Why Apple enthusiasts are wrong about Windows 8

http://techland.time.com/2011/06/02/why-apple-enthusiasts-are-wrong-about-windows-8/

Damn it Google, where are my magic Android lightbulbs?

http://m.techcrunch.com/2011/12/30/damn-it-google-where-are-my-magic-android-lightbulbs/?icid=tc_home_art&

Every significant Batsuit ever (infographic)

http://www.howtogeek.com/101882/every-significant-batsuit-ever-infographic/

From the Tips Box: Enabling NumLock by Default, Ad-Free iOS Apps, and Stereo-Powered Party Lights

From the Tips Box:

• Enabling NumLock by default,
• Ad-free iOS apps,
• Stereo-powered party lights

http://www.howtogeek.com/101917/from-the-tips-box-enabling-numlock-by-default-ad-free-ios-apps-and-stereo-powered-party-lights/

comScore: Apple grows mobile marketshare from 9.8% to 11.2%, but Samsung’s still top OEM

http://m.techcrunch.com/2011/12/29/comscore-apple-grows-marketshare-from-9-8-to-11-2-but-samsungs-still-top-oem/?icid=tc_home_art&

App directory: the best email client for Linux

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/12/app-directory-the-best-email-client-for-linux/

MIT student unicycles, Segway-style (video)

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/29/electric_self_balancing_unicycle/

The 10 hottest tip lists of 2011

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10things/the-10-hottest-tip-lists-of-2011/2950?tag=content;selector-fd-river

Power outlets enable charging via USB

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/green/eco-outlets-enable-charging-via-usb/19863

2011: the year intellectual property trumped civil liberties

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2011/12/civil-liberties-ip/

Apple to launch completely redesigned iPhone in Fall 2012

http://www.bgr.com/2011/12/27/apple-to-launch-completely-redesigned-iphone-in-fall-2012/

Windows Phone Marketplace now home to 50,000 applications

http://www.bgr.com/2011/12/28/windows-phone-marketplace-now-home-to-50000-applications/

Michael Graetz: energy politics is lose-lose

https://www.wired.com/epicenter/2011/12/column-energy-politics-lose/

2011: The Year In Tech

http://m.techcrunch.com/2011/12/30/2011-the-year-in-tech/?icid=tc_home_art&

Anonymous 101

Part 1
Introduction to the Lulz
http://m.wired.com/threatlevel/2011/11/anonymous-101/all/1

Part 2
Morals Triumph Over Lulz
http://m.wired.com/threatlevel/2011/12/anonymous-101-part-deux/

Biggest news stories of 2011

http://m.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/12/tech-2011-biggest-news-stories-of-the-year/

Credible threats to iPad in 2012

http://techland.time.com/2011/12/30/looking-forward-to-2012-credible-ipad-threats/

How renewable energy is a disruptive technology

http://gigaom.com/cleantech/how-renewable-energy-is-a-disruptive-technology/

Google's SOPA press stunt: can we truly hold them liable?

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/igeneration/googles-sopa-press-stunt-can-we-truly-hold-them-liable/13971

Siri swears at 10 year-old boy in Tesco

Well, not really, it looks like there is a simple explanation, involving tampering by an earlier customer.  Follow the link.

http://m.techradar.com/news/computing/apple/siri-swears-at-10-year-old-boy-in-tesco-1050899

Convert a paper airplane into an electric plane

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/12/30/convert-a-paper-airplane-into-an-electric-plane/

$100,000? How much did your razor cost?

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/12/30/the-razor-that-oprah-uses-to-shave-her-legs/

Slime molds could hold key to new kinds of intelligence, help Statue of Liberty walk

http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/slime-molds-could-hold-key-to-new-kinds-of-intelligence-help-st/

Droopy is a dead simple file sharing web server

http://www.howtogeek.com/101858/droopy-is-a-dead-simple-file-sharing-web-server/

Earn +1 geek points with this DIP switch wrist watch

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/12/29/earn-1-geek-points-with-this-dip-switch-wrist-watch/

Why are TVs so Cheap?

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2011/12/why-are-tvs-so-cheap/250562/

9-foot-tall supersoldier mourns Kim Jong Il

http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2011/12/9-foot-tall-supersoldier-mourns-kim-jong-il/250658/

Killer whale kills great white shark

http://boingboing.net/2011/12/29/killer-whale-kills-great-white.html

Apple patent describes new type of face-recognition tech

http://m.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/12/apple-patent-face-recognition/

App deals: iPhone, iPad, Android, WP7

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/12/app-deals-iphone-ipad-android-wp7/

Burned by fleeing customers, GoDaddy no longer just "Doesn’t Support" but actually “OPPOSES” SOPA

http://m.techcrunch.com/2011/12/29/burned-by-fleeing-customers-godaddy-no-longer-just-doesnt-support-but-actually-opposes-sopa/?icid=tc_home_art&

Why MPGs matter: Iran threatens oil supply via Hormuz Strait

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1071144_why-mpgs-matter-iran-threatens-oil-supply-via-hormuz-strait

Is it time for Apple’s patent war to end?

http://gigaom.com/apple/is-it-time-for-apples-patent-war-to-end/

Looking back at 2011: "the year of the tablet" falls flat

http://www.bgr.com/2011/12/26/looking-back-at-2011-the-year-of-the-tablet-falls-flat/

Problem kids on the X-Men family tree

http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/11/pl_print_xmentree/?pid=7818

Chart shows which iOS devices can jailbreak

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/12/this-chart-shows-which-ios-devices-can-jailbreak/#more-411765

Use iOS Notification Centre as an app launcher

http://gigaom.com/apple/quick-tip-use-notification-centre-as-an-app-launcher/

10 best visual effects scenes of 2011

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/digital/visual-effects/the-10-best-visual-effects-scenes-of-2011

Alien artifacts can best be found on the Moon

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/29/aliens_should_be_searched_for_on_the_moon/

Steve Jobs' 100-year legacy: humanizing technology

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/hiner/steve-jobs-100-year-legacy-humanizing-technology/9399?tag=content;selector-fd-river

Thanks, Internet: out-of-print "Blade Runner Sketchbook" surfaces online

http://www.wired.com/underwire/2011/12/blade-runner-sketchbook/

Dear Google: Android's multitasking sucks

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/perlow/dear-google-androids-multitasking-sucks/19565?tag=mantle_skin;content

10 things Android does really well

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10things/10-things-android-does-really-well/2848?tag=content;siu-container

Does Skype save $3.4 million by failing its customers?

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/howlett/does-skype-save-34-million-by-failing-its-customers/3682

New graphene lithium-air batteries increase energy density & decrease costs

http://inhabitat.com/new-graphene-lithium-air-batteries-increase-energy-density-and-decrease-costs/

http://inhabitat.com/new-lithium-air-batteries-could-go-500-miles-on-a-single-charge/

SIM-LEI EV gets a video walk-through: shaped like a fish, has a big screen (video)

Zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.8 seconds, with maximum speed of 150km/h (93mph), range of 333km (207 miles).

So what's the catch?  Tastes vary, but this is ugly.  First assumption would be that this is for aerodynamic purposes.  In the articles linked below, a "tiny coefficient of 0.91" is quoted.  Update 01 January 2011: "tiny coefficient of 0.91" should have been a tiny coefficient of drag of 0.19, which is actually tiny.  To put this in perspective, the coefficient of drag (Cd) of some other energy efficient cars:

0.28 Chevy Volt
0.32 Honda Insight (2010)

Toyota claims a Cd of 0.25 for its Prius, but other manufacturers claim it is more like 0.30 .

http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/sim-lei-ev-gets-a-video-walk-through-shaped-like-a-fish-has-a/

http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/sim-drives-sim-lei-electric-car-achieves-207-mile-driving-range/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPwphfWTZ6w&feature=uploademail

And a discussion of Cd:

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/gm-chevy-volts-cd-0-28-prius-0-a-11313.html

An epic timeline of Doctor Who Doctors

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2011/12/an-epic-timeline-of-doctor-who-doctors/

CyanogenMod 9′s Trebuchet Launcher available for Android 4.0.3 devices

http://androidandme.com/2011/12/applications/cyanogenmod-9s-trebuchet-launcher-available-for-android-4-0-3-devices/

Hacks that mattered in the year of the hack

http://www.theatlanticwire.com/technology/2011/12/hacks-mattered-year-hack/46731/

Honda changing construction methods to shed pounds

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1071098_honda-changing-construction-methods-to-shed-pounds

10 solar energy trends to watch for in 2012

http://gigaom.com/cleantech/10-solar-trends-to-watch-for-in-2012/

The truth about Galaxy Nexus

"Still isn't as good as the iPhone" – bound to be controversial: 

http://www.businessinsider.com/truth-about-galaxy-nexus-2011-12

Online retailers home in on a new demographic - the drunken consumer

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/28/business/online-retailers-home-in-on-a-new-demographic-the-drunken-consumer.html?_r=1

Tuff-Luv StyleUs Touchpen capactive stylus review

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/12/28/tuff-luv-styleus-touchpen-capactive-stylus-review/

$25 Raspberry Pi computer to launch next month

http://www.bgr.com/2011/12/28/25-raspberry-pi-computer-is-as-small-as-a-credit-card-will-launch-next-month/

Not banned in Boston: Tweet seats come to a theater near you

http://gigaom.com/2011/12/28/not-banned-in-boston-tweet-seats-come-to-a-theater-near-you/

8 tips & tricks for your new Android phone

http://heresthethingblog.com/2011/12/28/8-tips-tricks-android-phone/

6 tips & how-tos for your new iPad

http://heresthethingblog.com/2011/12/27/6-tips-tos-ipad/

Wired’s lab-tested, Muppet-vetted formulas for smartifying your life

http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/11/ff_betterliving/all/1

6 diseases back from the dead

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/genetics/6-diseases-back-from-the-dead#fbIndex1

How IBM built the most powerful computer in the world

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/engineering/extreme-machines/how-ibm-built-the-most-powerful-computer-in-the-world

Early Bell recordings live again (kind of)

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/28/bells_voice_heard_again_maybe/

Stealth tech, Facebook revolutions, shadow wars: the most dangerous year ever

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/12/most-dangerous-year/

Only Google can sort out the Android update mess

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/only-google-can-sort-out-the-android-update-mess/17462

HTC Super Tool unlocks bootloader, roots most HTC Android devices

http://androidandme.com/2011/12/news/htc-super-tool-unlocks-bootloader-roots-most-devices/

Daily app deals: iPhone, iPad, Android, WP7

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/12/daily-app-deals-iphone-ipad-android-wp7-8/

2011’s five most important networking stories

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/networking/2011s-five-most-important-networking-stories/1803

Apple takes patent attacks in a new direction

http://www.bgr.com/2011/12/20/apple-takes-patent-attacks-in-a-new-direction/

The tablet boom: great for Wi-Fi, but not for carriers

http://gigaom.com/broadband/the-tablet-boom-great-for-wi-fi-but-not-for-carriers/

How to save Venice: make it float

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/12/save-sinking-venice-by-floating/

Where do online freelancers come from?

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/12/where-do-online-freelancers-come-from/

Twitter more popular than Facebook in 2011

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/facebook/twitter-more-popular-than-facebook-in-2011/6625

Are carbon sequestration leaks a health danger?

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/climate-change/are-carbon-sequestration-leaks-a-health-danger

The coming war on general purpose computation (video)

http://boingboing.net/2011/12/27/the-coming-war-on-general-purp.html

How professional throwers are building a better Yo-Yo

http://www.wired.com/playbook/2011/12/how-the-pros-develop-their-yos/

Why do PC trackpads suck?

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/mobile-news/why-do-pc-trackpads-suck/6229

Science breakthroughs of the year

http://blogs.nature.com/news/2011/12/sciences-breakthroughs-of-the-year.html

Tsunami-damaged Nissan Leafs show strength of battery packs

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1071062_tsunami-damaged-nissan-leafs-show-strength-of-battery-packs

With sync solved, Dropbox squares off with Apple's iCloud

http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2011/12/backdrop-dropbox/

Chevrolet Volt "Low Emissions Package"

"Low Emissions Package"? – It's a secondary air-injection pump that adds air to the exhaust system to improve the catalytic converter's ability to remove pollutants.

In California, this is good news because vehicles fitted with this package can get access to high-occupancy-vehicle lanes as well as a $1,500 state rebate.

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/11/chevys-low-emissions-package-gives-2012.html?m=1

China begins trial operations of home grown Beidou GPS system

http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/27/china-begins-trial-operations-of-home-grown-beidou-gps-system/

Google to release iPad 3 rival within six months

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2011/12/google-to-release-ipad-3-rival-within-six-months/#more-502860

Jailbreak 5.0.1 untethered on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch (A4 devices) now using Redsn0w 0.9.10b1 / Corona

Note that this jailbreak is for A4 (& earlier) devices on iOS 5.01 only (no iPad 2 or iPhone 4S).   iOS 5.0 is promised soon.

More detail, including step-by-step instructions at:

http://www.redmondpie.com/jailbreak-5.0.1-untethered-on-iphone-ipad-ipod-touch-a4-devices-now-using-redsn0w-0.9.10b1-corona/

When a regular Rubik’s Cube is just too easy

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/12/27/when-a-regular-rubiks-cube-is-just-too-easy/

Why is Canada withdrawing from Kyoto? Two words: tar sands

http://www.grist.org/list/2011-12-13-why-is-canada-withdrawing-from-kyoto-two-words-tar-sands

Nissan Leaf & Chevy Volt - what is the future of the EV?

http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/alternative-fuel/diesel/future-of-electric-vehicle-breakthrough

Delete all your tweets with TwitWipe

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/12/delete-all-your-tweets-with-twitwipe/

Handle with carelessness: 'Tis the holiday shipping season (video)

Couriers abuse goods in transit?  Who'd have thought?

Still, the stupidity of the delivery guy is something to behold.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/news/handle-with-carelessness-tis-the-holiday-shipping-season-6622893

Apple land-grabs fuel cells for mobiles

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/26/apple_fuel_cell_patents/

FDA won’t act against agricultural antibiotic use

It is forgotten today how antibiotics revolutionized medicine.  With everyday use, the miracle has become routine.

Essentially, the problem is that as soon as antibiotics are used, bacteria begin to evolve resistance.

What can be done?  Limit antibiotic use to important cases.  Some large-scale agricultural enterprises routinely feed antibiotics to cattle as a "growth promotant".

More at:

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/12/fda-ag-antibiotics/

What can the individual do?  Take all of the tablets.  A "course of antibiotics" is designed to kill all of the bacteria which constitute an infection.  Stopping as soon as you feel better, with some tablets left, creates an ideal situation for resistant bacteria to evolve.

$94M investment in solar power plants caps off Google's year

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/google/94m-investment-in-solar-power-plants-caps-off-googles-year/3517

Why Android updates are a mess: it's the business model

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/bott/why-android-updates-are-a-mess-its-the-business-model/4300

Top 10 under-hyped Web apps of 2011

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/12/top-10-under-hyped-web-apps-2011-edition/#more-411414

StarTech portable eSATA USB to SATA standalone HDD hard drive duplicator dock review

Connectors for almost every drive type, duplicate drives, or just read/write bare drives.  All this for just $US75?  Nice!

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/12/26/startech-portable-esata-usb-to-sata-standalone-hdd-hard-drive-duplicator-dock-product-review/#more-82574

Ultrabooks buying guide: purchase an ultrathin laptop now or later?

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9223037/Ultrabooks_Buying_Guide_Purchase_an_Ultrathin_Laptop_Now_or_Later_

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9223039/Ultrabooks_Windows_laptops_as_Light_as_Apple_s_Air

Google, Microsoft each seek search "game changer"

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9222897/Google_Microsoft_each_seek_search_game_changer_?taxonomyId=212&pageNumber=1

The year in mobile apps: where we’ve been, where we’re going

http://gigaom.com/2011/12/25/the-year-in-mobile-apps-where-weve-been-where-were-going/

Easy tweak for a more responsive home button on your iPhone

... or other iOS device:

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/12/easy-tweak-for-a-more-responsive-home-button/#more-411454

World's data centers refuse to exit ice age

http://www.wired.com/wiredenterprise/2011/12/data-center-ice-age/

Can floating turbines save wind power?

A problem with renewable energy is that some forms are intermittent.  E.g. wind doesn't blow all the time – on land.  But, travel just 20 miles (32 kilometres) off shore, & the wind blows at a constant 33 feet per second (10 meters/sec, 36 km/hr, 22 miles/hr).

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/solar-wind/can-floating-turbines-save-wind-power

Amazon builds world's fastest non-existent supercomputer

http://www.wired.com/wiredenterprise/2011/12/nonexistent-supercomputer/

EFF's 2011 Holiday Wish List

This is  the Electronic Frontier Foundation's wish list of 16 items in the interests of Web users' rights & online safety.

Least likely wish: "Apple, Amazon, HTC, & other makers of mobile computing devices should give customers an officially documented way to get root access on every device they sell."

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2011/12/effs-holiday-wish-list

5 companies making fuel from algae now

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/biofuel/4333722

It's not a UFO, just a killer drone for an aircraft carrier

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/12/ufo-drone-x47b/

What’s the range of a 2012 Nissan Leaf in winter? Green Car Reports finds out

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1070998_whats-the-range-of-a-2012-nissan-leaf-in-winter-we-find-out

Volt driving experience

The driving experience I'm looking for in the Volt is driving by a gas station sign that says $7/gallon with a big old grin on my face. – LampCord, member at gm-volt.com/forum

Feeling tired? (podcast)

"If you were offered a cure for daytime sleepiness that left you feeling more alert, in a better mood and less prone to making mistakes, wouldn't you jump at it? Especially if it only took ten minutes, was completely free, and required no effort at all?"

So, what is this medical miracle?

Answer: a nap.

Podcast & transcript at:

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/healthreport/yawning-gulf-napping-feature/3665136

How IBM saw 2012 in 2007: So, where's my mind-reading cellphone?

http://www.wired.com/wiredenterprise/2011/12/ibm-predictions/

Chevrolet Volt cold weather range

http://www.mychevroletvolt.com/chevrolet-volt-cold-weather-range

Rare gene links vitamin D & multiple sclerosis

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16086004

Plastic from algae: the first step toward a fish-friendly gyre?

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/biofuel/algae-to-plastic

Make room, Internet, there's another 5 million domains to fit in

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/23/verisign_q3/

Kindle Fire update fixes performance, adds privacy

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/12/kindle-fire-update-fixes-performance-adds-privacy/

5 tips to be a productive home worker

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/mobile-news/5-tips-to-be-a-productive-home-worker/6138

Duff Mars probe's flaming shards to rain down mid-January

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/16/phobos_grunt_fragments/

X-Men Origins: Wolverine pirate caged

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/20/x_men_pirate_jailed/

Software bug fingered as cause of Aussie A330 plunge

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/20/bug_cause_aussie_a330_plunge/

What exoplanets might really look like

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/12/scientific-exoplanet-renderer/

Happy Xmas

A happy Xmas & a great new year to all our readers!

Apple sold 925 iPhone 4S handsets each minute during the device’s debut weekend (Infographic)

& it sells 81 iPads every 60 seconds on average.  Research In Motion sells 103 BlackBerry phones ...

http://www.bgr.com/2011/12/23/every-60-seconds-apple-sells-925-iphones-2-million-people-watch-online-porn-more/

The Internet's Go Daddy issues

http://kottke.org/11/12/the-internets-go-daddy-issues

Use the power of your mind with the Mindflex duel game

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/12/23/use-the-power-of-your-mind-with-the-mindflex-duel-game/

Apple’s Santa Siri ad: the most effective ad of the holiday season (video)

3.7 billion appointments?

http://gigaom.com/apple/apples-santa-siri-ad-the-most-effective-ad-of-the-holiday-season/

Hate SOPA? 6 things you can do to stop it

http://gigaom.com/2011/12/23/hate-sopa-6-things-you-can-do-to-stop-it/

Quick tip: introduce yourself to Siri

http://gigaom.com/apple/quick-tip-introduce-yourself-to-siri/

7 ways pedal power will change the world

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/green-energy/7-ways-pedal-power-will-change-the-world#fbIndex1

Mac vs. PC: the ultimate lab test for new desktops & laptops

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/tests/4258725

No winner in Android v iPhone 2011 marathon

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/23/apple_vs_android_on_mobile_front_2011/

Scribble your email: new feature for Gmail iOS

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/igeneration/scribble-your-email-new-feature-for-gmail-ios/13945

Börn from jets: the five most awesome Saabs ever

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/12/born-from-jets-the-five-most-awesome-saabs-ever/?pid=1461&viewall=true

Creepy photo-tagging tech slotted into Google+

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/19/google_plus_facial_recognition/

And the most popular browser in the world is ...

http://www.businessinsider.com/most-popular-browser-2011-12

Berkeley explains why Google trumps Microsoft

http://www.wired.com/wiredenterprise/2011/12/berkeley-google-docs-microsoft/

3 smart-grid trends to watch in 2012

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/green/3-smart-grid-trends-to-watch-in-2012/19793

Some lessons from declining childhood obesity in New York

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2011/12/some-lessons-from-declining-childhood-obesity-in-new-york/250145/

Liquid metal capsules used to create self-healing electronics that fix themselves

When a break in a circuit trace occurs, the liquid metal capsule breaks too, releasing the liquid metal & "healing" the circuit in microseconds.  Minor annoyance averted for a TV viewer.   Major disaster averted for the occupants of an aircraft or spacecraft.

http://inhabitat.com/researchers-find-a-way-for-electronics-to-fix-themselves-using-liquid-metal-capsules/self-healing-capsules/

Unpaving paradise: do driverless cars mean the end of parking lots?

http://m.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/12/unpaving-paradise-do-driverless-cars-mean-the-end-of-parking-lots/250386/

Apple's sinking share in France & Germany may be fueling patent wars

http://www.bgr.com/2011/12/22/apples-sinking-share-in-france-and-germany-may-be-fueling-patent-wars/

SOPA bans Tor, the US Navy's censorship-busting technology

http://boingboing.net/2011/12/22/sopa-bans-tor-the-us-navys.html

Year in tech: the 5 “improvements” you hated the most

http://heresthethingblog.com/2011/12/22/year-tech-5-improvements-hated/#more-5260

Hackintosh guide

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/12/a-buyers-guide-to-hackintosh-compatible-parts/

http://tonymacx86.blogspot.com/2011/11/building-sandy-bridge-customac-buyers.html

The top 5 most-watched science videos on YouTube in 2011

http://m.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/12/the-top-5-most-watched-science-videos-on-youtube-in-2011/250302/#slide1

The car of tomorrow recognizes your butt

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/12/biometric-car-seat/

Firefox hits the jackpot with almost billion dollar Google deal

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/networking/firefox-hits-the-jackpot-with-almost-billion-dollar-google-deal/1780

iCloud vs Wi-Fi sync: which does what?

http://www.macworld.com.au/features/icloud-vs-wi-fi-sync-which-does-what-39818/

Science magazine: Breakthroughs of the Year, 2011 (video - maybe)

Video wouldn't play when I looked.  You might have better luck.  Worth a look either way.

Update: video working now.

http://m.sciencemag.org/site/special/btoy2011/

Ultrabooks hit the shelves: Acer Aspire S3 vs. Asus Zenbook UX31

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9222329/Ultrabooks_hit_the_shelves_Acer_Aspire_S3_vs._Asus_Zenbook_UX31

Take your cellphone completely off the grid with MIAmobi cases & bags

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/12/22/take-your-cellphone-completely-off-the-grid-with-miamobi-cases-and-bags/

Google is activating 700,000 Android devices daily

http://www.businessinsider.com/chart-of-the-day-android-2011-12

iiNet is buying Internode

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2011/12/iinet-is-buying-internode/#more-502154

The top 5 most-watched science videos on YouTube in 2011

Make sure you see the "Incredible Shade Illusion!" (number 2 with 5.9 million views).

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/12/the-top-5-most-watched-science-videos-on-youtube-in-2011/250302/#slide1

3D printers as teleporters

http://boingboing.net/2011/12/21/3d-printers-as-teleporters.html

MythBuster Adam Savage: SOPA could destroy the Internet as we know it

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/mythbusters/articles/mythbuster-adam-savage-sopa-could-destroy-the-internet-as-we-know-it-6620300

Have your iPhone read any text aloud

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/12/make-your-iphone-read-any-text-aloud/#more-411091

"You can also adjust the rate of speech ... the default is already pretty fast."  This is what I found.  Touch the slider (don't move it) to check the current speech rate.

While you're on the Accessibility screen, you might like to try the Zoom function too.

Daily app deals: iPhone, iPad, Android & WP7

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/12/daily-app-deals-iphone-ipad-android-wp7-6/

Iran spy drone GPS hijack boasts: "Rubbish", say experts

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/21/spy_drone_hijack_gps_spoofing_implausible/

Ex-Google man sells search genius to rest of world

http://www.wired.com/wiredenterprise/2011/12/ex-google-man/

Irish data protection watchdog rules on Facebook

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/igeneration/irish-data-protection-watchdog-rules-on-facebook/13974

Facebook promises changes

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/facebook/facebook-promises-changes-following-irish-privacy-audit/6511

The 10 most popular Chrome, Firefox & Opera extensions

http://www.ghacks.net/2011/12/21/the-10-most-popular-chrome-firefox-and-opera-extensions/

What's 6 miles wide & can end civilization in an instant?

Answer: an asteroid

OK, arguably, meteor or meteorite*.

Informative & funny: How to defend Earth from asteroids. See it at:

http://www.ted.com/talks/phil_plait_how_to_defend_earth_from_asteroids.html

There's an iPad app for this, & other, interesting stuff:

http://itunes.com/apps/tedconferences/ted

* An asteroid (or any other fast moving space object) becomes a meteor (aka falling star) when it enters the Earth's atmosphere.  If it hits the ground, it becomes a meteorite.

eBay scam nets suckers on both sides of the road

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/20/ebay_scam_nets_suckers/

Review: Chrome, the Sweet 16 Web browser?

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/networking/review-chrome-the-sweet-16-web-browser/1759

2011: The year Android had multiple personality disorder

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/perlow/2011-the-year-android-had-multiple-personality-disorder/19486

Stop Online Piracy Act – SOPA

Crowdsourced anti-SOPA rap

http://boingboing.net/2011/12/20/crowdsourced-anti-sopa-rap.html

MPAA says SOPA-style censorship works in Yemen, Syria, China & Iran – a proud record for the "land of the free" to emulate

http://boingboing.net/2011/12/20/mpaa-says-sopa-style-censorshi.html

SOPA dead until 2012 for real this time?

http://boingboing.net/2011/12/20/sopa-dead-until-2012-for-real.html

Anti-SOPA plugins render censorship law pointless & stupid

http://boingboing.net/2011/12/20/anti-sopa-plugins-render-censo.html

How to set a hard data limit for your Android phone (“Ice Cream Sandwich” tip)

http://heresthethingblog.com/2011/12/20/set-hard-data-limit-android-phone/

Tesla announces pricing, options & battery specs for 2012 Model S

http://www.green.autoblog.com/2011/12/20/tesla-announces-pricing-options-and-battery-specs-for-2012-mode/

Electric dirt bikes in Barcelona

http://www.thechargingpoint.com/news/YouTues-Electric-trials-bikes-take-on-Barcelona.html

How to break out of a car’s boot

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/12/how-to-break-out-of-a-cars-boot/#more-410894

Samsung hauls Apple into court over emoticon patent :-(

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/19/samsung_apple_patent_lawsuit/

Professor promises a supercomputer on every desktop

http://www.wired.com/wiredenterprise/2011/12/vt-supercomputer/

RIM reportedly turned down takeover proposal from Amazon

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/btl/rim-reportedly-turned-down-takeover-proposal-from-amazon/65839

Microbes found thriving in volcanic Mars-like habitat

http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2011/12/-microbes-found-thriving-in-volcanic-mars-like-habitat-1.html

"WiFi napping" to double your phone's battery life

 http://www.businessinsider.com/wifi-napping-2011-7

San Francisco working on plan to install composting public toilets

http://inhabitat.com/san-francisco-working-on-plan-to-install-composting-public-toilets/

"Self-aware" bank account robbing code unleashed by hacker

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/16/potent_xss_script/

Hybrid bus a "masterpiece of British engineering"

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/12/london-double-decker-hybrid-bus/

Cocaine levels found in the air connected to crime & health issues

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2011/12/cocaine-levels-found-in-the-air-connected-to-crime-and-health-issues/

Eric Schmidt reveals Google may be working on a Nexus Tablet

http://androidandme.com/2011/12/news/eric-schmidt-reveals-that-google-is-working-on-nexus-tablet/

http://www.businessinsider.com/eric-schmidt-google-tablet-in-six-months-2011-12

Lytro Light Field camera will ship in early 2012.

This has been posted on these pages previously.  Amongst, other things, it allows focusing on different parts of the photograph after it is taken.  More information, including photographs at:

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/12/19/lytro-light-field-camera/

North Korea at night

Much could be written about the death of Kim Jong-il, but this, "picture of the day", from Atlantic Mobile says it all:

http://m.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/12/picture-of-the-day-north-korea-at-night/250174/

/ failed state /

Unlock the Galaxy Nexus Android phone with your face

http://heresthethingblog.com/2011/12/19/unlock-galaxy-nexus-android-phone/

Firefox 9 available, speeds up JavaScript

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/12/firefox-9-available-speeds-up-javascript/#more-410805

Plastic semiconductor makes solar cells more efficient

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/19/pentacen_quantum_solar_cells/

The shape of things to come

Sphero – electronic ball controlled from a smartphone.

http://www.wired.com/reviews/2011/12/sphero/

SOPA: So how much does it cost to buy off America's Internet freedom?

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/government/sopa-so-how-much-does-it-cost-to-buy-off-americas-internet-freedom/11050

Pro bono lawyers rescue science blogger from naturopath's SLAPP legal threats

http://boingboing.net/2011/12/19/pro-bono-lawyers-rescue-scienc.html

Woody Guthrie's new year's resolutions 1942

http://boingboing.net/2011/12/19/woody-guthries-new-years-r.html

More about SOPA

How SOPA will break DNS
http://boingboing.net/2011/12/18/how-sopa-will-break-dns.html 

Lamar Smith is a cheap date
http://boingboing.net/2011/12/18/lamar-smith-is-a-cheap-date.html

Head MPAA shill reduced to outright lies in bid to make the case for SOPA

http://boingboing.net/2011/12/18/head-mpaa-shill-reduced-to-out.html

5 privacy tips for locking down your Timeline on Facebook

http://heresthethingblog.com/2011/12/16/5-privacy-tips-locking-timeline/

Is Android Google's Achilles heel?

http://m.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/is-android-googles-achilles-heel-1045312

No fear: memory adjustment pills get Pentagon push

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/12/fear-erasing-drugs/

Everybody pirates: RIAA, Homeland Security caught downloading Torrents

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/btl/everybody-pirates-riaa-homeland-security-caught-downloading-torrents/65670

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/18/torrents_and_traitors/

YouHaveDownloaded web site:

http://www.youhavedownloaded.com/

Dremel Saw-Max (SM20-02) review

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/12/18/dremel-saw-max-sm20-02-review/#more-76897

Satechi BT wireless Bluetooth speaker

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/12/18/satechi-bt-wireless-bluetooth-speaker/

Are there more people with autism, or just more people diagnosed with autism?

http://boingboing.net/2011/12/17/are-there-more-people-with-aut.html

David Attenborough to produce Galapagos Islands documentary for Sky 3D, be really British

http://m.engadget.com/default/article.do?artUrl=http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/david-attenborough-to-produce-galapagos-islands-documentary-for/&category=classic&postPage=2&icid=eng_latest_art

Russian tansformer bicycle video

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/82082167/

Drone ethics briefing: what a leading robot expert told the CIA

http://m.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/12/drone-ethics-briefing-what-a-leading-robot-expert-told-the-cia/250060/

Top 10 tricks to give you power over your body

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/12/top-10-tricks-to-give-you-power-over-your-body/#more-410623

SOPA & everyday Americans

http://boingboing.net/2011/12/17/sopa-and-everyday-americans.html

Adobe releases Flash Player 11.1 with Ice Cream Sandwich support

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/adobe-releases-flash-player-111-with-ice-cream-sandwich-support/17300

Kill weeds in sidewalk cracks with white vinegar

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/12/kill-weeds-in-sidewalk-cracks-with-white-vinegar/#more-410627

Adobe kills two actively exploited bugs in Reader

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/17/adobe_reader_critical_update/

Falcon swoops on cyber criminals

Neural networks monitor your spending patterns & flag transactions that don't match the pattern.  Interesting personal experiences in the comments.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/falcon-swoops-on-cyber-crims-20111216-1oyvo.html

"Tabulate" allows you to share multiple site URLs all at once

http://m.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/08/tabulate-allows-you-to-share-multiple-site-urls-all-at-once/243614/

Why your Android handset probably won't get an upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/why-your-android-handset-probably-wont-get-an-upgrade-to-ice-cream-sandwich/17295

How to recover from a hacking attack

http://m.techradar.com/news/internet/how-to-recover-from-a-hacking-attack-1045259

Windows 8 to support picture passwords

http://www.ghacks.net/2011/12/17/windows-8-to-support-picture-passwords/

/ Windows 8 /

Is there a fresh start underway for Google Docs?

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/reference/is-there-a-fresh-start-underway-for-google-docs/169

Brain-eating amoeba kills two

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2011/12/brain-eating-amoeba-kills-two-in-the-us/#more-500958

The perfect gadget for the person with a big house

http://m.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/12/the-perfect-gadget-for-the-person-with-a-big-house/250125/

First Amendment scholar on the failures of SOPA

http://boingboing.net/2011/12/16/first-amendment-scholar-on-the.html

Cloud Wars: Apple's iCloud versus Microsoft's SkyDrive

http://beta.maclife.com/article/features/cloud_wars_apples_icloud_versus_microsofts_skydrive

Confessions of an airline baggage "thrower": why you should buy a four-wheeler suitcase

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/george-hobica/why-you-should-buy-a-four_b_1115011.html

Swiss-based Balesio takes the knife to PDF files

50% file file size reduction for PDFs.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/16/balesio_pdf/

YouTube apparently gives Universal Music Group direct access to videos for easy removal - UPDATE: YouTube says "No"

http://techland.time.com/2011/12/16/youtube-apparently-gives-universal-music-group-direct-access-to-videos-for-easy-removal/

The 10 key skills for the future of work

http://gigaom.com/collaboration/the-10-key-skills-for-the-future-of-work/

Hundreds of shortcuts to make you a better Internet user

http://m.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/08/hundreds-of-shortcuts-to-make-you-a-better-internet-user/244009/

Take a tip from "Mark Zuckerberg": Change your name

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/igeneration/take-a-tip-from-mark-zuckerberg-change-your-name/13847

2nd generation AirStash has arrived

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/12/16/2nd-generation-airstash-has-arrived/

4 reasons Apple should make a 7-inch iPad

http://gigaom.com/mobile/4-reasons-apple-should-make-a-7-inch-ipad/

2012 Nissan Leaf gets unofficial turbine powered range extender & quick charger

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1070677_2012-nissan-leaf-gets-unofficial-jet-powered-range-extender-quick-charger

Brilliant cement making technology mimics coral while removing CO2 from the atmosphere

Setting Portland cement releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Mass of CO2 released is equal to the mass of cement. There are approximately 2 tonnes of cement for every person alive today.

http://inhabitat.com/brilliant-cement-making-technology-mimics-coral-while-removing-co2-from-the-atmosphere/

Microsoft: 3,200 Android malware victims replied to free Windows Phone offer

Microsoft's moment in the sun after all the criticism it's taken for security over the years.

http://www.bgr.com/2011/12/15/microsoft-3200-android-malware-victims-replied-to-free-windows-phone-offer/

Christopher Hitchens, 1949-2011

http://boingboing.net/2011/12/15/christopher-hitchens-1949-201.html

Google’s response to Siri is codenamed "Majel", could be released by end of year

http://androidandme.com/2011/12/news/googles-response-to-siri-is-codenamed-majel-could-be-released-by-end-of-year/

The Internet erases borders, SOPA puts them back

http://gigaom.com/2011/12/15/the-internet-erases-borders-sopa-puts-them-back/

Microrobots to embark on "Fantastic Voyage" through the body

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/emergingtech/microrobots-to-embark-on-fantastic-voyage-through-the-body/3066

Stolen iPhone? Your iMessages may still be going to the stolen phone

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/12/stolen-iphone-imessages/

Dell out of the netbook game

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/dell-out-of-the-netbook-game/17210

Bridgestone's new air-free tyres are 100% recycleable

http://inhabitat.com/bridgestones-new-air-free-tires-are-100-recyclable/

DARPA: Use tobacco to save soldiers from nerve gas

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/12/darpa-nerve-gas/

Microsoft gets silent upgrade religion, will push IE auto-updates

http://m.computerworld.com/s/article/9222690/Microsoft_gets_silent_upgrade_religion_will_push_IE_auto_updates

Windows usage grows in November as Mac OS, Android & iOS inch down

http://www.bgr.com/2011/12/14/windows-usage-grows-in-november-as-mac-os-android-ios-inch-down/

BMW & GM on the brink of fuel cell partnership?

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1070556_bmw-and-gm-on-the-brink-of-fuel-cell-partnership

Toshiba's radiation spotting camera means the end of "nuclear hotspot hide and seek"

http://m.engadget.com/default/article.do?artUrl=http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/toshibas-radiation-spotting-camera-means-the-end-of-nuclear-ho/&category=classic&icid=eng_latest_art

Nokia again rumored to sell smartphone business to Microsoft

http://www.bgr.com/2011/12/14/nokia-again-rumored-to-sell-smartphone-business-to-microsoft/

Augmented reality business card powered by Blippar app for iOS (video)

http://www.funkyspacemonkey.com/augmented-reality-business-card-powered-blippar-app-ios-video

More than $1 million stolen from Android users in 2011 - mobile threats to increase in 2012

http://www.bgr.com/2011/12/14/more-than-1-million-stolen-from-android-users-in-2011-mobile-threats-to-increase-in-2012/

Global Voices on CNN: SOPA will hurt global human rights struggles

http://boingboing.net/2011/12/14/global-voices-on-cnn-sopa-wil.html

SkyDrive adds iPhone & Windows Phone 7 apps

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/12/skydrive-adds-iphone-and-windows-phone-7-apps/#more-410268

Congress authorizes Pentagon to wage Internet war

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2011/12/internet-war-2/

Paul Allen latest plan: Space rockets on mega plane

More about the Paul Allen (Microsoft co-founder & X-Prize-winner) space launch system:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/12/14/paul_allen_strato_launch/

Previous article: http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2011/12/stratolaunch-embarks-on-hybrid-rocket.html

Google donates $11.5 million to the fight against modern slavery

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/google/google-donates-115-million-to-the-fight-against-modern-slavery/3497

Would a Wikipedia blackout be such a bad thing?

http://m.zdnet.com/blog/igeneration/would-a-wikipedia-blackout-be-such-a-bad-thing/13726

CERN: "Don't believe the Higgs-Boson hype" (update: not yet)

http://m.engadget.com/default/article.do?artUrl=http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/13/cern-dont-believe-the-higgs-boson-hype/&category=classic&postPage=2&icid=eng_latest_art

FAO Media Centre: "energy-smart" agriculture needed to escape fossil fuel trap

http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/95161/icode/

FAO = Food & Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations

/ energy-smart /

High-energy physicists set record for network data transfer speed

http://media.caltech.edu/press_releases/13477

Teen’s iOS app uses complex algorithms to summarize the Web

http://m.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/12/summly-app-summarization/

Trillion-dollar jet has thirteen expensive new flaws

http://m.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/12/joint-strike-fighter-13-flaws/