Friday, December 4, 2009

Googland

Googland

[G] The Screening Room: Fresh Films Just Added

Posted: 03 Dec 2009 09:56 PM PST

YouTube Blog: The Screening Room: Fresh Films Just Added

This month, we're proud to present eight of the best short films we've ever seen (ever!) in the Screening Room, our destination for top films from the film festival circuit.



While we often program the Screening Room around specific themes (perhaps horror flicks or graphic novel adaptations ring a bell?), this month's sponsor, Canon's VIXIA, had just one request for us: skip the theme and bring people some of the finest films out there.



So, without further ado, here are the first four….



"Madame Tutli-Putli" is a stunning stop-motion animated film that was nominated for an Academy Award in 2007. The animation took over five years to complete and featured a groundbreaking technique that included adding composited human eyes to stop-motion puppets.



"The Mozart of Pickpockets," from France, was not only nominated for an Academy Award, but actually won the honor in 2007. It tells the story of two hapless Parisian pickpockets who finally hit their stride when they take a young immigrant boy under their wings.



Directed by New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi (whose feature film "Eagle vs. Shark" was snapped up by Miramax Films at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival), "Two Cars, One Night" is another Academy Award nominee.  It tells the darling story of young love born out of rivalry in a parking lot outside a rural pub. Waititi's latest film, "Boy," was just selected for the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.



Lastly, "Doxology," a stop-motion animated short featuring a dancing Oldsmobile, a boozy encounter with God, and lots of teeth brushing, hair combing and flossing, won the Slamdance Film Festival in 2008 and was nominated for a Student Academy Award.



We'll feature another four stand-out shorts starting December 15, so save room for more.



Dim the lights,



Sara Pollack, Entertainment Marketing Manager, recently watched "Pilgrims"


URL: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/youtube/PKJx/~3/2_D5ac_L-30/screening-room-fresh-films-just-added.html

[G] Joomla! Google Summer of Code™ 2009: Lots to Shout About

Posted: 03 Dec 2009 07:42 PM PST

Google Open Source Blog: Joomla! Google Summer of Code™ 2009: Lots to Shout About

The Joomla! project was thrilled to sponsor 18 Google Summer of Code students for 2009, and we are pleased to report that 16 (89%) successfully completed their projects. Most of the projects were based on ideas generated by the Joomla! community, and our community seems to be very excited about the results.

Our two primary goals for Google Summer of Code 2009 are to (1) develop relationships with student developers that will encourage them to continue working in the project; and (2) add features and functionality to the Joomla! CMS. Our participation in Google Summer of Code 2009 was very successful on both fronts.

Relationship to the Project

Several of our students this year were already contributing to Joomla! prior to participating in the program, and the Google Summer of Code experience has only strengthened that relationship. For example, one of our students, in addition to completing his project, is now a leader in the release of the next Joomla! version. At least two students (so far) have officially joined project working groups, and several others have contributed to the project over and above their Google Summer of Code projects. Many other students have also expressed interest in continuing the development of their code beyond the program timeframe.

This year, at the end of the term, we gave each student the opportunity to present a webinar where they could demonstrate their project to the community. Even though it was a lot of extra work, more than half the students did this. The results were excellent, and the students did really good, concise, focused presentations. We recorded and linked to the webinars on our site so that anyone in the community who is interested in the Google Summer of Code work can simply watch a short webinar to see an actual demonstration of the projects.

Using the Code

There are three ways the code from Google Summer of Code projects can be used within the Joomla! CMS. In some cases, some or all of the code will be incorporated directly into the core codebase for the upcoming Joomla! version 1.6. In other cases, the code has been published as an extension that can be downloaded and used by any Joomla! user on their website. The third method is that the code will be used as a basis for further work.

Some students have combined two of the methods above, for example, producing an extension for the current version 1.5 and making the code available for the core in our version 1.6.

More Information

We invite you to visit our Joomla! Community site for more information about the different projects and what was accomplished, and to download the code.


By Mark Dexter, Joomla! Project
URL: http://google-opensource.blogspot.com/2009/12/joomla-google-summer-of-code-2009-lots.html

[G] New Building Maker cities

Posted: 03 Dec 2009 05:32 PM PST

Google LatLong: New Building Maker cities

[Cross-posted from the Official Google SketchUp Blog]

Today we added six new cities that can be used to model with Building Maker. They are:

• Stockholm, Sweden
• Nuremberg, Germany
• Hiroshima, Japan
• Saitama, Japan
• Miami Beach, FL USA
• Orlando, FL USA

Tip: There are two methods to identify available cities in Building Maker. You can either click on a placemark icon, or use the "Available locations" drop down in the upper-right corner.


If you're not familiar with Building Maker, it's a new 3D modeling tool for adding buildings to Google Earth. It's fun to use, and an easy way to get on the 3D map. Oh, and be forewarned, it can be addictive!

Happy Modeling!

Posted by The Building Maker Team
URL: http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2009/12/new-building-maker-cities.html

[G] AdWords & Analytics Sessions at SES Chicago

Posted: 03 Dec 2009 04:16 PM PST

Inside AdWords: AdWords & Analytics Sessions at SES Chicago

Next week on December 7th and 8th, you can catch presentations by the Google AdWords team at SES Chicago. We'll be offering practical tips on how to quickly improve your search and display ads performance in the following sessions:
Finally, if you want to learn more about AdWords optimization tools, you can also watch a video walkthrough of the improvements we've made to AdWords this year. Ariel Bardin, the lead Product Manager for the AdWords web interface, will take you through the major new features and give you tips on managing your campaigns more efficiently.

Posted by Miles Johnson, Inside AdWords crew
URL: http://adwords.blogspot.com/2009/12/adwords-analytics-sessions-at-ses.html

[G] Searching the global web just got a little easier

Posted: 03 Dec 2009 03:32 PM PST

Official Google Blog: Searching the global web just got a little easier

Today, we're excited to introduce a new "Translated search" tool in the Search Options panel that makes finding and reading content written in other languages easier. Translated search is great because it helps you find information from sites written in other languages. We've offered this feature in Google Translate for a while, but now we're integrating it fully into Google search, making it easier for you to find and read results from pages across the web, even if they weren't written in a language you speak.

Now, when you search on Google for something in your own language, you can use this tool to search the web in another language. Click "Show Options" at the top of the search results page and select "Translated search" to try it out. We'll algorithmically select the best language(s) to translate your search query into and then return you translated results from those pages. We'll even display results from multiple languages.

For example, if you search for [restaurant reviews antwerp] while on vacation in Belgium and want to find more reviews or review sites beyond those that are just available in English, select "Translate search" in the "Show Options" panel. We'll automatically select French and Dutch (the languages spoken in Belgium), translate your query into these languages and then translate the results back into English for you to read. If you'd like to search specific languages, just modify the languages in the panel above the results. You can display results for up to five languages at once and select from 51 languages to search.


Of course, the algorithm that determines which languages to translate your search query into isn't perfect, but we're working to improve it.

We're rolling this out over the next day — keep an eye out. So if you're traveling and want to find hotels, restaurants, activities or reviews written from a local perspective, or if you're just curious to find what's being written about a company, product or topic in another language, give Translated search in the Search Options panel a try. Searching the global web has never been easier!

Posted by Maureen Heymans, Technical Lead and Jeff Chin, Product Manager
URL: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/searching-global-web-just-got-little.html

[G] More new imagery added to Google Earth and Google Maps

Posted: 03 Dec 2009 03:32 PM PST

Google LatLong: More new imagery added to Google Earth and Google Maps


We just launched new imagery for Google Earth and Google Maps. Check to see if any of your favorite places have gotten an update! You can view the updated areas highlighted in red below. Alternatively, you can download this KML, for viewing in Google Earth or you view the updates in Google Maps.


Updates are noted with a red frame

You can also share your cool new imagery finds with us using Twitter! After looking at the updates in the viewer above, tweet your cool finds and add the #GEarthIMG hashtag to your tweets. Here are some interesting examples of tweets we saw last time we updated our imagery:

@Rukasu1: Checking out the massive size and scope of the Menik Farm IDP Camp in Sri Lanka with the new GE imagery. #GEarthIMG http://tiny.cc/D4P9P
@Henk_e_S: New road infrastructure in Hoek van Holland: http://bit.ly/MXrDd #GEarthImg
@Spathiinc: New GeoEye-1 imagery in Google Earth/Maps of World Cup Stadium construction in Cape Town: http://bit.ly/7oLkGL #GEarthIMG
@Mpegg: Checking out the awesome new imagery of Whistler, site of 2010 Olympics on @googleearth: http://bit.ly/74PdrJ #GEarthIM

Posted by Matt Manolides, Senior Geo Data Strategist
URL: http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2009/12/more-new-imagery-added-to-google-earth.html

[G] Technically speaking, what makes Google Chrome fast?

Posted: 03 Dec 2009 02:54 PM PST

Google Chrome Blog: Technically speaking, what makes Google Chrome fast?

We're always happy to hear that you're enjoying Google Chrome's speed, and we've often been asked what makes Google Chrome so fast -- from its snappy start-up time, and fast page-loading, to the ability to run complex web applications quickly.

For those of you who'd like to dive into the full technical intricacies on what makes Google Chrome a fast and responsive browser, we've put together video interviews to walk through some of the engineering involved. In particular, we take a look at the inner workings of DNS pre-resolution, the V8 JavaScript engine, and DOM bindings. In a future post, we'll also cover other important aspects of Google Chrome's speed, such as WebKit and UI responsiveness.

You can watch these interviews on the Chromium blog, or through the Google Chrome YouTube channel.



Posted by Min Li Chan, Product Marketing Manager

URL: http://chrome.blogspot.com/2009/12/technically-speaking-what-makes-google.html

[G] A deeper look at channels: Targetable channels (Part III of III)

Posted: 03 Dec 2009 02:54 PM PST

Inside AdSense: A deeper look at channels: Targetable channels (Part III of III)

During the past 2 weeks, we walked you through the basics of URL and custom channels. In the final episode, Laurence Moore talks about the two ways in which advertisers can target your website: contextual and placement targeting. You'll also learn how to make your channels targetable by advertisers and label them with information such as size, location, and audience so the advertiser can easily find your channels and make an informed decision when choosing to target your site.



Thank you for watching the videos in our channels series, we hope you found them useful. If you'd like to watch more videos from the AdSense team, visit our official channel on YouTube.

Posted by Dia Muthana - Inside AdSense Team
URL: http://adsense.blogspot.com/2009/12/deeper-look-at-channels-targetable.html

[G] Connect with world leaders on the climate debate

Posted: 03 Dec 2009 10:43 AM PST

Official Google Blog: Connect with world leaders on the climate debate

(Cross-posted from the Official YouTube Blog)

Next week 192 countries will participate in the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen — the first step in setting new international commitments for carbon reduction. We want to be sure your voice is included in the debate.

That's why, starting today, you can submit and vote on questions to ask world climate leaders during a televised town hall on CNN. With Google Moderator on YouTube for the first time, you can view, add and vote on video or text questions in one spot.


Questions will be translated into numerous languages using the Google Language API, giving you a chance to read and vote on text questions from around the world. Voting and submissions will be accepted until December 14. You can also track the conversation and vote on new questions. Visit www.youtube.com/cop15 now to get started.

Next week we'll post an update on popular and interesting questions. We're looking forward to seeing what ideas you and others around the world have for addressing climate change.

Posted by Steve Grove, Head of YouTube News & Politics and Colby Ranger, Tech Lead, Google Moderator
URL: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/connect-with-world-leaders-on-climate.html

[G] UNESCO World Heritage sites in Street View

Posted: 03 Dec 2009 10:15 AM PST

Google LatLong: UNESCO World Heritage sites in Street View


If like me you're an avid traveller (of the virtual or standard variety) you'll probably know that in the last few months the Street View team has been working with tourist agencies, the public and partners from across the world to bring a new kind of imagery to Street View, focusing on putting tourist spots and iconic cultural landmarks on the map in all their 360 degree beauty.

As part of this effort, we're delighted to be announcing a global alliance with UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) to put imagery of World Heritage sites into Street View. To whet your appetite we've released new imagery for 19 UNESCO sites around Europe, including places in Czech Republic, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom. You can explore the sites directly in Google Maps, or visit the microsite to learn more.




In the coming months Google will work with UNESCO to select additional World Heritage landmarks, in countries where Street View imagery is being collected, which will be photographed for the project. The aim is to collect imagery from diverse regions throughout the world including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, US and many countries throughout Europe. With permission from the site manager/owner such places look set to one day be available to millions of people around the world who may never have the chance to visit them in person.


Fancy a little tour of your own? Why not start with a walk alongside the Seine. From the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower, from the Place de la Concorde to the Grand and Petit Palais, the evolution of Paris and its history can be seen from its banks. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame and the Sainte Chapelle are architectural masterpieces while Haussmann's wide squares and boulevards influenced late 19th- and 20th-century town planning the world over.with a virtual walk.



View Larger Map


If you fancy going a little further back in time you could swoop over to Italy to explore the ruins of the Roman towns of Pompei, engulfed by Vesuvius eruption in AD 79. These have been progressively excavated and made accessible to the public since the mid-18th century and are now available for all with a simple click of a mouse.



Visualizzazione ingrandita della mappa


Personally, I couldn't resist going one step further back in time by visiting Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, one of the most famous groups of megaliths in the world. The circles of menhirs are arranged in a pattern whose astronomical significance is still being explored, and the site has captivated acheologists for hundreds of years.


There are plenty more sites you can visit too - like the Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout in the Netherlands, the old town of Cáceres in Spain and the historic Center of Prague in Czech Republic. Check them all out here.

We work in partnership with landmarks and attractions all over the world to put them on the map and the Street View partnership programme is now available in the following countries: France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the US. So if you want to be part of it just get in touch!

In the meantime, enjoy your trip!


Posted by Kenzo Fong Hing, Google London
URL: http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2009/12/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-street.html

[G] Introducing Feather: A Lighter Way to Browse Videos

Posted: 03 Dec 2009 10:15 AM PST

YouTube Blog: Introducing Feather: A Lighter Way to Browse Videos

One of our priorities is ensuring that videos always load and playback quickly. However, a consequence of rolling out higher quality video, HD and, more recently, 1080p, is that playbacks might suffer if bandwidth or computer processing power is low. There are also a few countries where bandwidth is at a premium and videos can take several seconds to start playing.

Let's face it: in this age of instant gratification, even several seconds of loading time can feel like an eternity.

With all of this in mind, "Feather," an ultra light watch page, launches today in TestTube, our ideas incubator where we test out new products. As you can see by the below screenshot, the player still features prominently, but will default to standard quality. Related videos, comments and other familiar features from the current watch page are kept to a minimum. All of this results in a user experience that aims to keep things simple and the videos loading and playing quickly. If we see adoption go up along with improvements in latency, we'll look to roll this out of TestTube and make it more widely available.



Take Feather for a test drive here.

Chris Zacharias, Engineer, recently watched "TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB - I Can Talk."


URL: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/youtube/PKJx/~3/b0KL7t4vuK8/introducing-feather-lighter-way-to.html

[G] Introducing Google Public DNS

Posted: 03 Dec 2009 09:42 AM PST

Official Google Blog: Introducing Google Public DNS

When you type www.wikipedia.org into your browser's address bar, you expect nothing less than to be taken to Wikipedia. Chances are you're not giving much thought to the work being done in the background by the Domain Name System, or DNS.

Today, as part of our ongoing effort to make the web faster, we're launching our own public DNS resolver called Google Public DNS, and we invite you to try it out.

Most of us aren't familiar with DNS because it's often handled automatically by our Internet Service Provider (ISP), but it provides an essential function for the web. You could think of it as the switchboard of the Internet, converting easy-to-remember domain names — e.g., www.google.com — into the unique Internet Protocol (IP) numbers — e.g., 74.125.45.100 — that computers use to communicate with one another.

The average Internet user ends up performing hundreds of DNS lookups each day, and some complex pages require multiple DNS lookups before they start loading. This can slow down the browsing experience. Our research has shown that speed matters to Internet users, so over the past several months our engineers have been working to make improvements to our public DNS resolver to make users' web-surfing experiences faster, safer and more reliable. You can read about the specific technical improvements we've made in our product documentation and get installation instructions from our product website.

If you're web-savvy and comfortable with changing your network settings, check out the Google Code Blog for detailed instructions and more information on how to set up Google Public DNS on your computer or router.

As people begin to use Google Public DNS, we plan to share what we learn with the broader web community and other DNS providers, to improve the browsing experience for Internet users globally. The goal of Google Public DNS is to benefit users worldwide while also helping the tens of thousands of DNS resolvers improve their services, ultimately making the web faster for everyone.

Posted by Prem Ramaswami, Product Manager
URL: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/introducing-google-public-dns.html

[G] Connect with World Leaders on the Climate Debate

Posted: 03 Dec 2009 08:43 AM PST

YouTube Blog: Connect with World Leaders on the Climate Debate

Next week 192 countries will participate in the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen — the first step in setting new international commitments for carbon reduction. We want to be sure your voice is included in the debate.

That's why, starting today, you can submit and vote on questions to ask world climate leaders during a televised town hall on CNN. With Google Moderator on YouTube for the first time, you can view, add, and vote on video or text questions in one spot.




Questions will be translated into numerous languages using the Google Language API, giving you a chance to read and vote on text questions from around the world. Voting and submissions will be accepted until December 14. You can also track the conversation and vote on new questions. Visit www.youtube.com/cop15 now to get started.

Next week we'll post an update on popular and interesting questions. We're looking forward to seeing what ideas you and others around the world have for addressing climate change.

Steve Grove, Head of YouTube News & Politics and Colby Ranger, Tech Lead, Google Moderator, recently watched "Roland Emmerich - Raise Your Voice"


URL: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/youtube/PKJx/~3/Uon3akZWc04/connect-with-world-leaders-on-climate.html
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