macdavid pro

I got an email about a new site that launched called Slangwho, claiming to be a search engine powered by “the people”. Now Business Insider has already sounded off on this and was very generous as well as diplomatic in it’s response to the mysteriousness of this new search engine, providing great details about it. So instead, I’m going to focus on my experience with the site, and let me start with how I first heard about this site. This showed up in my in my email inbox.

I thought, “Okay….?” And I click on the “Slagwho” link. The all black background pops up with the prompt to type in my email address so that I can “start slanging the web”. I became immediately annoyed, closed the window and forgot about it until today. I went back and entered one of my other email addresses to see what happens, and so far nothing. While I did violate one of my social media rules of never entering an email address on a site that just asks for it with no Terms of Service (TOS) link nor info about the site, I wanted to indulge this site to see where it goes. I don’t want to seem harsh but this isn’t an appealing way of getting my attention as a potential user of this legendary search engine–It just seems a bit shady.

Am I wrong in my assessment? Would you trust a site with your email address without having a Terms of Service posted nor any information about the health of the business? I bring this up because should a startup ever get acquired by another business, your information could be up for grabs, and God only knows what will will be done with your information. I mean, I guess I get it: a search engine powered by its users, dubious, but interesting. Also it’s shrouded in darkness, but there’s so much secrecy that it betrays it’s purpose. Make sense?

Add your comments below this post. I’d love to hear what others think.

Hey! I’m just getting around to even have time, let alone interest in another social network. I’ve read that Google Buzz’s self-proclaimed purpose is to unify or reduce the social information flood from being on so many social networks. Although I can’t shake this statement running through my head: “Hey reduce the information flood of too many social networking sites by joining my social networking site.” o_O

I would love any user feedback from folks that have tried it out. Love it or hate it, I wanna know. Now for your entertainment needs, compare and contrast.

Check out this revealing video on Google Buzz.

Okay, just kidding. Below is the real one.

Should I even bother joining this?

This is too funny, too cool! WIN!

Laid out on the grassy bank of Common Road in Wolverhamton, Eddie Bateman and his girlfriend Hayley Moss don’t look like they have a care in the world as they lock lips on the cold afternoon in March. But unbeknown to them their first embrace was filmed by a passing Google Street van last year, as they stole away for a quiet moment together. Read more…

Read the files of the lawsuits by Apple on gizmodo.com.

As I’m sure many folks have heard by now–I’m just learning about this after a long workday–but Apple has filed lawsuits against Google Phone creator HTC over infringements on 20 iPhone related Apple patents. Below are links to where I orginally learned about the report and a direct link to Steve Jobs’ statements on the matter on apple.com.

As an aside this is probably going to bring down some serious hellacious hate against Apple. But for what? Being douchey? Doesn’t Apple have the right to be a douchebag here? I think so!

Just sayin’.

nytimes.com: Apple Sues Phone Maker HTC Over Patents

And below is the link to apple.com of the full statement from Apple, Inc on the matter:

apple.com: Apple Sues HTC for Patent Infringement

CUPERTINO, California—March 2, 2010—Apple® today filed a lawsuit against HTC for infringing on 20 Apple patents related to the iPhone’s user interface, underlying architecture and hardware. The lawsuit was filed concurrently with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) and in U.S. District Court in Delaware.

“We can sit by and watch competitors steal our patented inventions, or we can do something about it. We’ve decided to do something about it,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We think competition is healthy, but competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours.”

Apple reinvented the mobile phone in 2007 with its revolutionary iPhone®, and did it again in 2008 with its pioneering App Store, which now offers more than 150,000 mobile applications in over 90 countries. Over 40 million iPhones have been sold worldwide.

And here is what HTC had to say today in response (via nytimes.com):

HTC responded to the suit stating that, “HTC values patent rights and their enforcement but is also committed to defending its own technology innovations.” The company also said: “HTC only learned of Apple’s actions this morning via media reports, and therefore we have not yet had the opportunity to investigate the filings. Until we have had this opportunity, we are unable to comment on the validity of the claims being made against HTC.”

Google’s decision to release a device shows that the company is worried about the fear of fragmentation of the Android ecosystem that we have often talked about. By putting its stake in the ground, the company is hoping that it doesn’t make the mistake that Microsoft made by dragging its feet in releasing Zune and ceding the market to Apple’s iPod. The iPhone, despite the issues with AT&T’s pokey 3G network, as very eloquently pointed out by Verizon in its ads, continues to sell like a monster. Google doesn’t have much time and needs to respond fast.

from GigaOm

Very interesting, to say the least.

Thats all.

Additional Source:
PC World: Google Releases Experimental Phone to Employees

Well it appears to me that AT&T has jumped on board and created it’s own navigation application that gives turn-by-turn navigation. It only has a few reviews in the iTunes App Store, but most of them are favorable.

One review reads:

by HexOnxOnx

First of all, the maps are clean and accurate. The colorful map display seen on the app iTunes page only shows up when a route is planned, otherwise, the maps look a lot like Google maps. Directions are spoken nice and loudly including street names. Lane assist is not a feature. Maps are not downloaded which can be a problem when traveling in remote areas. I’ll be giving a good trial for one month but it is doubtful that I will keep it. This is good for those who only need temporary…GPS for a vacation or road trip without the expense of a stand alone GPS.

Concerning that last part, my response would be, “Ya think!” While the app itself is free, the monthly service is $9.99 per month, charged to your AT&T wireless bill. However, you can cancel at any time. The reviewer above gave the app three stars.

Personally, I’d give it 2 stars because I’d have to pay a monthly fee just to use it. Any thoughts on this fellow iPhone owners?