compress

File-shrinking program

FILEminimizer Office - Compact Edition offers to take large files and shrink them into a smaller package, while maintaining the original's integrity. With simple navigation and fast results, this program more than lives up to its promise.

We were slightly challenged by the program's interface, but luckily most of the commands are intuitively labeled. The online Help file didn't walk us through anything and should have been skipped. However a little experimenting was all that was necessary to fully understand adjustments that could be made. We were impressed at the clever utilization of a search engine to … Read more

Clumsy extraction tool

Users looking for a tool to extract multiple archive types may be disappointed by the bare and clumsy interface of this latest iteration of StuffIt Expander.

The utility fulfills its promise to handle more file types than past incarnations, which had been limited to .SIT and .ZIP files. According to its comprehensive Help file, StuffIt Expander 13.0.1.1 can now handle more than 30 file types, including .GZIP, .HQX, .TZ, .7z, and .UU. Unfortunately, the program is hampered by a '90s-era user interface, limited functionality, and poor integration with Windows. On opening--and every time you return to the … Read more

ZIP utility with compatibility

YemuZip is a simple, free utility with a single purpose: to help you easily create Mac- and PC-friendly ZIP files with just a quick drag and drop. The Mac OS already includes ZIP-compression functionality (which you can access through contextual menus), but YemuZip add some extras--most importantly, the option to choose between Mac-specific and PC-compatible formats, removing the Mac metadata in the resource fork that can otherwise make ZIP files made on a Mac unreadable on PCs.

You just drag files into YemuZip's main window, or onto the YemuZip Dock icon, and the app creates a zipped archive in … Read more

Versatile photo compressor

Image Compressor 2008 lets users shrink large images' file size without compromising quality. In addition, this simple program provides other image-altering tools to make a complete package.

Image Compressor 2008's interface features a crowded collection of command icons and a few smaller windows showcasing image details. Luckily, the program first offers a fantastic walk-through tutorial. In addition, users can consult an excellent Help file. Compressing files was surprisingly simple and involves selecting a photo, clicking on the Compression icon and choosing a destination. The file (or files if you choose Batch Compression) is compressed in a matter of seconds. … Read more

PG&E to compress air to store wind power

Despite all the talk about needed breakthroughs in batteries, Pacific Gas & Electric is pursuing a less high-tech approach to store wind power: underground compressed air.

The utility on Wednesday said that it is seeking $25 million in smart-grid stimulus funds to build an underground compressed-air storage facility that would be able to deliver as much electricity as a medium-size power plant for about 10 hours.

PG&E said the project is part of its smart-grid initiative and would take about five years to develop and build but, in a company blog post, didn't offer any other details … Read more

No shrinking violet

PicShrink is a handy little image compression utility that does more than just resize digital pictures. It also has basic image-editing features, such as cropping, borders, and the ability to adjust contrast, brightness, and intensity. You can resample images and convert file formats, too. It even makes it easy to add digital watermarks to protect your images from unauthorized use.

Opening the fully functional trial version is a little balky because it cleverly appears as if your only options are to order or register the full version, but clicking anywhere on the startup screen opens the interface. The interface itself … Read more

On2 shareholders unhappy with Google deal

Google's acquisition of video-compression software company On2 Technologies is being challenged in court by On2 shareholders dissatisfied by Google's $106.5 million offer.

The lawsuit, which was filed Monday in Delaware Chancery Court, seeks class action status and a permanent injunction against the deal. The suit, first reported by the New York Post, also seeks an accounting of all damages caused by the defendants Google and On2's board of directors.

On2 declined to comment, and Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Under the terms of the stock swap, which was announced earlier this month, … Read more

Google buys video compression outfit On2

This was originally published at ZDNet's Between the Lines.

Google on Wednesday said it will acquire On2 Technologies, a video compression company, for $106.5 million.

Under the terms of the stock swap, each share of On2 will be exchanged for 60 cents' worth of Google common stock.

Google just made a few penny stock investors very happy. On2 shares closed at 38 cents a share on Tuesday.

In a statement, Google said that it will take On2's technology and make it part of the Web platform. On2's interim CEO Matt Frost said he was thrilled with … Read more

World's first natural-gas-powered chopper

A natural-gas-powered chopper was unveiled recently in Orange County, New York. This amateur video shows the flashy bike with all the glamor of a rock star.

Chesapeake Energy Corporation partnered with Orange County Choppers in Orange County, New York, to create the compressed-natural-gas-powered chopper.