Pages

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Control Your PC with Your Voice

You've been talking to (or screaming at) your Windows PC for years, but unless you were willing to shell out hundreds of dollars on pricey software, chances are it wasn't listening to a word you were saying. With Microsoft's new freeware tool, Windows Speech Recognition Macros, the days of you talking into your computer's unsympathetic ear are over. Not only is it listening, but it's up to the task of doing whatever you want it to.
It all may look a little tedious at times—and it can be—but honestly, the more you use it, the quicker it gets at recognizing what you want and the easier it becomes to issue commands. You may also want to check out the advanced mousing features, which, though not terribly practical, are very cool.
A while back, we covered how to make OS X's speech recognition tool do heavy lifting on a Mac, and it was impressive in and of itself. Windows users will be happy to know that WSR Macros is much better than the Mac's default speech recognition tool, featuring advanced dictation and control functionality previously not available without a significant cash commitment. Vista gets a lot of guff from users, but every now and then it pulls out an impressive feature that could convince you to choose Vista instead of XP.

Getting Started with WSR Macros

Assuming you're running a WGA-validated copy of Vista, you can head to the WSR Macros Technical Preview page to download and install the latest version.
Control Your PC with Your VoiceThe first time you run the app, you'll need to set up your microphone (you will, of course, need a microphone). I tried WSR Macros with a dedicated headset and my webcam's built-in mic, and although both worked, unsurprisingly, the dedicated headset performed much better.
Control Your PC with Your Voice

The installation wizard will also ask you if you want it to spy on your email and documents to learn new words and improve its performance with your vocabulary. This sounds a bit creepy, but the software doesn't send any of this information back to Microsoft, so it might be worth a go. I opted to teach it rather than let it learn on its own. (I'm not about to let SkyNet in my house!)
Control Your PC with Your Voice

Once you finish the installation, I highly recommend running through the WSR Macros tutorial. It steps you through all the basics and familiarizes you with common commands, and despite a 1998-era vibe that only Microsoft can pull off in 2008, it's worth your time—if only to teach WSR how you speak.

Basic Commands

To give you a better idea of how WSR Macros works, check out some of the most basic and useful commands below.
  • Start listening/Stop listening: You don't want WSR Macros to constantly listen to and try to interpret everything you're saying all the time, so avoid the extra tax on your system by toggling WSR Macros. Say "Start listening" whenever you want to start with voice commands, and "Stop listening" when you're finished.
  • What can I say? When you're getting started with WSR Macros, it's easy to forget what commands you can use to tell it what to do. The easiest and quickest way to find out is just to ask. Saying "What can I do?" will launch WSR Macros' help window with a table of both common and not-so-common commands.
  • Open X/Close X: WSR Macros indexes all of the programs in your start menu, so next time you want to open Firefox, you can say just that: "Open Firefox." WSR Macros will take care of the rest. Likewise, you can close applications in the same way—just say "Close Firefox" instead.
  • Say what you see: No, you won't ever literally say, "Say what you see." Instead, try saying words you can see in the active window. For example, browsing in Internet Explorer with WSR Macros is really impressive. See a link you want to visit? Read the link text. Want to navigate the File menu? Just say "File" to open the dropdown, and say any command therein.
  • Show numbers: Whether you're looking at a screen full of links, buttons, or documents, you can also access any of them without words by simply saying "Show numbers." WSR Macros will overlay numbers over every control in the window, and you can pick one by saying the number and then confirming your choice by saying, "OK."
  • Say what you want to type: When you're dictating, just say what you want to type. It's not always perfect, but the more you use it, the more accurate it gets. You also need to speak your punctuation, so you'll need to, for example, say "period" at the end of every sentence.
  • Switch to/Minimize X: Whether you want to switch, minimize, or maximize windows, just say the words and it'll be done. You can also perform an action on the currently active window by saying "Minimize this."

Doing More with WSR Macros

WSR Macros has huge potential for emphasizing the macros element, and you can create advanced macros on-the-fly—like a text replacement macro that replaces a command like "my address" with your actual address. Unfortunately, the macros wizard was nowhere to be found in the version of WSR Macros that I downloaded. Then again, the Speech Macros folder—in which these macros are supposed to be saved—had been created in My Documents, so I'm not sure what's missing. Chalk that one up to the "Technical Preview."

I've just begun getting good with WSR Macros, and I'm already hooked. Whether you've been using it longer or you've already dug into some must-have features, let's hear you experience with WSR Macros in the comments.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Angry Birds Space for iOS, Android, Mac, and PC Announced

Rovio Entertainment announced the launch of Angry Birds Space, available now for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android devices. Angry Birds Space’s Mac and PC, with PC retail copies to follow shortly. Angry Birds Space marks the first integrated entertainment launch for Rovio, with merchandise, animation and books available in retail at the same time as the game.
From floating through space in zero gravity, to using the gravity of nearby planets to set up spectacular trick shots, Angry Birds Space takes the gameplay that fans already know and love to a totally new level. With brand new birds, brand new superpowers, and a whole galaxy to explore, the sky is no longer the limit!

Angry Birds Space features 60 interstellar levels, with regular free updates in the pipeline. Even more content is available through in-app purchase, starting first with the iOS version. Included in the game are many hidden goodies, secret levels and cool space content. Gameplay has been thoroughly optimized for all platforms, including full Retina display support on the new iPad.
Angry Birds Space is available for $0.99 from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch, and Angry Birds Space HD is available for $2.99 from the App Store on iPad. Both are also available. Angry Birds Space for the Mac is available for $4.99 from the Mac App Store. Angry Birds Space is available for Android devices for free with advertising. Ad-free versions of Angry Birds Space will also be available on Android for $0.99, and an HD version for Android tablets for $2.99.
Angry Birds Space for Android (Free with ad)
Angry Birds Space for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad ($0.99)

Secret Notes – Free Software that Keep Your Ideas Psecret-notes-free-software-that-keep-your-ideas-private-and-safe

Secret Notes is free software that keeps your ideas private and safe. It has password protection and industry-grade encryption that no one will ever know what’s on your mind. It is easy and safe way to create and store all your thoughts and sensitive info.
Download Secret Notes

Google Chrome Becoming the Most Popular Web Browser – StatCounter

According to the latest Global Stats from StatCounter, Google Chrome is fast approaching the most popular Web browser worldwide. Last week, Google Chrome surpassed Microsoft Internet Explorer for the first time with 32.76 percent market share, while Internet Explorer dipped to 31.94 percent. Currently both are having a difference of less than a percentage in market share.
Source: StatCounter Global Stats – Browser Market Share

StatCounter is a free, online visitor stats tool. The StatCounter Global Stats are based on aggregate data collected by StatCounter on a sample exceeding 15 billion pageviews per month collected from across the StatCounter network of more than 3 million websites.
Last year, Internet Explorer was leading the web browser market share with 43 percent, followed by Mozilla Firefox with 29 percent, and Chrome at the third position with 19 percent.
Even though Chrome is now leading worldwide, Internet Explorer still leads in the USA with 37 percent, while Chrome is only 23 percent, followed by Mozilla Firefox 22 percent.

Opera Mini 7 for Android Released

Opera Mini web browser for Android version 7 is released today, it is available in the Google Play store (earlier Android Market). Opera Mini currently has over 160 million users all over the world.
The Opera Mini 7 claims to provide faster browsing and makes panning around sites smoother, thanks to the newly added OpenGLES hardware acceleration. The number of Speed Dial buttons on the browser home screen is now unlimited.
The browser now has the Exit button, the absence of which has been annoying me. Opera Mini reduces data costs by up to 90% with a unique compression technology.
Opera Mini 7
Opera Mini 7 now provides better Tab management. The browser now provides user interface for searching for text within a page (Find-in-page UI). The latest version supports RTL (right-to-left) text support in UI for Arabic and Hebrew.
You may also check out Opera Mobile, the premium experience when on Wi-Fi or wireless broadband. Wondering what is the difference between Opera Mini and Opera Mobile?
Download Opera Mini for Android.

Sony Charges Into Smartphone Scene With Xperia Ion

The Ion is the first Sony Xperia smartphone to arrive since the company officially divorced its handset division from Ericsson earlier this year. The Ion features 4G, a large touchscreen and the Android OS. However, the Xperia Ion "resembles a lot of other Android smartphones -- it still taps into the Android Market and taps into the same Android UI," IDC's Ramon Llamas remarked.
Sony (NYSE: SNE) has launched its first Xperia smartphone since buying out Ericsson in February. The Xperia Ion is a 4G LTE device that will be available from AT&T (NYSE: T) June 24 for US$100 with a two-year agreement.
The Sony Xperia Ion
The Sony Xperia Ion
The Ion has a 4.6-inch 1080p HD Reality Display powered by Sony's Mobile Bravia Engine and can be hooked up to a TV set or a Sony SmartWatch.
It can also download music and movies from the Sony Entertainment Network, and it's PlayStation certified.
"It's about time," Ramon Llamas, a senior research analyst at IDC, told TechNewsWorld. "The Ion is going to be a high-end device, really cool, really slick, launching in the United States, which is one of the most competitive markets in the world. If they can make it here, they can make it anywhere."

The Ion's Specs

The Xperia Ion has a 12 MP rear-facing camera with 16x digital zoom, autofocus and an LED flash. As in other Xperia smartphones, this camera's equipped with an Exmor R sensor that lets it capture HD video in low light. The Exmor R is a back-illuminated CMOS active pixel image sensor made by Sony that's claimed to be twice as sensitive as standard front-illuminated sensors.
The device also has a 1.3 MP 720p HD chat camera. Its capacitive touchscreen is scratch-resistant and shatter-proof, and the Ion has an on-screen keyboard.
Preloaded applications are Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) Voice Search; Google Talk with video chat; Google Mail, Calendar and Maps; Twitter and Facebook (Nasdaq: FB).
The Xperia Ion supports HDMI and is DLNA certified. It supports Bluetooth and WiFi and supports up to five WiFi devices through its tethering feature. It also has various business capabilities including syncing with Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) Exchange Server.

The AT&T Experience

AT&T customers will get to try the premium version of Sony Music Unlimited, which gives them access to songs and movies, free for 30 days.
AT&T also offers the SmartTags service as a separate fee-based option. This uses near-field communications -- the same technology used in Google Wallet -- to store device preferences for various locations and situations, such as opening and controlling volume on the music player, turning on GPS and Bluetooth in the car, or turning on the alarm.
AT&T representative Melissa Simoncini told TechNewsWorld that tethering will be available on the Xperia Ion.
However, "tethering or serving as a WiFi hotspot has become another expected smartphone feature, so I'm not putting too much weight on that one," IDC's Llamas stated.
It's possible that other carriers will also get new Sony Xperia handsets -- both Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile have offered products in that line previously, Llamas said.

Ion Flux

Despite its tie-ins to entertainment and the Sony SmartWatch, the Xperia Ion "resembles a lot of other Android smartphones -- it still taps into the Android Market and taps into the same Android UI," IDC's Llamas remarked.
Sony is trying to position itself as a musical entertainment hub, and "one thing Sony does have going for it is that it has a deep library of, and deep background in, consumer electronics products and services," Llamas said. "We all know about Cybershot [cameras], we all know about the Walkman, we all know Sony has a huge music and movie library."
However, the company's attempt to shape the perception of the Xperia Ion as an entertainment device might not quite work. "The trouble with that is, if you ask the man in the street to name you five movies or five musicians on Sony, I don't think they can," Llamas pointed out. "I don't think that story has been completely crystallized yet." Further, "you can talk about HDMI, the SmartWatch, but what Sony needs to do is go to market with a strong compelling device."
Sony did not respond to our request for further details.

How To Hack A Facebook Account Password Without Downloading Anything


This advanced program will help you to hack facebook password of any account. All you need to know is their email address and you’ll be able to gain access to the users account. This program is to be used to recover and change your own facebook accounts password, to help a friend recover theirs with their permission, or for parents to keep an eye on their children’s accounts. If you use the hack facebook password  program for any purposes besides this, you are responsible for your own actions.



With that being said, the program hack facebook password is fairly simple to use. In the first text box you will insert the email address for the account or if you’re unable to figure that out, you can input the profile id which is usually like a 9 digit number sequence but can often be word or words set by the profile owner. You can find this number by looking at the URL when you visit the program.

After you’ve got the first text box filled, set the password in the next two boxes. I’m well aware that you could simply use the program again in order to change the password if you didn’t input it correctly; however, to make it a more practical program you’ll need to verify that you typed it correctly. Finally, hit the "change" button. This will begin the process of logging you in and changing the password. When it has completed the task, you will be notified with a message box informing you it has completed and that you can now log in.

Use the Hack Facebook Password program responsibly. You are responsible for your own actions. Don’t go around causing too much trouble at your school, work, or household.

Download

Download it here!

Scissor doors

Scissor doors (also beetle-wing doors, jack-knife doors, switchblade doors, Lamborghini doors , and Lambo doors) are automobile doors that rotate vertically at a fixed hinge at the front of the door, rather than outwardly as with a conventional door.

The first vehicle to feature scissor doors was the 1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo concept car, designed by Bertone's Marcello Gandini. The door style was dictated by Gandini's desire for an innovative design, and by his concern over the car's extremely poor rear visibility. In order to reverse the car, the driver would be able to lift the door and lean his upper body out of the hatch in order to see behind the car. The first production car to feature the doors was a Lamborghini, Gandini's Countach; the sports car's wide chassis created similar problems to those found on the Carabo, calling for the unusual door configuration. The doors were used on the Countach's successor, the Diablo, on its replacement, the Murciélago, and on a low-production run derivative of the Murciélago called the Reventón.[2] Having used the exotic door style for several of its cars, the Italian manufacturer has become synonymous with the implementation of scissor doors, which are sometimes colloquially referred to as "Lambo doors"



Advantages

  • Offers the possibility of operating the car with the door open, in a manner that would be difficult or impossible in a car with conventional doors.
  • Because the doors stay within the car's track throughout their range of movement, they are useful when parking in tight spaces. A gullwing door style offers similar visibility, but the doors swing out from the car's area slightly.
  • The hinge is placed in a similar location to a conventional door, so a convertible version of the car is possible with the same door style.
  • Reduces the dooring hazard to cyclists.
 

Blogroll

About

Blog Archive