Look out Mac Mini you have a new neighbor about to move in. The Shuttle KPC is a tiny little box with a heart of gold. While the barebones system isn’t going to blow everyone’s socks off, the price point of sub $200 certainly opens up the possibilities. Check inside for our review of the Shuttle KPC…

It sounds like Shuttle was being a little optimistic in January when it promised a $99 barebones PC and a $199 version with a full complement of internals and a Linux OS.

That said, the Shuttle KPC is still a decent deal, with the K45 barebones kit including quite a bit to be getting on with for $199, and the K4500 pre-configured system offering an Intel Celeron 430 processor, 512MB of RAM, an 80GB HDD and Foresight Linux pre-installed.

Other perks that are present even in the barebones kit include Intel GMA 950 graphics, gigabit Ethernet, 5.1 audio, WiFi and a decent bit of room to grow. Newegg should start selling the K45 this weekend, while Shuttle will be selling a user configurable K4500 soon.

Here’s a look at the full Shuttle KPC Specifications

Intel® Processors
Powered by an Intel® Celeron® processor (Intel® Core™2 Duo processor optional), the KPC has enough power to do more at once yet remains extremely energy-efficient.

Intel® GraphicsIntel® GMA 950
With an Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 (Intel® GMA 950), the KPC gets incredible visual quality and faster graphics performance without the need for a separate graphics card.

Hard Drive
Every KPC comes with an 80GB hard drive (user expandable up to 750GB), which is spacious enough for storing office documents and some of your favorite music, videos, and photos.

Internet
As an Internet ready cube, the KPC offers you one-step connection to the web – just plug it in and get surfing. Or, you can choose to add Wi-Fi (optional) to connect to the Internet wirelessly.

Software
Foresight Linux software package includes:

* OpenOffice.org office suite
* Firefox web browser
* Pidgin instant messenger
* Banshee music player
* Totem movie player
* F-Spot photo organizer
* Compiz for 3D desktop effects

Memory
Standard on the KPC is 512MB of memory (user expandable up to 2GB), which is perfect for everyday computer uses such as surfing the web, checking email, chatting, running office applications, enjoying music, and then some.

HD Audio
Get more than boring and basic stereo sound – the KPC gives you 5.1 channels of high definition quality, so your favorite music can sound its best without additional cost.

Operating SystemLinux Operating System
KPC comes with everyday applications ready loaded for convenience, and the added benefits of extra security and stability thanks to its Foresight Linux operating system. For those who prefer Windows, it’s possible to run Vista or XP on the KPC.

* Foresight Linux uses the new revolutionary Conary package management system
* Both 64 bit and 32bit Linux applications can be used together at the same time-(Conary Package Manager).
* Different language versions are available.
* Update process is very simple with the user friendly Update Button.

Considering the size this looks to be a very nice package from Shuttle. This may be a company to keep an eye on.

For a company like Apple that hates rumors, there sure seems to be a lot of rumors abound lately. This latest news comes with regards to a swiss Apple site posting information about a new Airport Express Information, this one sporting a speedy 802.11n classification. Read on to hear what we now about this device…

Update!! – This information is now official. the 802.11n Airport Express rumored over the weekend just became official. $99 takes the little iTunes streaming, pocket base station home to a draft-n network near you. Yes, today.

We had heard reliable reports that Apple will be launching a new version of their Airport Express next week, likely on Tuesday. Apple Retail stores should have stock of the new Airport Express by mid week. The new model will be priced at the same price as the current model ($99). Though details have not been confirmed, it appears the upgrade will most likely include support for 802.11n wireless networking.

MacGeneration points to an prematurely updated description at the Swiss Apple Store that describes 802.11n Wifi support.

The Airport Express currently supports 802.11b/g networking only. 802.11n offers greater performance, more range, and improved reliability over the older Wifi standards. Apple has been including 802.11n in their computers since early 2007.

The 802.11n Airport Express allows you to stream your music from iTunes, share a printer wirelessly, and share your internet. More details about Airport Express itself at Apple’s site.

As usual, there is no official word from Apple about this development. My guess is that swiss may not be so netural in Mr. Jobs next war!

[curt source]

Are you are in the market for a gaming keyboard and mouse? Well we have some sweet news for you. Get ready to pown your next opponent. The 9015H Cheetah Keyboard & Mouse combo is a force to be reackoned with. Have a look at our full review.

Behavior Tech Computer Corp (BTC), a leading keyboard and mouse manufacturer in Taiwan has launched the 9051H Cheetah Professional Gaming Keyboard and Mouse kit with high-tech gaming hardware specially designed for PC gamers. The Cheetah Gaming Keyboard features 17 individual keys specifically for gaming input commands.

The unique gaming keys on the BTC 9051H Cheetah are ergonomically designed and laid out on a gaming wheel for adjustable gaming positions. The keyboard features two sets of user customized commands configured in A and B memory modes, and can be setup for different games, or within the same game for different character controls.

The 9015H Cheetah Gaming Keyboard use patented multicolored backlight technology that can be enabled at the press of a hotkey. If the speed of key presses increase during intense gaming, the color of the backlight will gradually turn red. When the keyboard is left idle mode, the backlight of the keyboard will glow blue.

The Laser Gaming Mouse reigns supreme with a true 2000dpi Laser sensor, which enables movement speeds of 2 times that of a standard 800dpi optical sensor. In the meanwhile, 2000 dpi Gamer – Grade Laser Engine for enhanced tracking on a wider range of surfaces. The Cheetah Gaming Keyboard comes with 16KB on board memory for customizable profiles, convenient headphone and microphone jacks and two high speed USB 2.0 ports.

I’m not a big gamer (outside of my 360) and I’ve often wondered as a person that works at night, why there aren’t more back lit keyboards. So maybe the 9051H Cheetah has more use than the BTC has planned on.

[court source]

Can you hear me now? According to those nifty folks at the FCC a new LG phone (VX9700) has passed tests and is about to hit the market. This looks to be Verizon’s answer to the Apple iPhone. Have a look inside for the latest breaking news.

Documents on the FCC site, indicate that a new LG phone successfully passed the tests of the Commission. The LG VX9700 (VX means Verizon, doesn’t it?), is rumoured to be the variant of the manufacturer’s very popular PRADA phone. Similar to the Vu for AT&T, it won’t wear the fashion branding but will have large touch display in slim body. Verizon already offers LG touch phone, the Voyager, but it adds extra weight and size because of the clamshell design and full QWERTY.

Still, this information is not confirmed as the phone is not officially announced. Spy photos are also missing. Expect updates in the future.

- A reader commented that the VX9700 is scheduled for the end of the month, but it may delay to the middle of April.
- According to another of our sources, the camera is 3.2 mega pixels.
- The 3.2MP camera in the LG VX9700 uses a Schneider Kreuznach lens to provide higher quality pictures. On the left side of the phone is the microUSB port and on the right side is the microSDHC memory card slot. For text messaging, you can enter text by using T9 predictive, multi tap, or on-screen QWERTY.

Thanks to our source for providing us with an image of the Verizon VX9700 showing the Main Menu.

Keep in mind at this point this is all pretty much rumor and unconfirmed, but it sure is interesting!

[court phonearea]

Now entering the ring of wireless house audio network is uh, Logitech? Yes indeed Logitech’s new Squeezbox duet is taking square aim at Sonos, Rhapsody, Slacker, Sirius and more. Check out the review on the Logitech device for cnet.

The good: Network digital audio system includes excellent wireless remote with color screen and scroll wheel control; supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet home networks; compatible with virtually all non-DRM audio file formats, provides access to PC-based music files (on Windows, Mac, and Linux machines) as well as PC-free Internet radio, podcasts, and premium online music services including Rhapsody, Slacker, and Pandora; excellent online account integration; expandable to multiple rooms.

The bad: Minor improvements could make the already good interface even better; scroll wheel isn’t quite as responsive as the iPod’s; no compatibility with DRM music files such as those purchased from iTunes or Zune online stores; setup process could frustrate those who aren’t tech-savvy.

The bottom line: With its excellent iPod-like remote, the Logitech Squeezebox Duet is an ideal way to stream the full range of digital music–including files on your computer’s hard drive, premium subscription music services, and free Internet radio–to your living room stereo system.

Specs: Remote control type: Remote control;

If you have a cool $1G burning a hole in your pocket give this item a look.

[courtesy: cnet]

Described as the world’s smallest and lightest SLR available – today anyway – the Olympus E-420 is also noted for breaking the $500 barrier. Is this camera something you need to consider for your next purchase? Checkout our first review.

OLYMPUS E-420: WORLD’S SMALLEST AND LIGHTEST CONSUMER DIGITAL SLR DELIVERS ENHANCED AUTOFOCUS LIVE VIEW

Compact Size Makes It the Ultimate DSLR to Take Anywhere,
Next-Generation Live View Ensures It Performs Better When You Get There

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., March 5, 2008 – Olympus today announces the extremely portable E-420 – perfect for everyone who wants to step up to the power and performance of a digital SLR (single lens reflex) yet enjoy the ease of use and ability to compose images on the LCD common to point-and-shoot cameras. Weighing a mere 380 grams (13.4 ounces), the E-420 is 20 to 40 percent lighter than competing DSLRs. Good things come in this small package, including Live View, which enables users to hold the camera away from their faces and interact with their subjects – ideal when capturing photos of children, for example.

This lightweight 10-megapixel DSLR offers heavyweight technologies, including a bigger, more viewable 2.7-inch LCD and consumer-friendly fast On-Screen Autofocus, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Perfect Shot Preview to get the most out of the Live View experience. Additionally, when it comes to Live View, not all LCDs are created equal. At 2.7-inches, the portable E-420 LCD is large enough for users to compose and review images without squinting. The small camera’s LCD is not just larger, it is part of a camera with technologies intelligent enough to take advantage of the Live View photography experience. These innovative technologies include:

• On-Screen Autofocus works as seamlessly as a point-and-shoot to display subjects in focus on the LCD the instant the shutter is pressed half way;
• Face Detection Technology targets and locks on up to eight faces to ensure they are in focus and crystal clear for amazing portraits;
• New and Improved HyperCrystal II™ Technology delivers twice the contrast and better viewing in extreme lighting conditions, a broader range of color detail, and a wider angle of view on the LCD so you and your friends can see it up to 176 degrees off-center;
• Shadow Adjustment Technology captures detail in the bright areas of a frame and opens up detail in the shadows that other cameras would render too dark or underexposed; and
• Perfect Shot Preview enables you to view and select your favorite effect right on the LCD, and see how the image will look before you even capture it, so you know that what you see is what you get.

“The Olympus E-420 delivers the professional-grade image quality of a digital SLR with the simple operation of a point-and-shoot camera,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager – DSLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Thanks to the camera’s small size and lightweight body, users can take the E-420 everywhere, and they will never miss another shot because the of the camera’s straightforward controls. Additionally, our innovative technologies help consumers get more from Live View.”

World’s Smallest Digital SLR
A camera designed to be held away from the face lets you take great photographs without weighing you down. The E-420 is small enough to fit into a purse or a jacket pocket and light enough to shoot with comfortably all day. Measuring 5.1 inches by 3.6 inches by 2.1 inches (excluding protrusions), it is the world’s smallest digital SLR. And at a featherweight 13.4 ounces, only its predecessor (E-410) weighs less. The E-420′s new ergonomic grip on the front of the body allows for easier one-handed operation and ensures a secure hold in the most challenging shooting conditions.

One of the World’s Thinnest Lenses Meets the World’s Most Compact DSLR
The world’s smallest DSLR deserves a similarly compact lens, and Olympus has it: the ultra compact Zuiko 25mm f2.8 digital specific lens. This 0.9 inch-thick lens offers a fixed 50mm equivalent angle of view. Together with the E-420, the Zuiko 25mm f2.8 lens will offer the ultimate combination of ease of use and portability.

Photographers can also purchase the E-420 in a kit with a compact, Zuiko Digital 28-84mm equivalent (ED 14-42mm Four Thirds) f3.5-f5.6 lens that perfectly matches the imager so light strikes the sensor directly to ensure rich, accurate colors and edge-to-edge sharpness. Both lenses (Zuiko 25mm f2.8 and 28-84mm f3.5-f5.6) are part Olympus’ expanding line of 100 percent digital lenses – designed specifically for digital photography. Unlike other camera companies, Olympus does not rely on old film lenses, which often result in images with soft edges or other imperfections.

The Live View Experience
Olympus was the first to bring Live View to a consumer DSLR (the E-330 in 2006), and Live View has revolutionized DSLR photography. Anyone who has photographed young children knows that you get the best reactions when you hold the camera away from your face and maintain eye contact and an engaging smile. If you have tried to take photos high above the heads in a crowd or low near the ground, you will appreciate that it is easier to use a swivel LCD screen than to climb a ladder or lie on your stomach.

The E-420 solves these problems with its Live View LCD, which enables photographers to hold the camera away from their faces and at angles they just cannot reach by using the optical viewfinder alone. The E-420′s new Live View autofocus functionality now simplifies the process by working just like a point and shoot. By simply pressing the shutter button halfway, your subjects come into focus on the LCD, so when the perfect moment occurs it is easy to capture sharp images.

A viewable LCD is where a great Live View experience begins. Few things are more annoying for a photographer than squinting to see an image on an LCD screen in bright sunlight or a dimly lit room. The E-420 solves this problem with its large, bright 2.7-inch LCD display that incorporates new HyperCrystal II technology. This display offers twice the contrast for better viewing in extreme light conditions (i.e. when the sun is at your back), a broader color gamut that displays a greater range of color detail, and a 176-degree viewing angle.

Always Find a Face in the Crowd
A camera this consumer-friendly is perfect for taking portraits of friends and family while out and about. The E-420′s Face Detection feature distinguishes between people’s faces and the background. It tracks up to eight faces within the image area and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures. Even if your subjects are moving, the camera continuously tracks their faces.

Bright Day or Deep Shadow, Never Miss a Detail
Shooting scenes with shadows can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas. The E-420 addresses this challenge with Shadow Adjustment Technology that compensates for extreme contrast when shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. Now users can preview and capture images with the same fine contrast they see with their own eyes.

Preview All the Possibilities
With 18 pre-set scene-select modes for every imaginable shooting scenario and full manual controls, the E-420 offers a world of possibilities to photographers. Additionally, Perfect Shot Preview enables users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live, multi-window screen on the LCD before snapping the shot. This feature shows photographers what their images will look like beforehand under various settings, ensuring that they capture exactly what they want. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as exposure compensation, white balance and metering.

Enlarge Your Photos
Capturing, enlarging and displaying amazing images on your wall is a snap thanks to the E-420′s 10 million pixels for high-resolution photos. The 10-megapixel sensor gives users the flexibility to enlarge prints to the sizes supported by many of today’s printers, or crop the image to print only a part of the image that is important to them. The high-performance Live MOS image sensor in the E-420 delivers excellent dynamic range for accurate color fidelity and a new state-of-the-art amplifier circuit dramatically reduces noise and captures fine image details in the highlight and shadow areas.

Improved Auto White Balance
Many digital SLR users want to focus their attention on things other than white balance while they are on the move. As a result, the E-420 features an improved automatic white balance performance with a new algorithm for more accurate color.

TruePic III for Image Clarity & Speed
Olympus’ TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible for every photo with accurate color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal representation in between. TruePic III also lowers image noise by one step to reduce graininess in images shot at higher ISO settings, enabling great results in low-light situations.

Worried about missing the winning goal at the soccer game? The image processor on the E-420 enables it to shoot up to 3.5 frames per second in sequenced shooting mode, which means that photographers will be able to capture fast-paced action as it happens.

Dust Reduction System for Spot-Free Images
Life moves too fast to spend time worrying about dust ruining your images. Olympus’ proven Dust Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter™. The patented ultrasonic technology vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor and captures it on a special adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on. These spot-free photos liberate users from hours spent retouching photographs at the computer or sending their cameras back to the manufacturer to remove dust trapped inside.

Media Versatility
Accepting both CompactFlash Type I & II, Microdrives, and xD-Picture Cards, the E-420 provides a choice of data storage options for enhanced flexibility, and it is possible to transfer image files from one card to the other right inside the camera.

Wireless Flash Capability
If you decide to venture into the arena of advanced lighting, the E-420 is ready to meet the challenge. The E-420 is compatible with the Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R wireless electronic flashes that are designed exclusively for digital photography. When these flashes are used in combination with the E-420, wireless multi-flash photography is possible. The E-420 can control up to three wireless flash groups independently, with several flash units per group.

Expect the camera to hit the street sometime in May 2008 at the $499 price point. I can see the lineups now

Hands broken? or Perhaps you are looking for a weird thing to show your friends.. other than that I’m not of the use for a foot mouse. But still I guess there is a market for any alternative mouse device. Personally I think I’d end of smashing this thing on the first day. Here is our inside look…

In addition to its wide applications in ergonomics, rehab, assistive technology, clean room (lab), dirty room (car repair), cyber room (video game), etc, FOOTIME foot mouse is especially useful for audio/video/movie editor, animator, graphic designer, architect, composer, arranger, product designer (CAD, etc), CT scanner, software programmer or any intensive computer user.

It’s more than a mouse. It’s a smart mouse (programable). A mouse with brain! It’s your stepping-stone to peak performance!

Why a foot mouse?

1) Efficiency Booster (Time Saver):

Shortcuts or hotkeys are frequently used during designing and editing, forcing 2 or 3 fingers to dance around awkwardly and eyes to move back and forth between monitor and keyboard. This eye-hand coordination kills time and causes stress. Another situation is: When doing these jobs, most pros’ hands are constantly occupied in juggling multiple input devices such as “hand” mouse, keyboard, input pen, or other devices on desk. What a nerve-wracking manoeuvre! Overloaded! Short-handed, literally! Speed limit: 2 hands. But their feet are left unused. That doesn’t make sense. It’s time to change! There was an unspoken, ignored (or hidden), and unmet need for pros everyday. We identified it and got the right answer: A foot-controlled mouse with programmable buttons (shortcuts) can significantly speed up workflow by adding another input (without adding the work of hand). It reduces repetitive hand/eye movement between hand input devices. Our foot mouse simply gives you a hand! (It’s like a ShuttlePro or SpaceExplorer for foot!) Need a hand (help)? Use your feet.

2) Pain Reliever (Hand/Arm Saver):

Hate that weak, piercing or numb feeling in your hands and arms? We feel your pain and got the solution for you. (The pain could be in neck, shoulders or back as well.) This epidemic known as carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive strain injury is mostly caused by longtime and intensive use of various hand-controlled input devices, music instruments or other tools. It hurts people’s body, mood and work. Using our foot mouse, especially its mouse click buttons, can greatly reduce the stress and protect the nerves and tendons of hand and wrist. (Frequent finger tapping is the root of the pain.) When working with some on-screen keyboard software, our mouse even enables people to do typing by foot! Now, nothing can stop you from enjoying your computer. Speed up, stress down. No pain, more gain. Give your hands a break and put your happy feet to work!

Computer and Internet can bring us great benefit and fun, but at the same time they can cause unpleasant pain in our upper limbs. The reality is that most of us can not live without them now. Therefore, it’s imperative to improve the efficiency of input and ease the stress faced by millions of people everyday. With the clever combination of regular mouse, partial keyboard and foot control, our foot mouse provides people with an effective solution and meets the needs of Internet age. So you can benefit more and suffer less in your daily computing and online surfing. Enjoy!
(How to mouse with our mouse? See detail in the lower part of the right column and picture below. Also, see testimonials at the bottom.)

Can feet really handle it?

When hand is in trouble or busy, foot is the natural and best alternative. But some people may question the feasibility of foot control. Basically, their misconception comes from two sources: first, distrust or bias against their feet; second, the failure or limitation of other pedals, switches or foot mice on the market. The following explanation helps clear up these people’s doubt and resistance.

If you can drive a car, you sure can drive our foot mouse. Why? Because they have one thing in common: foot-controlled pedal. Your feet are smarter than you may think. And our ergonomic design makes the foot work effortless.

Isn’t is amazing that people can handle multiple car pedals ( for gas, break and clutch) skillfully by foot without even looking at them? Our foot mouse is like a cyber car, which can take you to anywhere in cyber space, by foot. The point is: Don’t underestimate the potential of your feet.

Another good example is that some physically challenged people can use their feet to do almost everything including eating, dressing, writing and painting. Their inspiring stories are the best proofs showing the rest of us how sensitive and adaptive human feet can be. The more you use your feet, the more efficient they become.

A little practice is all that it should take to enable a user to operate our foot mouse efficiently and comfortably. Let your powerful feet help your vulnerable hands.

Some users prefer to use our smart foot mouse in conjunction with hand mouse for quick hand pointing and painless foot clicking plus various one-step shortcuts. That’s fine. Just choose the way that works best for you.

To most people, foot mouse may never replace hand mouse completely, but it certainly improves the situation by sharing the workload of hand. The goal is: Minimize pain, maximize gain!

For pros, the real power of our groundbreaking foot mouse lies in its programmable shortcut buttons. User can define up to 10 shortcuts for each program! And each button replaces 2-finger or 3-finger controlled hotkeys with 1-step foot controlled buttons. This change enables user to speed up computer workflow significantly and relieve hand/wrist pain greatly by reducing repetitive hand/eye movement. Go ask pros how many times they have to hit hotkeys with mutiple fingers each day–frame by frame, page by page, beat by beat… It’s not hard to see the direct result of using Footime foot mouse: Productivity goes up, pain goes down!

By now, we hope you fully understand why there are good reasons for using Footime foot mouse. It’s not a new gadget for a few hobbyists. We have successfully solved some serious problems with a new approach. It’s a serious product for serious users. It makes other half-baked foot input devices on the market obsolete. Once you try it, you’ll love it as many others do. Come on, get your first foot experience.

So, keep your mind open. Upgrade your gear. Be a Footime (not a part-time) worker/player, before getting stress or getting worse. And stop abusing your hands, now!

Don’t walk – run to get this device, because using a hand mouse is so 2008.

[bilia.com]

Buzz Buzz Bizz Bizz, oh what a headset it is. This entry into the bluetooth headset market is an intriguing one indead. This is the first headset to offer storage.. Storage you say? Indeed .. read on..

We brought you news of this when it was unveiled at CES, but now Bluetrek has announced the launch of the “BIZZ” in the UK.

Described as “unique”, its the world’s first headset to offer you storage as well as the hands-free functionality you’d expect.

This device acts a headset while you talk on the phone and can be quickly transformed into a flash memory device “at a second’s notice”.

The headset side of things offers up to 6 hours talk time and runs for up to 10 days on standby, and because of the USB 2.0 angle, offers charging via USB port rather than mains.

The inclusion of the USB port is rather interesting and it certainly makes updating and movement a whole lot more easier

The BIZZ weighs in at 10 grams – including the ear hook – four of which in varying sizes are supplied and which it can be worn with or without.

Rather than flash memory, the storage capacity is provided via microSD card, supporting capacities up to 8GB.

The BIZZ will go on sale in the UK for a smidgen under £40. Which given the fall of the US$ will put it around $1000 dollars when it lands stateside .. ok maybe more around $75 – $80.

[courtesy: Mobilitysite]

The love-hate relationship of the Mac OSX Dashboard. Whether it’s the best option or not for Mac thanks to Yahoo Widget system isn’t the question today. Today it’s: Is there a simple way to stop the dashboard if I don’t want it? The answer is Yes – and even better it’s freeee!

The Mac OS X Dashboard is a boon to many and a bane to some. Some of us reference the Dashboard many times a day, while others never use it, and wish that they could just turn it off completely.

Wish granted.

DashQuit is a lightweight Dashboard widget that will allow you to quit Dashboard with one simple click (does anyone catch the irony here?). It comes both in a Tiger and Leopard flavor.

Oh the irony .. to kill the dashboard you need a dashboard widget to do it!

Once installed, DashQuit will reside quietly in your Dashboard. Its default display is a reading of how much memory is being consumed by your various widgets. We were surprised to find that the widgets on our test machine were sucking up 83 MB of RAM.

If you wish to close Dashboard, hit the big stop button (hint: it’s the only one on the widget). You will be prompted to confirm the close (which you can turn on or off in the preferences). Once confirmed, Dashboard disappears. If you want it back at anytime, simply call up Dashboard using the normal, default methods.

As a free program only for MacOS X you cannot go wrong… Grab it now.

[courtesy: DS]

Since being forced into action thanks to the hostile takeover attempt by Microsoft, Yahoo! has come out swinging with new product developments and ideas. Digg clones have become the norm around the internet, and Yahoo has been known over the years to uh, steal other people’s ideas. So maybe Microsoft is more like Yahoo than we think, lol!

Yahoo! Buzz is now in public beta. Buzz is similar to Digg in that it lets users promote/demote (“Buzz”) content to the top of the metaphoric hive. However, currently only publishers involved in the beta can have content submitted to the site, which makes Buzz (much) more restricted than Digg.

Yahoo says that they have “members of their team” choose promoted stories to appear on the Yahoo homepage, but they do not choose what appears on the Buzz site. Like Digg, Buzz uses an algorithm to determine a story’s “Buzz Score” based on number of votes, number of times the story is shared, and the number of search results for the story’s subject matter.

I haven’t been able to get into the private Beta yet [ hey anyone at Yahoo reading this? ] so I can’t comment on the guts of adding in some stories.

If you want to start Buzz-ing, you’ll need a Yahoo account. Then, like Digg, click the voting button next to the story to promote a story. Oddly you can also submit stories directly to other social news sites (including Digg). You won’t yet be able to view your voting history, and Buzz lacks “community features” like seeing what your friends have Buzz-ed. Oh, and you can’t comment on stories on the Buzz site.

This to me feels like Yahoo wanted to do Digg, but didn’t want to either a) Buy Digg or b) Get sued by Digg .. I’m surprised that they didn’t just pony up and by Rose’s company, as it’s been on the block for awhile now…

So if you want a featureless Digg clone with stories coming only from a specific set of sources, then try Buzz now! But hey, it’s still in beta.

[courtesy: download squad]