Google Wave reaches zero amplitude

We knew it was coming, but alas, the loss of Google Wave hits us anew now that the execution date has finally come. To say we fully grokked this platform would be untrue, but as we dug through its history to gather our thoughts, we realized what a misunderstood creature Wave really was. Released in 2009 with great fanfare and no shortage of Firefly references, the program meant well with its collaboration-friendly interface, emphasis on multimedia sharing and raft of third-party extensions such as real-time Swedish Chef translation. But while its heart was in the right place, the service sacrificed accessibility for intrigue, a distinct online identity for an early adopter sensibility. Thus, after the invite-only mystique wore off and talk of a Wave app store began to sound downright foolish, the program's future looked anything but rosy. But even a product this short-lived can have a legacy: in Wave's case, it could be making Google Plus seem downright approachable by comparison. And though this may be little consolation to those hardcore wavers -- few and far between as they may be -- the project's spirit will live on in the equally perplexing Apache Wave. RIP, Google Wave, we really hardly knew you.

Google Wave reaches zero amplitude originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mobile Miscellany: week of April 23rd, 2012

Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, we learned that ZTE intends to release a phablet of its own, and Samsung unseated Nokia as the world's largest supplier of mobile phones. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of April 23rd, 2012.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of April 23rd, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of April 23rd, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 22:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inhabitat's Week in Green: biophotovoltaic table, giant rubber ducky and cushions of shredded cash

Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

Buon giorno! Milan Design Week 2012 is in the rear-view mirror now, but we're still sifting through the incredible furniture, lighting and technology that was showcased all throughout the city this year. Inhabitat sent a couple of correspondents to report on everything that was on display, and they didn't disappoint. We featured a nifty biophotovoltaic table that uses moss to generate electricity through photosynthesis. We also caught wind of a digital camera that IKEA unveiled in Milan that's made of cardboard. And given our love for terrariums, we were pretty excited to find this pendant lamp that doubles as a vegetable garden at this year's fair. But the star of the Milan show this year had to be British designer Tom Dixon, who rolled out countless innovative lamp designs, including the gorgeous Etch Light, which casts geometric shadows all over the room -- and he even invited visitors to design their own flat-pack lamps!

Continue reading Inhabitat's Week in Green: biophotovoltaic table, giant rubber ducky and cushions of shredded cash

Inhabitat's Week in Green: biophotovoltaic table, giant rubber ducky and cushions of shredded cash originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If You Think Stock Images Are Bad Nowadays, Look at the Ones From the 90s [Image Cache]

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Secret Service issues stricter behavior standards (cbsnews)

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Samsung patent application explores the possibility of phasing out human crossing guards

We have definitely seen our share of robots and crossing guards, but we almost never really see a combination of the two. An application filed by Samsung today at the US Patent & Trademark office seems to suggest that at least some people have been thinking long and hard about bots helping humans conquer the mean streets of our cities using a multitude of on-board tech -- from infrared and proximity sensors -- to devices enabling wireless communication between traffic lights and other robots. According to the application, the machines could inherit the traditional reflective properties often associated with crossing guard attire -- you know, the perfect guise for keeping their true intentions concealed.

Samsung patent application explores the possibility of phasing out human crossing guards originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 23:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2-Cans-and-a-String Technology Updated for Age of Mobility

Relive your childhood memories of tin-can telephone communication with Monkey Wrench Design's The Can.

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Jason Trawick: Officially in Control of Britney Spears!

Britney Spears' fiance Jason Trawick is officially her newest conservator, meaning he has the legal power to govern the pop star's financial, legal and medical affairs.

Britney's dad and conservator Jamie Spears filed the petition earlier this month, asking the court to add Jason as co-conservator. A judge agreed to the request.

Spears also wanted Jason, her former agent, on board as co-conservator.  

After the hearing, Jamie was "thrilled," and the move makes total sense, since the two are set to be married. Spears and Trawick got engaged in December.

As co-conservator, Jason Trawick is now empowered to help decide how she will earn and spend her money, including the $15 million deal with The X Factor.

The reason for the conservatorship is that after her meltdowns of 2007-2008, a judge determined she lacked the capacity to make these decisions herself.

By setting up the conservatorship, the judge protected B from some of the leeches that surrounded her and put the power in Jamie's hands, and now Jason's.

Ridiculous as it all seems now, Spears could file papers to end the conservatorship altogether, but she has not done so. So it can't be all bad for her.

[Photo: WENN.com]

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