CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-05-17 18:32:26 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Currently watching this video. Geared for developers, but good info nonetheless which should help me design for Android better.

2013-05-16 16:04:57 (9 comments, 3 reshares, 6 +1s)

2013-05-15 18:34:31 (1 comments, 3 reshares, 8 +1s)

Try the new Hangouts app on iOs

2013-05-15 18:23:06 (0 comments, 3 reshares, 4 +1s)

Interested in more about Hangouts, this article is a great start!

2013-05-15 18:09:49 (1 comments, 3 reshares, 25 +1s)

Motion, just one of the great new things we are launching today!

2013-05-15 18:04:09 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 3 +1s)

First of the launches - Android and iOS apps are on their way

2013-05-15 18:03:36 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 23 +1s)

Fun to be a part of the Hangouts demo at Google I/O!

Proud of the team and proud to be a part of the Hangouts team, which means a lot more now than it did before.

2013-05-15 15:46:34 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

It's that time again, Google I/O. Not there this year, but this is where I was last year, on the roof of Moscone.

2013-05-14 17:53:19 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

About 14 years ago, I got a bad cold, and my voice became hoarse.  At the time I didn’t think much about it.  But my voice never fully recovered.  So I went to a doctor and was diagnosed with left vocal cord paralysis.  This is a nerve problem that causes your left vocal cord to not move properly.  Despite extensive examination, the doctors never identified a cause — though there was speculation of virus-based damage from my cold.  It is quite common in cases like these that a definitive cause is not found.

While this condition never really affected me — other than having a slightly weaker voice than normal which some people think sounded a little funny — it naturally raised questions in my mind about my second vocal cord.  But I was told that sequential paralysis of one vocal cord following another is extremely rare.  

Fast forward to last summer, when the same patternrepeated itself... more »

2013-05-07 15:31:50 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

I found this article to be very much worth the read.  The depth of reporting, and the history was something that I did not know.

Most controversial quote:
“When will the world’s supply of oil be exhausted?” the MIT economist Morris Adelman has written. “The best one-word answer: never.”

Don't comment unless you've read the whole thing. It's only 11,000 words.

via +Florence Johnson 

2013-05-07 04:39:45 (3 comments, 5 reshares, 5 +1s)

Interesting....

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/06/180817114/parents-saliva-on-pacifiers-could-ward-off-babys-allergies?ft=1&f=1001

2013-05-06 23:04:35 (14 comments, 8 reshares, 6 +1s)

Sad day for me. Adobe has announced that the product that I learned design on/with is being deprecated (killed). RIP Fireworks.

Why am I sad?
(and just so we are clear, I am not upset about moving to subscription only model)

Fireworks is a piece of software that Adobe inherited when they bought Macromedia (remember that company?) and they never really did much with it. It has been buggy, sluggish, and feature lacking for a long time.

So why do you use it?
Good question. The answer is that Fireworks is the only product that Adobe makes whose sole purpose is screen design. If the design you were working on would be rendered on a screen, Fireworks worked great.

Unlike Photoshop with it's backwards support for vectors and illustrator with is crappy support for bitmaps, Fireworks combined both seamlessly so that they could live together in harmony on the... more »

2013-05-06 16:41:22 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 9 +1s)

I just transferred my last 2 domain names from GoDaddy to Hover. I feel free.  I like Hover because they only do one thing, domains. No hosting, no nonsense, and they include domain name privacy for FREE.

Great service, highly recommended. 

2013-05-03 23:06:03 (0 comments, 3 reshares, 7 +1s)

As many of you may or may not know, I work on the Hangouts team at Google. I've been working on the product for over 2 years now and I am always amazed at the types of things that people do in Hangouts. And today is not exception....

Fast & Furious 6 - Join the Google+ Hangout May 5th!

2013-05-01 18:25:36 (0 comments, 4 reshares, 9 +1s)

Call up to five people from inside Hangouts

We recently made it easier to call someone from a Hangout (http://goo.gl/6vMiS), and starting today, you can have up to five telephone participants (instead of just two)! To give it a try, just click "+ Add Telephone" when inviting someone to your Hangout, then dial their number.

#googleplusupdate

2013-05-01 17:55:59 (7 comments, 7 reshares, 16 +1s)

Hangouts Remote Desktop: tech support with a personal touch

For those of you who play tech support for friends and family, there’s now a Hangouts app to make things easier -- powered by the same technology behind Chrome Remote Desktop. 

Hangouts Remote Desktop lets you help others by controlling their computer remotely (with their permission, of course). And because you’re both in a Hangout, you can talk with and see each other during the session.

To get started, just start a Hangout and click View More Apps > Add Apps > Hangouts Remote Desktop. 

Let us know what you think, and please keep the feedback coming!

#googleplusupdate

2013-04-27 01:52:51 (2 comments, 2 reshares, 10 +1s)

AirDroid 2 is now live on Google Play!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sand.airdroid

AirDroid philosophy: 
※ One less cable. 
Move things on and off your Android device without a USB cable. Even when the device is not nearby.
※ One less screen. 
Send and receive SMS from your big-screen computer, without being distracted by the small-screen thing.
※ One less worry. 
Locate and lock your Android when it’s lost. Cannot get it back? Simply wipe all data remotely.

Learn more: www.airdroid.com

2013-04-19 15:29:48 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

I have really been enjoying watching the videos in this series...

In honor of the release of Get Lucky, today, the first single from Daft Punk's Random Access memories.
Daft Punk | Random Access Memories | The Collaborators: Todd Edwards

The reason I like videos like this, is that they tell the story of creating something, and more often than not, the great "somethings" take so much to make, but we don't have any idea when we watch, the story behind it.  I love to here the stories, and know what it took to make this stuff.

2013-04-11 18:36:51 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 8 +1s)

Huh, interesting data visualization of my followers on G+!

2013-04-01 19:26:19 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 16 +1s)

My new camera, the Olympus OM-D EM-5 with the 45mm f1.8.

So far so good.  Transitioning from a DSLR to µ4/3 is an interesting change.

2013-03-25 15:50:49 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

The Nik Collection by Google: photography first, for professionals and more

Here on the Google+ Photos team, we're busy building tools for all kinds of photographers. Today, and for all the professionals out there, we're bundling the complete set of Nik plug-ins as the Nik Collection by Google. We're especially excited about three things:

1) It's more affordable. The entire set of plug-ins for Photoshop, Lightroom and Aperture only costs $149 (versus the previous $499).

2) It's really powerful. The Nik Collection by Google gives you tools for everything from noise reduction and HDR imaging to creative effects and image sharpening (and lots more).

3) It's free to try. You can visit niksoftware.com for a 15-day free trial of the Collection.

If you've already purchased one or more Nik plug-ins in the past, then don't... more »

2013-03-19 17:22:47 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 13 +1s)

Introducing the Hangouts Capture app: snap & save moments as they happen

Google+ Hangouts bring people together, and when they do, all sorts of awesome can unfold. Maybe it's reading a bedtime story to your grandkids across the country. Maybe it's taking a cooking class from your kitchen. Or maybe it's answering questions from your constituents. We hear lots of great stories (http://goo.gl/ENWXo).

The challenge, oftentimes, is capturing your favorite moments as they happen, so today we're introducing the new Hangouts Capture app. With it you can take pictures of your Hangouts-in-progress, including a number of features not available in the usual screenshot workarounds:

- Once you’ve opened the Hangouts Capture app, you can snap photos of your Hangout view with a single click
- All photos are saved to a shared album, visible only to otherH... more »

2013-03-06 19:44:46 (6 comments, 5 reshares, 13 +1s)

Making it easier to place phone calls from inside Hangouts

Sometimes you want to invite someone to join your Hangout -- but maybe they're not at their computer, or maybe they don't have an internet connection. Either way, you can call their phones from your Hangout (http://goo.gl/khFot). And today we're making this calling experience a little bit better. For example:

- There's now a proper keypad, so you can navigate phone menus as necessary, and end the call with a single click
- If you're the person who placed the call, you'll see information like call duration, and cost per minute

Calls to the US and Canada are free, and international rates are super low (http://goo.gl/FKBYp). These updates are being gradually rolled out today, so try calling someone from your next Hangout (by clicking “+telephone” from the invite screen), and letus ... more »

2013-03-06 19:44:36 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Making it easier to place phone calls from inside Hangouts

Sometimes you want to invite someone to join your Hangout -- but maybe they're not at their computer, or maybe they don't have an internet connection. Either way, you can call their phones from your Hangout (http://goo.gl/khFot). And today we're making this calling experience a little bit better. For example:

- There's now a proper keypad, so you can navigate phone menus as necessary, and end the call with a single click
- If you're the person who placed the call, you'll see information like call duration, and cost per minute

Calls to the US and Canada are free, and international rates are super low (http://goo.gl/FKBYp). These updates are being gradually rolled out today, so try calling someone from your next Hangout (by clicking “+telephone” from the invite screen), and letus ... more »

2013-03-01 00:22:49 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Improving accessibility in Hangouts

Accessibility is something we care a lot about on the Hangouts team. The Hangout Captions app, for example, enables live transcription services for the deaf and hard of hearing (http://goo.gl/4RujF). And "Take the Floor" makes it easier for sign language speakers to do a Hangout together (http://goo.gl/chyKS). Today we're rolling out two accessibility improvements in Hangouts - a Sign Language Interpreter app, and a fuller set of keyboard shortcuts. 

1) Using the Sign Language Interpreter app, deaf or hard of hearing users who prefer sign language can invite interpreters to speak and sign for them during a Hangout. They'll always see their interpreter at the top right of the window, and they'll become the focus of the Hangout whenever their interpreter speaks for them. You can install the app using this link:... more »

2013-02-28 22:32:11 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 5 +1s)

These photos are amazing. #NYCSubway  
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtaphotos/sets/72157632775809340/with/8475913701/

2013-02-28 16:39:04 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 24 +1s)

#myfirstwheels  a mid 1980s Fisher Price Cozy Coupe. When my brothers and I were done with it, it was pretty much destroyed but we sure had a lot of fun.

I think our favorite game was one person inside, one person on top, and the other person on the back, probably pushing.

2013-02-28 16:32:33 (1 comments, 5 reshares, 1 +1s)

This is really interesting.  I wish I could have this with my +Dropcam so that when it is monitoring the baby, it is also monitoring his vitals.
M.I.T. Computer Program Reveals Invisible Motion in Video

2013-02-07 21:52:21 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

More Hangouts love for different bandwidth environments

Today we're excited to launch two new features that improve the Hangouts experience in areas with low and/or unreliable connectivity:

1) Bandwidth slider. At the top right of every hangout is a new slider that lets you adjust your bandwidth preferences in real-time. This makes it easier to keep hangouts going, even in areas with poor connectivity.

2) Audio-only mode. Choose this mode to send and receive audio only, and thus, significantly reduce your bandwidth requirements. Other participants will only see your profile picture, but they'll hear you loud and clear.

Both of these features are coming your way today but they're rolling out separately so you may see one before you see the other. Very soon both features will be available to everyone, so give 'em a try and let us know what you... more »

2013-02-06 03:34:47 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

The Google UX team is hosting a design workshop in Mountain View on Feb 26. Learn alongside some great designers (and swell people): http://goo.gl/IgpKJ

2013-02-06 00:26:43 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 10 +1s)

This is great, via +Erica Johnson 
fast asleep...until her favorite song comes on... :)

2013-02-05 01:52:19 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 22 +1s)

It's here! Now I just need to buy a SIM card.

2013-02-04 03:57:23 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Darn.

2013-02-04 03:13:42 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

I like this new quarterback we brought in after the blackout!

2013-02-04 02:41:41 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

YEEEEAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

2013-02-03 21:57:01 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 23 +1s)

Go Niners!

2013-01-29 19:59:15 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 25 +1s)

And I bought a Nexus 4. Finally!

2013-01-24 18:42:17 (1 comments, 4 reshares, 14 +1s)

In just over a year and a half, Google's almost completely turned around its design process, and started creating beautiful apps. Here's the inside story on the new Google way.

Redesigning Google: how Larry Page engineered a beautiful revolution 

http://bit.ly/WWTd5e

2013-01-13 02:01:41 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

What's the next game you guys are excited about?  Me:  SIM CITY!!!!  So psyched, love that game so much, so many iterations since I was a kid, can't wait to see what they do with the new one.

2013-01-12 00:38:21 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

Want to hangout with Robert Ballard, James Cameron, Jane Goodall, and explorers from all seven continents? Join +National Geographic for a global Hangout on Air this Sunday, January 13, at 1 p.m. ET (6 p.m. UTC).

Learn about the explorers' expeditions at http://natgeo125.appspot.com/ and use #NatGeo125 to ask your questions.

2012-12-18 01:57:02 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 8 +1s)

Travelling...

2012-12-14 19:16:22 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 3 +1s)

Official: 27 dead in Connecticut school shooting, including 18 children

BREAKING: An official with knowledge of the shooting at a Connecticut elementary school says 27 people are dead, including 18 children, +The Associated Press reports.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is still under way.

Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/school-shooting-reported-newtown-conn

Live updates, including video from a 1 p.m. EST scheduled press conference, on BreakingNews.com: http://www.breakingnews.com/topic/school-shooting-in-newtown-connecticut

Photo: Children are led from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., on Friday after a reported shooting there. (Shannon Hicks / The Newtown Bee)

2012-12-13 04:31:51 (0 comments, 9 reshares, 13 +1s)

YES YES YES!!!!!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-maps/id585027354?mt=8

2012-12-06 17:41:35 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 13 +1s)

My first #snapseed from the Galaxy Camera

2012-11-25 22:24:24 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 13 +1s)

My wife, +Erica Johnson, is a good sport. She doesn't understand why I like +Ingress so much, but she let me go out last night (with her and the baby) while I hacked several portals, destroyed 2 Enlightened Portals, and then connect them all so that I could get to level 3. Thanks, dear!

Photo credit +Kyle Salewski, who even though he is playing for the Enlightened has good photoshop skills.

2012-11-25 18:35:57 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Wow, this place is awesome.

2012-11-21 03:10:00 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

I have been playing far too much +Ingress on my....CAMERA today.

Yup, the Samsung Galaxy Camera (when tethered to my Nexus) plays the game much better than my Galaxy Nexus. I guess 4 cores really does make a difference.

Viva la resistance!

2012-11-20 01:49:13 (10 comments, 2 reshares, 18 +1s)

Got it.

2012-11-17 01:19:42 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 7 +1s)

Anyone get one?

Tried to buy a Samsung Galaxy Camera today.  Only available at AT&T stores. EVERY SINGLE STORE in the SF Bay Area is out of stock (how much stock they actually had in the first place is unclear) and I cannot buy it from AT&T online because they require me to get a data plan, which I am not going to do at this time (you don't need a data plan to buy it, there is no subsidy).

http://www.samsung.com/in/promotions/galaxycamera/

I will never understand why retailers make it hard to buy things. I want this thing, let me buy it.