Desktop Enhancements

Blink-induced log-in now available on 64-bit Windows

It is now harder to blank on computer security with the newest version of Luxund's facial-recognition log-in program, Blink!. The newest version supports Windows Vista and Windows 7 64-bit, in addition to the original 32-bit version. On Luxand's Web site, the company promises "more stability, more reliability, and thus more security."

This free application uses advanced biometric identification, allowing users to log into their computer simply by looking into a Webcam. Blink cleared numerous tests, including sunglasses. The program has multiple security functions, such as support for multiple users and the capability to create a log … Read more

Start My Day lets you be lazy, but needs to stop slacking

If you are like me, you have trouble pouring a cup of water in the morning, let alone hastily navigating through what seems like an endless stream of computer programs and sites. Start My Day is a desktop application that is supposed to clear your computer's morning fog by opening your selected favorite programs, Web sites, and music simultaneously. Though its main function is useful, the program has multiple bugs that make it less than satisfactory.

Once SMD is open, two messages will pop up before the application is visible. The first states that the "publisher cannot be … Read more

Copernic updates Desktop Search Pro

If Google Desktop isn't doing the trick for you, check out Copernic's Desktop Search Professional. The company just released an update to the program, which is aimed at small business and worker bees with an organizational bent. The latest version fixes a handful of bugs and adds high capacity indexing functionality. Other noteworthy features include the ability to search any file on your hard drive or network drive as well as save your most frequent searches. You can also export your list of results in an HTML file; select specific files and e-mail folders to index; control computer … Read more

Yoono organizes social Web, but add-ons need work

Yoono makes the task of managing multiple different social-networking accounts less of a headache. Using several instant-messaging programs because your coworkers like Google Talk whereas your friends use AIM can also mix you up.

Like Digsby and VoxOx, Yoono combines social networking with instant messaging. Sure, there are social site applications like TweetDeck that let you follow your friend's Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace accounts--not to mention the numerous all-in-one chat clients such as Trillian and Pidgin, which are very popular around the CNET offices. Yoono, however, combines all of these functions into one sleek desktop app. Those who do … Read more

Better GPS graphs, browser in new Google Earth

Google made a few tweaks to Google Earth on Monday, adding new GPS details and a way for the Web-oriented company to feel better about developing for the desktop.

Google Earth 5.2 is ready for the public, Google announced Monday. It's not a major release like the Google Earth 5.0 release from last year, but the free download for Windows, Mac, and Linux has a few interesting new features for the geographically obsessed.

Travelers were able to connect their GPS devices to Google Earth to view trip data with the 5.0 release, but they can now … Read more

Box.net finally gets desktop file sync

Online storage and collaboration service Box.net is finally getting around to offering its users a feature that was long-overdue: desktop synchronization.

The feature, which rolls out to business users Thursday morning, takes whatever files you've added to your online storage account and ferries them over to a local machine. It also does the same thing going the other way.

In order to use it, users must be subscribers of Box's business and enterprise tiers, leaving those with the free and individual plans out in the cold. It's also Windows only to start with, though Box's … Read more

Microsoft warns on Windows 7 upgrade tool

Parallels, known for using virtualization to solve consumer problems, thought it had a surefire new use for its technology.

Why not use the same approach it used to put Windows on a Mac to help ease the move from XP to Windows 7. The solution was elegant, helping users both make the move and even run older programs that weren't compatible with the new version of Windows. At first, the signs from Microsoft were encouraging; the company even invited Parallells to a Windows 7 momentum event in Paris to publicly talk about the program, Parallels Desktop Upgrade to Windows … Read more

Blink to log in with your face

There's more to your webcam than Chatroulette and Skype-powered confabs. Blink ties your Windows log-in to your face, supported by the facial-recognition algorithms of its publisher, Luxand. Luxand is best known for a facial-recognition SDK and search engine that it licenses to Web sites such as Universal Pictures.

Blink differs from competition like KeyLemon by offering fewer features, but for free. When you install the program, it will offer to run a wizard to help you set it up. The wizard will autodetect your Webcam, and give you a choice if you have more than one. After giving you … Read more

Google acquires 3D desktop BumpTop

Google has acquired Bump Technologies, the maker of a 3D desktop called BumpTop, Bump announced Sunday.

"Today, we have a big announcement to make: we're excited to announce that we've been acquired by Google!," a note posted to the company's Web site said. "This means that BumpTop (for both Windows and Mac) will no longer be available for sale. Additionally, no updates to the products are planned."

Financial details were not disclosed, but the company said it would keep its software available for download for one week. A Google representative confirmed the acquisition … Read more