OpenOffice updated to version 3.2
OpenOffice.org, the powerful, free productivity suite, has updated today to version 3.2, adding a plethora of new features, and fixes.
Although I will not go into all the new features, OpenOffice has a bountiful page with all the updates. You can view that here: OpenOffice.org 3.2 New Features.
To download OpenOffice for the first time, or to update, please download it here: OpenOffice.org v3.2.0 at AfterDawn
TV shows to cost $1 for iPad owners through iTunes?
The Financial Times is reporting today that Apple has negotiated with content providers to sell standard definition TV shows for $1 an episode, 50 percent cheaper than usual, when the iPad launches.
High definition media will likely remain the same price, although that is still unclear.
It is also unclear what shows will cost $1, and how widespread the availability of the episodes are.
Additionally, the same report is saying that Apple has so far not given up on the idea of an iTunes subscription model, which would cost $30-a-month for unlimited TV episodes.
Google buys social search company Aardvark
Google has announced the acquisition of Aardvark, the Internet search and social networking started by former Google employees. Neither company would release the financials of the deal, but it appears to be at least $50 million.
The move should help Google compete better with Twitter, and the move comes just one day after Buzz was released, adding social networking features to Google Gmail accounts.
Reuters says Aardvark “has pioneered a new type of Internet search dubbed “social search.” Instead of looking at Web pages to find answers to search queries, Aardvark’s service taps a person’s network of social contacts.”
The acquisition is Google’s sixth purchase since September, but one of its smallest.
Android 2.1 headed to Motorola DROID this week
Motorola has announced via Facebook that DROID users will soon be receiving on over-the-air update for Android 2.1, making the phone the second to have the latest firmware, after the Google Nexus One.
It is unclear what will come with the update, but many are speculating that increased multi-touch support is coming along with API changes.
Says the post: “Motorola: Hi all– we know you are frustrated with the lack of details regarding Android software upgrades and we sincerely apologize for not being able to share info sooner. We’re happy to relay the 2.1 upgrade to DROID will start to roll out this week, and we will have more information to share on other device upgrades later …this week as well. Thanks for your patience and continued support.”
Xbox ‘Halo 2′ fans to have one last battle on April 14th
Last week Microsoft announced that it was shutting down the Xbox Live service for the original Xbox console starting in April, effectively killing all online play for the orphaned console, as well as for Xbox games that can be played on the Xbox 360.
Bungie, the developer behind the Halo series, says it is saddened that gamers will no longer be able to play Halo 2 online.
“We’re all saddened at the realisation that an era is coming to an end but looking back, we’re incredibly fortunate to have had such a great run and such strong support from our fans,” says Bungie. “Halo 2 has been at or near the top of the Xbox Live charts for original games since it launched over five years ago. We’re extremely thankful to everyone who has played, enjoyed and supported Halo 2 over Xbox Live. We’ve had some great fun together, including far too many humpday losses to even recount.”
With that being said, Bungie is inviting all current and former Halo 2 players to have one last battle on April 14th, the last day before the servers go down.
“Mark your calendars now - on April 14th let’s all rally to go online for one last hoorah. One final farewell and one final opportunity for all of you to kick our asses at Halo 2.”
Android market share continues to grow at fast pace
According to the latest figures from research firm comScore, the Android mobile OS continued to take market share at a fast pace, jumping from 2.5 percent in September to 5.2 percent in December.
On the other hand, RIM, Microsoft and Palm all lost share.
The Apple iPhone gained share as well, jumping from 24.1 percent in September to 25.3 percent in December.
Despite losing share, RIM remained atop the smartphone market share with 41 percent.
Google starts ‘Buzz’ social networking service
Google has introduced their own social networking service, dubbed Google Buzz, which will allow Gmail users to share status updates, photos, videos and more. Buzz will be a direct competition to Facebook and Twitter.
In response, Facebook announced today that FB Chat will be integrated into the AIM instant messaging service, which currently has 17 million users. There are 400 million Facebook accounts, as of this week.
There are currently 176 million Gmail users, and Buzz will create a “circle of friends” right from launch that is a group of people in which you communicate the most with through Gtalk or Gmail.
Buzz allows for status updates like Facebook, photo sharing from Picasa and Flickr, video sharing from YouTube, and Twitter messages.
The service is available for mobile phones as well at buzz.google.com.
Pre-release pirate to pay $1.5 million in damages
James Burt of Queensland, Australia has agreed to pay Nintendo $1.5 million in damages as compensation for lost revenue caused when Burt uploaded a game before its official release date.
Burt made New Super Mario Bros. for Wii available online in early November, one week before its official Australian street date. As is the case in most countries, distributing games without permission is illegal and carries a hefty fine.
Rather than head to court, Burt and Nintendo settled and came to the $1.5 million figure, which also includes $100,000 to pay for Nintendo’s legal fees.
“Nintendo will pursue those who attempt to jeopardise our industry by using all means available to it under the law,” says the company.
Adds Nintendo Australia managing director Rose Lappin: “It wasn’t just an Australian issue, it was a global issue. There was thousands and thousands of downloads, at a major cost to us and the industry really. It’s not just about us. It’s about retailers and if they can’t sell the games then they have to bear the costs associated with that. Once it’s on the internet it’s anyone’s really.”
Video Daily: Google to launch ultra fast broadband
Google has announced that it will begin building an ultra fast broadband network to service up to 500,000 customers around the United States, with speeds advertised at about 100 times the current average speed for broadband connections.
The company will use fiber optic lines, and the entire network will be an experiment. The experiment is whether it can sell more Web ads, if it encourages citizens to be on the Internet more. Although the move would put the company in direct competition with Verizon, Time Warner, Comcast and others, a move to a standalone broadband business seems unlikely for the search giant.
Google says to: “Imagine sitting in a rural health clinic, streaming three-dimensional medical imaging over the web and discussing a unique condition with a specialist in New York. Or downloading a high-definition, full-length feature film in less than five minutes. Or collaborating with classmates around the world while watching live 3-D video of a university lecture.”
Motorola explains DROID Android 2.1 update
Yesterday, Motorola noted that the long-anticipated Android 2.1 update was headed to the DROID smartphone sometime this week.
Today, they have detailed the update, with Droid users getting many of the top updates that were heralded on the Google Nexus One.
Multi-touch will be available for the browser, Google Maps and the photo gallery. Voice recognition is added, allowing for speech-to-text.
3D Gallery is added for photos, video and album art display, including a 3D stack that moves when the phone is tilted. Additionally, a new News and Weather app widget is added to the homescreen allowing for easy and customizable forecasts and headlines.
Battery life is expected to be improved as well.
