Google has launched a limited test of Google Apps Script which allows users to add automation with Google Spreadsheets. Google Apps Script allows you to automate reading and changing values in cells and ranges, changing formats and formulas and creating custom functions and make those functions available from the Google Spreadsheets menu. Scripting is not limited to Google Spreadsheets functions but can also allow you to send email and even create calendar entries. One of the samples created included a Google Form that entered information into a Google Spreadsheet then performed a mail merge and sent mail through Gmail.
Just a quick note. Phishers and malware vendors are using Skype to snare people into paying for their crap and infecting their machines. You should lock down your Skype privacy settings [detailed howto] to prevent them from messaging you in the first place!
We recently reviewed the Epson WorkForce 600 and found it to be an excellent all-in-one printer. Now Epson have released the WorkForce 310 which is essentially a cheaper, more compact and more efficient version. The WorkForce series is a range of printers that can print, scan, copy and fax. Photo printing is also catered for, as would be expected with an Epson. However, direct photo printing might be an issue with no USB connectivity and no memory card slots unlike its predecessor the WorkForce 600.
Disappointingly, the 310 has lost its 802.11g WiFi connectivity completely which was a real bonus for the 600. However, it should be noted that this is priced cheaper and has been designed as a compact option.
On the plus side, Epson claim that it can print at twice the speed of any similarly-priced and similarly-featured all-in-one printer, with a black printing speed of 36 ppm (not specified as to whether this is in draft mode or not) and a high quality print speed of 16 ppm. 2-sided is support – the Epson website displays this as ‘manual 2-sided printing’ but surely every printer ‘features’ this?!
Not a bad job for $130, and should have enough features to delight the occasional home user and power business user alike.
Evil iPod Shuffle Case – If you love your iPod shuffle, and you’re a little on the evil side yourself, then you’ll love this little guy. In exchange for $1 (and possibly your immortal soul) you can stow your tunes and your Shuffle inside his skin. Be careful putting him in your pocket though; you never know where he might poke you! Read the rest of this entry »
Skin Cancer is becoming a bigger problem – but here’s a little gizmo to help you reduce your risk. Presenting the UVSunSense Wristband. While there are other devices that warn you of excessive exposure to UV radiation, this one will actually tell you when you need to apply more sunscreen. Think of it as a cheaper, and perhaps cooler version of the Portable UV Monitor.
When you’re applying your sun screen, simply take a moment to apply a little to your wristband as well, over the words, and when they change color you know you need to reapply. For a simple (and perhaps eventually live-saving) gadget, a mere $6 will buy you 7 wristbands – enough for a good long stay on the beach!
Now we just need to design one with an alarm in it so that it can wake you up need to reapply when you’ve dozed off.
Price: $5.87 for 7 wristbands (Please note prices are subject to change and the listed price is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of posting)
In a move hailed by computer security experts across the country, President Obama outlined today a new top ‘cybersecurity czar’ position that would operate out of the White House and have direct access to the president. This speech included reference to a new comprehensive approach to US computer security.
What we say – thank you Mr President. It’s about time a president recognizes how important and potentially fragile our computer systems and networks are. As a sys admin who understands how easily systems can be hacked, I constantly worry that a truly malicious hacker is going to come along and really stick it to us. And I’m not even a pure security expert; they know of 10x as many vulnerabilities as I do!
I love the fact that his speech included terms like ‘malware, spyware, spoofing’ and more. You can see (or read) the president’s speech on the White House website.
If you’re ever on a slow, nail-biter of an Internet connection and it’s taking forever to load your feature-rich Gmail Inbox, you will love this new Lab feature – Inbox Preview. It simply shows a very simple, static page of your inbox with the 10 newest messages. What’s the benefit? Imagine yourself on the run and need to quickly check if you have any new, important e-mails.
Inbox Preview to the rescue. Of course, if you’re like me and get hundreds of e-mail per day, this may only help a tad. Active Inbox Preview by heading into the Gmail Labs section of your account.
Everyone knows the feeling of seeing your friends have thousands of songs on their iPod, while you only have a measly collection in comparison. The Easy iPod Media Sharer allows two iPods to transfer songs, videos, and files between two iPods.
Of course, any songs transferred with digital rights management (DRM), mainly songs bought through iTunes, require proper authorization. The neat thing about this gizmo is the speedy way it transfers the data. It claims transferring some songs in seconds, approximately 600KB/sec.
The Easy iPod Media Sharer is actually pocket size measuring about three inches long and 2 inches wide. Great to throw in your laptop bag, purse, or even a pocket to share songs on the go. This handy gadget is perfect for anyone who enjoys gathering a collection of songs, or who has multiple iPods and wants to keep them all up to date in a quick and easy way.
Google recently released version 2 of Chrome, their Web browser. Although not a major release, it incorporates new versions of WebKit, the browser engine, and V8, the JavaScript engine.
Two new features include Fullscreen mode (F11) and Auto-Fill for web forms.
As much as we like Chrome from a pure Web browser perspective, we’re not about to stop using Firefox. The sheer number of extensions that we now can’t live without is too much to let go.
