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Oracle’s suit against Google for the use of Java in its Android portable operating system continues to reverberate through the open-source movement. In the newest development, Google has declined to participate in the upcoming JavaOne conference, an event formerly hosted by Java creator Sun Microsystems and now run by Sun’s new owner, Oracle.

Joshua Bloch of Google’s Open Source Programs Office, in a posting Friday on the company’s open-source blog, wrote that Google wished it could attend, “but Oracle’s recent lawsuit against Google and open source has made it impossible for us to freely share our thoughts about the future of Java and open source generally.” Bloch noted that the company had attended every JavaOne event since 2004.

Talks Between Google and Sun

Some observers are raising the possibility that, if the suit continues, Java may split into different versions, most notably a Google-branded version designed to avoid legal obstacles.

Others have warned that the battle could have unforeseen consequences for open-source software, which has found a home in many corporations. According to some estimates, as much as 75 percent of open-source software usage is inside corporations.

Oracle is viewed as trying to get as much leverage and revenue as possible from its Sun acquisition earlier this year.

In 2006, Sun made Java open source, hoping to increase its usage on the web and in data centers. When Google started developing its software platform for mobile devices, it founded the Open Handset Alliance and created Android on a Java path that it says diverged from Sun’s.

Google and Sun held talks over the last three years about remaining legal issues, but no agreement was reached. Reportedly, Sun chose not to sue Google over Java because Sun’s then-CEO Jonathan Schwartz was championing open source, including the use of an open-source version of the company’s Solaris operating… Read more

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After months of lag between supply and demand, Apple has begun shipping all six versions of its iPad tablet computer within 24 hours of purchase. Apple’s online store now features the 16-gigabyte, 32-gigabyte and 64-gigabyte iPads in both the Wi-Fi-only incarnation and Wi-Fi with 3G without delay, and with free standard shipping. Don’t expect a rush, though. There’s no option for expedited delivery.

The iPad ranges in price from $499 to $829, depending on storage size and features, and the 3G version requires a data plan.

Fueled by a strong media buzz, Apple sold 300,000 iPads at launch on April 3 and has faced supply problems ever since, pushing back the dates for the 3G version and international release. Orders have been filled in seven to 10 business days.

The groundbreaking device with a 9.7-inch screen and no keyboard, essentially a marriage between an iPod and an e-reader, was so rarely seen except in media reports that Saturday Night Live’s Seth Meyers, in his Weekend Update fake newscast, quipped that the device ushered in “a new era of thousands of people buying something just to find out what it does.”

Still Popular

In a July earnings call with investors, Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook said the company sold one million iPads in 28 days and 3.3 million in the second quarter. But he conceded the company underestimated demand, saying “we’re increasing capacity as quickly as we can.”

Altimeter Group analyst Michael Gartenberg noted that while late summer is not typically a time of strong device sales, there’s every indication that iPad orders are as brisk as ever.

“At this particular point we’re not seeing demand slowdown,” Gartenberg said. “Production has caught up with demand. We are only going to see demand increase as we head into Q4 as people do their holiday shopping.”

A new iPad is… Details

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Canon has unveiled the EOS 60D mid-level DSLR, replacing the EOS 50D. However, following the launch of the EOS 7D, the 60D has been repositioned in the market, so isn’t a simple upgrade to its predecessor. Instead the 60D is a smaller camera featuring an articulated screen and plastic body shell and utilizing SD memory cards.

With the new Canon EOS 60D, Canon gives the photo enthusiast a powerful tool fostering creativity, with better image quality, more advanced features and automatic and in-camera technologies for ease-of-use. It features an improved APS-C sized 18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor for tremendous images, a new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for finer detail and excellent color reproduction, and improved ISO capabilities from 100 – 6400 (expandable to 12800) for uncompromised shooting even in the dimmest situations. The new Multi-control Dial enables users to conveniently operate menus and enter settings with a simple touch. The EOS 60D also features an EOS first: A Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (1,040,000 dots) monitor for easy low- or high-angle viewing. An improved viewfinder, a number of new in-camera creative options and filters, plus HDMI output for viewing images on an HDTV all make the EOS 60D invaluable for the evolving photographer. With continuously curved surfaces, user-friendliness and exuding solidity and refinement, the Canon EOS 60D is true digital inspiration!

Features

• 18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor for high image quality and speed.
• ISO 100 – 6400 (expandable to 12800) for shooting from bright to dim light. Improved EOS HD Video mode with manual exposure control, expanded recording, Movie Crop recording in 640 x 480, sound recording level adjustment and an external microphone IN terminal for access to improved sound quality.
• Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor for shooting at low angles and 1,040,000-dot VGA with reflection reduction using multi coating and high-transparency materials for bright and clear viewing.
• 5.3 fps continuous shooting up to approx. 58 Large/JPEGs and 16 RAW.
• 96% viewfinder coverage allowing you to see more of your image in the viewfinder.
• Enhanced iFCL 63-zone, Dual-layer metering system; and 9-point AF system utilizing a high-precision, f/2.8 cross-type center point.
• New convenient in-camera features allow you to convert RAW images into JPEGs and set the images to a 3:2 aspect ratio.
• Compatibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.
• Compatible with the full line of Canon EF and EF-S lenses.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Future versions of Apple’s iPhone may come equipped with the smartphone version of a LoJack car-recovery system, a patent application filed by the computer giant suggests. The application details a system that can take photos of an unauthorized user, pinpoint his or her location, or even detect the user’s heartbeat patterns after the phone owner reports it lost or stolen.

The technology, which can also be applied to Wi-Fi-equipped iPods and iPads, could notify Apple or the user if the SIM card is removed or if multiple failed log-ins occur.

The Aug. 19 application drew notice in the tech media for its reference to jailbreaking — the process of owners modifying an iPhone to run applications not approved by Apple — as one of the red flags triggering remote action. But while the system might alert Apple if an iPhone has been jailbroken, there’s not much the company can do about it.

The Library of Congress ruled last month that, despite Apple’s protests, “Computer programs that enable wireless telephone handsets to execute software applications” are exempt from the prohibition against circumventing technological measures that control access to copyrighted works.

That’s as long as the modification is “for the sole purpose of enabling interoperability of such applications, when they have been lawfully obtained, with computer programs on the telephone handset.” So the process is legal, although it voids Apple’s warranty.

Remote Wipe

Previous tracking solutions for wayward iPhones have involved apps that continuously transmit the iPhone’s data via GPS — which only work if the program is running in the background — and one that sends tweets with the phone’s coordinates to a Twitter account. But neither enables remote locking or deletion of data.

Apple used a remote wipe to deactivate a prototype of the iPhone 4 that was lost in a California bar and ended up in… Details

Popularity: 2% [?]

The media buzz around Facebook’s new geolocation Places feature didn’t even die down before the social-networking giant fueled the fire. Facebook acquired a startup called Hot Potato last week that could add some beef to Places.

Launched last November, Hot Potato helped stir the social-networking world’s appetite for socializing around activities and live events. With some users complaining that Facebook’s Places feature is a boring takeoff on competitor Foursquare, Hot Potato may heat up a so-far bland service.

Places lets Facebook’s 500 million members share their locations by “checking in” to that place — whether it’s a movie theater, a restaurant, or a Starbucks — to let friends know where they are. They can also see if friends have been there recently or are nearby. But you can’t be the mayor like you can in Foursquare.

A Places Soft Launch?

“Facebook wanted to create a foundation upon which they could build, so it’s not surprising that they are acquiring this company that can add functions to Places,” said Brad Shimmin, an analyst at Current Analysis. “Facebook has learned from past mistakes that if they are too aggressive with the launch of a new product, they can run into opposition.”

As Shimmin sees it, Facebook’s Places launch was a tentative first step designed to get the geotagging service into users’ hands and give them an opportunity to get familiar with the concept without running into a major backlash from privacy advocates.

“Unfortunately, there are some aspects of how Facebook rolled out Places that could cause trouble,” Shimmin said. “Opting everyone in and not providing a really clear mechanism for opting out could be a problem, and they didn’t make it very easy to disallow people from checking you in.”

“At least they’ve allowed you to take yourself off the grid if you want to, but you… Details

Popularity: 1% [?]

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Lost: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray]
Starring: Naveen Andrews, Nestor Carbonell Director: Adam Davidson, Alan Taylor Format: Blu-ray
(83)
Release Date: August 24, 2010

Buy new: $279.99 $194.99
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(Ranking is updated hourly. Visit the Hot New Releases in Movies & TV list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.) More info

Product Description
Watch the entire epic story of Lost – the series that redefined television – from its phenomenal opening scene to its magnificent final moment. Uncover the secrets of what caused Oceanic 815 to crash, what ultimately drew the passengers together, and relive their incredible journey as they battle to rewrite their own fate. Experience a landmark in the history of entertainment with Lost: The Complete Collection, featuring every episode of all six seasons and includes one full disc of never-before-seen bonus with over two hours of content exclusive to the complete collection. Television doesn’t get any better than this.

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Popularity: 1% [?]

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David Busch’s Canon EOS 7D Guide to Digital SLR Photography
by David D. Busch
(3)
Publication Date: July 26, 2010

Buy new: $29.99 $19.79
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(Ranking is updated hourly. Visit the Hot New Releases in Photography list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.) Read more

Technical Details
- ISBN13: 9781435456914
- Condition: New
- Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Product Description
Welcome to the Canon EOS 7D, Canon’s new digital SLR that is loaded with professional features at an affordable price. DAVID BUSCH’S CANON EOS 7D GUIDE TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY shows readers how to make the most of their camera’s robust feature set, including 18 megapixel resolution, blazing fast automatic focus, the real-time preview system Live View, and full HD movie-making capabilities, to take outstanding photos and videos. They’ll learn how, when, and, most importantly, why to use all the cool features and functions of their camera to take eye-popping photographs. Introductory chapters will help them get comfortable with the basics of their camera before you dive right into exploring creative ways to apply the Canon EOS 7D’s exposure modes, focus controls, and electronic flash options. This book is chock full of hands-on tips for choosing lenses, flash units, and software products to use with their new camera. Beautiful, full-color images illustrate where the essential buttons and dials are, so they’ll quickly learn how to their Canon EOS 7D, and use it well.

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Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera
by Bryan Peterson
(3)
Release Date: August 10, 2010

Buy new: $25.99 $17.15
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(Ranking is updated hourly. Visit the Hot New Releases in Photography list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.) Details

Technical Details
- ISBN13: 9780817439392
- Condition: New
- Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Product Description

With more than 350,000 copies sold, Understanding Exposure has demystified the complex concepts of exposure for countless photographers. Now updated with current technologies, more than one hundred new images, and an all-new chapter, this new edition will inspire you more than ever to free yourself from “auto” and create the pictures you truly want.

In his trademark easy-to-understand style, author Bryan Peterson explains the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, including how to achieve successful exposures in seemingly difficult situations. You’ll learn:

• Which aperture gives you the greatest contrast and sharpness, and when to use it 
• Which apertures guarantee the background remains an out-of-focus tone 
• Which one aperture—when combined with the right lens—creates an area of sharpness from three feet to infinity 
• How to creatively use shutter speed to either freeze an action or imply motion 
• Where to take a meter reading when shooting a sunset, snow, or a city at dusk

With new information on white balance, flash, HDR, and more, this updated classic will inspire you to stop guessing and take control of your settings for better photos anytime, anywhere, and with any camera.

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Popularity: 1% [?]

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The Adobe Photoshop CS5 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter)
by Scott Kelby
(4)
Publication Date: August 8, 2010

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(Ranking is updated hourly. Visit the Hot New Releases in Photography list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.) More info

Product Description
Are you ready for an amazing new version of The Photoshop Book that breaks all the rules?

Scott Kelby, Editor and Publisher of Photoshop User magazine—and the best-selling Photoshop author in the world today—once again takes this book to a whole new level as he uncovers more of the latest, most important, and most useful new Adobe Photoshop CS5 techniques for digital photographers.

This major update to his award-winning, record-breaking book does something for digital photographers that’s never been done before—it cuts through the bull and shows you exactly “how to do it.” It’s not a bunch of theory; it doesn’t challenge you to come up with your own settings or figure it out on your own. Instead, Scott shows you step by step the exact techniques used by today’s cutting-edge digital photographers, and best of all, he shows you flat-out exactly which settings to use, when to use them, and why. That’s why the previous editions of this book are widely used as the official study guide in photography courses at colleges and universities around the world.

Learn how the pros do it
Each year, Scott trains thousands of professional photographers how to use Photoshop, and almost without exception they have the same questions, the same problems, and the same challenges—and that’s exactly what he covers in this book. You’ll learn:

• The sharpening techniques the pros really use.
• The pros’ tricks for fixing the most common digital photo problems fast!
• The step-by-step setup for getting what comes out of your printer to match exactly what you see onscreen.
• A whole chapter on how to process HDR (High Dynamic Range) images using CS5’s new Merge to HDR Pro.
• How to master CS5’s new Content-Aware Fill.
• How to color correct any photo without breaking a sweat.
• How to process RAW images like a pro (plus how to take advantage of all the new Camera Raw features in CS5!).
• How to use the included gray card to make color correction just a matter of three clicks.
• How to show your work like a pro!
• A host of shortcuts, workarounds, and slick “insider” tricks to send your productivity through the roof!

Plus, Scott includes a special bonus chapter with his own CS5 workflow, from start to finish, and each chapter ends with a Photoshop Killer Tips section, packed with time-saving, job-saving tips that make all the difference. If you’re a digital photographer, and if you’re ready to learn all the “tricks of the trade”—the same ones that today’s leading pros use to correct, edit, sharpen, retouch, and present their work—then you’re holding the book that will do just that.

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SPACE.com – The Perseid meteor shower peaks tonight, promising
dazzling fireball displays to lucky skywatchers, but the cosmic rain of space
rocks hasn’t endangered space station astronauts during their spacewalk repairs
this week, a NASA scientist says. In fact, the meteor shower may give the
astronauts a show too.

More info

Popularity: 2% [?]