Software, Websites »

Microsoft’s new browser, Internet Explorer 8, or IE8, is being released to web developers for testing purposes, but basically anyone can get it. The first public beta aims to introduce consumers to 5 new features available on the new browser from Microsoft. Activities, WebSlices, Favourites Bar, Improved Phishing Filter, and Automatic Crash Recovery are the five main improvements on the new browser. It maintains though the same core from Internet Explorer 7. Microsoft was just planning on building on top of a fairly successful browser, so don’t expect any major overhauls. For this article I will go over the five major adjustments on the new browser.

Activities

Probably one of the biggest features on IE8, Activities aims to provide easy access to performing tasks such as mapping addresses, putting things on blog, or doing any sort of activity you can think of. When first setting it up, they had a list of default providers for certain activities. For example, if you right clicked an address and chose to map it, it would directly go to Live Maps. If you don’t like Live Maps you can always change the provider. At first there were only Microsoft programs, but now they have expanded slightly with Google, Facebook, Stumbleupon, MSNBC, and others. My only beef is that you can’t add your own providor with just the URL, such as blogging with Wordpress.

Improved Phishing Filter

As the sub-title states, Microsoft has finally got some sort of decent phishing filter to combat today’s evil enemies on the web. It not only blocks sites known to be phishing ones, but it also blocks sites known to be malicious with harmful downloads. It takes McAfee SiteAdvisor a step further from just listing the danger level.

Internet Explorer 8

Automatic Crash Recovery

While a key feature on Firefox, Explorer has yet to include this feature until this release. I myself have many times found myself in a position in Firefox when I’ve had multiple tabs open and then all of a sudden the browser crashes. I find it not a big deal though because I can just restart as my tabs are saved. On Internet Explorer it takes that a step forward by automatically restarting your browser as if nothing happened. One benefit of Firefox not restarting by itself, is it gives me a wake up call to maybe consider getting off the computer.

Favourites Bar

The Favourites Bar in IE8 replaces the Links Bar. It’s basically what the name says, all your favourites that you want monitored go here. On top of that though, you can also place feeds, WebSlices and documents all on there for quick, one-click access. When the WebSlices or feeds are updated, it will appear in a bold formatting to let you know of the update content. Like the old Links Bar, you can drag links from the web page and insert it directly onto the bar. Now you can do that, plus insert it from the address bar.

WebSlices

WebSlices is the second most hyped about feature on IE8 after Activities.  The bad part about it is, is that it only works with certain websites such as Facebook or eBay. It’s much like an RSS feed but works with different things. RSS feeds look at posts whereas WebSlices focuses on more interactive things such as auctions and weather. It works with the Favourites Bar as when you see the content you want to be constantly updated on you click the icon and it will appear there. Whenever it’s updated, the icon will appear bold. The cool thing is, when you click it, it doesn’t open a new page just yet, it just gives you a preview, giving you the option to either open the full page or delete the WebSlice, all from the comfort of your current page.

Conclusion

Internet Explorer 8 is definitly an improvement over the previous version even though it’s in beta 1. There are still some quirks to work out like the speed of it and maybe introduce some new websites to WebSlices because it’s something they can take advantage of. I’ll still stick to Firefox 3.0 because of it’s simplicity yet raw power with all the add-ons. But it’s now nice to know if I want a change of pace, I can open up IE8. To download the beta 1 go to Internet Explorer 8 Home Page (opens in a new window).

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Cell Phones, Current, News »

With Rogers bringing the iPhone to Canada on July 11th, the other service providers had to do something, and do something quick. So Bell presents to Canada, the Samsung Instinct. While it isn’t necessarily quick, as it debuts sometime on August 8th, the Samsung Instinct offers much of the same features that the iPhone does, representing a true iPhone killer in my mind. One key flaw that the Instinct has though is that it can’t be used as a tethered device where the phone is used to get wireless signals for a laptop. Another difference, although not that big in my mind is the fact it only supports up to 8GB of storage with it’s microSD card. With bigger and bigger mp3 devices out on the market, I can imagine this will be a selling point for the iPhone for many people.

Potential customers will be enticed by the lower price point of the actual phone and plans. The phone will start at $149.95 with a 3-year contract but is available with 1,2 and no contract as well with the highest price point being $449.95. The plans are also cheaper than the iPhones’ starting as low as $40 a month and with more to offer, it’s obviously a much better deal. “The lowest price plan for the Instinct includes 100 minutes of local calls for $20; 1,000 minutes of voice calls from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. and weekends (Fridays from 9 p.m. to Mondays at 7 a.m.); an $8.95 monthly system access fee; 75 cents for 911 emergency calls, and the $10 unlimited Internet plan. The monthly total comes to $39.70 before taxes.”Globe and Mail.

Samsung Instinct

The Instinct has a full-touch screen with haptic feedback, meaning it responds when keys are pressed, and connects to the EV-DO Rev A high-speed data network. It also supports Web browsing and Internet e-mail (including Hotmail and Gmail accounts), as well as attachments. Features such as the global positioning system as well as live and on-demand TV.

Update: Rogers has announced new lower data plans to combat the negative criticsm it has received for its pricing. It’s only a limited time offer from July 11 to the end of August and will be available to all 3G phone purchases in that time frame. Previously a 6GB data plan would have cost you $100 but now they are offering a $30 plan. It’s still no match for Bell’s offer of $10 for unlimited data but it’s a step in the right direction.

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Tips & Tricks »

There has been an age old question that’s been asked in the consumer industry and that is whether or not the ink that is made from manufacturers’ is better than third party vendors such as DollarInk. Let’s review the benefits of replacement ink: it’s cheaper and claims to yield as many prints as the OEM version (original equipment manufacturer) and be just as good quality. The OEM version however, claims that the premium ink is worth paying for as it has better quality and lasts longer. Let’s put it to the test.

Replacement Ink vs. OEM

While right off the bat, you save about 50% the sticker price, you aren’t necessarily getting the most bang for your buck. Replacement ink provides you with more prints yet most of the time, it doesn’t provide you with as good a quality printout as an OEM cartridge would. This means more vertical banding, less colours, and a more washed out picture. Another disadvantage of replacement ink is it doesn’t last as long. When put under a UV ray for an extended period of time, studies show a dramatic loss of picture from replacement ink printouts, sometimes over 50% loss of image.

Conclusion

Personally, printers are cheap enough now for you to purchase two of them and use premium ink from the OEM on one of them and replacement ink on the other. Because face it, not all of your printouts need to be crystal clear or stay there forever. An added benefit to this situation is the replacement ink gets used to its best ability, printing out as many copies as possible. You can use it as a test printer for images, and use it to print out unimportant lists and other documents that don’t need to last long and are only seen by you. There is a system out there for you, to use both types of inks and these are only a few suggestions. Good luck printing.

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