The 404 420: Where we're wearing white
Plenty of news to talk about, but first we recap our weekends. We all used the holiday weekend differently: Jeff sailed a boat (in the sun!) on the Potomac river; Wilson became the only Asian Agent Double Oh Nothing for Her Majesty's Secret Service, and I had the unfortunate experience of actually laboring at work on Labor Day. Hear all the juicy details on the first half of the show.Next up, we talk about Google's latest product, a version of the popular Monopoly real estate game that uses Google Maps as a giant playing board! Turns out that this isn't the first role-playing game to incorporate the popular online mapping Web site: users found a way to play RISK using Google Maps when it first debuted in 2005!Film.comSpeaking of things to come, we always like taking a look into the future, so this week in time travel, we bring you Boondock Saints 2! Every male born after the year 1970 should be well aware of the original Boondock Saints, which featured two brothers on a mission to cleanse their city of scumbags--classic story, but something about the theatrical gunfights and archetypal characters made it into a cult classic. We're excited about the new one, even though it doesn't feature Willem Dafoe.Finally, in typical Monday show fashion, we delve off into a trip down memory lane and rediscover our love for Beavis and Butthead, who recently made a short comeback to promote Mike Judge's latest film "Extract." Surprise! Wilson hates it. All that and more on today's episode of The 404!EPISODE 420PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Microsoft updates Bing's iPhone app
Microsoft updates Bing's iPhone app
Taking a page from its browser-based cousin, the updated Bing app can now tap into your social networks to deliver relevant search results. Bing's new version 1.2 lets you connect to your own accounts on Facebook and Twitter to access the last six months' worth of updates from your friends and family.You can search your social networks directly for specific subjects or names, or include them in your overall search results alongside the usual links to Web pages. To use the new social feature, you'll need to enter your Facebook and Twitter credentials. Bing will take several minutes to grab all the updates from the past half year.Now when you search for something, such as a movie, you could see the latest show times along with comments by your Facebook and Twitter contacts, according to Bing's official blog. On the flip side, if you find a Web page you want to share with your friends and followers, you can do so through Facebook or Twitter without leaving Bing's mobile app.In addition to the new social option, Bing 1.2 offers a visual scanning feature for iPhone users. Snap a photo of a bar code or a piece of cover art from a CD or video game, and Bing will track down product descriptions, reviews, prices, retail Web sites, and other relevant information, according to Microsoft.MicrosoftBeyond these two core updates, you'll see new categories on Bing's mobile app home page, including Social, Directions, and Weather. The description of Bing's new version on iTunes also says the Shopping section has been expanded with new reviews, ratings, and prices, while the Movies section now offers more clips and trailers.Bing's new 1.2 version is compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch, and the iPad, though only the camera-equipped iPhone can take advantage of the visual scanning feature.Bing's star has been on the rise at Apple. It was recently added as a search option on the iPhone just below Yahoo. Though earlier reports said Bing was on tap to replace Google as the iPhone's default search engine, Google still remains the default setting.Apple is also gearing up to offer Bing as an option on the Mac and Windows versions of Safari and of course will launch the iPhone 4 this Thursday, giving Bing an even greater playing field.
Taking a page from its browser-based cousin, the updated Bing app can now tap into your social networks to deliver relevant search results. Bing's new version 1.2 lets you connect to your own accounts on Facebook and Twitter to access the last six months' worth of updates from your friends and family.You can search your social networks directly for specific subjects or names, or include them in your overall search results alongside the usual links to Web pages. To use the new social feature, you'll need to enter your Facebook and Twitter credentials. Bing will take several minutes to grab all the updates from the past half year.Now when you search for something, such as a movie, you could see the latest show times along with comments by your Facebook and Twitter contacts, according to Bing's official blog. On the flip side, if you find a Web page you want to share with your friends and followers, you can do so through Facebook or Twitter without leaving Bing's mobile app.In addition to the new social option, Bing 1.2 offers a visual scanning feature for iPhone users. Snap a photo of a bar code or a piece of cover art from a CD or video game, and Bing will track down product descriptions, reviews, prices, retail Web sites, and other relevant information, according to Microsoft.MicrosoftBeyond these two core updates, you'll see new categories on Bing's mobile app home page, including Social, Directions, and Weather. The description of Bing's new version on iTunes also says the Shopping section has been expanded with new reviews, ratings, and prices, while the Movies section now offers more clips and trailers.Bing's new 1.2 version is compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch, and the iPad, though only the camera-equipped iPhone can take advantage of the visual scanning feature.Bing's star has been on the rise at Apple. It was recently added as a search option on the iPhone just below Yahoo. Though earlier reports said Bing was on tap to replace Google as the iPhone's default search engine, Google still remains the default setting.Apple is also gearing up to offer Bing as an option on the Mac and Windows versions of Safari and of course will launch the iPhone 4 this Thursday, giving Bing an even greater playing field.
Google's 3D city imagery hits Android, headed to iOS 'soon'
Google's 3D city imagery hits Android, headed to iOS 'soon'
Remember Google's snazzy demo of 3D views of various cities at a rather impromptu press conference earlier this month? You can now play with that feature yourself. Google quietly released a new version of its Google Earth program for Android today that adds 3D maps of 14 regions, just about all of which are in the U.S.: BostonBoulderCharlotteLawrenceLos AngelesLong BeachPortlandRome San AntonioSanta CruzSan DiegoSan Francisco Bay AreaTampaTucsonIn a post announcing the feature, Google says it will add more cities "in the coming months" with enough to cover "a combined population of 300 million people," by year's end. Included in the new software is a tour feature that points users towards cities that have a third dimension.Related storiesGoogle unveils full 3D Google Earth featureVideo: Apple launches 3D maps on iOS 6Pictures: Day 1 of Google I/OComplete coverage: Google I/O 2012The feature is still not on Apple's iOS platform, though Google says it's still working on it and will have a version with 3D maps "soon." As you might remember, Google demoed it for the first time on an iPad, running a pre-release version of Google Maps.Google's newest 3D technology comes well ahead of Apple's own 3D mapping efforts, which is being released as part of the Maps app in iOS 6. A beta version of that software was delivered to developers at Apple's World Wide Developers Conference a few weeks ago, with a full release to come this fall.Here's Google's new demo video of the feature:
Remember Google's snazzy demo of 3D views of various cities at a rather impromptu press conference earlier this month? You can now play with that feature yourself. Google quietly released a new version of its Google Earth program for Android today that adds 3D maps of 14 regions, just about all of which are in the U.S.: BostonBoulderCharlotteLawrenceLos AngelesLong BeachPortlandRome San AntonioSanta CruzSan DiegoSan Francisco Bay AreaTampaTucsonIn a post announcing the feature, Google says it will add more cities "in the coming months" with enough to cover "a combined population of 300 million people," by year's end. Included in the new software is a tour feature that points users towards cities that have a third dimension.Related storiesGoogle unveils full 3D Google Earth featureVideo: Apple launches 3D maps on iOS 6Pictures: Day 1 of Google I/OComplete coverage: Google I/O 2012The feature is still not on Apple's iOS platform, though Google says it's still working on it and will have a version with 3D maps "soon." As you might remember, Google demoed it for the first time on an iPad, running a pre-release version of Google Maps.Google's newest 3D technology comes well ahead of Apple's own 3D mapping efforts, which is being released as part of the Maps app in iOS 6. A beta version of that software was delivered to developers at Apple's World Wide Developers Conference a few weeks ago, with a full release to come this fall.Here's Google's new demo video of the feature:
Google+ iOS app gets more social with new features
Google+ iOS app gets more social with new features
Related stories:• Hands-on: Google+ app on the iPhone• Google+ arrives on the iPad, iPod Touch• Google opens its social network to allThe revamped Google+ app now lets you join a Hangout, a new videoconferencing service in which you can chat with people in your circles. Though you can join an existing Hangout via the mobile app, you still need to open Google+ on your PC to start a new Hangout.The group IM feature formerly known as Huddle has been rebranded Messenger (not to be confused with Windows or Yahoo Messenger) and now offers you the ability to send a photo along with a message. Google also said that it's improved the reliability of Messenger.Just as you can click the +1 option to share a post, you can now do the same thing to share a comment to a post. And as on the Google+ site, you can now share a post with just a single individual rather than entire circles or everyone. You'll also find it easier to mention the name of any Google+ member in one of your circles in your own posts.Google has improved the ability to search for public profiles via its mobile app so that you can now find virtually anyone with a Google+ profile.Finally, the notification settings have been tweaked to give you more control. You can choose to receive notifications for mentions, shares, comments, or even comments on a post that you already commented on. Additionally, you can opt to be notified if someone adds you to a circle or wants to tag or comment on one of your photos.Despite all these changes, there's still one improvement Google hasn't yet cooked up. Though the iOS app has been working on the iPad (and the iPod Touch) thanks to an update in early August, Google still doesn't offer an iPad-specific version that can take advantage of the tablet's larger screen size.
Related stories:• Hands-on: Google+ app on the iPhone• Google+ arrives on the iPad, iPod Touch• Google opens its social network to allThe revamped Google+ app now lets you join a Hangout, a new videoconferencing service in which you can chat with people in your circles. Though you can join an existing Hangout via the mobile app, you still need to open Google+ on your PC to start a new Hangout.The group IM feature formerly known as Huddle has been rebranded Messenger (not to be confused with Windows or Yahoo Messenger) and now offers you the ability to send a photo along with a message. Google also said that it's improved the reliability of Messenger.Just as you can click the +1 option to share a post, you can now do the same thing to share a comment to a post. And as on the Google+ site, you can now share a post with just a single individual rather than entire circles or everyone. You'll also find it easier to mention the name of any Google+ member in one of your circles in your own posts.Google has improved the ability to search for public profiles via its mobile app so that you can now find virtually anyone with a Google+ profile.Finally, the notification settings have been tweaked to give you more control. You can choose to receive notifications for mentions, shares, comments, or even comments on a post that you already commented on. Additionally, you can opt to be notified if someone adds you to a circle or wants to tag or comment on one of your photos.Despite all these changes, there's still one improvement Google hasn't yet cooked up. Though the iOS app has been working on the iPad (and the iPod Touch) thanks to an update in early August, Google still doesn't offer an iPad-specific version that can take advantage of the tablet's larger screen size.
Google unveils full 3D Google Earth feature
Google unveils full 3D Google Earth feature
Google unveiled a full 3D version of Google Earth today.The service allows users to move around, rotate, and interact with 3D images of cities. Google said it expects the service to work for a few major cities for Android and iOS in the coming weeks. "We're trying to create magic here," said Peter Birch, product manager for Google Earth. "It creates the illusion you're flying over the city.Related storiesThe next dimension of Google Maps and Google Earth (First take)New Google Maps kicks iPhone vs. Android battle up a notchGoogle takes Street View off-road with backpack rigThe service is expected to cover the location of 300 million people by the end of the year, Birch said. The ultimate goal is to get it everywhere. Google is using advanced 3D rendering technology to create the images. The company did a demonstration of the feature in San Francisco, moving around the city and getting full images on the Android tablet. Google Maps heading to new directions (p...See full gallery1 - 4 / 8NextPrevGoogle is investing in planes to take shots of the city, and using automated technology to extract 3D images from the aerial shots. Birch said the company has been working on it for years, but the quality of the images on Google Earth wasn't high enough until now.The technology is different than the patchwork of images and renderings currently used, which Birch said isn't as accurate or visually pleasing. This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Google unveiled a full 3D version of Google Earth today.The service allows users to move around, rotate, and interact with 3D images of cities. Google said it expects the service to work for a few major cities for Android and iOS in the coming weeks. "We're trying to create magic here," said Peter Birch, product manager for Google Earth. "It creates the illusion you're flying over the city.Related storiesThe next dimension of Google Maps and Google Earth (First take)New Google Maps kicks iPhone vs. Android battle up a notchGoogle takes Street View off-road with backpack rigThe service is expected to cover the location of 300 million people by the end of the year, Birch said. The ultimate goal is to get it everywhere. Google is using advanced 3D rendering technology to create the images. The company did a demonstration of the feature in San Francisco, moving around the city and getting full images on the Android tablet. Google Maps heading to new directions (p...See full gallery1 - 4 / 8NextPrevGoogle is investing in planes to take shots of the city, and using automated technology to extract 3D images from the aerial shots. Birch said the company has been working on it for years, but the quality of the images on Google Earth wasn't high enough until now.The technology is different than the patchwork of images and renderings currently used, which Birch said isn't as accurate or visually pleasing. This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Google to release Apple-like 'Find My Phone' app at long last
Google to release Apple-like 'Find My Phone' app at long last
One of the few OS perks iPhone owners have still held over the heads of their Android compatriots is Apple's official -- and free -- app for locating and remote wiping a lost device.After years of user complaints and shoddy third-party variants, Google has finally answered iOS's "Find My iPhone" feature with a locator of its own: the Android Device Manager. To be released later this month, the app will let Android users find and ring a misplaced or stolen device on a map in real time, as well as wipe its contents remotely. The feature will be available for users running Android 2.2 or later. Google's solution to the increasing problem of device theft comes at a time when smartphone manufacturers have seen mounting pressure from authorities to add software-side features that could help curb what has been called a violent crime epidemic. Some initiatives, discussed at a meeting between lawmakers and tech giants like Apple and Samsung in June, have included the potential for a "kill switch," which would permanently brick a stolen device and make it worthless for resale. But just how violent is smartphone theft -- which has picked up the unique law enforcement nickname of "Apple picking" -- becoming these days? Examples abound, including the killing of a 26-year-old Museum of Modern Art employee for his iPhone in the Bronx and the mugging of a Crown Heights, Brooklyn woman over her Android device at gunpoint.
One of the few OS perks iPhone owners have still held over the heads of their Android compatriots is Apple's official -- and free -- app for locating and remote wiping a lost device.After years of user complaints and shoddy third-party variants, Google has finally answered iOS's "Find My iPhone" feature with a locator of its own: the Android Device Manager. To be released later this month, the app will let Android users find and ring a misplaced or stolen device on a map in real time, as well as wipe its contents remotely. The feature will be available for users running Android 2.2 or later. Google's solution to the increasing problem of device theft comes at a time when smartphone manufacturers have seen mounting pressure from authorities to add software-side features that could help curb what has been called a violent crime epidemic. Some initiatives, discussed at a meeting between lawmakers and tech giants like Apple and Samsung in June, have included the potential for a "kill switch," which would permanently brick a stolen device and make it worthless for resale. But just how violent is smartphone theft -- which has picked up the unique law enforcement nickname of "Apple picking" -- becoming these days? Examples abound, including the killing of a 26-year-old Museum of Modern Art employee for his iPhone in the Bronx and the mugging of a Crown Heights, Brooklyn woman over her Android device at gunpoint.
Google still wants Apple to use its maps, Eric Schmidt says
Google still wants Apple to use its maps, Eric Schmidt says
The Apple Maps fiasco may have died down, but Google still wants its mapping program to be default on iOS, said Google Chairman Eric Schmidt.Schmidt, speaking today during an AllThingsD mobile conference, declined to say why Apple decided to go with its own mapping system rather than working with Google as it had in the past. But he said his company is still pushing Apple to use Google Maps as the primary navigation tool on iOS. Related stories:CNET's take on Google Maps for iOSGoogle's Eric Schmidt: Apple has learned maps are hardAndroid phones to top 1B by year's end, Eric Schmidt saysEric Schmidt: Motorola's new products are 'phenomenal'"We would still really like them to use our maps," Schmidt said. "It would be easy for them to take the app in the store and put it as their basic one."Schmidt didn't specify whether talks are ongoing.Apple and Google used to partner closely, but the relationship has frayed as Android vies with iOS for smartphone and tablet market share, and the companies accuse each other of stealing designs. In response to the growing tension, Apple decided to package its own mapping app with iOS 6 and the iPhone 5 rather than rely on Google's long-used program. That decision faced a lot of problems, with Apple Maps misnaming cities, misplacing landmarks, and excluding mass transit directions.Google ultimately released a mapping application for iOS, but Apple's homegrown Maps remains default on the iPhone.
The Apple Maps fiasco may have died down, but Google still wants its mapping program to be default on iOS, said Google Chairman Eric Schmidt.Schmidt, speaking today during an AllThingsD mobile conference, declined to say why Apple decided to go with its own mapping system rather than working with Google as it had in the past. But he said his company is still pushing Apple to use Google Maps as the primary navigation tool on iOS. Related stories:CNET's take on Google Maps for iOSGoogle's Eric Schmidt: Apple has learned maps are hardAndroid phones to top 1B by year's end, Eric Schmidt saysEric Schmidt: Motorola's new products are 'phenomenal'"We would still really like them to use our maps," Schmidt said. "It would be easy for them to take the app in the store and put it as their basic one."Schmidt didn't specify whether talks are ongoing.Apple and Google used to partner closely, but the relationship has frayed as Android vies with iOS for smartphone and tablet market share, and the companies accuse each other of stealing designs. In response to the growing tension, Apple decided to package its own mapping app with iOS 6 and the iPhone 5 rather than rely on Google's long-used program. That decision faced a lot of problems, with Apple Maps misnaming cities, misplacing landmarks, and excluding mass transit directions.Google ultimately released a mapping application for iOS, but Apple's homegrown Maps remains default on the iPhone.
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