Twitemperature tells you how hot you are on Twitter!

How many of you use twitter? I love twitter as I can hook up with friends with similar interests and they normally help me out if I have a question. I also get to tweet my blog posts on twitter and usually people who like what I have posted visit my site. Since Twitter is getting so popular there have been quite a number of applications been written for twitter. Once such application I came across shows how hot you are on twitter - Twitemperature.

Here is an excerpt from their FAQ on how this application actually works:

"Twitemperature ignores meaningless points of measure like number of followers and number of people you are following, and instead focuses on what you're actually saying, now. We poll your last several hundred tweets and score what you're saying against what everyone else is saying in current hot conversations on Twitter and elsewhere."

As a new user of Twitemperature, I found that mine is an ice cold -4C. I guess I need to start sending more tweets. Have you tried to check what your Twitemperature is? Why don't we all share our results?

By the way, you could always follow me on twitter.

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Twit and Connect On Google Now!

Google Friend Connect has now been integrated with Twitter. Google Connect is a service that allows webmasters add social features to their sites by simply copying and pasting a few snippets of code — no advanced coding or technical background required. With this integration of Google Connect and Twitter this means that when you join a friend connected site, you can choose to use your Twitter profile, discover people you follow on Twitter who are also members of the site, and quickly tweet that you have found a cool website.

According to the official Google Blog:

"To send a tweet about a site you have joined, click the invite link in the members gadget, then click the Twitter icon on the share tab. The next time your followers sign in to Twitter, they'll see your tweet containing a link to the interesting site you've found."

Definitely a nice tool to have considering that Twitter has even beat Myspace in terms of its usage and number of members. With Web 2.0 getting more popular, it is definitely interesting to see Google following the trend as well. I have found tremendous success with my blogs just by spending some time on these social forums. If you would like to join me on twitter, all you need to do is twit!

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Google Chrome is officially out of beta!

It has been more than 3 months since I wrote about the arrival of Google Chrome Beta. Now Google has announced that Google Chrome is officially out of Beta. Now that the Beta tag has been officially removed, its time to see if Google Chrome can match the likes of Internet Explorer and Firefox.

According to the Google Blog:

Google Chrome is a better browser today thanks to the many users who sent their feedback and the many more who enabled automatic crash reports, helping us rapidly diagnose and fix issues. Some of the areas where we've made great progress include:

Better stability and performance of plug-ins (particularly video). Video and audio glitches were among the most common bugs fixed during the beta period. If you had problems watching videos with Google Chrome in the past, you should be pleasantly surprised with the performance now.

Even more speed. Google Chrome starts up fast, loads pages quickly, and just keeps getting faster. Since the first beta, the V8 JavaScript engine runs 1.4 times faster on the SunSpider benchmark and 1.5 times faster on the V8 benchmark — and there is more speed to come.

Bookmark manager and privacy controls. We heard you! Better bookmark features were a top request from our users. It's now easier to switch between another browser and Google Chrome with the bookmark import and export features, and we added a new simple way to manage large numbers of bookmarks, too. We also wanted to make it even easier for you to control your browsing data, so all of the features in Google Chrome which affect user privacy are now grouped in one place with detailed explanations for each one.
[Via Google Blog]

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Firefox 3 to be tweaked for Macbooks

News has emerged that there could be work underway to tweak the behavior of Firefox 3 to suit Macbooks - especially for gesture support. For those unfamiliar with gesture support, Apple introduced the functionality to the MacBook line a couple of years ago. It allows you to interact with your computer by just moving your fingers across the touch pad. For example, in most programs you can scroll down by dragging two fingers down the touch pad without having to click any buttons.

There's no word yet on whether this neat feature will make the final build, but MacBook users everywhere should hope it does. Anyone who uses the gesture support in any other application knows how intuitive it is and how it can really make any app more usable. This really will set Firefox apart from the other web browsers that we are used to.

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Firefox 3.1 Beta 1: Available for Download

Firefox 3.1 Beta 1 is finally available to the public for download. There are quite a few changes and certainly look interesting.

Some features of note are:

* 3D preview during tab switch
* Better Javascript Performance
* Location awareness: it requires the Geode extension


One of the features that is absent is private browsing. Looks like we might have to wait a little longer for that. But other than that this updated browser from Mozilla certainly looks promising. You can download Firefox 3.1 Beta 1 and let me know how you liked it.

[Via Ubergizmo]

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Make the Internet a safer place to surf!

How many times have we heard about hackers and intruders launching attacks randomly on internet users to get their details and other important information. Yet, most of us don't even have a proper software installed on our PCs to safeguard ourselves from such unauthorized activities. Comodo which strives to create trust among internet users has come up with the concept of Trusted Internet which makes the internet a much safer place.

Best of all, there are quite a lot of tools that are available for free on Comodo. I have listed some of the prevention software below.

Comodo Firewall Pro

This is able to prevent viruses, worms, spywares, keyloggers and other malwares from infecting your PC. This software has also been rated by PC magazine online as an editor's choice.

Comodo Memory Firewall

This software helps to monitor your PC's memory so that it doesn't fall prey to buffer overflow attacks. Essentially it is able to prevent any suspicious code from executing and prevents data theft.

Comodo Verification Engine

How do you differentiate an authentic website from a phishing website? This software will definitely help you do that. All you need to do is to place your mouse over the website's logo and if it displays a green border then it is an authentic website. Easy yet effective.

Comodo iVault

Another effective software to prevent data theft. This software encrypts your data and other confidential information and prevents them from falling prey to data theft and trojans. Also effective against keyloggers.

Comodo AntiSpam

Nobody hates Spam like this software does! It allows to create your own 'approved' list of senders and you will not have to worry about spam or junk email. This is especially useful for bloggers like me.
Comodo SecureEmail

Another encryption software but this one encrypts every email that you send out. Now you can be absolutely sure that no one else other than the intended recipient gets to read the content of your email. Excellent protection against identity theft.

Most of us spend many hours a day on the internet. But without the aid of such software like what Comodo offers, there is a high risk of identity theft and other malwares attacking your PC. So ensure that your PC and all your data is well protected. There are a whole lot of software tools available from Comodo and I would encourage you to check them out.

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Yahoo Messenger 9.0 unveiled - Fresh and New Look

Finally the all new Yahoo Messenger 9.0 has been unveiled by Yahoo although it is a week late. The interface definitely looks a lot more lively with the addition of new skins and also support for videos in the chat window. Some of you might have already tried out these features in the beta version that was available for download some time back. Yahoo Messenger 9.0 is available for Windows and Mac as well as Web browser versions and a mobile version.

Here are some of the features that I liked

- Definitely a better looking interface which is more spread out and spacious. You are also able to display your contacts' avatars with a larger thumbnail

- It looks like Yahoo has done a good job of integrating Yahoo Buzz, Yahoo 360 and even MyBlogLog and all recent activities here can be easily displayed

- Import contacts from your email or social networking sites and an automated invitation is sent to them to join your network

- Ability to comment on photos and enjoy YouTube videos on your chat window

- Spam control

- PingBox which deserves special mention. This is especially useful for blog or website owners. You could embed a PingBox in your website or blog and you could chat with another contact on yahoo messenger if he is visiting your site. You will be shown as a temporary contact on his yahoo messenger application and you could exchange contacts if you are interested.

All said and done, this is a nice fresh look that Yahoo has given to its all new Yahoo Messenger 9.0. If you would like to give it a try, download it from here.

Tags: yahoo messenger

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Do you want to Google history making news articles?

It is really interesting to see that Google is actually making a great effort in digitizing old newspapers. Not only are they going to be digitized, but you would be able to read them exactly how they were printed. No more late nights at the library dusting old newspapers. According to Google, they would do this for the smallest newspaper to the biggest in terms of readership.

Here is an excerpt from Google's official blog.

Today, we're launching an initiative to make more old newspapers accessible and searchable online by partnering with newspaper publishers to digitize millions of pages of news archives. Let's say you want to learn more about the landing on the Moon. Try a search for [Americans walk on moon], and you'll be able to find and read an original article from a 1969 edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The effort has just begun, but knowing Google I'm sure they will pursue this in a big way. All in the effort of reaching to a wider audience. Anyway, I do commend Google for embarking on this wonderful project.

Tags: google,newspaper

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Google Chrome Screenshots - sneak preview

Want a sneak preview of Google Chrome's screen shots? Check it out here.



I invite your comments here about this latest and greatest web browser from Google.
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New Web Browser: Google Chrome

Google has decided to take Microsoft heads on with the launch of its latest web browser called Google Chrome. It is due for a beta release some time tomorrow in more than 100 countries.

"So why are we launching Google Chrome? Because we believe we can add value for users and, at the same time, help drive innovation on the web."

So far most of Google's work has been within the web browser. This is the first time that Google will be launching a web browser by themselves. For a while it looked like they were teaming up with Firefox to take on Microsoft - I wonder what has happened to that alliance.

Google has created Google Chrome for very specific needs. First of all, they claim that the new web browser will be stable and not crash easily. It is also supposed to be faster for loading of web pages and elements in the web pages. After all, web pages have evolved so much since the introduction of the first web browser. Google also claims the new web browser will be secure - a necessity these days. You can bet that their interface is going to be simple and clean like their homepage as well. Last but not least, Google Chrome is going to be a fully open source web browser. I'm sure Google Chrome is going to give Internet Explorer 8 a run for its money.

Simplicity, Speed, Stability and Security - I guess these 4 S's would sum up Google Chrome. I sure am waiting to try it out tomorrow... Game on! Would you try it out too? Let me know your experience with this spanking new web browser.

Tags: google,web browser

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Arm yourself with the Snapbomb

No no... I'm not condoning any form of violence here. This is a new application that I have decided to review under the internet section of my blog. This application is called Snapbomb. Any aspiring blogger (be it new or seasoned) can submit a blog to this application. The neat thing about this application is that it checks for the value of your blog and reports it to you. Once you know the value of your blog, you will be matched to opportunities that are related to your blog and eventually will be paid according to the value of your blog. Hence you will be able to create a lot of buzz for your blog as well. This buzz is very important especially if you are looking for an effective blog marketing tool. Not to mention the immense potential of blog advertising opportunities that are available as well. So remember your mantra - "blog marketing and blog advertising" and you wont regret venturing into this.

Many of us aspiring bloggers have one dream - the dream to turn this passion for blogging to a full time job. Imagine getting out of the nation of cubiclepolis and getting paid for what we love! Almost like a musician or a sportsman. Why I like this application? Because it gives every blogger an opportunity - yes you heard me right! Even if you are just starting out and trying to find your footing! The application has a nice no frills look to it and easy to maneuver around. There are 2 main areas you will be interested in:

1. Blogger Dashboard - Displays the blog name and value of the blog
2. Find an opportunity - Kaching! This is where you find potential subjects to blog about and you will get paid for your effort

So go on, give it a try. I can assure you that you wont be disappointed. You can sign up for an account at Snapbomb here. Good luck and let me know how it went!

Tags: internet,application,buzz,blog marketing,blog advertising

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Interview with Jim Kukral from ScratchBack.com

Today I will introduce a new section in my blog for my readers - the interview section. From time to time I intend to interview interesting personalities and publish them here. As I was thinking who would be my very first interviewee, I came across Jim Kukral, the man behind ScratchBack.com. For those who are not familiar with this great concept, ScratchBack is an online tipping tool where readers can tip the publisher in exchange for a link in the blog or website. All the links are hardcoded with a nofollow tag which makes it Google friendly. I myself have incorporated this tool recently on this blog and have also decided to donate 20% of what I earn through ScratchBack to charity. So go ahead, get your link on my blog!

Jim is an online marketing expert, an award winning blogger, writer, online monetizing expert and the list goes on. You get the picture right? Jim has his own web firms and is also a web consultant and public speaker. All aspiring bloggers can learn from Jim's experience in this industry.

Jim's Interview:

1. How did you start off? As a marketer or as a blogger? Can you give us some history?

I started as a web designer actually, back in 1995 I learned html before tables existed. Then around 1999 I started project managing and found web marketing. I only started blogging in 2001, and later realized that all online marketing intersects together.

2. Tell us a little bit about scratchback.com. What prompted you to start this business?

I started Scratchback.com because I knew that millions of bloggers wanted this type of tipping solution. Paypal tip jars are so boring and completely ineffective. Scratchback is fun for the blogger who enables it and the reader who tips. It's a win/win for everyone. Plus, it's all nofollow and Google likes it.

3. How has the response been? Do you have any other plans lined up for it?

We'll be rolling it out of beta hopefully in fall 2008. New features driven by our community of thousands of users.

4. What is the advice you would like to give people who are interested to sign up with scratchback.com?

Best advice is to set your tips higher than $5.00. People tip more often when the tips are set higher. I think it's because of the psychology of it. If they're just tipping you a dollar or two, they don't feel it's worth their time.

5. Do you have any other projects in the pipeline? If yes, could you give us a sneak preview?

My latest project is www.topgreen100.com where I'm building a directory of green blogs and websites. I have some other fun stuff always going but you'll have to sign up for my blog updates at jimkukral.com to find out.


6. How competitive do you think online businesses have become? What is the formula for success?

It's super competitive. But... if you pick a niche and stick with it,
and you differentiate yourself you can still shine and make money. Do video, do podcasts, get crazy. Do what no one else is doing. Brand yourself as the utmost expert in your niche.


7. Do you have any advice for new bloggers who are trying to find their footing?

Write a lot. Then keep writing. But write to solve people's problems. Each post should solve a problem.

Thanks Jim!

ScratchBack webpage
Jim's Homepage

Tags: Jim Kukral,ScratchBack

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