Linked List: June 1, 2011

Wednesday, 1 June 2011

Some genuinely interesting and intriguing UI design. I particularly like the “snapping” idea, where you can tile two apps on screen together.

And why is the production quality of Microsoft’s video so low? The audio quality is horrendous and the video isn’t much better. That’s just embarrassing for the first look at Microsoft’s flagship product.

Google’s +1 Button for Websites ★

Thank goodness. There weren’t enough shitty little buttons (Arial, Google? Really?) on every post on websites like Mashable and TechCrunch.

Google Discloses China-Based ‘Hijacking’ of Gmail Accounts ★

Amir Efrati, reporting for the WSJ:

Google Inc. said it uncovered a computer attack from China targeting prominent users of its Gmail service, potentially further complicating relations between the Internet giant and the country with the highest number of Internet users.

Google said hundreds of Gmail users, including U.S. government officials, Chinese activists and journalists, were tricked into sharing their passwords with “bad actors” based in China. The attackers were able to read and forward the victims’ email.

Shaquille O’Neal Retires ★

Four-time NBA champion, utterly dominant in his prime.

Why Bond Switched From a Beretta to a Walther PPK ★

Let’s make it a Bond trifecta, with this fine installment from Letters of Note.

‘Never Say Never Again’, Remixed ★

Speaking of James Bond:

This is my interpretation of what the opening of Never Say Never Again might have been like if it had of been made by EON Films as an Official 007 title. It features music from From Russia With Love and Thunderball, the opening title sequence of Thunderball, with new credits to reflect the cast and crew of NSNA, the Dionne Warwick version of “Mr. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang”, and a new gun-barrel sequence featuring an aged (and hatless) Sean Connery.

The difference between this remix and the actual opening of Never Say Never Again is the best example I’ve ever seen regarding the importance of music and editing to filmmaking. So great. If only we could get the whole movie re-cut like this.

The Bond Mixology ★

Fun and useful $2 iPhone app by Jay Thrash:

From Connery to Craig, The Bond Mixology meticulously documents every movie, every scene, and every drink consumed by the world’s greatest spy.

Twitter Announces Photo Hosting ★

Jack Dorsey:

Millions of people share photos on Twitter every day. We’re going to make that easier than ever. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be releasing a feature to upload a photo and attach it to your Tweet right from Twitter.com. And of course, you’ll soon be able to easily do this from all of our official mobile apps. A special thanks to our partner Photobucket for hosting these photos behind the scenes.

Why Phil Plait Is (Still) Not Worried About His Cell Phone Hurting His Brain ★

Phil Plait:

You may also wish to note what other things are categorized as Group 2B possible carcinogens, including gasoline, pickled vegetables, and (GASP!) coffee.

My opinion here is that while a link between cell phones and brain cancer cannot be ruled out, without a strong correlation and a numerical statement about the odds, it seems very unlikely to me that such a connection is something to worry about. I’m far more worried about the dingus in traffic in front of me gabbing to his friend on his phone and causing an accident than I am about me getting brain cancer from my own.

In FCC Filing, Sprint Blasts AT&T for Inept Network Management ★

Phil Goldstein:

Specifically, Sprint argues that AT&T, in its April 21 filing with the FCC, makes numerous claims worthy of “Alice in Wonderland.” For example, Sprint notes that AT&T claims that it doesn’t compete with T-Mobile, despite listing T-Mobile as one of the five competitors consumers may choose from in an example of how “fiercely competitive” the market is.

Sprint also argues that AT&T has a reservoir of unused spectrum and that AT&T has failed to adequately invest in its network.

Tell us what you really think, Sprint.