Internet
WebM Video & Free Video Codecs
An open web where developers don’t have to potentially pay royalties is a good thing. Keeping things open and free when it comes to ensuring that everyone has the same thing on the web is important when you’re developing web applications. Knowing that everyone is going to have the same components, the same codecs, and the same fonts make the web a constant experience regardless of browser choice.
Google Collects Data On PUBLIC Wifi Networks
In a blog post late last week, Google admitted to collecting data sent across unprotected public wireless networks while collecting photos for their Street View feature on Google Maps. Naturally, this has caused a nice uproar from privacy advocates. Many have been asking for Google’s proverbial head on a platter for this outrageous injustice. Only problem is, their fingers are pointed at the wrong party.
Using Secure Passwords
This morning, this article about a Facebook board member’s account being breached inspired me to touch on passwords again. I’ve talked about secure passwords in the past, but on a daily basis I am confronted by people that talk about not wanting to use a more secure password because it “would be hard to remember” but then they will complain when their Facebook or Twitter accounts are hacked.
Status, Location, & Google Buzz
By now I’ve had the time to really mess with Google Buzz quite a bit. I have it importing most of my feeds, and I have made the occasional post to it. I have to say, I like the idea. Buzz is one part status updating (like Twitter or Facebook) and then it adds a location element underneath. As you post from places you can tie the post to a location, bring in some context on your note (at least on occasion).
FourSquare Wises Up, Now Useable
Since this change, FourSquare’s iPhone application has seen more use from me. It’s still not on my first iPhone screen (Gowalla’s not going away anytime soon), but it’s on my second and I have found the overall experience of FourSquare to be much more enjoyable then before. Gowalla still has a better overall user experience in my opinion, its more consistent.
Social Networks & Job Hunting
This really goes to show the power of social networks and having good followers. I would not have some of the opportunities if it wasn’t for my Twitter followers who retweeted my resume and LinkedIn links like wildfire yesterday. And on Facebook, I was given instructions for no less than 2 companies on how to apply and send my resume, from real people that I know. Not bots or spam people that can you deal with on places like Monster.
