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Non-Google maps pop up in iPhoto for iOS

One of the more subtle differences between iPhoto for iOS and its desktop software counterpart turns out to be deeper than meets the eye.

The new software, which made its debut yesterday alongside Apple's third-generation iPad, has a subtle difference that wasn't advertised: Apple's using a new set of maps to show where a user's photos were taken, and those maps do not appear to be from Apple's longtime map provider Google.

That in and of itself would not be quite so interesting if not for the fact that Apple is expected to roll out … Read more

Mozilla wants app submissions for its open-Web plans

Mozilla's Marketplace has begun accepting app submissions, looking toward the ultimate goal of building a standalone operating system for the open Web.

As part of the company's Boot to Gecko project, these apps would allow for cross-device and multi-operating system integration, which means anchoring the apps to the user and not to the device or platform.

"Using HTML, CSS and JavaScript, a developer can build an app using responsive design, and that app can offer the same look and feel as a device-native app, without having to rewrite for every desired target platform," Joe Stagner, Mozilla'… Read more

Young man crushes blindfolded Rubik's Cube record

Think you're a Rubik's Cube master? Unless you are a robot, think again.

The Zonhoven Open 2012 is a Rubik's Cube competition held annually in Belgium. One insane aspect of the competition is a blindfolded Rubik's Cube challenge. After a few brief moments of examining the cube, participants must solve the 3D mechanical puzzle without looking. A moderator also holds a piece of paper over the cube to avoid peeking.

One would think this feat would take several minutes at best, but a record, caught on video, shows Marcell Endrey of Hungary solving the cube in an astonishing 28.80 seconds. Keep an eye out for the kid sitting behind Endrey, who flashes a priceless reaction. … Read more

Best Buy and eBay CEOs tell mobile operators they need to change

BARCELONA, Spain--Wireless operators need to stop locking devices and offering overly complicated data plans. That's the message from Best Buy CEO Brian Dunn and eBay CEO John Donahoe here at Mobile World Congress.

Dunn and Donahoe took the stage today as part of a panel discussion about mobile payments. While the CEOs talked a lot about how shopping and payments are changing thanks to mobile devices, they also took a few jabs at wireless operators, challenging them to become more open to help spur greater adoption of their services across a broad range of devices.

While the mobile phone … Read more

Map your ideas with Open Mind

Have you ever drawn a mind map? We bet you have. Mind maps are the kind of diagrams that business planners, mad scientists, and other innovative types scribble over blackboards and whiteboards, linking balloons and boxes with a variety of lines, arrows, and assorted scribblings. Ordinary people might draw one on a napkin while planning out their day. In any case, mind maps are one of the most flexible, useful, and intuitive planning techniques known. Open Mind is freeware for creating customized mind maps for any use you can think of. You can insert text, images, and even YouTube video … Read more

A bottle opener for tough guys

Been looking for a way to look like Billy Badass at parties or cookouts without incurring broken limbs and/or pesky restraining orders? Who hasn't, right? Well, should your bottled beverage of choice not have the convenient screw-cap top, don't reach for that boring old standard bottle opener.

Instead, whip out the Bottle Blade Bottle Opener, which looks like a razor blade. The oversize bottle blade is made of brushed stainless steel and measures 4.5 inches by 2.25 inches, so you're probably not going to confuse it with your shaving blades.

You can preorder yours from GadgetsandGear.com for $9.99; they're expected to arrive in March. Booze and friends sold separately.… Read more

Microsoft SkyDrive aiming to outcloud iCloud

Microsoft is targeting a host of improvements for SkyDrive, potentially giving iCloud and similar services some healthy competition.

The next version, dubbed SkyDrive Wave 5, could lead the way, with several features revealed by blogging site LiveSide.net.

Tipped off about "new features that are said to be coming to SkyDrive soon," the site detailed such items as support for the OpenDocument format and the ability to store and manage BitLocker recovery keys on SkyDrive.

A new URL-shortening service will provide links to your shared files, while you'll be able to share those files directly with your … Read more

Facebook adds 12 media apps to its Timeline roster

Love 'em or hate 'em, Facebook's timeline apps seem to be here to stay.

After news yesterday of Open Graph driving astounding amounts of traffic, Facebook announced today that 12 more media properties would be adding apps to Facebook's timeline.

"As media organizations build new timeline apps, initial results show significant increases in traffic and engagement, while allowing media sites to reach new--often younger--demographics," Facebook Director of Media Partnerships Justin Osofsky said in a statement.

The new apps include Buzzfeed, CBS Local: Los Angeles and New York, CMT, The Daily Show, GetGlue, Huffington Post, Mashable, MSNBC.… Read more

Open Graph boosts traffic to Facebook Timeline apps

After less than a month in the wild, Open Graph is already a huge source of traffic and engagement for Facebook Timeline apps.

Facebook revealed last fall that it would be expanding its lexicon beyond the "like" with Open Graph, which helps third-party publishers link their content with the social network and allows users to see what friends are doing on other sites and join in. Although it's only been a few weeks since additional verbs like eating, buying, and listening to began appearing in earnest, the social network is pleased with the early results.

Facebook today … Read more