Thursday, January 20, 2011

Googland

Googland

[G] Find Labs with search-as-you-type

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 06:22 PM PST

Official Gmail Blog: Find Labs with search-as-you-type

Posted by Greg Bullock, Software Engineer

Have you ever found it just a little bit tricky to find what you were looking for on the Gmail Labs Settings page? Scrolling was ok when there were a handful of Labs, but now that there are over 50 it's another story. A lunchtime discussion made us realize that having to rely on the browser's search function or endless scrolling makes it hard to find the Labs features you want. So another Gmail engineer named Manu and I decided take an afternoon and address this. The result is an addition to the Settings page which filters the visible Labs as you type.


You can also link directly to the search results (e.g. http://mail.google.com/mail#settings/labs/video) if you'd like.
URL: http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/find-labs-with-search-as-you-type.html

[G] New YouTube homepage launches to all users

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 06:17 PM PST

YouTube Blog: New YouTube homepage launches to all users

You may have noticed we've been experimenting with a new YouTube homepage. After countless user studies and community surveys, one thing came in loud and clear: the homepage in its current form doesn't mean much to most of you, and could be more personally relevant. So the goal of this experiment was to put more of an emphasis on "videos for you."

To pave the way for this experiment, we removed some of the less-used modules such as "Videos Being Watched Now." Then we moved modules like "Spotlight" and "Featured Videos" over to the right side. All of these changes were to make room for a combined list of personally relevant videos made up of recommendations for you, your subscriptions activity, and videos being shared by your friends.

Recently we opened up the experimental homepage to anyone who wanted to try it out. Millions of users opted in and now have this new version set as their homepage. Many of the people who tried the experimental homepage filled out our feedback form. While not everyone loved it, most people thought the new homepage was better than the old homepage.

Here are some of the enhancements offered by the new homepage (logged in users only):
  • Increased focus on videos that matter to you (subscriptions, friend's sharing, recommendations)
  • You can easily filter your homepage to show only the latest uploads from your subscriptions
  • Don't miss anything; if a channel uploads four videos in a day, you'll see all four - instead of just the latest video
  • Quick access to the inbox when you have new messages or comments
  • Knows what you have seen (videos you've watched are grayed out)
  • Remove any video (hover and click the "x" button)

Although some of you might miss some features, we think this latest version is a step in the right direction. It's simpler, more personal, and it makes it easier to follow and watch the videos that are meaningful to you. So today we're rolling out this new homepage for all logged in users worldwide.

We're dedicated to making YouTube the best place for you to discover and share great videos. Please send us your feedback in a video, in the forums, on this blog or on Twitter. As always, we'll be listening and taking your feedback very seriously.

Posted by the YouTube team.


URL: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/youtube/PKJx/~3/3w2MWnG4JFI/new-youtube-homepage-launches-to-all.html

[G] Software downloads for Iran

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 05:34 PM PST

Google Photos Blog: Software downloads for Iran

Posted by Neil Martin, Export Compliance Programs Manager

(Cross-posted from the Official Google Blog)

During the protests that erupted in Iran following the disputed Presidential election in June 2009, the central government in Tehran deported all foreign journalists, shut down traditional media outlets, closed off print journalism and disrupted cell phone lines. The government also infiltrated networks, posing as activists and using false identities to round up dissidents. In spite of this, the sharing of information using the Internet prevailed. YouTube and Twitter were cited by journalists, activists and bloggers as the best source for firsthand accounts and on-the-scene footage of the protests and violence across the country. At the time, though, U.S. export controls and sanctions programs prohibited software downloads to Iran.

Some of those export restrictions have now been lifted and today, for the first time, we're making Google Earth, Picasa and Chrome available for download in Iran. We're committed to full compliance with U.S. export controls and sanctions programs and, as a condition of our export licenses from the Treasury Department, we will continue to block IP addresses associated with the Iranian government.

Our products are specifically designed to help people create, communicate, share opinions and find information. And we believe that more available products means more choice, more freedom, and ultimately more power for individuals in Iran and across the globe.
URL: http://googlephotos.blogspot.com/2011/01/software-downloads-for-iran.html

[G] What's so funny? Submit your skit ideas for Friday’s LIVE online improv show

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 12:19 PM PST

YouTube Blog: What's so funny? Submit your skit ideas for Friday's LIVE online improv show

This Friday, you're in control of the action for HP ePrint Live, a two-hour live improv comedy show streaming on YouTube. Host Rob Riggle (The Hangover, The Daily Show With Jon Stewart) and actors from the Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre will act out skits based on viewer suggestions sent to one of the printers on stage, performing it live in front of millions of YouTube viewers.



On the day of the show (January 21) send a note, a picture, a song, a drawing (whatever strikes you!) to the HP Web-connected printer at ideas@hpeprintlive.com and actors from the UCB Theatre will use the ideas to create original comedy in real time. Maybe you want to see what would happen if humans lived underwater, or perhaps you have a great photo of your dog and you want to know what his stream of consciousness sounds like. However hilarious, twisted or downright goofy your idea is, simply ePrint it and watch www.youtube.com/hpeprintlive, on January 21, 3 p.m. ET, to see it come to life. Include your Twitter and you might just get a special shout out! If your submission is chosen, you'll receive a link to your personal video over email. The skit will also be posted online at the HP ePrint Live YouTube channel and on HP's Home Facebook page.







Fear not, if your submission is not selected, keep sending through January 26. Members of UCB Theatre will continue to accept ideas to create custom comedy shorts period, with a different theme and setting each day, including the home (day 1), office (day 2), school (day 3), travel (day 4) and "anything goes" (day 5). These will all be posted on the channel just as soon as they are created.



Start thinking about what scenarios you'd like to see performed on the show. ePrint them on January 21 and don't forget to tune in LIVE.



Suzie Reider, Director Display Advertising, YouTube and GDN recently watched "Annie Leibovitz: HP Let's Do Amazing"


URL: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/youtube/PKJx/~3/Bwt7ruyhZns/whats-so-funny-submit-your-skit-ideas.html

[G] Free Software Foundation Supports WebM

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 12:13 PM PST

The WebM Open Media Project Blog: Free Software Foundation Supports WebM

We're excited that the Free Software Foundation (FSF) has joined the growing community of WebM supporters. You can read the FSF's announcement "No double standards: supporting Google's push for WebM" at their web site.
URL: http://blog.webmproject.org/2011/01/free-software-foundation-supports-webm.html

[G] Doodle 4 Google - Tell Us What You’d Like To Do Someday

Posted: 19 Jan 2011 05:32 AM PST

Official Google Blog: Doodle 4 Google - Tell Us What You'd Like To Do Someday

Today, I'm pleased to announce the launch of the fourth annual Doodle 4 Google contest. Open to K-12 students in the U.S., Doodle 4 Google is an opportunity of a lifetime: design the Google.com homepage doodle for millions to see, and while you're at it, take home a $15,000 scholarship and a $25,000 technology grant for your school.

In the spirit of thinking big, our theme this year is "What I'd like to do someday..." — giving all of the talented young dreamers an opportunity to flex their creative muscles. We know this crop of students will be the generation of tomorrow's leaders and inventors, and we can't wait to see what they come up with.

While most of this year's contest remains the same, we've made some exciting changes based on your feedback. Now, parents or guardians can register their students directly, and if a school registers, there's no limit on the number of doodles they can submit. But remember, we only allow one entry per student. We're also pleased to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Girl Scouts of the USA, two organizations that truly bring this year's theme to life.

Once you've registered your students and they submit their artwork, Google employees and our panel of guest judges, including Whoopi Goldberg, gold medal ice skater Evan Lysacek and "Garfield" creator Jim Davis, will narrow down the submissions. The top 40 regional finalists will not only receive a trip to New York City and a visit from Google in their hometown, but their artwork will be featured in a special exhibition in partnership with the Whitney Museum of American Art.

For more details, check out google.com/doodle4google, including full contest rules. To get started, whether you're a teacher or a parent, register your student(s) by March 2, 2011. Then get out the crayons, paints and markers—you can even throw your own doodle party. Please note that all entries must be postmarked by March 16, 2011.

Happy doodling!

Posted by Marissa Mayer, VP, Consumer Products
URL: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/doodle-4-google-tell-us-what-youd-like.html
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