Day: October 6, 2012

Yep… Microsoft may be removing the useful parts of Windows, but Open Source can put them back! Check out ClassicShell, an Open Source (and therefore FREE!) project that restores our beloved features to Windows 8!

ClassicShell

“Classic Start Menu is a clone of the original start menu, which you can find in all versions of Windows from 95 to Vista. It has a variety of advanced features:

• Drag and drop to let you organize your applications
• Options to show Favorites, expand Control Panel, etc.
• Shows recently used documents. The number of documents to display is customizable
• Translated in 35 languages, including Right-to-left support for Arabic and Hebrew
• Does not disable the original start menu in Windows. You can access it by Shift+Click on the start button
• Right-click on an item in the menu to delete, rename, sort, or perform other tasks
• The search box helps you find your programs without getting in the way of your keyboard shortcuts
• Available for 32 and 64-bit operating systems
• Has support for skins, including additional 3rd party skins
• Fully customizable in both looks and functionality
• Support for Microsoft’s Active Accessibility
• Converts the “All Programs” button in the Windows menu into a cascading menu (Vista and Windows 7)
• Implements a customizable Start button (Windows 7 and 8)
• And last but not least – it’s FREE!”

like a hug HR 1 2 from Melissa Chow on Vimeo.

This is just wrong on so many levels! Check out the article!

Facebook-connected vest hugs you when you get a ‘Like’

What if every time a Facebook friend liked one of your Facebook posts, that friend appeared out of nowhere, wrapped her arms around you, and gave you a big hug of appreciation? That would be pretty sweet.

Since that’s not likely to happen in reality, you’ll have to settle for the Like-A-Hug vest from Melissa Chow, Andy Payne, and Phil Seaton at the MIT Media Lab.

When a friend likes your photo, video, or status update, the vest inflates. Send a hug back to your buddy by squeezing and deflating the vest.

Wearing the vest out in public might cause alarm when you start to inflate like Violet Beauregard from ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.’ I expect it feels less like a boa constrictor and more like a gentle squeeze, though. If you’re claustrophobic, then you might want to pass on this invention.

To some, the vest could be that missing link between the online world and an offline reality where physical contact has been diminished. To others, it might seem like Facebook is getting a little too frisky with invading the real world.