Tech Brief
On Tech Brief today: Facebook's new app for Android, Microsoft turns tease and "conservative" e-mail service launched by the son of former US President Ronald Reagan.
• We've been hearing rather a lot about airbrushing this week, including an airbrushing for me. a cautionary tale of, well, how not do to it.
Moved by a TV documentary, Carl Stevens contacted a South African orphanage and asked whether he could pay for its resident children to attend a World Cup game during the tournament.
The orphanage agreed, but things went awry when Mr Stevens asked to see photos of their trip,
"Amina Madien, Al Noor's director... stalled for more than a week, offering Stevens several excuses. Finally, she sent him the pictures - five of the worst Photoshop jobs he had ever seen, Stevens said."
Ms Madien said the money had instead been spent on several field trips but not to the stadium itself. She also apologised to Mr Stevens, who said:
"She meant well... (I'm just the) wrong person to send Photoshopped pics to."
Tech Brief fears that anyone would have been the wrong person to send these particular gems to - .
• about an updated Facebook app for Android phones.
She cites changes to the notifications bar and the fact that Android Facebookers no longer need to leave the app and go online in order to deal with friend requests and event RSVPs as big improvements, although the Facebook Chat instant message facility is still missing.
"These upgrades are the first significant attention Facebook has paid to its Android app since its launch last fall. All things considered, we're very happy with the improvements. Facebook for Android has become a pleasure to use rather than the out-and-out hassle it was before."
The changes arrived a week after Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg downloaded the app for himself, Ms O'Dell reports. Coincidentally, no doubt.
• Microsoft meanwhile is busy with of a new device.
"Here's a hint for you: "Don't be so touchy...flat is where it's at...."
• that it is rolling out a multiple sign-in option for Gmail. Users can sign in to a maximum of three accounts although it will mean that some services won't work:
"Enabling multiple sign-in will disable Offline products like Offline Gmail and Offline Calendar, as well as any browser bookmarks you've set to link to your accounts. If you use Offline Gmail, make sure to sync your offline mail before enabling multiple sign-in so you don't lose any messages in your outbox. If you would like to continue using Offline Gmail, Offline Calendar, and browser bookmarks linked to your accounts, do not enable the multiple sign-in option."
• On the subject of e-mail, there's a new provider in town, and its aim is to inject a few traditional conservative values into the apparently fluffy world of electronic communication.
Its founder is Michael Reagan, son of former US president Ronald, .
"The ace up Reagan's sleeve isn't some snazzy search features, in-browser chat, or cloud-based storage... For only $39.95 per year, you can purchase your very own email handle @Reagan.com, and 'put your name next to the name of the Greatest Conservative of all, my father Ronald Reagan,' he boasts."
If that sounds like a bargain, beware the small print - the company says it is not obliged to supply support, software updates or bug fixes.
"Watch your back, Google," warns Fast Company - tongue firmly in cheek, Tech Brief suspects.
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