Google Chrome now uses SPDY HTTP replacement, halves page load time

We're not entirely sure of the time line here, but it looks like Google has now rolled out the SPDY HTTP replacement to its full bevy of Web services, including Gmail, Docs, and YouTube. If you're currently using Google's Chrome browser you're probably already using SPDY.

We originally reported on SPDY way back in November 2009, when Google introduced it as yet another experiment in making the Web faster, like Go, Native Client and speculative pre-connections. Over the last 18 months, though, SPDY support has found its way into the stable build of Chrome.

SPDY is basically a streamlined and more efficient version of HTTP. At its most basic, SPDY introduces parallel, multiplexed streams over a single TCP connection -- but at the same time, SPDY allows for prioritization, so that vital content (HTML) can be sent before periphery content (JavaScript, video). All in all, the SPDY protocol can halve page load times, which is obviously rather significant.

The best bit, though, is that SPDY is an open-source project. HTTP 1.1 is a lumbering beast that needs to be replaced before low-latency real-time computing really becomes a reality, and SPDY is one of the best options currently on the table. To be honest, we're not sure why SPDY hasn't received more coverage -- it's awesome in every way. At the moment, though, the only way to help speed up SPDY's proliferation, is with an experimental Apache mod.

As far as actually 'trying it out,' your best bet is downloading Chrome, hitting up some Google sites, and then checking chrome://net-internals to see your active SPDY sessions. SPDY is a transparent replacement for HTTP, though, and as such it's rather hard to see its effects. Google's sites definitely feel fast in Chrome, but there are more technologies than just SPDY at work.

Google Chrome now uses SPDY HTTP replacement, halves page load time originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/11/google-chrome-now-uses-spdy-http-replacement-halves-page-load-t/

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Chocomize personalized chocolate: giveaway and discount code

Okay, I know what you're thinking: chocolate on Download Squad? That's right! That's because Chocomize is one of the nerdiest ways to get chocolate online: it's a website where you customize your own bar using a multi-step process.

We've covered Chocomize before in our holiday gift guide, so when they reached out to us offering to do a giveaway, we really couldn't resist.

Chocomize is giving away ten gift certificates, each worth $50, for you to create your own customized chocolate. They sent us some pictures of their recent creations, which you can find in the gallery below.

Regardless of the giveaway, you can use the discount code switched to get 10% off any Chocomize order. The code is valid through April 20th - just in time for Easter!

To participate, simply leave a comment. Fine print is after the jump.

Gallery: Chocomize personalized chocolate

Continue reading Chocomize personalized chocolate: giveaway and discount code

Chocomize personalized chocolate: giveaway and discount code originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/06/giveaway-and-discount-code-chocomize-personalized-chocolate/

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Google's Blogger platform adds five new HTML5 Dynamic Views

Google, as part of its ongoing and much-needed overhaul of its popular Blogger platform, has just enabled five dynamic, HTML5ish, AJAXy 'Dynamic Views'. There's a video introducing the new layouts after the break.

The five new views provide fresh and interesting ways to explore your favorite Blogger blogs. The Mosaic view, for example, creates a wall of thumbnails -- click one, and it zooms to fill the screen; click it again and it minimizes. Flipcard is similar to Mosaic, but not quite as eclectic. Sidebar, Timeslide and Snapshot round off the new views, with each one obviously targeted at different types of content, from photo blogs, to text-only philosophy blogs, and everything in between.

For now, you have to visit a Blogger blog and add /view to the URL to enable the new Dynamic Views. If you own a Blogger blog, you can disable the new views -- and really, why weren't they disabled by default?

If feedback is positive -- which we're sure it will be -- these Dynamic Views will soon be enabled by default. You'll also be able to edit the views in much the same way as current Blogger templates.

Continue reading Google's Blogger platform adds five new HTML5 Dynamic Views

Google's Blogger platform adds five new HTML5 Dynamic Views originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/google-blogger-platform-introduces-five-new-html5-dynamic-views/

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Google stirs cooking recipes into search results

Google's latest search trick is recognizing recipes in search results, and showing you a quick overview of a recipe before you even click through. Thanks to some XML tricks, you'll soon be able to see ingredients, ratings and thumbnail images for recipes right in your search results.

Google's recipe search also has some advanced options (found in the search sidebar), including filters for ingredients, cook time and calories. Recipe sites like food.com and tablespoon.com, with clearly-delineated sections marked up in XML, make it easy for Google to parse this information.

To see if you have recipe search yet, check the left sidebar on a search results page. Recipes should show up right under Shopping and above More. It hasn't rolled out to everyone yet, so don't fret if you don't see it.

Google stirs cooking recipes into search results originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/google-adds-recipes-to-search-results/

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Line Grapefruit is a tricky Flash "path" game

Okay, see that snaking line coming in from the right on the screenshot? That's you. And see those large round circles? Those are supposedly grapefruits, only they won't sit still - they keep moving up and down and cutting across your path. And if you touch one, you die!

That's what you have to deal with in Line Grapefruit. But that's not all - you're also on a time limit. In fact, you have a very limited amount of time to make it through the "path" (for lack of a better word). You need to snake your way through the winding trail without touching anything. The good news is that a grapefruit only kills you if it touches the end of the line - once you've made it past the grapefruit, nothing happens if it crosses the path you've made.

This is not an easy game, but it's quite unique - I can't recall seeing another game quite like it.

Line Grapefruit is a tricky Flash "path" game originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/01/line-grapefruit-is-a-tricky-flash-path-game/

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Hipmunk Flight Search app comes to iOS

Hipmunk is a unique flight search service that rates airfares based on cost, length of trip, and "agony," a score that combines price, duration and number of stops, and now there's a Hipmunk Flight Search app for iPhone and iPad that lets you search and book flights on the go. The app is extremely well-designed, and it's arguably easier and more fun to use than Hipmunk's Web interface.

Searching flights is a snap: enter airports, tap your travel dates on a calendar, and start browsing flights. There are tabs for each of Hipmunk's scores (duration, cost, and agony), and you can buy the flight right from Hipmunk. There's also the convenient option to finish your transaction on your desktop by entering a code into the Hipmunk website. Hipmunk already does a great job searching flights across all the cheapest airlines and services, but adding a well-thought-out iOS app to its roster really sets it apart from the competition.

Gallery: Hipmunk Flight Search for iOS Screenshots

Hipmunk Flight Search app comes to iOS originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/22/hipmunk-flight-search-app-comes-to-ios/

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TiPb TV 2011 Hallowe?en special

In a special Hallowe’en episode of TiPb TV, Georgia asks Siri to reveal the secret origins of Android. When Siri hesitates, Georgia gets all Themyscira on its apps. Happy Hallowe’en from TiPb and Mobile Nations!

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/7vVks2hiKdU/

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British royal family announces iOS and Android wedding app

To celebrate the imminent marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Royal Collection will release an Android an iOS app that chronicles the last seven royal marriages, including Queen Victoria's marriage to Prince Albert in 1840.

Ironically, the app won't actually feature anything to do with William and Kate's marriage -- rather, it will focus on the "tradition, splendor and romance" that are intrinsic to British royal marriages. "[The app] will share the stories of past royal weddings and offer a wealth of historical context for the ceremony on April 29."

Unfortunately, the app, which has been lumbered with the fantastically creative name of 'Royal App,' won't be available until April 18 -- just 11 days before Kate's big day. It won't be free, either: it'll cost the rather princely sum of £1.79, or three of your Tea Party-loving dollars. The money will go to the Royal Collection, though, which is a good cause!

British royal family announces iOS and Android wedding app originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/british-royal-family-announces-ios-and-android-wedding-app/

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BlackBerry Messenger 6.0 screenshots leak

A leaked early version of RIM's upcoming BlackBerry Messenger 6 has been making the rounds since late February, but images of the new app are just now beginning to appear. Over at CrackBerry, the crew has shared a handful of images of BBM 6 in action. Unfortunately, you won't get a glimpse at a chat or file transfer -- only the profile screens (after the break) and what you see above. All that's really revealed so far is the option to set custom contact and chat colors and BlackBerry OS 6.1-style icons.

CrackBerry also warns against installing the leaked BBM 6 app. There's no guarantee this app hasn't been tampered with, and BlackBerry devices are becoming a more common target for cybercriminals.

Continue reading BlackBerry Messenger 6.0 screenshots leak

BlackBerry Messenger 6.0 screenshots leak originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/06/blackberry-messenger-6-0-screenshots-leak/

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Instagram adds better news feed, tilt-shift filter

Instagram, the trendiest iPhone photo sharing app in the land, is on a roll. Fresh off the launch of an API, Instagram has updated its iOS apps with an improved news feed and a tilt-shift option to add some punch to your photos.

The news feed used to show only activity on your own photos -- likes, comments, and new followers. Now it has a second tab that shows what your friends are liking and commenting on, and who they've started following. It's a bit overwhelming, but potentially useful for discovering new people and pics on Instagram.

Instagram is known for its filters, but the ability to quickly tilt-shift a photo -- that's where you blur most of the image to add interest to a specific part of it -- is a whole new thing. It's a special effect that you can use in combination with any of the other filters, which is a first for Instagram. Very cool, but I hope this doesn't mark the beginning of feature-creep. The app's minimalism is what makes it so cool.

Instagram adds better news feed, tilt-shift filter originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/instagram-adds-better-news-feed-tilt-shift-filter/

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Angry Farm is an Angry Birds knockoff for BlackBerry

Angry Birds hasn't been officially ported to the BlackBerry, but a company called Smarter Apps got tired of waiting and produced an unofficial "alternative" called Angry Farm. The gameplay is virtually identical to Angry Birds, but you control farm animals instead of birds, and your opponents are foxes instead of pigs.

Angry Farm has 30 levels and free upgrades for life, and it works on BlackBerry devices running BlackBerry OS 4.6 and up. The cost: $4.99. How blatant can an Angry Birds clone get before Rovio attempts to shut it down? I have a feeling we may be about to find out. Either that, or the real Angry Birds for BlackBerry will come out ...

Angry Farm is an Angry Birds knockoff for BlackBerry originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/25/angry-farm-is-an-angry-birds-knockoff-for-blackberry/

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iTablet Thumb Keyboard: Tastiera ?da pollici? con Touchpad

Grazie alla tastiera iTablet Thumb Keyboard � possibile pilotare comodamente il nostro computer dal divano di casa con maggiore comodit�

Source: http://www.geekissimo.com/2011/05/12/itablet-thumb-keyboard-tastiera-da-pollici-con-touchpad/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=itablet-thumb-keyboard-tastiera-da-pollici-con-touchpad

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WordPress for iOS 2.7 features improved data management, better stability

WordPress for iPad and iPhone has always been usable, if somewhat clunky and unstable. Version 2.0 made huge leaps in both interface and reliability, and it's been getting a tiny bit better with each new version. Now, enter WordPress for iOS 2.7, which uses Apple's Core Data framework for even greater stability.

The post editor has been updated, and it offers easy access to tags and categories, as well as handy buttons for inserting links, images, and videos (including multiple media uploads at once). Other small-yet-important updates include pull-to-refresh for list screens and the ability to follow links in comments.

WordPress for iOS 2.7 features improved data management, better stability originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/17/wordpress-for-ios-2-7-features-improved-data-management-better-stability/

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Boomshine is a soothing-yet-frustrating time waster

One click; just one single well-aimed click. That's all you get in Boomshine.

That single click triggers a chain reaction; circles start exploding, and other circles colliding with the shockwaves explode as well, creating their own shockwaves, which then catch other circles.

It's been done before, yes, but this one is a great iteration. The soundtrack is mellow, with lots of piano and some nice percussion (not electronic - it sounds like drums).

At each level you need to make a certain number of circles explode to go on to the next level. I got up to level 12, where you get 60 circles and need to make 55 of them explode. And then I kept trying and trying, but simply couldn't get it. I did get to 54 circles a couple of times, but as they say, you don't get points for trying.

There's no time limit, so you can carefully study the pattern of motion and place your click at the exact right place to create the best chain reaction. I've found that clicking near the middle of the screen works quite well, especially if the balls are slowly moving in that direction. By the time the first shockwave dies off, the oncoming balls usually hit it and the chain reaction continues.

What level did you reach? Screenshots please!

Boomshine is a soothing-yet-frustrating time waster originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/16/boomshine-is-a-soothing-yet-frustrating-time-waster/

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Intel CEO Paul Otellini to give keynote at CES; will we see a new generation of Android hardware?

It's 50-50 on this one, we suppose, but Intel CEO Paul Otellini will be giving a keynote address on the first afternoon of CES on January 10 in Las Vegas. And it's entirely possible that we'll see some new Android hardware come out of it. You'll recall that Google's Andy Rubin joined Otellini at Intel's developer conference last month to announce that "Combining Android with Intel's low power smartphone roadmap opens up more opportunity for innovation and choice." And that goes from the kernel on up.

Needless to say, this won't be a CES to miss, and we'll be there to bring you the whole thing.

Source: Press release

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/XB1TBy3VKD8/intel-ceo-paul-otellini-give-keynote-ces-will-we-see-new-generation-android-hardware

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British royal family announces iOS and Android wedding app

To celebrate the imminent marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Royal Collection will release an Android an iOS app that chronicles the last seven royal marriages, including Queen Victoria's marriage to Prince Albert in 1840.

Ironically, the app won't actually feature anything to do with William and Kate's marriage -- rather, it will focus on the "tradition, splendor and romance" that are intrinsic to British royal marriages. "[The app] will share the stories of past royal weddings and offer a wealth of historical context for the ceremony on April 29."

Unfortunately, the app, which has been lumbered with the fantastically creative name of 'Royal App,' won't be available until April 18 -- just 11 days before Kate's big day. It won't be free, either: it'll cost the rather princely sum of £1.79, or three of your Tea Party-loving dollars. The money will go to the Royal Collection, though, which is a good cause!

British royal family announces iOS and Android wedding app originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/british-royal-family-announces-ios-and-android-wedding-app/

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No Contract iPhones: The Facts

No contract iPhones invariably are more expensive rather than taking out a cell phone contract, but a lot of people still go with it thanks to the benefits. Here’s a quick guide to taking out an iPhone without the contract. No Contract iPhones – The Good Points 1) Expense: If you choose to buy a no contract iPhone, you’re going to have to pay significantly more upfront. On the other hand, you could wind up saving money over the life [...]

Source: http://tabletbuzzblog.com/no-contract-iphones-the-facts/

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ChromeLite: experience the ASCII Web of yesteryear

Have you ever wondered what the Web was like before the Mosaic Web browser? If you were born in the last 20-odd years, or you only discovered your inner geek recently, did you miss out on monochrome monitors and the dial-up BBS era? Well, here's your chance to get a sneak peek at history: grab the ChromeLite extension and marvel as the entire Web is transformed into ASCII characters.

Now, ChromeLite isn't really all that functional. For the most part, it simply strips images and converts text into a monospaced terminal font. There are a few Easter eggs inserted -- such as a fun message at the bottom of YouTube (image after the break) -- and some fun ASCII art, but that's about it. Rather oddly, most JavaScript continues to work -- so you can still enjoy Google Instant Search!

ChromeLite was actually made by Google as an April Fools' joke -- and indeed, an annoying 'you can uninstall this!' message appears at the top of every page -- but we're kind of hoping that Google, or another developer, takes ChromeLite and turns it into a real ASCII browsing extension with configurable settings. If anything, it will provide an easy way to save bandwidth and CPU time.

Continue reading ChromeLite: experience the ASCII Web of yesteryear

ChromeLite: experience the ASCII Web of yesteryear originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/chromelite-experience-the-ascii-web-of-yesteryear/

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HTC rolling out update to Android 2.3.5, Sense 3.0 for Desire S in UK

According to reports from multiple sources, the HTC Desire S is currently receiving an update to Android 2.3.5, which also bumps the mid-range handset from HTC Sense 2.1 right up to Sense 3.0. The new version of Sense, which first shipped on the Sensation earlier in the year, features a redesigned 3D launcher and lock screen setup, amongst other enhancements.

Apparently unbranded Desire S owners in the UK, as well as owners of Vodafone T-Mobile, O2 and Orange have begun to see the update roll out to their handsets over the past few days. To see if you're in line for the update yet, head to Menu -> Settings -> About phone -> Software update. If you're not seeing anything just yet, then hold tight, it'll probably be sent out sooner rather than later.

Source: XDA; via: Eurodroid

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/LreTklyH7SI/htc-rolling-out-update-android-235-sense-30-desire-s

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Android Central Editors' app picks for Oct 29, 2011

With Halloween coming up so quickly we decided to treat you to a little bit of fun with a Halloween themed round up for this week! So, let's hit the break and take a look at some of our favorite Halloween flavored apps!

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/YTu7mTEN7-M/android-central-editors-app-picks-oct-29-2011

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Tonight, on the Greatest Android Podcast in the world

Hands-on with the Galaxy Nexus, in-app purchases and a bad-ass game

Oooooo. You're not going to want to miss this. We just got our mitts on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus (and the Galaxy Note, again) and will have some thoughts. Plus our new favorite game -- Wind-up Knight, and whether the use of in-app purchases has soured it for us.

So join Phil and the gang -- and, of course, the chat room -- live tonight at 9 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. PST for the live broadcast. You should be there. You will be there. You must be there. After all, you are what makes it the Greatest Android Podcast in the World.

Not at a computer? Pick up the free UStream Viewer from the Android Market [link] and search for Android Central a little before the show (it won't appear until we go live). We'll see you there! AndroidCentral.com/live

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/2Vq9VQ189Eo/live-announce

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