angry Birds, games are more fun when you can play them with others.
The Android Market is full of great game apps, and there are quite a few multiplayer games in that number, as well — far more than when we first wrote about Android multiplayer games a year ago.
Here’s a quick roundup of the best Android pass-and-play and cross-platform multiplayer games, including MMOPRGs, action games, casual games and the ever-popular Words With Friends.
In the comments, please let us know if we missed any of your favorites.
Pocket Legends
[Pocket Legends]
This mobile MMO has garnered plenty of critical acclaim, including a Mashable nod during the 2010 Mashable Awards last year. As with many MMORPGs, you'll chose a character, develop your abilities and skills, and do battle alongside other players in fantasy settings such as dungeons, mountains and swamps.Android Market
Parallel Kingdom
[Parallel Kingdom]
This game uses Google Maps and your actual location with a Zelda-reminiscent overlay to show players "the creatures lurking in your backyard and the mythical beasts that you pass everyday on your way to work." You can chat and plot with your fellow players to navigate the augmented reality around you.Android Market link
Raging Thunder
[Raging Thunder]
Are you ready for a cross-platform multiplayer racing game? Raging Thunder lets you play with up to three other people in an arcade-style setting.Android Market link
iMobsters
[iMobsters]
If mafia lore is your thing, you'll be entertained by iMobsters, an MMO game with mobster trappings. Players start as petty thieves, fighting with one another and recruiting new mobsters to rise through the ranks.Android Market link
Cestos
[Cestos]
Cestos is a real-time multiplayer game that pits you against other players all around the world in a marble battle royale. You can chat with other players, and the more you play, the most goodies -- including marble customizations -- you can unlock.Android Market link
ProjectINF
[ProjectINF]
This excellent MMORPG plays in real time and allows up to 24 players per game. Other features include customizable stats, multiple maps and game modes, and several character types.Android Market link
4 Player Reactor
[4 Player Reactor]
This pass-and-play -- or hold-and-play -- game lets you and up to three friends play together on the same device in a fast-paced battle of wits and reflexes. The app includes 20 individual game modes as well.Android Market link
Words With Friends
[Words With Friends]
Would a Scrabble by any other name play as sweet? Words With Friends proves that it would, indeed. Players find one another by username, and the in-game chat feature is a nice touch.Android Market link
Guerilla Bob
[Guerilla Bob]
This award-winning first-person shooter was first a hit on iOS devices and is now a cross-platform multiplayer game on Android, too. It features "an arsenal of kick-ass weaponry, unique enemies, explosive ammunition and non-stop humor."Android Market link
Dungeon Defenders
[Dungeon Defenders]
This action MMORPG features Unreal-powered graphics and a World of Warcraft aesthetic with tons of stats for players to nerd out over. Take on a Hero class and battle invaders with other players.Android Market link
Image courtesy of iStockphoto, duncan1890
More About: android, games, multiplayer
For more Mobile coverage:
* Follow Mashable Mobile on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Mobile channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
This Week in Politics & Digital: Weinergate, Palin & Romney
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 03:10 PM PDT
us flag tech image
Bit of a strange week for politics and digital. The week was characterized not so much by hard-hitting news but how politicians can manipulate — or lose control — of their social media presences.
U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D.-NY)’s Twitter account sent a Yfrog picture of a man’s (clothed) crotch to a female follower. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney announced his bid for president with a social boost. And former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin continued her cross-country bus tour/campaign rally that snubbed the press while honoring her social followers. As we said, strange week.
This weekly series picks out the week’s top stories in the intersection of digital technology and politics.
Weinergate
weiner imageOn May 27 a picture of a man’s underwear-clad groin was sent from Weiner’s Twitter account. The tweet, which also mentioned a young female journalism student, was quickly taken down but not before several online sources could grab the image and make it frontline news. Weiner claimed his account was hacked, later calling the photo a prank.
However, his cagey responses to the press as well as his refusal to completely deny that it is him in the image have left many to question whether Weiner is just trying to cover an embarrassing mistake. The adorably named “Weinergate” drama is starting to die off but is one out of many recent gaffes on political social media accounts. The Columbia Journalism Review summed it up with a best-of roundup.
Romney Announces Presidential Bid
romney image
Mitt Romney announced his presidential bid Thursday. While the former governor made the announcement the old-fashioned way, he has been an avid user of social media, including a YouTube video about his exploratory committee and a tweet that read: “Making it official next week at the Scamman Farm in New Hampshire.” You can find a breakdown of the bid as told by social media right here.
Palin’s Run-Around
palin bus image
Sarah Palin’s bus tour continues to blaze trails and snub the “lame-stream” media across battleground states and important American historical sites. The tour, which Palin calls a “family vacation,” has more than once been called an unofficial campaign tour. While Palin has granted a majority of the press nearly zero time for tough questions — The New York Times ran this headline: “Palin Talks to the Media, For Three Minutes” — the former governor of Alaska has been surprisingly open on her social networks. The website SarahPAC keeps a running blog of her many stops, posting news, commentary and multimedia. Palin’s official Twitter account has also been tweeting updates and links back to the blog posts so her fans can travel along.
Thumbnail image courtesy of iStockphoto, Pgiam, Weiner image courtesy of Flickr, TalkMediaNews
More About: Anthony Weiner, App, bus tour, Mitt Romney, politics, sarah pac, sarah palin, week in digital politics, weinergate
For more Social Media coverage:
* Follow Mashable Social Media on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Social Media channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
HOW TO: Parent a Digital Native [COMIC]
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 02:44 PM PDT
[Mashable Comics]
Mashable Comics are illustrated every week by Kiersten Essenpreis, a New York-based artist who draws and blogs at YouFail.com.
More Mashable Comics:
- Internet Drama
- The Earliest Social Network Ever Discovered
- The 19th Annual Internet Meme Convention
- Stand-Up Web Developers
- The Secret Social Media Lives of Goldfish
More About: comic, digital natives, family, Google, google street view, humor, mashable comics, parenting, video games
For more Social Media coverage:
* Follow Mashable Social Media on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Social Media channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
10 Chic Charging Stations [PICS]
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 02:36 PM PDT
Charging valets, or if you want to be a little less “Jeeves-and-Wooster” about it — charging stations — are a great way to stop your home from looking like a satellite branch of Best Buy.
As well as hiding cable clutter, they can get you organized in high style while saving you the trouble of hunting down your phone/iPod/camera/headset when you’re already running late in the morning.
We’ve found 10 classy charging stations for your consideration in a range of styles and at a variety of price points. If you’re in the market for some gadget management, we think you’ll find something to like in the photo gallery below.
1. Belkin Conserve Valet
[1. Belkin Conserve Valet]
Belkin's "Conserve" valet will juice up four of your gadgets while keeping your wires tidy. It gets its green credentials from the fact that it automatically shuts off power after devices are fully charged.
Cost: $39.99
2. Bluelounge The Sanctuary
[2. Bluelounge The Sanctuary ]
The "Sanctuary" universal charger is compatible with nearly 4,000 gizmos and gadgets, thanks to a variety of device connectors as well as a USB port. Available in a black, white and wood finish, your only worry will be where to put it.
Cost: From $129.95
3. Messless
[3. Messless]
The Messless solution offers more of a gadget showcase. It comes bundled with pop-in connectors for Nokia, PSP, mini USB and iPod. You can buy more to suit your personal array of gadgetry.
Cost: 49.90 Euros (approx $72)
4. Kikkerland Charging Station
[4. Kikkerland Charging Station]
Kikkerland's station is less high-tech than others on this list — it merely obscures the cables — but it's so fun we had to include it.
Cost: $30
5. IDAPT i4
[5. IDAPT i4]
With an interchangeable tip system, the i4 boasts three charging points and a USB port to keep your electronics happy. Better still, it's available in black, red, blue, pink, lime green, orange, white, gold and blue.
Cost: From £39.99 (approx $65)
6. Blu Dot Juice Box
[6. Blu Dot Juice Box]
The walnut Juice Box cunningly conceals your power strip, giving a classy, modern and clean-looking space to charge four gadgets.
Cost: $99
7. Powermat
[7. Powermat]
The Powermat takes us into the future with wire-free charging. If you're happy to encase your phone in a special Powermat receiver then you can charge your handsets by simply placing them on the station.
Cost: Varies. Sample price is from $109.97 for two iPhone 4s
8. Kangaroom Bamboo 3 Pod
[8. Kangaroom Bamboo 3 Pod]
Another box solution, the 3 Pod from Kangaroom will hide a 10-inch power strip and has three slots for a trio of gadgets.
Cost: $19.99
9. Bluelounge Refresh
[9. Bluelounge Refresh ]
Smaller than Bluelounge's Sanctuary station, the Refresh is perfect for your nightstand. Compatible with nearly 2,000 products, it's probably perfect for your gadgets too.
Cost: $89.95
10. Lessev Mobile Station
[10. Lessev Mobile Station]
Like futuristic Tupperware from the gods of design, the Lessev Mobile Station from Japanese designer Takafumi Nemoto offers a simple bowl-shaped solution to charger clutter.
Cost: $98
More About: accessories, Belkin, bluelounge, chargers, charging stations, charging valets, design, gadgets, gallery, List, Lists, office, Powermat, storage
For more Tech & Gadgets coverage:
* Follow Mashable Tech & Gadgets on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Tech & Gadgets channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
Motorola Droid 3 Videos Leaked
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 01:19 PM PDT
Right on the heels of the Motorola Droid X2 on Verizon release, now three training videos for the Motorola Droid 3 have been leaked. Get a good long look at it in this video that somehow found its way to YouTube.
Take a gander at its five-row slide-out keypad, 8-megapixel camera that implies 1080p video recording, and a rumored dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor like its predecessor the Droid X2.
The video is a tutorial to show Droid 3 owners how to use their new smartphones, but as you can see, it’s made clear that this is not the final version of its software.
As for the phone itself, it looks just as relatively design-free as the Droid X2, except now it’s even uglier, with a tacked-on keyboard hanging off the bottom. Well, even that awkward mashup is an improvement over the Droid X2, which in my opinion resembles a rubberized doorstop.
The video must have been released “accidentally on purpose,” or else we wouldn’t be able to watch it right now. Just in case, peek at that video above and the following couple of clips while you can, because maybe Motorola is not aware that they’ve been posted yet and could soon banish them from YouTube.
[via Engadget]
More About: android, leak, Motorola Droid 3, slide out keyboard, smartphone, video
For more Mobile coverage:
* Follow Mashable Mobile on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Mobile channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
Nintendo Wii 2 Touchscreen Controller Confirmed [REPORT]
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 12:11 PM PDT
Nintendo already announced it will roll out the next Wii gaming console at the E3 2011 conference in L.A. this week, and now a reliable source confirms much-rumored details of the new Wii’s unique controller, depicted in the graphic mockup above.
Japanese source Nikkei [registration required], which has correctly predicted numerous Nintendo rollouts in the past, confirms that the next Wii’s controller will have a touchscreen with a “size of about 6 inches.” Beyond that, the controller will have a camera on board, will give users tablet-like control of games and will be powered by a built-in rechargeable battery.
Nikkei says the next Wii could be released in mid-2012. Although it’s being called the Wii 2 across the blogosphere and beyond, Nintendo is still not saying what it has named its next gaming console, code-naming it “Project Café” and saying nothing more than it will be “the successor to the Wii.”
That touchscreen controller could be useful. Numerous sites such as IGN predict games will stream directly to that touchscreen, with the controller capable of being used as a wirelessly connected gaming system itself, or to control a game played on a larger screen, or both.
For instance, a six-inch touchscreen could be particularly handy when playing four-player split-screen games, or to allow different games to go to different screens throughout the house at the same time. And the camera? According to gaming site Andrisang, that could be used to take pictures of players for use as avatars, or for in-game videoconferencing.
This all seems plausible, but we won’t get all the official details until the Nintendo press conference at E3 at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at Noon EDT, 9 a.m. PDT.
Commenters, what do you think Nintendo will announce?
[Image courtesy IGN]
More About: e3, E3 2011, electronic entertainment Expo, Nintendo Wii 2, Project Café, Wii
For more Tech & Gadgets coverage:
* Follow Mashable Tech & Gadgets on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Tech & Gadgets channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
McDonald’s Gaming Billboard Gives Winners Free Food [VIDEO]
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 11:37 AM PDT
McDonald’s launched an interactive video billboard campaign in Sweden that lets users play a digital Pong game, with winners receiving free food at a nearby McDonald’s restaurant.
In a playful equivalent of making prospective customers sing for their supper, whoever can last 30 seconds in this simple game wins free grub.
The system’s designers wanted to make it as easy as possible to begin playing, requiring users to simply enter a URL in their mobile phone’s browser. As soon as the smartphone’s geolocation confirms the player is in the area, the game begins, with the player controlling the billboard’s Pong game with the smartphone’s touchscreen.
Even if you don’t like McDonald’s food, this could be a fun way to get yourself a free cup of the burger joint’s surprisingly good coffee.
We’ve heard of interactive video billboards using augmented reality, and even displaying tweets (with mixed results), but this combination of an interactive billboard game and free product rewards is something new. There’s no word about whether this creative advertising idea will spread beyond its Swedish roots.
How about it, commenters — have you seen anything like this before?
[via TNW]
More About: Billboard, coupon, game, interactive advertising, interactive billboard, location-based, McDonalds
For more Business & Marketing coverage:
* Follow Mashable Business & Marketing on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Business & Marketing channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
What Apple Will Announce at WWDC 2011: 8 Predictions
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 10:39 AM PDT
We already know Apple will unveil Mac OS X Lion, iOS 5 and iCloud at WWDC 2011 on Monday, thanks to Apple’s pre-announcement last week. But what new features can we expect Steve Jobs to unveil?
We’ve been tracking the rumors and chatting with our sources about Monday’s WWDC 2011 keynote. While Apple always has a surprise up its sleeve, we believe that we’ve pinned down some of the core features and updates Apple will announce.
We have eight predictions for what you can expect Apple to announce based on the data we’ve collected. While some are obvious (music streaming via iCloud), others are certainly going to surprise many (universal remote computer access). And there will definitely be more announced than the list we’ve compiled.
Here are our eight predictions for what Apple will announce at WWDC 2011:
1. iOS Widgets and Revamped Notifications
What exactly will iOS 5 do?
One rumor we’re inclined to believe focuses on revamped notifications and widgets. For years, Android has had widgets, a feature many iOS users have desperately wanted. And Apple’s Push Notification system, while groundbreaking when it was introduced, has been in need of a makeover for some time.
We don’t know what the widgets will look like, but we’re excited by the possibility of truly customizing our iPhones and iPads with them.
2. Siri & Nuance
In April 2010, Apple acquired Siri, an artificial intelligence technology that turns your iPhone into a personal assistant. Voice inquiries are quickly turned into mapping directions, restaurant reservations and movie reviews. The technology was born from the CALO project, the largest artificial intelligence project in U.S. history.
At the same time, Apple is rumored to be working on a licensing deal with Nuance, which provides some of the most powerful speech recognition technology on the market. Siri uses Nuance technology already.
With a deeper integration in iOS 5 though, Siri and Nuance could transform the iPhone from a mobile computer to a smart device with the capability to assisting you in almost any situation. Chat with your iPhone, and it comes back with the exact answer to your question or hooks you up with a list of sushi restaurants to visit on your next business trip.
It may not be long until you start talking to your phone like you would your best friend.
3. A Revamped AirPort/Time Capsule
When Apple stops shipping an existing product to its stores, creating a shortage, it’s often an indication that Apple is preparing to launch a new version of that product. And Apple’s wireless routers, the AirPort and the Time Capsule, have suddenly become a lot harder to find in stores.
There are plenty of reports that support this prediction. In fact, the big rumor is that the new AirPort and Time Capsule will run iOS. This would make them far more compatible with Mac OS X and iOS devices, opening up the possibility of cloud-based services, wireless syncing and more.
Bottom line: For Apple’s iCloud system to work properly, it’s going to need new wireless routers.
4. Universal Remote Computer Access
Imagine being able to open any MacBook in the world, typing in your Apple account credentials and suddenly being presented with your desktop, apps and all. Thanks to an updated version of Time Capsule and iCloud, this will probably become reality.
We’ve heard from multiple sources that Apple has been working on a solution like the one I described for a while, but Cult of Mac has described the purported remote access system in greater detail.
The Time Capsule will be the key to the entire system. Files saved to the Home Folder are automatically backed up to the Time Capsule, which are then accessible on any Apple computer in the world. Any changes you make from a remote computer are saved via iCloud to your Time Capsule and your computer.
We expect more to come, though. We’ve heard about a system where the apps you purchased can be downloaded on demand from any remote Apple computer you’re using to access your account. Imagine being able to seamlessly pull up your home version of iWork at your work computer.
5. Music Stream via iCloud
So much has been said about Apple’s new music streaming service that this prediction is a no-brainer. Check out our comprehensive roundup of iCloud music streaming rumors if you want all the juicy details.
6. Wireless Syncing
As we’ve explained before, Apple wants a world without wires, and the company will likely take the next step toward removing those pesky things from your home.
Currently, users have to connect their iPads or iPhones to a desktop computer to activate them. For a company that is betting on a post-PC world, the necessity of wires for syncing and activation must be killing them.
That won’t be true after WWDC 2011, though. Our bet is that Apple will finally unveil wireless sync, making it possible to sync your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch without the 30-pin connector. Instead, it will do it over the air. You won’t even need a computer for it to happen — we bet the Time Capsule will be all you need.
7. Deep Twitter, Facebook & Social Integration
Last week, Twitter unveiled a photo-sharing service that essentially makes TwitPic and other photo-uploading services obsolete. While that may seem unrelated to Apple iOS on the surface, the rumor is that Twitter rolled this feature out now because of iOS.
Essentially, Apple is making it possible to share content with your friends directly through integrations with Facebook, Twitter and potentially other social media services. We’ve heard that the Twitter integration goes deeper than that, though.
We’re not quite sure what that means, but our bet is that it has something to do with widgets and instant access to the Twitter stream. We’d be surprised if Facebook didn’t get the same treatment in iOS.
8. The Convergence of Mac OS X & iOS
I’ve left my Mac OS X Lion predictions for last because Apple’s already revealed a lot about its new Mac OS. In fact, Apple already has released a developer version, though we expect there will be many changes to Lion before its commercial debut.
We’re not expecting many jaw-dropping announcements about Mac OS X Lion (except for the launch date — don’t be surprised if it drops in mid-June), but all of its updates will make it look and feel like iOS. Launchpad looks like the iOS home screen, touch-based gestures are getting the spotlight and Lion will even get autocorrect, an iOS feature users both hate and love at the same time. Macworld has a great rundown of what to expect.
Apple thinks iOS is the future, and it’s updating Lion to be more like it. Don’t be surprised if the two OSes eventually converge and all of Apple’s products run on its mobile OS someday.
More About: apple, icloud, iOS, itunes, lion, mac os x, mac os x lion, Time Capsule, trending, wwdc, WWDC 2011
For more Tech & Gadgets coverage:
* Follow Mashable Tech & Gadgets on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Tech & Gadgets channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
How To Embed Practically Anything On Your Blog or Website
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 09:47 AM PDT
If you want the hands-down, easiest way to embed practically anything on your blog or website, have we got a tool for you!
The nature of the web is such that sharing and republishing content is common — and often even encouraged. The problem is, we increasingly store bits of our data on various services scattered across the web. Aggregating that content into one centralized personal hub can be time consuming — requiring user to manually copy text and links or upload files and photos — or fiddling with RSS feeds trying to make content automagically appear.
Twitter released a very cool tool to allow publishers to embed tweets in their blog posts, but the process is overly complex for most users, with plugins needed to streamline the process. Why can’t you just paste a link to a Twitter status in a blog post or webpage? It turns out, you can.
A Quick Introduction to oEmbed
A technology called oEmbed, in existence for a number of years, was built to solve the embeddable content problem. oEmbed is an open format, designed to let web publishers easily embed content such as photos, video, rich content — and automatically display other content by typing in a URL. Providers like YouTube, Hulu, Flickr and Vimeo all support oEmbed, meaning that pasting a URL for one of those services into a system with oEmbed support should allow users to quickly embed rich media.
WordPress, the world’s most popular CMS, has had basic oEmbed support since WordPress 2.9. Plugins for most other popular platforms exist, too. The problem is, keeping an updated list of the providers that support oEmbed and keeping libraries up to date isn’t a streamlined process.
Embedly: Secret Sauce to Web Embed Fun
In March, we wrote about the startup Embedly, which has developed a platform for converting URLs into embeddable content. Embedly is already in use by companies such as Storify, bit.ly and TweetDeck.
Embedly uses the oEmbed spec to add embed functionality to a growing list of services — 218 at the time of this writing — by interfacing just with the Embedly API.
When we first wrote about Embedly, our post focused on how third parties can use Embedly to provide rich-media previews in their own apps or to create their own embed targets. Embedly Pro also lets its users bring rich embeds to mobile users.
Still, the basic free Embedly service is extremely powerful. In fact, when paired with a content management system (CMS) such as WordPress, Drupal or Joomla, it makes embedding rich content a snap.
How to Use Embedly
Embedly has libraries available for a host of different client and server-side web languages, including jQuery, Python, Ruby and PHP. For users who don’t want to mess with writing their own tool, Embedly has built its own JavaScript tag and WordPress plugin. Community-developed plugins for Drupal and Joomla also exist.
Since the WordPress plugin was developed by Embedly itself (and we use WordPress at Mashable), here’s a brief overview of how easy it is to use Embedly to bring rich content to your website.
Install the Embedly Plugin
The first step is to download and install the Embedly plugin. Activate the plugin and you can select what services you want to enable from the Embedly menu in the WordPress dashboard.
Embedly frequently updates its service list, and you can run an “update services” command to get access to more libraries.
Paste URLs Into Your Posts
The next step is to simply enter a URL on its own line into your posts or web pages. Each service has slightly different parameters for how URLs should be entered, but in general, the base URL is all that is needed.
To embed a Twitter status update, for instance, you just need to enter in the URL to that update. The Embedly API page has the parameters for each service supported by Embedly.
Enjoy Rich Media Embeds
That’s it. You can now enjoy and share media from 200+ web services across your site.
The Tumblr support is one of my favorite features — simply entering the URL for a post will embed the content of that post. If it’s a photo, the photo is displayed; if it’s a video, you’ll see the video in its player, and so on.
On the Twitter end, Embedly’s Blackbird Pie implementation is a lot easier than any other method we have seen. The company even has basic support for Twitter Photos.
You can take a look at an example page I created using Embedly on one of my test blogs.
More About: embedly, embeds, oembed, tumblr, twitter, WordPress
For more Dev & Design coverage:
* Follow Mashable Dev & Design on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Dev & Design channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
50 New Digital Media Resources You May Have Missed
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 08:36 AM PDT
social media icons image
Mashable‘s back this week with another whopping list of tools and resources for your digital life.
This week we have stories about how to make a 3D video using YouTube, a look back at the history of WordPress and some great May roundups like the most shared stories on Mashable and the top 20 most shared ads.
Looking for even more social media resources? This guide appears every weekend, and you can check out all the lists-gone-by here any time.
Editors’ Picks
* Mitt Romney's Presidential Bid as Told by Social Media
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney announced his presidential bid at an event in New Hampshire on Thursday. Here’s what the event looked like from social networks.
* Why Web Personalization May Be Damaging Our World View
Web giants like Google and Facebook learn our preferences to provide a better experience, but they may only be serving up content we like, rather than content we need to see.
* HOW TO: Make a 3D YouTube Video With Two Cameras and Some Sticky Tape
Here’s a super-simple, step-by-step look at how to shoot and edit a three-dimensional video for YouTube.
* HOW TO: Make a Mini Movie Theater With Your iPhone
The MiLi Power Projector 2 offers iPhone owners a fun way to share video.
* Why Fashion Photographers Are Flocking to Instagram
It’s little wonder that Instagram, a leading iPhone application for stylizing and distributing photos on the iPhone, is quickly proving popular among street style photographers.
* 7 Ways to Build a Business Around WordPress
WordPress is the fastest growing CMS on the web. If you’re a WP guru, here are a few approaches to building a business around the popular platform.
* Top 5 Foursquare Mistakes Committed by Small Businesses
Here’s what not to do as you embark on your Foursquare marketing endeavors.
Social Media
* Why 2011 Is Mashable's Big Growth Year [VIDEO]
Mashable’s Pete Cashmore joined Bloomberg West’s Emily Chang this week to discuss the current Internet boom and why 2011 is Mashable’s big growth year.
* Happy Little Checkins: Bob Ross on Social Media [INFOGRAPHIC]
Ever wondered how Facebook might be portrayed by iconic painter/TV personality Bob Ross?
* Internet Drama [COMIC]
Here’s a show we’d watch.
* RIP Gil Scott-Heron: 5 YouTube Videos To Remember Him By
We’ve scoured YouTube and found 5 videos of Gil Scott-Heron’s work.
* This Week in Politics & Digital: The Online Influence Issue
Online influence is the golden fleece for politicians. This week we look at Pawlenty’s bid, Obama’s advisory appointments and media response feeds.
* Is There a Social Media Tech Bubble? [INFOGRAPHIC]
Valuations of social media companies are starting to remind us of 1999. But are they overvalued? See all the numbers in this infographic.
* 4 Ways To Support the Troops this Memorial Day
Help honor the troops this Memorial Day with these four online and social media initiatives.
* The Facebook Effect on Relationships [INFOGRAPHIC]
Facebook allows for social benefits & self-esteem boosts, but also enables stalking and jealousy. How does it effect your relationships?
* How Twitter Works as a Q&A App [INFOGRAPHIC]
Tons of fun — and valuable — facts about how Twitter is being used by average folks and businesses to ask and answer questions.
* The 25 Most-Shared Mashable Stories in May
Find out which Mashable news posts, features stories, infographics or opinion pieces garnered the most shares across social platforms.
* 5 Amazing Charity Ads Shown at Cannes [VIDEO]
Good Work, a new program that pairs cutting edge (re: awesome) creatives with non-profits, has teamed up with the 58th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity for a YouTube contest.
* HOW TO: Connect With Mashable Readers Offline [VIDEO]
Mashable Meetups are events organized by Mashable readers. They give our fans the opportunity to meet and discuss social media and technology offline.
* 3 Pressing Questions Facing the Future of Social Media
With the exponential growth of social media, the questions of relevancy, capacity and control should be top-of-mind for companies competing for the future of the web.
For more social media news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s social media channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
Tech & Mobile
* HANDS ON: Motorola Droid X2, Verizon's First Dual-Core Smartphone [PICS]
Mashable takes the Motorola Droid X2 out of the box, putting it to the test.
* A Look Back at Eight Years of WordPress
In just eight years, WordPress has evolved from a basic blogging tool into a powerful force in online publishing.
* 4 Fun Apps To Enhance Your Digital Lifestyle
We’ve curated a list of lifestyle applications for our uber-social readers to gain even more fulfillment from their digital activities.
* 6 Gadgets We're Playing With This Week
This week Mashable staffers got their hands dirty with Nike’s SportWatch GPS, the Logitech Alert Security System, Altec Lansing Orbit USB Stereo wireless speakers, Logitech’s HD Pro Webcam C910, and the GoFlex Satellite.
* 15 Fabulous Free Wallpapers for Your iPad [PICS]
Take a look through our gallery for a variety of iPad-friendly imagery ranging from stunning nature photographs to abstract computer-generated designs.
* 4 Free iPhone Apps for Making Home Movies
We've gone ahead and compiled a list of video-sharing/-creating apps to help you document this, the best summer of your life.
* Call of Duty Elite Adds Social Layer to Hit Gaming Series [PICS]
Video game company Activision has finally revealed Elite, a new social layer for its wildly popular Call of Duty games.
* Web Security: Why You Should Always Use HTTPS
Even if you’re on a secure public Wi-Fi network, other users with the password could intercept data between your browser and the websites you visit. Here’s why using HTTPS is so important.
* Unlocking the Value of the Checkin: What's Next for Location Apps
Are checkin cheaters diluting the value of location apps? A few startups are betting that consumers will flock to networks where their checkins have the most return.
* How One Impressive Mobile App Plans to Overcome Language Barriers
Just point your camera at text to see the translated words appear on your device’s screen in real-time, no Internet connection required. Is this app too good to be true?
* HOW TO: Add the +1 Button to Your WordPress Site
Here’s a guide for self-hosted WordPress.org users who want to enable and add the +1 button to their site and their blog posts.
* 10 iPhone Apps for Planning the Perfect Wedding
It’s wedding season! The following 10 apps are great for planning, managing, or just getting some wedding inspiration.
* Should You Build That Website You've Been Talking About? [FLOWCHART]
Do you have the skills, chops and the posse to build a killer site? This flowchart shows you the way.
* 6 Factors Behind the Mobile Photo Sharing Boom
Online photo sharing has been around for a while, but what’s made mobile apps like Hipstamatic and Instagram so wildly popular lately?
* How 7 Black Hat Hackers Landed Legit Jobs
Here are seven bad-guys-gone-good. Once criminal, these geniuses now use their hacking skills in corporate and academic life.
* Rumor Roundup: All About Apple's iCloud Streaming Service
There have been a lot of rumors flying around about iCloud, so we thought it prudent to gather them all together for your edification.
For more tech news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s tech channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
Business & Marketing
* Beyond Badges: 3 Smart Ways to Gamify Your Startup
Game mechanics are a great way to engage users, but it takes more than just slapping badges on your site or app. Here are three strategies for approaching “gamification.”
* HOW TO: Set Up an Online Resume
Here are our top tips for posting your resume to your website, video hubs, document-sharing websites and LinkedIn, along with some examples for each.
* 7 Stunning Augmented Reality Business Cards [VIDEOS]
A creative business card can help differentiate you from others. Here are some great examples on how to use augmented reality to stand out from the crowd.
* 4 Creative Ways to Reward Your Facebook Fans
You have a Facebook Page — here are four ways to help you more effectively engage with your fans and turn them into brand ambassadors.
* 4 Ways To Nurture Your Child's Entrepreneurial Spirit
The road to a “professional” job can be a lot less rocky than the career of an entrepreneur. It may be hard for parents to guide kids who want to take risks building the next big thing.
* 9 Viral Videos That Are Actually Advertising
It’s not cool to be seen trying to launch a viral video campaign — hence these stealth efforts.
* How to Decide Whether Your Business Needs an App [INFOGRAPHIC]
Do you need an app? Or do you just need a mobile website? Here are some stats to help you figure it out.
* How SCVNGR's First National Brand Partnership Scored Big During March Madness
Buffalo Wild Wings amassed 184,000 players of its SCVNGR game during March Madness. Here’s a look behind the scenes of this incredibly successful campaign.
* How JetBlue's Social Media Strategy Took Flight
Marty St. George, JetBlue’s senior vice president of marketing, explains his views on the airline that came of age in the social media era.
* 5 Key Shifts Happening Right Now in the World of Digital Marketing
David Jones, the global CEO of Havas and Euro RSCG, points to five specific trends in digital marketing.
* 4 Ways Video Conferencing Can Benefit Small Businesses
Web meetings are not just a good way to connect a far-flung team. They also cut costs and boost overall productivity.
* 8 Reasons Every Ecommerce Site Should Get Serious About Video
In the ruthless competition for online market share, producing web video can give you a significant edge.
* 3 Tips for Better Mobile SEO
Here are some high-level SEO strategies that brands can implement into their overall mobile efforts to ensure they are getting maximum visibility.
* Top 20 Most-Shared Video Ads This Month
Mashable and Unruly Media track the most-shared video ads for the month of May.
For more business news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s business channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
Image courtesy of Flickr, ansik
More About: business, facebook, Features Week In Review, gadgets, List, Lists, Mobile 2.0, social good, social media, tech, technology, twitter
For more Social Media coverage:
* Follow Mashable Social Media on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Social Media channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
You are subscribed to email updates from Mashable!
To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.
social media mashable trend
Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610
* The 3 Biggest Stories in Tech, Business & Social Media This Morning
* Mashable Weekend Recap: 20 Stories You Might Have Missed
* After Hacking Accusations, China Calls Google a Political Tool
* Kids’ Online Game Moshi Monsters Hits 50 Million Registered Users
* 10 Great Android Multiplayer Games
* This Week in Politics & Digital: Weinergate, Palin & Romney
* HOW TO: Parent a Digital Native [COMIC]
* 10 Chic Charging Stations [PICS]
* Motorola Droid 3 Videos Leaked
* Nintendo Wii 2 Touchscreen Controller Confirmed [REPORT]
* McDonald’s Gaming Billboard Gives Winners Free Food [VIDEO]
* What Apple Will Announce at WWDC 2011: 8 Predictions
* How To Embed Practically Anything On Your Blog or Website
* 50 New Digital Media Resources You May Have Missed
The 3 Biggest Stories in Tech, Business & Social Media This Morning
Posted: 06 Jun 2011 05:09 AM PDT
Social Media News
Welcome to this morning’s edition of "First To Know," a series in which we keep you in the know on what's happening in the digital world. We're keeping our eyes on three particular stories of interest today.
Syrian Internet Restored, Violent Footage Emerges
According to Google and Internet intelligence firm Renesys, Syrian Internet services are now operational again.
After Hacking Accusations, China Calls Google a "Political Tool"
People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, openly criticized Google after the company said that a recent Gmail phishing attack originated in China.
What Will Apple Announce at WWDC?
We already know Apple will unveil Mac OS X Lion, iOS 5 and iCloud at WWDC 2011 on Monday, but we think Steve Jobs has a few more things under his sleeve as well.
Further News
* One of Nintendo’s U.S. gaming servers was hacked “a few weeks ago,” Nintendo has admitted to The Telegraph.
* Right on the heels of the Motorola Droid X2 on Verizon release, three training videos for the Motorola Droid 3 have been leaked.
* Details about the Wii gaming console Nintendo plans to unveil at the E3 2011 conference in L.A. Tuesday have been surfaced by a reliable source.
Image courtesy of iStockphoto, DNY59
More About: first to know series
For more Tech & Gadgets coverage:
* Follow Mashable Tech & Gadgets on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Tech & Gadgets channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
Mashable Weekend Recap: 20 Stories You Might Have Missed
Posted: 06 Jun 2011 05:06 AM PDT
Summer’s almost here, and while many of you were already enjoying the fragrant and warm benefits of late spring, we Mashable weekenders were watching the digital world for you.
Despite its overall languid atmosphere, the weekend was lively online, with the run-up to the E3 gaming convention and Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference holding sway over the weekend’s news cycles.
Catch up with it all, right here:
News Essentials
What Apple Will Announce at WWDC 2011: 8 Predictions
Nintendo Wii 2 Touchscreen Controller Confirmed [REPORT]
This Week in Politics & Digital: Weinergate, Palin & Romney
Motorola Droid 3 Videos Leaked
McDonald's Gaming Billboard Gives Winners Free Food [VIDEO]
Syrian Internet Restored, Dramatic Footage Emerges [VIDEO]
Video Glasses Stream Everything You Do to Social Media Sites [VIDEO]
Helpful Resources
How To Embed Practically Anything On Your Blog or Website
50 New Digital Media Resources You May Have Missed
6 New Apps For Getting More Out of Foursquare
Top 10 Twitter Trends This Week [CHART]
Weekend Leisure
10 Great Android Multiplayer Games
Kids’ Online Game Moshi Monsters Hits 50 Million Registered Users
10 Chic Charging Stations [PICS]
HOW TO: Parent a Digital Native [COMIC]
4 Fresh Apps For Your Weekend Enjoyment
Video Preview of "iOS 5″ Makes the iPad Truly Magical
Exclusive Review: Two Elegant iPhone 4 Cases Have Carbon Fiber Backs [PICS]
5 Gadgets We're Playing With This Week
Social Media-Using Guys Are Lovin' The Fast Food [INFOGRAPHIC]
More About: Weekend recap
For more Social Media coverage:
* Follow Mashable Social Media on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Social Media channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
After Hacking Accusations, China Calls Google a Political Tool
Posted: 06 Jun 2011 03:29 AM PDT
People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, openly criticized Google after the company said a recent Gmail phishing attack originated in China, Reuters reports.
The attack originated from Jinan, China, and was pointed at, among others, Chinese political activists and senior U.S. government officials, Google said in a blog post. The Chinese government was quick to deny involvement in the attack, claiming that "allegations that the Chinese government supports hacking activities are completely unfounded and made with ulterior motives."
Now, People’s Daily took it a notch further, warning Google that such political games could ultimately hurt its business. “Google should not become overly embroiled in international political struggle, playing the role of a tool for political contention. … For when the international winds shift direction, it may become sacrificed to politics and will be spurned by the marketplace,” wrote People’s Daily overseas edition.
Google’s relations with China deteriorated in early 2010 when Google partly pulled out of the country over censorship concerns and a hacking attack on Gmail accounts of Chinese human rights activists.
Although Google was far more cautious this time around — it never directly accused the Chinese government of involvement in the attacks — the stern response from Chinese officials and media outlets foreshadows another meltdown in relations between the internet giant and the world’s most populous nation.
[via Reuters]
More About: china, Google, hack, hacking, politics
For more Tech & Gadgets coverage:
* Follow Mashable Tech & Gadgets on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Tech & Gadgets channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
Kids’ Online Game Moshi Monsters Hits 50 Million Registered Users
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 06:01 PM PDT
Two-year-old online game Moshi Monsters has just reached a sizable milestone: 50 million registered users.
Moshi Monsters is a social online game/community that allows kids 6 to 12 to adopt virtual pets, tool around a virtual land called Monstro City, play games to earn virtual currency and communicate with other kids in a moderated, safe environment. The franchise also includes toys (coming soon), books, video games, trading cards and a Moshi magazine. Moshi will also soon begin its foray into music, live tours, a TV platform and film.
Moshi, founded by London-based startup Mind Candy, also reports that it has more than 15 million registered users (out of the total 50 million) in North America. Apparently, the game gets one signup per second.
Fifty million is a pretty hefty community, but it makes sense considering the rise of the digital native we have been privy to lately. In October, a study conducted by Internet security firm AVG found that 92% of children in the U.S. have an online presence by the time they are two, compared to 73% in western Europe.
More About: Children, mind-candy, moshi-monsters, social media
For more Social Media coverage:
* Follow Mashable Social Media on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Social Media channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
10 Great Android Multiplayer Games
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 04:58 PM PDT
With the possible exception of Angry Birds, games are more fun when you can play them with others.
The Android Market is full of great game apps, and there are quite a few multiplayer games in that number, as well — far more than when we first wrote about Android multiplayer games a year ago.
Here’s a quick roundup of the best Android pass-and-play and cross-platform multiplayer games, including MMOPRGs, action games, casual games and the ever-popular Words With Friends.
In the comments, please let us know if we missed any of your favorites.
Pocket Legends
[Pocket Legends]
This mobile MMO has garnered plenty of critical acclaim, including a Mashable nod during the 2010 Mashable Awards last year. As with many MMORPGs, you'll chose a character, develop your abilities and skills, and do battle alongside other players in fantasy settings such as dungeons, mountains and swamps.Android Market
Parallel Kingdom
[Parallel Kingdom]
This game uses Google Maps and your actual location with a Zelda-reminiscent overlay to show players "the creatures lurking in your backyard and the mythical beasts that you pass everyday on your way to work." You can chat and plot with your fellow players to navigate the augmented reality around you.Android Market link
Raging Thunder
[Raging Thunder]
Are you ready for a cross-platform multiplayer racing game? Raging Thunder lets you play with up to three other people in an arcade-style setting.Android Market link
iMobsters
[iMobsters]
If mafia lore is your thing, you'll be entertained by iMobsters, an MMO game with mobster trappings. Players start as petty thieves, fighting with one another and recruiting new mobsters to rise through the ranks.Android Market link
Cestos
[Cestos]
Cestos is a real-time multiplayer game that pits you against other players all around the world in a marble battle royale. You can chat with other players, and the more you play, the most goodies -- including marble customizations -- you can unlock.Android Market link
ProjectINF
[ProjectINF]
This excellent MMORPG plays in real time and allows up to 24 players per game. Other features include customizable stats, multiple maps and game modes, and several character types.Android Market link
4 Player Reactor
[4 Player Reactor]
This pass-and-play -- or hold-and-play -- game lets you and up to three friends play together on the same device in a fast-paced battle of wits and reflexes. The app includes 20 individual game modes as well.Android Market link
Words With Friends
[Words With Friends]
Would a Scrabble by any other name play as sweet? Words With Friends proves that it would, indeed. Players find one another by username, and the in-game chat feature is a nice touch.Android Market link
Guerilla Bob
[Guerilla Bob]
This award-winning first-person shooter was first a hit on iOS devices and is now a cross-platform multiplayer game on Android, too. It features "an arsenal of kick-ass weaponry, unique enemies, explosive ammunition and non-stop humor."Android Market link
Dungeon Defenders
[Dungeon Defenders]
This action MMORPG features Unreal-powered graphics and a World of Warcraft aesthetic with tons of stats for players to nerd out over. Take on a Hero class and battle invaders with other players.Android Market link
Image courtesy of iStockphoto, duncan1890
More About: android, games, multiplayer
For more Mobile coverage:
* Follow Mashable Mobile on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Mobile channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
This Week in Politics & Digital: Weinergate, Palin & Romney
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 03:10 PM PDT
us flag tech image
Bit of a strange week for politics and digital. The week was characterized not so much by hard-hitting news but how politicians can manipulate — or lose control — of their social media presences.
U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D.-NY)’s Twitter account sent a Yfrog picture of a man’s (clothed) crotch to a female follower. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney announced his bid for president with a social boost. And former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin continued her cross-country bus tour/campaign rally that snubbed the press while honoring her social followers. As we said, strange week.
This weekly series picks out the week’s top stories in the intersection of digital technology and politics.
Weinergate
weiner imageOn May 27 a picture of a man’s underwear-clad groin was sent from Weiner’s Twitter account. The tweet, which also mentioned a young female journalism student, was quickly taken down but not before several online sources could grab the image and make it frontline news. Weiner claimed his account was hacked, later calling the photo a prank.
However, his cagey responses to the press as well as his refusal to completely deny that it is him in the image have left many to question whether Weiner is just trying to cover an embarrassing mistake. The adorably named “Weinergate” drama is starting to die off but is one out of many recent gaffes on political social media accounts. The Columbia Journalism Review summed it up with a best-of roundup.
Romney Announces Presidential Bid
romney image
Mitt Romney announced his presidential bid Thursday. While the former governor made the announcement the old-fashioned way, he has been an avid user of social media, including a YouTube video about his exploratory committee and a tweet that read: “Making it official next week at the Scamman Farm in New Hampshire.” You can find a breakdown of the bid as told by social media right here.
Palin’s Run-Around
palin bus image
Sarah Palin’s bus tour continues to blaze trails and snub the “lame-stream” media across battleground states and important American historical sites. The tour, which Palin calls a “family vacation,” has more than once been called an unofficial campaign tour. While Palin has granted a majority of the press nearly zero time for tough questions — The New York Times ran this headline: “Palin Talks to the Media, For Three Minutes” — the former governor of Alaska has been surprisingly open on her social networks. The website SarahPAC keeps a running blog of her many stops, posting news, commentary and multimedia. Palin’s official Twitter account has also been tweeting updates and links back to the blog posts so her fans can travel along.
Thumbnail image courtesy of iStockphoto, Pgiam, Weiner image courtesy of Flickr, TalkMediaNews
More About: Anthony Weiner, App, bus tour, Mitt Romney, politics, sarah pac, sarah palin, week in digital politics, weinergate
For more Social Media coverage:
* Follow Mashable Social Media on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Social Media channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
HOW TO: Parent a Digital Native [COMIC]
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 02:44 PM PDT
[Mashable Comics]
Mashable Comics are illustrated every week by Kiersten Essenpreis, a New York-based artist who draws and blogs at YouFail.com.
More Mashable Comics:
- Internet Drama
- The Earliest Social Network Ever Discovered
- The 19th Annual Internet Meme Convention
- Stand-Up Web Developers
- The Secret Social Media Lives of Goldfish
More About: comic, digital natives, family, Google, google street view, humor, mashable comics, parenting, video games
For more Social Media coverage:
* Follow Mashable Social Media on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Social Media channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
10 Chic Charging Stations [PICS]
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 02:36 PM PDT
Charging valets, or if you want to be a little less “Jeeves-and-Wooster” about it — charging stations — are a great way to stop your home from looking like a satellite branch of Best Buy.
As well as hiding cable clutter, they can get you organized in high style while saving you the trouble of hunting down your phone/iPod/camera/headset when you’re already running late in the morning.
We’ve found 10 classy charging stations for your consideration in a range of styles and at a variety of price points. If you’re in the market for some gadget management, we think you’ll find something to like in the photo gallery below.
1. Belkin Conserve Valet
[1. Belkin Conserve Valet]
Belkin's "Conserve" valet will juice up four of your gadgets while keeping your wires tidy. It gets its green credentials from the fact that it automatically shuts off power after devices are fully charged.
Cost: $39.99
2. Bluelounge The Sanctuary
[2. Bluelounge The Sanctuary ]
The "Sanctuary" universal charger is compatible with nearly 4,000 gizmos and gadgets, thanks to a variety of device connectors as well as a USB port. Available in a black, white and wood finish, your only worry will be where to put it.
Cost: From $129.95
3. Messless
[3. Messless]
The Messless solution offers more of a gadget showcase. It comes bundled with pop-in connectors for Nokia, PSP, mini USB and iPod. You can buy more to suit your personal array of gadgetry.
Cost: 49.90 Euros (approx $72)
4. Kikkerland Charging Station
[4. Kikkerland Charging Station]
Kikkerland's station is less high-tech than others on this list — it merely obscures the cables — but it's so fun we had to include it.
Cost: $30
5. IDAPT i4
[5. IDAPT i4]
With an interchangeable tip system, the i4 boasts three charging points and a USB port to keep your electronics happy. Better still, it's available in black, red, blue, pink, lime green, orange, white, gold and blue.
Cost: From £39.99 (approx $65)
6. Blu Dot Juice Box
[6. Blu Dot Juice Box]
The walnut Juice Box cunningly conceals your power strip, giving a classy, modern and clean-looking space to charge four gadgets.
Cost: $99
7. Powermat
[7. Powermat]
The Powermat takes us into the future with wire-free charging. If you're happy to encase your phone in a special Powermat receiver then you can charge your handsets by simply placing them on the station.
Cost: Varies. Sample price is from $109.97 for two iPhone 4s
8. Kangaroom Bamboo 3 Pod
[8. Kangaroom Bamboo 3 Pod]
Another box solution, the 3 Pod from Kangaroom will hide a 10-inch power strip and has three slots for a trio of gadgets.
Cost: $19.99
9. Bluelounge Refresh
[9. Bluelounge Refresh ]
Smaller than Bluelounge's Sanctuary station, the Refresh is perfect for your nightstand. Compatible with nearly 2,000 products, it's probably perfect for your gadgets too.
Cost: $89.95
10. Lessev Mobile Station
[10. Lessev Mobile Station]
Like futuristic Tupperware from the gods of design, the Lessev Mobile Station from Japanese designer Takafumi Nemoto offers a simple bowl-shaped solution to charger clutter.
Cost: $98
More About: accessories, Belkin, bluelounge, chargers, charging stations, charging valets, design, gadgets, gallery, List, Lists, office, Powermat, storage
For more Tech & Gadgets coverage:
* Follow Mashable Tech & Gadgets on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Tech & Gadgets channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
Motorola Droid 3 Videos Leaked
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 01:19 PM PDT
Right on the heels of the Motorola Droid X2 on Verizon release, now three training videos for the Motorola Droid 3 have been leaked. Get a good long look at it in this video that somehow found its way to YouTube.
Take a gander at its five-row slide-out keypad, 8-megapixel camera that implies 1080p video recording, and a rumored dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor like its predecessor the Droid X2.
The video is a tutorial to show Droid 3 owners how to use their new smartphones, but as you can see, it’s made clear that this is not the final version of its software.
As for the phone itself, it looks just as relatively design-free as the Droid X2, except now it’s even uglier, with a tacked-on keyboard hanging off the bottom. Well, even that awkward mashup is an improvement over the Droid X2, which in my opinion resembles a rubberized doorstop.
The video must have been released “accidentally on purpose,” or else we wouldn’t be able to watch it right now. Just in case, peek at that video above and the following couple of clips while you can, because maybe Motorola is not aware that they’ve been posted yet and could soon banish them from YouTube.
[via Engadget]
More About: android, leak, Motorola Droid 3, slide out keyboard, smartphone, video
For more Mobile coverage:
* Follow Mashable Mobile on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Mobile channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
Nintendo Wii 2 Touchscreen Controller Confirmed [REPORT]
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 12:11 PM PDT
Nintendo already announced it will roll out the next Wii gaming console at the E3 2011 conference in L.A. this week, and now a reliable source confirms much-rumored details of the new Wii’s unique controller, depicted in the graphic mockup above.
Japanese source Nikkei [registration required], which has correctly predicted numerous Nintendo rollouts in the past, confirms that the next Wii’s controller will have a touchscreen with a “size of about 6 inches.” Beyond that, the controller will have a camera on board, will give users tablet-like control of games and will be powered by a built-in rechargeable battery.
Nikkei says the next Wii could be released in mid-2012. Although it’s being called the Wii 2 across the blogosphere and beyond, Nintendo is still not saying what it has named its next gaming console, code-naming it “Project Café” and saying nothing more than it will be “the successor to the Wii.”
That touchscreen controller could be useful. Numerous sites such as IGN predict games will stream directly to that touchscreen, with the controller capable of being used as a wirelessly connected gaming system itself, or to control a game played on a larger screen, or both.
For instance, a six-inch touchscreen could be particularly handy when playing four-player split-screen games, or to allow different games to go to different screens throughout the house at the same time. And the camera? According to gaming site Andrisang, that could be used to take pictures of players for use as avatars, or for in-game videoconferencing.
This all seems plausible, but we won’t get all the official details until the Nintendo press conference at E3 at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at Noon EDT, 9 a.m. PDT.
Commenters, what do you think Nintendo will announce?
[Image courtesy IGN]
More About: e3, E3 2011, electronic entertainment Expo, Nintendo Wii 2, Project Café, Wii
For more Tech & Gadgets coverage:
* Follow Mashable Tech & Gadgets on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Tech & Gadgets channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
McDonald’s Gaming Billboard Gives Winners Free Food [VIDEO]
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 11:37 AM PDT
McDonald’s launched an interactive video billboard campaign in Sweden that lets users play a digital Pong game, with winners receiving free food at a nearby McDonald’s restaurant.
In a playful equivalent of making prospective customers sing for their supper, whoever can last 30 seconds in this simple game wins free grub.
The system’s designers wanted to make it as easy as possible to begin playing, requiring users to simply enter a URL in their mobile phone’s browser. As soon as the smartphone’s geolocation confirms the player is in the area, the game begins, with the player controlling the billboard’s Pong game with the smartphone’s touchscreen.
Even if you don’t like McDonald’s food, this could be a fun way to get yourself a free cup of the burger joint’s surprisingly good coffee.
We’ve heard of interactive video billboards using augmented reality, and even displaying tweets (with mixed results), but this combination of an interactive billboard game and free product rewards is something new. There’s no word about whether this creative advertising idea will spread beyond its Swedish roots.
How about it, commenters — have you seen anything like this before?
[via TNW]
More About: Billboard, coupon, game, interactive advertising, interactive billboard, location-based, McDonalds
For more Business & Marketing coverage:
* Follow Mashable Business & Marketing on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Business & Marketing channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
What Apple Will Announce at WWDC 2011: 8 Predictions
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 10:39 AM PDT
We already know Apple will unveil Mac OS X Lion, iOS 5 and iCloud at WWDC 2011 on Monday, thanks to Apple’s pre-announcement last week. But what new features can we expect Steve Jobs to unveil?
We’ve been tracking the rumors and chatting with our sources about Monday’s WWDC 2011 keynote. While Apple always has a surprise up its sleeve, we believe that we’ve pinned down some of the core features and updates Apple will announce.
We have eight predictions for what you can expect Apple to announce based on the data we’ve collected. While some are obvious (music streaming via iCloud), others are certainly going to surprise many (universal remote computer access). And there will definitely be more announced than the list we’ve compiled.
Here are our eight predictions for what Apple will announce at WWDC 2011:
1. iOS Widgets and Revamped Notifications
What exactly will iOS 5 do?
One rumor we’re inclined to believe focuses on revamped notifications and widgets. For years, Android has had widgets, a feature many iOS users have desperately wanted. And Apple’s Push Notification system, while groundbreaking when it was introduced, has been in need of a makeover for some time.
We don’t know what the widgets will look like, but we’re excited by the possibility of truly customizing our iPhones and iPads with them.
2. Siri & Nuance
In April 2010, Apple acquired Siri, an artificial intelligence technology that turns your iPhone into a personal assistant. Voice inquiries are quickly turned into mapping directions, restaurant reservations and movie reviews. The technology was born from the CALO project, the largest artificial intelligence project in U.S. history.
At the same time, Apple is rumored to be working on a licensing deal with Nuance, which provides some of the most powerful speech recognition technology on the market. Siri uses Nuance technology already.
With a deeper integration in iOS 5 though, Siri and Nuance could transform the iPhone from a mobile computer to a smart device with the capability to assisting you in almost any situation. Chat with your iPhone, and it comes back with the exact answer to your question or hooks you up with a list of sushi restaurants to visit on your next business trip.
It may not be long until you start talking to your phone like you would your best friend.
3. A Revamped AirPort/Time Capsule
When Apple stops shipping an existing product to its stores, creating a shortage, it’s often an indication that Apple is preparing to launch a new version of that product. And Apple’s wireless routers, the AirPort and the Time Capsule, have suddenly become a lot harder to find in stores.
There are plenty of reports that support this prediction. In fact, the big rumor is that the new AirPort and Time Capsule will run iOS. This would make them far more compatible with Mac OS X and iOS devices, opening up the possibility of cloud-based services, wireless syncing and more.
Bottom line: For Apple’s iCloud system to work properly, it’s going to need new wireless routers.
4. Universal Remote Computer Access
Imagine being able to open any MacBook in the world, typing in your Apple account credentials and suddenly being presented with your desktop, apps and all. Thanks to an updated version of Time Capsule and iCloud, this will probably become reality.
We’ve heard from multiple sources that Apple has been working on a solution like the one I described for a while, but Cult of Mac has described the purported remote access system in greater detail.
The Time Capsule will be the key to the entire system. Files saved to the Home Folder are automatically backed up to the Time Capsule, which are then accessible on any Apple computer in the world. Any changes you make from a remote computer are saved via iCloud to your Time Capsule and your computer.
We expect more to come, though. We’ve heard about a system where the apps you purchased can be downloaded on demand from any remote Apple computer you’re using to access your account. Imagine being able to seamlessly pull up your home version of iWork at your work computer.
5. Music Stream via iCloud
So much has been said about Apple’s new music streaming service that this prediction is a no-brainer. Check out our comprehensive roundup of iCloud music streaming rumors if you want all the juicy details.
6. Wireless Syncing
As we’ve explained before, Apple wants a world without wires, and the company will likely take the next step toward removing those pesky things from your home.
Currently, users have to connect their iPads or iPhones to a desktop computer to activate them. For a company that is betting on a post-PC world, the necessity of wires for syncing and activation must be killing them.
That won’t be true after WWDC 2011, though. Our bet is that Apple will finally unveil wireless sync, making it possible to sync your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch without the 30-pin connector. Instead, it will do it over the air. You won’t even need a computer for it to happen — we bet the Time Capsule will be all you need.
7. Deep Twitter, Facebook & Social Integration
Last week, Twitter unveiled a photo-sharing service that essentially makes TwitPic and other photo-uploading services obsolete. While that may seem unrelated to Apple iOS on the surface, the rumor is that Twitter rolled this feature out now because of iOS.
Essentially, Apple is making it possible to share content with your friends directly through integrations with Facebook, Twitter and potentially other social media services. We’ve heard that the Twitter integration goes deeper than that, though.
We’re not quite sure what that means, but our bet is that it has something to do with widgets and instant access to the Twitter stream. We’d be surprised if Facebook didn’t get the same treatment in iOS.
8. The Convergence of Mac OS X & iOS
I’ve left my Mac OS X Lion predictions for last because Apple’s already revealed a lot about its new Mac OS. In fact, Apple already has released a developer version, though we expect there will be many changes to Lion before its commercial debut.
We’re not expecting many jaw-dropping announcements about Mac OS X Lion (except for the launch date — don’t be surprised if it drops in mid-June), but all of its updates will make it look and feel like iOS. Launchpad looks like the iOS home screen, touch-based gestures are getting the spotlight and Lion will even get autocorrect, an iOS feature users both hate and love at the same time. Macworld has a great rundown of what to expect.
Apple thinks iOS is the future, and it’s updating Lion to be more like it. Don’t be surprised if the two OSes eventually converge and all of Apple’s products run on its mobile OS someday.
More About: apple, icloud, iOS, itunes, lion, mac os x, mac os x lion, Time Capsule, trending, wwdc, WWDC 2011
For more Tech & Gadgets coverage:
* Follow Mashable Tech & Gadgets on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Tech & Gadgets channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
How To Embed Practically Anything On Your Blog or Website
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 09:47 AM PDT
If you want the hands-down, easiest way to embed practically anything on your blog or website, have we got a tool for you!
The nature of the web is such that sharing and republishing content is common — and often even encouraged. The problem is, we increasingly store bits of our data on various services scattered across the web. Aggregating that content into one centralized personal hub can be time consuming — requiring user to manually copy text and links or upload files and photos — or fiddling with RSS feeds trying to make content automagically appear.
Twitter released a very cool tool to allow publishers to embed tweets in their blog posts, but the process is overly complex for most users, with plugins needed to streamline the process. Why can’t you just paste a link to a Twitter status in a blog post or webpage? It turns out, you can.
A Quick Introduction to oEmbed
A technology called oEmbed, in existence for a number of years, was built to solve the embeddable content problem. oEmbed is an open format, designed to let web publishers easily embed content such as photos, video, rich content — and automatically display other content by typing in a URL. Providers like YouTube, Hulu, Flickr and Vimeo all support oEmbed, meaning that pasting a URL for one of those services into a system with oEmbed support should allow users to quickly embed rich media.
WordPress, the world’s most popular CMS, has had basic oEmbed support since WordPress 2.9. Plugins for most other popular platforms exist, too. The problem is, keeping an updated list of the providers that support oEmbed and keeping libraries up to date isn’t a streamlined process.
Embedly: Secret Sauce to Web Embed Fun
In March, we wrote about the startup Embedly, which has developed a platform for converting URLs into embeddable content. Embedly is already in use by companies such as Storify, bit.ly and TweetDeck.
Embedly uses the oEmbed spec to add embed functionality to a growing list of services — 218 at the time of this writing — by interfacing just with the Embedly API.
When we first wrote about Embedly, our post focused on how third parties can use Embedly to provide rich-media previews in their own apps or to create their own embed targets. Embedly Pro also lets its users bring rich embeds to mobile users.
Still, the basic free Embedly service is extremely powerful. In fact, when paired with a content management system (CMS) such as WordPress, Drupal or Joomla, it makes embedding rich content a snap.
How to Use Embedly
Embedly has libraries available for a host of different client and server-side web languages, including jQuery, Python, Ruby and PHP. For users who don’t want to mess with writing their own tool, Embedly has built its own JavaScript tag and WordPress plugin. Community-developed plugins for Drupal and Joomla also exist.
Since the WordPress plugin was developed by Embedly itself (and we use WordPress at Mashable), here’s a brief overview of how easy it is to use Embedly to bring rich content to your website.
Install the Embedly Plugin
The first step is to download and install the Embedly plugin. Activate the plugin and you can select what services you want to enable from the Embedly menu in the WordPress dashboard.
Embedly frequently updates its service list, and you can run an “update services” command to get access to more libraries.
Paste URLs Into Your Posts
The next step is to simply enter a URL on its own line into your posts or web pages. Each service has slightly different parameters for how URLs should be entered, but in general, the base URL is all that is needed.
To embed a Twitter status update, for instance, you just need to enter in the URL to that update. The Embedly API page has the parameters for each service supported by Embedly.
Enjoy Rich Media Embeds
That’s it. You can now enjoy and share media from 200+ web services across your site.
The Tumblr support is one of my favorite features — simply entering the URL for a post will embed the content of that post. If it’s a photo, the photo is displayed; if it’s a video, you’ll see the video in its player, and so on.
On the Twitter end, Embedly’s Blackbird Pie implementation is a lot easier than any other method we have seen. The company even has basic support for Twitter Photos.
You can take a look at an example page I created using Embedly on one of my test blogs.
More About: embedly, embeds, oembed, tumblr, twitter, WordPress
For more Dev & Design coverage:
* Follow Mashable Dev & Design on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Dev & Design channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
50 New Digital Media Resources You May Have Missed
Posted: 05 Jun 2011 08:36 AM PDT
social media icons image
Mashable‘s back this week with another whopping list of tools and resources for your digital life.
This week we have stories about how to make a 3D video using YouTube, a look back at the history of WordPress and some great May roundups like the most shared stories on Mashable and the top 20 most shared ads.
Looking for even more social media resources? This guide appears every weekend, and you can check out all the lists-gone-by here any time.
Editors’ Picks
* Mitt Romney's Presidential Bid as Told by Social Media
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney announced his presidential bid at an event in New Hampshire on Thursday. Here’s what the event looked like from social networks.
* Why Web Personalization May Be Damaging Our World View
Web giants like Google and Facebook learn our preferences to provide a better experience, but they may only be serving up content we like, rather than content we need to see.
* HOW TO: Make a 3D YouTube Video With Two Cameras and Some Sticky Tape
Here’s a super-simple, step-by-step look at how to shoot and edit a three-dimensional video for YouTube.
* HOW TO: Make a Mini Movie Theater With Your iPhone
The MiLi Power Projector 2 offers iPhone owners a fun way to share video.
* Why Fashion Photographers Are Flocking to Instagram
It’s little wonder that Instagram, a leading iPhone application for stylizing and distributing photos on the iPhone, is quickly proving popular among street style photographers.
* 7 Ways to Build a Business Around WordPress
WordPress is the fastest growing CMS on the web. If you’re a WP guru, here are a few approaches to building a business around the popular platform.
* Top 5 Foursquare Mistakes Committed by Small Businesses
Here’s what not to do as you embark on your Foursquare marketing endeavors.
Social Media
* Why 2011 Is Mashable's Big Growth Year [VIDEO]
Mashable’s Pete Cashmore joined Bloomberg West’s Emily Chang this week to discuss the current Internet boom and why 2011 is Mashable’s big growth year.
* Happy Little Checkins: Bob Ross on Social Media [INFOGRAPHIC]
Ever wondered how Facebook might be portrayed by iconic painter/TV personality Bob Ross?
* Internet Drama [COMIC]
Here’s a show we’d watch.
* RIP Gil Scott-Heron: 5 YouTube Videos To Remember Him By
We’ve scoured YouTube and found 5 videos of Gil Scott-Heron’s work.
* This Week in Politics & Digital: The Online Influence Issue
Online influence is the golden fleece for politicians. This week we look at Pawlenty’s bid, Obama’s advisory appointments and media response feeds.
* Is There a Social Media Tech Bubble? [INFOGRAPHIC]
Valuations of social media companies are starting to remind us of 1999. But are they overvalued? See all the numbers in this infographic.
* 4 Ways To Support the Troops this Memorial Day
Help honor the troops this Memorial Day with these four online and social media initiatives.
* The Facebook Effect on Relationships [INFOGRAPHIC]
Facebook allows for social benefits & self-esteem boosts, but also enables stalking and jealousy. How does it effect your relationships?
* How Twitter Works as a Q&A App [INFOGRAPHIC]
Tons of fun — and valuable — facts about how Twitter is being used by average folks and businesses to ask and answer questions.
* The 25 Most-Shared Mashable Stories in May
Find out which Mashable news posts, features stories, infographics or opinion pieces garnered the most shares across social platforms.
* 5 Amazing Charity Ads Shown at Cannes [VIDEO]
Good Work, a new program that pairs cutting edge (re: awesome) creatives with non-profits, has teamed up with the 58th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity for a YouTube contest.
* HOW TO: Connect With Mashable Readers Offline [VIDEO]
Mashable Meetups are events organized by Mashable readers. They give our fans the opportunity to meet and discuss social media and technology offline.
* 3 Pressing Questions Facing the Future of Social Media
With the exponential growth of social media, the questions of relevancy, capacity and control should be top-of-mind for companies competing for the future of the web.
For more social media news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s social media channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
Tech & Mobile
* HANDS ON: Motorola Droid X2, Verizon's First Dual-Core Smartphone [PICS]
Mashable takes the Motorola Droid X2 out of the box, putting it to the test.
* A Look Back at Eight Years of WordPress
In just eight years, WordPress has evolved from a basic blogging tool into a powerful force in online publishing.
* 4 Fun Apps To Enhance Your Digital Lifestyle
We’ve curated a list of lifestyle applications for our uber-social readers to gain even more fulfillment from their digital activities.
* 6 Gadgets We're Playing With This Week
This week Mashable staffers got their hands dirty with Nike’s SportWatch GPS, the Logitech Alert Security System, Altec Lansing Orbit USB Stereo wireless speakers, Logitech’s HD Pro Webcam C910, and the GoFlex Satellite.
* 15 Fabulous Free Wallpapers for Your iPad [PICS]
Take a look through our gallery for a variety of iPad-friendly imagery ranging from stunning nature photographs to abstract computer-generated designs.
* 4 Free iPhone Apps for Making Home Movies
We've gone ahead and compiled a list of video-sharing/-creating apps to help you document this, the best summer of your life.
* Call of Duty Elite Adds Social Layer to Hit Gaming Series [PICS]
Video game company Activision has finally revealed Elite, a new social layer for its wildly popular Call of Duty games.
* Web Security: Why You Should Always Use HTTPS
Even if you’re on a secure public Wi-Fi network, other users with the password could intercept data between your browser and the websites you visit. Here’s why using HTTPS is so important.
* Unlocking the Value of the Checkin: What's Next for Location Apps
Are checkin cheaters diluting the value of location apps? A few startups are betting that consumers will flock to networks where their checkins have the most return.
* How One Impressive Mobile App Plans to Overcome Language Barriers
Just point your camera at text to see the translated words appear on your device’s screen in real-time, no Internet connection required. Is this app too good to be true?
* HOW TO: Add the +1 Button to Your WordPress Site
Here’s a guide for self-hosted WordPress.org users who want to enable and add the +1 button to their site and their blog posts.
* 10 iPhone Apps for Planning the Perfect Wedding
It’s wedding season! The following 10 apps are great for planning, managing, or just getting some wedding inspiration.
* Should You Build That Website You've Been Talking About? [FLOWCHART]
Do you have the skills, chops and the posse to build a killer site? This flowchart shows you the way.
* 6 Factors Behind the Mobile Photo Sharing Boom
Online photo sharing has been around for a while, but what’s made mobile apps like Hipstamatic and Instagram so wildly popular lately?
* How 7 Black Hat Hackers Landed Legit Jobs
Here are seven bad-guys-gone-good. Once criminal, these geniuses now use their hacking skills in corporate and academic life.
* Rumor Roundup: All About Apple's iCloud Streaming Service
There have been a lot of rumors flying around about iCloud, so we thought it prudent to gather them all together for your edification.
For more tech news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s tech channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
Business & Marketing
* Beyond Badges: 3 Smart Ways to Gamify Your Startup
Game mechanics are a great way to engage users, but it takes more than just slapping badges on your site or app. Here are three strategies for approaching “gamification.”
* HOW TO: Set Up an Online Resume
Here are our top tips for posting your resume to your website, video hubs, document-sharing websites and LinkedIn, along with some examples for each.
* 7 Stunning Augmented Reality Business Cards [VIDEOS]
A creative business card can help differentiate you from others. Here are some great examples on how to use augmented reality to stand out from the crowd.
* 4 Creative Ways to Reward Your Facebook Fans
You have a Facebook Page — here are four ways to help you more effectively engage with your fans and turn them into brand ambassadors.
* 4 Ways To Nurture Your Child's Entrepreneurial Spirit
The road to a “professional” job can be a lot less rocky than the career of an entrepreneur. It may be hard for parents to guide kids who want to take risks building the next big thing.
* 9 Viral Videos That Are Actually Advertising
It’s not cool to be seen trying to launch a viral video campaign — hence these stealth efforts.
* How to Decide Whether Your Business Needs an App [INFOGRAPHIC]
Do you need an app? Or do you just need a mobile website? Here are some stats to help you figure it out.
* How SCVNGR's First National Brand Partnership Scored Big During March Madness
Buffalo Wild Wings amassed 184,000 players of its SCVNGR game during March Madness. Here’s a look behind the scenes of this incredibly successful campaign.
* How JetBlue's Social Media Strategy Took Flight
Marty St. George, JetBlue’s senior vice president of marketing, explains his views on the airline that came of age in the social media era.
* 5 Key Shifts Happening Right Now in the World of Digital Marketing
David Jones, the global CEO of Havas and Euro RSCG, points to five specific trends in digital marketing.
* 4 Ways Video Conferencing Can Benefit Small Businesses
Web meetings are not just a good way to connect a far-flung team. They also cut costs and boost overall productivity.
* 8 Reasons Every Ecommerce Site Should Get Serious About Video
In the ruthless competition for online market share, producing web video can give you a significant edge.
* 3 Tips for Better Mobile SEO
Here are some high-level SEO strategies that brands can implement into their overall mobile efforts to ensure they are getting maximum visibility.
* Top 20 Most-Shared Video Ads This Month
Mashable and Unruly Media track the most-shared video ads for the month of May.
For more business news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s business channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
Image courtesy of Flickr, ansik
More About: business, facebook, Features Week In Review, gadgets, List, Lists, Mobile 2.0, social good, social media, tech, technology, twitter
For more Social Media coverage:
* Follow Mashable Social Media on Twitter
* Become a Fan on Facebook
* Subscribe to the Social Media channel
* Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
You are subscribed to email updates from Mashable!
To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.
social media mashable trend
Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610
No comments:
Post a Comment