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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

SPSS SPANSION

High court weighs Calif. effort to ban sale of violent video games to minors

Several Supreme Court justices strongly questioned during an animated argument Tuesday whether California's attempt to bar the sale of violent video games to minors could possibly meet constitutional muster.

Source: http://feeds.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=335682caa43925108b266998e6953ec2

SYNTAX-BRILLIAN SYNOPSYS

Nintendo Posts $97 Million Loss After More Than Tripling Wii U Console Sales Last Quarter

Nintendo can't seem to catch a break. The game hardware and software maker reported 74.7 billion yen (~$730.5 million) in revenue during the three-month period ended June 2014, down 8.4 percent compared to the same quarter a year ago. And despite tripling Wii U console sales during the quarter, Nintendo ended up with a 9.9 billion yen (~$97...

Source: http://hothardware.com/News/Nintendo-Posts-97-Million-Loss-After-More-Than-Tripling-Wii-U-Console-Sales-Last-Quarter/

WESTERN DIGITAL VOLT INFORMATION SCIENCES

Tips And Tricks For Your iPad

Apple have designed the iPad to be easy to use, in fact even a two year old can use this device without any problems whatsoever. This makes it a very attractive option for people who are used to using an iPhone or for those who are not. However, there are still a few things about the device that do need a little bit of explaining. Soft Reset Explained: Although the iPad is pretty robust in so far as there are [...]

Source: http://tabletbuzzblog.com/tips-and-tricks-for-your-ipad/

SPSS SPANSION

Microsoft files antitrust complaint against Google in Europe, showdown imminent

Microsoft, citing Google's tyrannical 95% share of the European search market, has lodged a formal complaint with the European Commission. It's not like Microsoft is breaking any ground here -- the European Commission has been investigating Google's alleged violation of European competition law since November 2010 -- but there's no doubt that the addition of Microsoft's gravitas will affect the proceedings.

Microsoft's complaint reads like a sincere and plaintive cry for help against the Google Overlord. Microsoft lists no less than six damning reasons why Google's behavior is anti-competitive -- from Windows Phone 7's incompatibility with YouTube, to its nefarious handling of Google Books -- and finishes with a wide-eyed plea to the European Commission to please find Google guilty.

For those of you that have been following Microsoft's own antitrust troubles over the last decade, don't worry: MS is quick to point out the irony in the situation. "There of course will be some who will point out the irony in today's filing. Having spent more than a decade wearing the shoe on the other foot with the European Commission, the filing of a formal antitrust complaint is not something we take lightly. This is the first time Microsoft Corporation has ever taken this step. More so than most, we recognize the importance of ensuring that competition laws remain balanced and that technology innovation moves forward."

It sounds like Microsoft, having well and truly gone through the wringer, wants Google to be held similarly accountable. That's fair enough, right?

Microsoft files antitrust complaint against Google in Europe, showdown imminent originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/31/microsoft-files-antitrust-complaint-against-google-in-europe-sh/

TEXAS INSTRUMENTS TERADATA

Ask DLS: What's your primary Web browser?

Competition is a good thing, and the browser arena has been a fierce arena for years now. There are at least four "major" browsers each vying for your attention, along with lots of smaller spin-offs (SRWare Iron or Flock, anyone?).

While the browser usage charts we share from time to time show overall browser usage amongst the Web at large, Download Squad readers are not exactly the average bunch in terms of browser use. So today we have one simple question for you:

What's your primary Web browser?

View Poll

Ask DLS: What's your primary Web browser? originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/16/ask-dls-whats-your-primary-browser/

SYNOPSYS SYNNEX

Digital Storm Krypton review: A kick-ass gaming laptop at a great price

One of the little secrets about boutique gaming-PC shops is that many of them resell the same core OEM laptops after cosmetically customizing them with paint jobs, decals, and sporty-looking panel covers. These firms emphasize the highly tailored nature of their offerings to justify stiff price tags.

Digital Storm is refreshingly different—at least when it comes to price. You can pick up its 17-inch Krypton model S-8298 gaming laptop for $2251—that’s almost $1600 less than the similarly configured Origin’s EON17-S I reviewed in June.

To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Source: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2411087/digital-storm-krypton-review-a-kick-ass-gaming-laptop-at-a-great-price.html#tk.rss_laptopcomputers

SYNTAX-BRILLIAN SYNOPSYS

FCC's rules to protect Internet access spark claims of violations

The ink is barely dry on the Federal Communications Commission's rules to protect Internet access, and claims of violations are already surfacing.

Source: http://feeds.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=141bfb1f16416793193bb8accda6280d

TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE SYNTEL

March 31 is World Backup Day 2011

Those benevolent armchair philanthropist Redditors are at it again! Four days ago a 'self' post extolling the potential virtues of a Backup Day exploded with 2500 upvotes and 1000 comments -- and now World Backup Day 2011 is actually happening.

On March 31, as part of the global data-saving initiative, you are encouraged to back up all of your cherished photos and videos, and important documents. If you've ever had a hard disk fail, and not had a backup to fall back on, you'll know that it's a bit like losing a sizable fragment of your soul. If you've never backed up your important files -- or if you only back up sporadically -- do it on World Backup Day!

It's not hard to back up your data, either. A 2TB drive costs only a fistful of dollars, and it takes just a few minutes to set SyncToy for Windows, or Time Machine for Mac, to mirror your data every night. If you prefer a cloud-based solution, there's always SugarSync and Dropbox. Finally, don't forget that Bundlelytic has a charity giveaway for three excellent data-backup-and-recovery tools -- $160 of software for only $25, and 100% of the proceeds to go the Japanese Red Cross.

For even more backup options, for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux, check our list of 13 great backup programs.

March 31 is World Backup Day 2011 originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/28/march-31-is-world-backup-day-2011/

SYNNEX SYMANTEC

Mitoza is a fun, freaky Web toy with an artistic look

While not a game per se, I found Mitoza intriguing enough to spend quite some time with it. You start off with a seed, and are then presented with two choices: you can either click a flower pot, or click a cute little birdie.

If you click the flower pot, a flower pot appears and the seed is planted inside. You're then presented with two further choices -- a water can or a bottle of fertilizer. Each choice you make causes your creation to morph, and presents you with two other choices.

There's no winning or losing, really. Each "game" usually lasts around four or five choices, at which point the plant/animal dies in some creative (but not too gruesome) way. At this point you instantly start over with a new seed.

The graphics are captivating; the whole thing has a cinematic feel to it, with a bit of artificial camera shake added for style.

All in all, it's a fun, peaceful way to spend a few minutes, and it might even make you think a little bit while you're at it.

Mitoza is a fun, freaky Web toy with an artistic look originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/28/mitoza-is-a-fun-freaky-web-toy-with-an-artistic-look/

VIEWSONIC VERISIGN

Blink aims for the security camera trifecta: wireless, affordable, and long-lasting

A new Kickstarter project, Blink, is mixing up the standard home security camera model by going truly wireless. There are plenty of home security systems out there with "wireless" cameras, but that wireless is only in the transmission of data — they still need to be wired up for power. Blink, however, is touted as having a year's worth of battery inside. And unlike other systems which hook into a central hub, Blink ties straight into your Wi-Fi network and communicates to their cloud service and an app on your phone (with plans for iOS and Android).

Blink gets its long battery life through a combination of low-power processing, radio, and motion sensing. By relying on the motion sensor to trigger recording, Blink only turns on when there's action in its field of view (that's where the year-long battery life comes in, it's really only about 5-6 hours worth).

There is a "Sync" module that's included with Blink that enables easy set-up and the triggering of remote live viewing through the Blink app. Setup is described as simple: Plug the Sync module into a wall outlet, open the app and run the setup wizard, and then place your cameras.

If that sort of truly wireless home security camera system interests you, Blink is up on Kickstarter now. They're nearly at their $200,00 minimum goal as of press time and sold out of the initial batch of $49 units, though there are still $59 and $69 backer levels available for single camera packs, as well as multi-camera packs starting at $119.

Source: Kickstarter; Via: TechCrunch

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/ccgxHldqKas/story01.htm

SYKES ENTERPRISES INORATED SYBASE

Invasion of the connected cars: Buick leads 30-plus GM cars into the 4G LTE future

They're coming: 30-plus GM cars with 4G LTE connectivity, debuting with the 2015 model year. They will join the 2015 Audi A3 in the pioneer generation of truly connected cars.

Oh sure, some luxury cars have 3G already. But 4G gives cars the bandwidth to do much more. Most notably, the car becomes a Wi-Fi hotspot, and that's what I experienced when I took a brief road trip last week in the 2015 Buick LaCrosse. All but one of Buick's cars will have 4G LTE. (The Enclave will follow suit in the 2016 model year.)

To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Source: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2458051/invasion-of-the-connected-cars-buick-leads-30-plus-gm-cars-into-the-4g-lte-future.html#tk.rss_all

VIRGIN MEDIA VIEWSONIC

Install the Windows Phone 7 NoDo update regardless of your carrier

Some of you who own Windows Phone 7 devices are still waiting for your pre-NoDo preparation update -- never mind NoDo itself. A few workarounds have been posted, but unfortunately they didn't work unless your carrier had completed testing and was ready to schedule the update.

Now, however, the Chevron WP7 team's Chris Walshie has delivered a handy little utility that will allow you to update any Windows Phone 7 device -- regardless of your carrier.

1. Download and install the Windows Phone Support Tool (x86 or x64) and the ChevronWP7 Updater (x86 or x64)
2. Launch ChevronWP7 Updater and select your language. If your language isn't listed, stop and do not update.
3. If were running WP7 build 7004 (you can verify in Zune) then run the updater twice.

Once the process completes, you should be able to copy and paste to your heart's content. Let's just hope all this update foolishness gets sorted out before we're supposed to receive Mango.

Install the Windows Phone 7 NoDo update regardless of your carrier originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/04/install-the-windows-phone-7-nodo-update-regardless-of-your-carri/

TIBCO SOFTWARE TIBCO SOFTWARE

Faster Forward: Fox settles disputes with Cablevision, Dish Network

Cablevision and Dish Network subscribers can stop worrying about missing the end of the World Series: Over the weekend, the two TV services settled separate carriage disputes with Fox Networks that ended one standoff and avoided another.

Source: http://feeds.washingtonpost.com/click.phdo?i=6d4e9f3b2e7583f08a5cebd218d879ca

TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED TRIDENT MICROSYSTEMS

Moto G on Android 4.4.4: Get to grips with the new update on the AC forums!

Motorola's Moto G recently made the jump to Android 4.4.4 KitKat in some countries, and over on the Android Central Moto G forums, our community members are getting to grips with the update, which adds a new dialer app, Motorola Alert and video recording tweaks.

Here's a quick breakdown of some of the top threads for Android 4.4.4 on the Moto G right now...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/NH3DCI2HBQg/story01.htm

TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE SYNTEL

U.K. government embraces OpenDocument Format over proprietary file solutions

The U.K. government has adopted ODF as its standard for the exchange of word processor and spreadsheet files between departments and with citizens and suppliers, meaning that companies and citizens will not be required to buy a particular application or software suite in order to collaborate with government staff.

ODF (OpenDocument Format) is the native file format of free open-source applications such as Apache OpenOffice, originally developed by Sun Microsystems, and LibreOffice, a fork of OpenOffice maintained by The Document Foundation. It is also supported by recent versions of Microsoft Office and other commercial office productivity software such as WordPerfect Office X7.

To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Source: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2457420/uk-government-adopts-odf-for-document-exchange-with-citizens-and-suppliers.html#tk.rss_all

TNS TIBCO SOFTWARE

Chrome 11 beta adds new experimental APIs for proxies, Web navigation

Google Chrome 11 -- which just recently made the move to the browser's beta channel -- has received a minor update that gives developers access to two new APIs.

The first is a full-featured proxy API, which will, for example, allow users to set different proxy servers for normal browsing and Incognito mode. Proxy auto-config scripts are also supported by the API.

The second -- Web Navigation Extension -- is a bit more expansive. This API will allow devs to build everything from more powerful safe browsing extensions -- like Traffic Light -- to data analysis and reporting extensions.

Both APIs are currently experimental, so you'll need to enable them on the about:flags page to try out any relevant extensions. Apart from a proxy example built by Google and shipped with the Chromium source, we're not aware of any examples just yet, however. We'll let you know when we spot any slick, new extensions which do surface.

Chrome 11 beta adds new experimental APIs for proxies, Web navigation originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/05/chrome-11-beta-adds-new-experimental-apis-for-proxies-web-navig/

SPSS SPANSION

Layoffs: There's a Right Way

Microsoft last week announced a large staff reduction tied to the acquisition of Nokia. There is actually a science to how to make layoffs, but much of that appears to have been lost over the last couple of decades. I have some theories as to why, but how you carry out job cuts actually is very important, and it reflects how well the CEO understands people.

Source: http://www.technewsworld.com/story/80750.html?rss=1

SPSS SPANSION

iSites overhauled, now lets you publish cloud-based HTML5 iPhone apps in minutes

iSites -- a zero-code cloud-based 'app creator' -- can now generate HTML5 apps that work on iOS devices. With this new feature, dubbed 'InstantApp', you can now design a single app in your browser and publish it natively on Android and iOS, and as an HTML5 iPhone app.

We haven't looked at iSites before, but it shot to fame last year when it launched with native iOS and Android support. Self-publishing Android apps wasn't a problem because Google does very little moderation of the Market, but iSites ran into trouble with its iOS apps. Thousands of people signed up for the service after it was featured on Mashable and TechCrunch, and you can imagine Apple's chagrin as thousands of cookie cutter apps flooded its approval queue.

Genwi, the developer behind iSites, realized something had to be done -- it had to circumvent the App Store approval process. Genwi, of course, turned to HTML5 Web apps -- which can be pinned to the iPhone home screen and which can be shoehorned into almost behaving like native apps.

Read on for our experiences with iSites' new InstantApp HTML5 iOS app creator.

Gallery: iSites InstantApp HTML5 iPhone app creation

Continue reading iSites overhauled, now lets you publish cloud-based HTML5 iPhone apps in minutes

iSites overhauled, now lets you publish cloud-based HTML5 iPhone apps in minutes originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/isites-overhauled-now-lets-you-publish-cloud-based-html5-iphone/

VERISIGN VERIFONE HOLDINGS

Adblock Plus developer pokes holes in Mozilla's new add-on performance tests

Wladimir Palant, developer of the most popular add-on in the world, Adblock Plus, is also an active contributor to the Planet Mozilla blog community. Over the last few days, in response to Mozilla's new name and shame list of slow add-ons, Palant has been investigating whether Mozilla's testing methods are actually accurate.

Rather surprisingly, it turns out that Mozilla's numbers could be significantly wrong -- and if they're not wrong, the factors that Mozilla uses to tabulate an add-ons final score should definitely be made more transparent.

In the first set of tests, Palant shows that FlashGot's position in the top 10 is probably due to a fault in Mozilla's testing setup, and that add-ons can perform very differently depending on which operating system they're being tested on. In the second analysis, Palant uncovers an irregularity that doesn't seem to have an obvious cause -- but it could be due to an I/O bottleneck on Mozilla's test machines. Basically, even though performance testing of Read It Later is disabled because of a bug, it still (somehow!) manages to record a 14% slow-down on Windows 7.

Palant concludes both analyses by scolding Mozilla for going public with the performance data before its testing methods had been confirmed accurate. It definitely looks like Mozilla has been more than a little reckless, considering the importance of Firefox's add-on ecosystem.

Adblock Plus developer pokes holes in Mozilla's new add-on performance tests originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 05:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/08/adblock-plus-developer-pokes-holes-in-mozillas-new-add-on-perfo/

SYMANTEC SYKES ENTERPRISES INORATED

Apple iTunes Dominates Market but Amazon Gaining: NPD Group

Apple is slowly losing music share as streaming services—found to encourage downloads—increase. Thus the rumors of a pending "iRadio."

Source: http://feeds.ziffdavisenterprise.com/~r/RSS/eweekmac/~3/YKl36zYFRZw/

SYMANTEC SYKES ENTERPRISES INORATED