Google sees profit in tracking users

Google doesn’t make much money from its Android phones, but chief executive Larry Page recently vowed in an earnings call that that was about to change. […]

The company said users who activate Android phones without signing into a Google account can make phone calls, browse the Web and use pre-installed applications. But they couldn’t use their Gmail, chat functions or download Angry Birds, Pandora or other applications from the Android Marketplace.

But Opsahl said that because Google account holders cannot opt out of the new policy, he fears that the company’s efforts to compile information about users won’t accommodate those who want to separate their personal and professional digital lives. […]

For owners of Android devices, which include about half of the smartphone market, Google’s privacy policy shift will enable the company to track what many users do on the phone and combine that data with what the company knows about them from Google’s Web sites.

I recently made this comment on Facebook:

They just scare me to death with their recent moves.. 1- they have the browser, 2- they have the search, 3- they have your email, calendar, social network, 4- they have your phone.

Elsewhere:

• ExtremeTech: “Google is FUBAR”

#google

Ubuntu Wants to Replace Menus with a HUD

Current menu-driven systems, says Ubuntu, require users to read too much, even though they already know what they want to do. They are hard to use from the keyboard (unless you already know an application’s shortcuts) and “force developers to make often arbitrary choices about the menu tree.”

The HUD concept allows users to simply say what they want to do and then do it. Thanks to fuzzy matching and its ability to learn and then prioritize commands you regularly use, this approach should give advanced users an advantage over the menu system.

Who doesn’t like talking to their computer? I bet this would go over real well in the cube farms.

#linux

Now that I’m done with sodared.com, it’s time to port the code to tcrbang.com so we can similar functionality over here.

I always got big plans.

#tcr

What It’s Really Like to Work at Google ~ LockerGnome

Drinking? While working? While you might crack a beer on your desk at 4 p.m. on a Friday, drinking is just part of the job at Google. The software engineer even revealed that “some managers even pressure their teams to drink.” Googlers also celebrate a “TGIF” every Friday, where even more booze flows freely. During these sessions, a New York Times best-selling author might speak, or Lady Gaga might perform, with Googlers filling the cafeterias of multiple buildings to listen and watch. Other times, it’s a very casual happy hour that often lasts late into the evening — all while never leaving the cozy confines of their home away from home. Luckily for these Googlers, the Mountain View campus is now starting to serve meals on weekends. (Hangover brunch, anyone?)

Ignoring the drinking part, family is far more important than a job/career. The latter comes and goes, the former is with you for life.

#google

A technical examination of SOPA and PROTECT IP (reddit blog)

As you have probably heard, there are two pieces of legislation currently pending that we, and others like us, believe seriously threaten the internet. I wanted to take some time to delve into the text of both of these bills, and outline their potential consequences as I am able to understand them. As you can imagine, this is a complex issue, and as a result this is going to be a complex post. I highly encourage you to set some time aside to read this thoroughly. Grab some caffeine, we are going to be here for a while.

As a disclaimer, I am not a lawyer, I’m a sysadmin. The following is not legal advice, but rather an outline and personal interpretation of critical portions of the legislation. If you own or operate a site that may be affected by this legislation, I suggest having your legal counsel look at these bills. If you’re a brand new startup with little to no money for legal counsel, well, best of luck to you. The internet may no longer be a friendly place.

It is a bit long but definitely worth the read.

If anything, just skip to the “In Conclusion” section.

PS: reddit has loads of good links, it’s in my top 5 favorite sites to visit.

Update:

The Oatmeal’s take on SOPA:

Google’s take on SOPA:

https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/sopa-pipa/

#internets

Make your own..

Learn more about the project..

#enchantments

#photos #maggie

Unicorn Poop!

Magically Delicious! Unicorns may manage their elusiveness but they left behind some fanciful evidence of their existence and I was able to recreate their leavings.

I keep thinking it’s a cup cake with rainbow frosting.

#unicorns

BREAKING: Darth Vader Tasered and Pepper Sprayed in Florida

So, long story short, Darth Vader was minding his own business being drunk and lying down in the middle of a public road when a lowly Trooper asked him to move and then TASERED and PEPPER SPRAYED HIM.

The writer stays in touch with his inner-Empire.

#starwars

When I’m late, traffic seems to move at its slowest.

And I find myself wondering, WHO’S THE F#CKIN B%TT PLUG IN FRONT HOLDING SH!T UP?

#trafficnews