Saturday, June 1, 2013

Linux Mint 15 hits the web, begs for 'Olivia' Munn endorsement


Linux Mint 15 hits the web, begs for 'Olivia' Munn endorsement
As with previous releases, the newest Mint iteration, "Olivia," comes in two distinct flavors: Cinnamon and MATE. While both have received a bit of polish, it's the fresher Cinnamon that has gotten the most attention. Version 1.8 of the desktop environment has received plenty of bug fixes, along with a new dedicated settings panel that bypasses the GNOME control center. Support for "Desklets" (read: widgets) has also been added and the log-in screen is completely customizable through HTML5. Both versions benefit from the addition of MintSources, for managing software repositories, and MintDrivers, for managing drivers, obviously. While they'll come in handy for consumers, the biggest advantage is that IT managers may now be more accepting of the refreshingly green Ubuntu derivative. The developers are calling version 15 their most ambitious release yet, and while we're not completely convinced that's true, it's certainly a significant upgrade over November's Nadia. You'll find the full changelog and download links at the source.

Owner gives Palm Pre 2 a steampunk makeover


Palm Pre 2 steampunk mod
Most people would buy a Bluetooth controller if they decide to keep an old phone for gaming, but one particular user from Chinese site Zoopda was struck with a better idea. Kissing his plan to buy a Bluetooth add-on goodbye, he instead spent a weekend adding steampunk-inspired accoutrements to his Palm Pre 2. Check out a video of the tricked out phone in action after the break. It's not in English, but it might give you an idea of what to do with your old handheld devices in case you're looking for something to go with your goggles and Victorian-era laptop.

Camino web browser for Mac meets a quiet end


Camino browser for Mac meets its end, 11 years later
When Camino's web browser launched in February 2002 as Chimera, it rescued many Mac users caught between a dying Internet Explorer and the distant launches of Firefox (Phoenix) and Safari. It's unfortunate, then, that the Camino team has just laid their once-heroic browser to rest. There's little surprise as to why, though: Camino hasn't been keeping pace with its rivals, which makes it both obsolete and a security risk. We won't mourn when there's now an abundance of alternatives, but we'll certainly pay our last respects.

Eat your heart out: Chinese e-commerce firm delivers packages within hours


Eat your heart out Chinese ecommerce firm launches 3hour delivery
Think same-day delivery is the bee's knees? In China, an e-commerce company called Jingdong not only delivers your package a few hours after you place your order, but also gives you power to track it in real time on a map. You can even bug the delivery crew while they're on the road, although they probably (hopefully) won't pick up the phone or text you back while driving. The company offers its services in six major Chinese cities, including notoriously populous Beijing and Shanghai. Jingdong is a young company that's yet to be profitable, but based on what it offers its customers, one can't help but feel that eBay Now, Amazon Prime, and Google Shopping Express should step their game up.
[Image credit: Dwight Burdette, Wikipedia]