How to boot Ubuntu on the Cr-48 Chrome OS netbook

It was only a matter of time: a page on the Chromium Projects website has emerged, detailing how to install Ubuntu on a Cr-48 netbook. The process is, understandably, a little risky -- but it's not like there are any tech bloggers out there that don't know how to use Linux, right?

Snarkiness aside, the process is actually very easy. You have to hack at the SSD's filesystem a little and fiddle with the Chrome OS kernel, but if you do everything right, you should be rewarded with a dual-boot system capable of running both Ubuntu and Chrome OS.

The best bit, though, is that you have to enable 'developer mode' to escape Chrome OS's 'verified boot' security measure. To do this, you need to flip a switch on the back, under the battery, as per the hilarious instructional photo shown after the break.

Continue reading How to boot Ubuntu on the Cr-48 Chrome OS netbook

How to boot Ubuntu on the Cr-48 Chrome OS netbook originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best sound system / soundbar for around $100?

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Colin, who needs his jams on the cheap. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"I have been looking for a decent set of speakers that can kick out fairly good sound. Ideally, I'd use these in a bedroom, mostly for television viewing and Xbox gaming. I don't need anything too powerful as I'm not filling a gigantic room with sound. I've heard good things about Logitech boxed kits, but have also heard that soundbars are great space-saving alternatives. I'm open to pretty much anything: HTIB, soundbars, etc, but am hoping to spend around $100 or less. Thank you!"

We know, you're looking to pinch pennies in order to take that special someone out on a fantastically fine date tomorrow. We get it. But these days, $100 can actually buy you quite a bit of sound. We'd echo those positive sentiments on Logitech's boxed kits, but if anyone has any other input, comments are open down below.

Ask Engadget: best sound system / soundbar for around $100? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 22:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010: The Year in Alt

Engadget Alt, the most recent addition to the site, is something near and dear to our hearts. This a place where we can comment on (and draw attention to) things that don't exactly fit into the main stream of our coverage, yet resonate with us as writers -- and with you as readers. So, what did we learn this year? Spacecraft are prone to hardware failure, it seems, and Ozzy Osbourne's genome is a wonderful resource for scientists. And one editor-in-chief really, really digs eBoy. Aside from all that, this space has seen a number of feature articles and columns that we're especially proud of. Cruise on past the break for some of our favorites.

Continue reading 2010: The Year in Alt

2010: The Year in Alt originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 18:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Images From Bell Labs in the Sixties—It's Like Nerdy Mad Men [Blast From The Past]

Beehives, flower power, and really, really large computers. Looking at these photos taken at Bell Labs in the 1960s is like traveling back in time. Was working at Bell Labs totally "groovy"? More »

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Deal of the Day ?Save 9% on the New Apple TV

This LogicBUY deal saves you 9% on the new Apple TV.� With the Apple TV, you can stream HD movies from iTunes, Netflix, and YouTube, and you can stream photos, video, or �music from your PCs and Macs to your HD TV.� The Apple TV has 802.11n WiFi, Ethernet, HDMI connector (no cable included), micro [...]

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LG ST600 Smart TV Upgrader brings DLNA, apps, and a web browser to formerly dumb displays

If you buy any of LG's latest HDTVs, you're pretty much assured it'll have a big sticker saying "Smart TV" somewhere along its fascia assuring you of its internet connectivity and compatibility. But, if you're still rocking some old school piece of visual tech that isn't yet past its "watch by" date, you'll be needing a set-top box of some kind to get on the web without leaving your couch. Naturally, LG would like to be the one to Smarten up your viewing habits there too, and so it's just unveiled its new ST600 sidekick for older television sets. It adds DLNA connectivity for some wireless media transfer fun, grants access to a "vast range" of premium content as well as local programming, throws in a web browser, and finishes things off with LG's TV Apps selection. Of course, this is the week of the pre-CES announcement, hence we've no pricing to share yet, but the way the company's talking about it, the ST600 sounds like it might make an aggressive MSRP its standout feature. Sadly, that's a bit of a distant hope for now as this Upgrader isn't expected in shops until Q2 2011. Who knows if we'll even be watching TV by that time?

Continue reading LG ST600 Smart TV Upgrader brings DLNA, apps, and a web browser to formerly dumb displays

LG ST600 Smart TV Upgrader brings DLNA, apps, and a web browser to formerly dumb displays originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 03:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily Crunch: Wipeout Edition

Go Away, Snoopers: Internet Explorer 9 To Add Anti-Tracking Feature The Kisai Satellite: More Crazy Tokyoflash Watches WhiteyBoards Introduces the Next Generation In Dry Erase Technology: The WhiteyNotes and WhiteyPads Outfitting Your Family?s Traveler For Stellar Photography Rolex Owner Gets A Christmas Surprise: Posted His Watch On eBay For $9.95, Final Bid Was $60,000

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The Engadget Podcast, live at 4:45PM EST!

It's the end of the year, so it's time for the boys to look back and reflect on the... oh, who are we kidding, we'll probably just do more skits. Join us below!

P.S. And don't forget that Ustream has Android and iPhone clients as well, if you're out and about and you can't join in on the Flash-based fun below.

Continue reading The Engadget Podcast, live at 4:45PM EST!

The Engadget Podcast, live at 4:45PM EST! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 16:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily Tip: How to easily crop a photo on your iPhone

Ever wish you could easily crop a photo right on your iPhone? Well, if speed is more important than resolution you can. We’ll show you how after the break! Here’s how to easily crop a picture on your iPhone (or iPod touch or iPad): Tap on the Photo app Tap on Camera Roll (or one of your Photo [...]

Daily Tip: How to easily crop a photo on your iPhone is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

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Skype for iPhone Now Supports Video Calls

Skype now does video-calling on iOS devices. The new update to Skype’s iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch app, version 3.0, allows users to make video calls between their iDevices, as well as with desktop computers — in other words, with any other Skype user. The calls can be placed over both Wi-Fi and 3G.
To make and receive video [...]

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Wicked Audio's 3D headphones aren't what you think, border on unsightly

Okay, so maybe "border" is being generous. Wicked Audio is well known for its -- shall we say, vivacious -- line of earbuds and headphones, but none compare to the outfit's new 3D series of cans. Set to officially debut at CES next week, this line actually has embossed logos on each ear cup, enabling you to "feel" the graphics on the side. Hard to say who exactly this benefits, but for those who love raised artwork upside their noggins, we suppose it's perfect. As for specs? Keep dreaming -- all we know is that you'll be choosing the least offensive design from the three above next month when they go on sale for $29.99 at FYE.

Continue reading Wicked Audio's 3D headphones aren't what you think, border on unsightly

Wicked Audio's 3D headphones aren't what you think, border on unsightly originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 19:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 4 bugs: Blue tint in center of photos

There is a interesting bug in iPhone 4 photos where a blue tint shows up in the middle of the image. This bug has been widely noted and appears to effect only the back, 5mp camera and not the forward facing VGA camera. It also seems to still be a problem under iOS 4.2.1. [...]

iPhone 4 bugs: Blue tint in center of photos is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

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The Weirdest Indicators of Serious Medical Risks [Medicine]

Apparently things like finger length, grip strength, and height may be reliable predictors of cancer, longevity and heart disease. Don't believe it? Check this weird list of potential risk indicators out anyway. It'll terrify, amaze, and amuse you. More »

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Teach Parents Tech by Google helps you educate your folks

Teach Parents Tech is a new website by Google, that lets you send your mom, dad, or other older relatives short videos showing basic computer skills.

The site itself is very friendly-looking; not just the part your mom and dad see, but also the interface used for selecting the videos you'd like to send them. It's built like a form letter, with an opening that goes "I'm really shocked\impressed\worried\jazzed that you've started using your computer these days". You can then select any number of videos to send from five different categories, including The Basics, Media, Finding Information, etc.

The videos each appear to be around the 40-second mark, with most starting off with a different Google nerd in front of the camera, so there's a human touch. After a couple of seconds explaining what the video is going to show, it switches to screencast mode (which is as polished as can be expected from Google), and shows how to perform one simple operation.

Having looked at videos showing how to change your wallpaper on Windows, take a screenshot on a Mac and check your email on your Android phone, they all seem simple enough. An example has been embedded after the jump for your perusal, showing you just how easy it is to adjust the time on your clock on a Mac.

Quite a lovely resource - kudos, Google!

Continue reading Teach Parents Tech by Google helps you educate your folks

Teach Parents Tech by Google helps you educate your folks originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why did Pluto lose its planet status? Because it never mattered enough

It's kind of hard to accept, Pluto has always been our favorite underdog, but the truth is that the Solar System's ninth planet was never really significant enough to earn that designation. Such is the coldly logical reason given for its removal from the planetary annals by a man who had a lot to do with its demise. Caltech astronomer Mike Brown discovered Eris, what he'd hoped was the tenth planet, back in 2005, but its extreme distance from the Sun and diminutive (by planetary standards) dimensions disqualified it from consideration. Unfortunately, its discovery is what doomed Pluto to be downgraded to a "dwarf planet," though Mike's not shedding too many tears over it. In fact, he's gone and written a book about the whole thing, the smug planet destroyer that he is. You don't have to buy it to learn more, however, as the source link has an interview with Mike all ready and waiting.

Why did Pluto lose its planet status? Because it never mattered enough originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moshi Voice Control Reflection Clock available at Brookstone

Moshi has just announced the availablilty of a new Voice Control clock. This is the Moshi Voice Control Reflection clock. It features a cool reflective display with 6 nightlight colors to choose from and adjustable LCD brightness. In addition to using your voice to set the time, dual alarms and snooze, this new clock will [...]

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Verizon to demo Home Monitoring and Control system at CES, launch pilot in Jersey next month

Looks like home automation may finally be taking baby steps towards the mainstream -- Verizon's just announced that it'll be demoing that long-rumored Home Monitoring and Control system at CES 2011, with a planned beta rollout in New Jersey to follow. The system will allow users to remotely view security cameras, lock doors, and control lights, thermostats, and appliances through their smartphones or FiOS TV boxes -- the same capabilities most other automation systems offer, but with the added benefit of being integrated and installed by Verizon. The pilot homes in Jersey will receive an energy reader, smart appliance switches and thermostats, door and window locks, a power strip, motion sensors, an indoor pan-and-tilt camera, and a fixed indoor / outdoor camera when the system launches next month, but Verizon says that's just the beginning. We're told the system will use Z-Wave wireless control units and WiFi security cameras, so we're guessing there'll be a central box that integrates everything -- and we've got a feeling this whole thing is based on 4Home (pictured above), which was just acquired by Motorola Mobility. We'll find out more at CES -- stay tuned.

Continue reading Verizon to demo Home Monitoring and Control system at CES, launch pilot in Jersey next month

Verizon to demo Home Monitoring and Control system at CES, launch pilot in Jersey next month originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AllMyApps is a sexy download store for Windows

The Mac App Store is coming next month, but Windows users have a similar store they can enjoy right now. AllMyApps has just launched in beta, and it's ready to help you find, install, and share loads of great free (and eventually paid) software.

Apps are grouped by category such as utilities, security, office, video, and communication and you'll find just about every must-have free Windows app you can imagine in the AllMyApps catalog. Favorites like Firefox, Chrome, Skype, Dropbox, 7-zip, and Microsoft Security Essentials are all there for the downloading. The only one of my core apps I found absent was Sugarsync -- all of my other required apps are listed.

Program detail pages include basic information about their functionality, screenshots, relevant tweets, and other useful tidbits like the app's current version, number of downloads, and file size.

Continue reading AllMyApps is a sexy download store for Windows

AllMyApps is a sexy download store for Windows originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McDonalds hacked, customer database stolen, your burger preference now in the wild

Don't worry, this one isn't quite as bad as the Gawker hack: McDonalds -- and over 100 other firms -- have had their marketing databases compromised, and summarily stolen. An email marketing company called Silverpop is to blame for the breach -- and fortunately, 'only' real names, interests and email addresses were breached; no passwords, and no Social Security or credit card numbers were stolen.

While McDonalds is probably the biggest name on the list, it seems the creative users of deviantART are also affected -- and a brief look at Silverpop's site suggests it might have upset some other very big names, such as Mazda and the banking giant Santander.

There's no information about how the hack was achieved, but the FBI has said that the attack originated from outside the US. In all likelihood, the attack was probably carried out by spammers, or the operatives of spammers. An email address database the size of Silverpop's would sell for millions.

McDonalds hacked, customer database stolen, your burger preference now in the wild originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Magazines Doomed Once Again as iPad Issue Sales Slump [Magazines]

It'll take more than a touchscreen to revive the hemorrhaging magazine industry, if pitiful recent sales numbers are any indication—iPad editions have taken a nosedive among the highest profile glossies. Wired? Down to a fifth of its debut. More »

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