Pinterest quietly sneaks in support for Twitter Cards

Oh, the mild drama between social networks. Just as Instagram nixed its in-depth URL integration with Twitter about a week ago, now it's Pinterest getting involved -- however, the latter is taking a slightly different route. Thanks to Twitter user Kelly Lieberman, who initially spotted the changes, we have now learned that Pinterest has turned on support for Twitter Cards, allowing folks on the microblogging service to get a slightly better look at links coming from its own, pinboard-style network. Essentially, this means you can now get a preview within Twitter of what your friends are pinning -- you know, things like what type of grub they're craving or pics of insanely cute dogs.

[Source: Engadget]

Facebook privacy overhaul grants better controls for permissions, apps, photos and more

Voting for changes may never be the same on Facebook, but it sure seems as if the company is taking your privacy more seriously than perhaps it has in the past. In a move that signals bold changes on behalf of the user, Facebook has published two posts today outlining a litany of both user and developer tweaks that enable greater control over content. Today's updates include Privacy Shortcuts, an easier-to-use Activity Log, and a new Request and Removal tool for managing multiple photos you're tagged in; it's also adding "new in-product education that makes key concepts around controlling your sharing clearer, such as in-context reminders about how stuff you hide from timeline may still appear in news feed, search, and other places."

[Source: Engadget]

Linux 3.7 arrives with broader ARM support, optionally signed kernel code

If you're the sort of Linux user who won't even wait for a packaged distribution to update, you'll be happy to hear that Linux 3.7 has hit the servers. The updated foundation puts ARM chips on a footing much closer to that of their x86 counterparts: the code now supports a true multi-platform model that will load on multiple ARM designs. It's also the first instance of Linux to natively support 64-bit memory for newer ARM-based hardware. No matter what circuitry you're running, there's also a big boost to security by allowing signed kernel modules that will only accept approved code, even if a curious user gains root access. There are many (many, many) more tweaks and tune-ups in store, so those who like to push their OS limits can check release details from Linus Torvalds and developers at the source links.

[Source: Engadget]

Google Zeitgeist reveals the UK's biggest search terms of 2012

As Brits look back on a year that included a Royal Wedding, the London Olympics and other things, what were they hammering into Google this year? A British Isles-centric Zeitgeist has revealed all the biggest search terms for the UK, one that's topped by Euro 2012, shortly followed by Olympic tickets. The royal bride was knocked to fourth place by Whitney Houston, while Gangnam Style searches rounded out the top 10. Bond's latest release grabbed the top place for trending movies, and PSY's shark-jumping global hit was (unsurprisingly) the top trending song. We've crammed all the curated top tens into the press release after the break -- and we're sure Google's checking its numbers on the US version as we speak.

[Source: Engadget]

Facebook opens Gifts service to all US users, now includes a bottle of red (or white)

Previously a limited run by invite-only, Facebook's decided to open its Gifts feature to all of itsUS users. As it stands, present choices are focused around food and soft toys, but today's launch also added a core new option -- wine. According to AllThingsD, there will be different offerings from 16 different winemakers and all with the necessary age-verification checks you'd expect from a responsible social network, naturally. While options are still a little narrow, we'd expect Facebook to seriously ramp up its retail partners and gift choice through 2013 -- and hopefully no more virtual presents.

[Source: Engadget]

Go Daddy hires former Microsoft and Yahoo exec Blake Irving as next CEO

Just in time to stand behind what will undoubtedly be the most grotesque Super Bowl ad of the 2013 contest, Blake Irving is taking the top seat over at Go Daddy. The infamous, flip-flopping domain registrar has confirmed that Irving will begin duties as CEO starting January 7th of next year, succeeding interim CEO Scott Wagner. Prior to this, Irving spent a grand total of 15 years in various hallways at Microsoft, most recently as Corporate Vice President of the Windows Live Platform. He also served as the Chief Product Officer at Yahoo, while he presently serves on the Board of GolfLogix. Mum's the word on whether or not his introductory video will be too risque for American television.

[Source: Engadget]

Google Drive extension lets you save pieces of the web to the cloud

Earlier today, a new Google Drive extension was released to the Chrome Web Store. This productivity tool provides users with a new way to capture and store web-based content. By clicking the extension's icon, you can save a copy of a webpage, its HTML source code, or a web archive. You can also save items by right-clicking photos or file links. In addition, Google has introduced new scrolling, fit to page and 100 percent image viewing options, along with the ability to comment on selected areas of pictures saved to your Drive. Whether you're looking for a replacement for Skitch, or an easy way to collect snippets of the web, this extension just might be with the doctor ordered.

[Source: Engadget]

Yahoo launches Mail redesign, with eye on speed and simplicity

Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer used her company's official blog to announced a Mail redesign. According to the exec, the company's shiny new inbox was revamped with speed in mind, letting users access their messages "faster than ever before." Mayer also promised fewer distractions for consumers, with messages at the center of the new design, as well as a "consistent look and feel across devices," including platforms like Windows 8, iOS, Android and the web. All of Mayer's comments can be found in the source link below.

[Source: Engadget]

Secret Santa AKA GadgetsBoy Delivered

Last week I told you about some exciting Christmas related news. The kind guys & gals at MoneySuperMarket.com had organised a Secret Santa Challenge. I was so excited that they invited me to take part and even happier when I learned that GadgetsBoy was my partner in the festivities.

The challenge began with me selecting a gift to send. That was a real challenge to buy something for a geek that has a lot of gadgets already. I won't spoil it for you in this article, so to find out what I gifted, check out the GadgetsBoy website.

Today, there was a knock at my door. Plain white box signed for … I sat next to the Geekanoids Christmas Tree and opened it with excitement. Well, fella, it proves you know me. I am a gadget freak for sure, but also a photography fanatic too. I love my cameras, using both micro four thirds, plus a Canon shooter too.
For those of you who have Canon gear, you will know that the red ringed L lens is top end optics & something to be proud of. On first looks I thought GadgetsBoy had gone crazy, blowing all his hard earned cash on this top end lens, then the smile or realisation came.

The gift I received is a Lens Mug, that's right a mug that is made to look like a Canon 28-135mm L Lens. The attention to detail is superb, check out the photos below to see how realistic it is. Not only do I have something here that looks the part, but in these cold winter months I can load it up with a warm hot chocolate … I love it. 
I did try mounting it on my DSLR, but alas it did not work !!! I joke … this is a great gift and I am really happy with it.

Many thanks for the gift GadgetsBoy and a big shout out to MoneySuperMarket for making this possible. 

Twitter profiles rolling out to all users by December 12th: here's how to prep yours

Instagram has web profiles? Yeah, well, Twitter's about to give all of its users a bit more of a face online as well. While select users have had access to revamped profiles for a few months, Twitter confirmed today that all of its users would be allowed into the party starting December 12th. The main addition here is the use of a header photo, and if you've got any questions on the hows and whys, there's a cute video just after the break to explain. Pick carefully, okay?

[Source: Engadget]

Bing boosts snapshot search with richer info on famous faces and places

Whether you're upfront about it or firmly in the closet, the search data doesn't lie: we all have a pop culture crush. Which is why Microsoft's expanding Bing's snapshot pane, one of three columns within its revamped layout, to display expanded data on celebrities and landmarks. (What? You thought all of those Kim Kardashian keyword searches went unnoticed?) Now, users that enter queries related to either of those two categories will be able to preview a host of relevant info (e.g., filmography, discography, movie trailers and track previews) from that second results column, all culled from a wider reach of sources. It's the first of many planned enhancements for Microsoft's search platform, so stay tuned for further changes in the "coming weeks."

[Source: Engadget]

Free WiFi service for London's black cabs approved

Soon there will be no where left to hide in London Town. The city is quickly becoming one giant WiFi hotspot, just as mayor Boris Johnson promised. Its iconic red phone boxes, the Thames, the Underground and even a minicab company have all been hooked up with free wireless. Now a plan has been approved to turn every famous black cab into a rolling 802.11 beacon. Company Eyetease has received approval from Transport for London to equip the vehicles with WiFi antennas that will provide 15 minutes of free high-speed data in exchange for sitting through a 15-second commercial. As the cabs ride through the city, the on board router will dynamically switch between 3G and 4G networks to maintain a constant connection. And, in an effort to get cab drivers hooked for the early 2013 launch, the CabWiFi service will provide special driver accounts that provide unlimited and commercial free service. The only thing left to do is figure out what it says about the city that its residents can't go 15 minutes in a cab without high speed internet access. Maybe you can Google it at the next red light.

[Source: Engadget]