Nokia Sports Tracker

"Nokia Sports Tracker is a GPS based activity tracker that runs on Nokia smartphones. Information such as speed, distance and time are automatically stored to your training diary, and on this site you can store and share your workouts and routes."
http://sportstracker.nokia.com/

Muito giro...

A Nokia já percebeu que o telemóvel não serve apenas para comunicar. Que é um dos gadgets mais portáveis, e logo mais adequado a um conjunto de add-ons extra-comunicações.

Para além do Pro Session Golf (http://www.prosessiongolf.com/) agora existe este Nokia Sports Traker que pode ser usado por quem faz jogging, btt ou outro qualquer desporto que implique distância.

(descobri isto quando um colega me mandou o track do caminho dele de casa ao trabalho, de carro...)

Cliquem no mapa na homepage e vejam percursos e informação sobre os mesmos.

My Best Practices

Este documento toda a gente (da área de desenvolvimento) deveria ler, entender e aplicar... http://www.dotnetspider.com/tutorials/BestPractices.aspx

"Anybody can write code! And with a few months of programming experience, you can write 'working applications'. Making it work is easy, but doing it the most efficient way requires more work, than just making it work! Believe it, majority of the programmers write 'Working Code', but not 'Efficient Code'. As we mentioned in the beginning of this tutorial, do you want to become the 'Most Valued Professional' of your company? Writing 'Efficient Code' is an art and you must learn and practice it. "

(Does this seems familiar??? hmm??)

Apesar de se referir a desenvolvimentos em C# podemos aplicar grande parte destes best practices a muitas outras tecnologias e plataformas. Existem também algumas referências soltas no MSDN sobre estes assuntos:

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/czefa0ke(VS.71).aspx

Acessibilidade web - ferramenta de diagnóstico

Existem já há alguns anos várias ferramentas web que facilitam no diagnóstico do nível de acessibilidade dos sites.

A UMIC lançou o Programa Acesso de forma a potenciar a acessibilidade no panorama web em portugal.

"O Programa Acesso tem como objectivo promover o desenvolvimento, disponibilização e divulgação de instrumentos de Tecnologias da Informação e da Comunicação (TIC) que permitam ultrapassar dificuldades sentidas por cidadãos com necessidades especiais, nomeadamente pessoas com deficiência, idosos e acamados."

http://www.umic.pt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10&Itemid=37

Podem usar a ferramenta online EXAMINATOR, colocando o url que pretendem testar, em:

http://www.acesso.umic.pt/webax/examinator.php

MetaEdit 2.2 - o regedit para o IIS Edit

"The MetaEdit 2.2 utility is used to help to troubleshoot issues and to modify IIS metabase values."

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/232068/en-us

Para quando é necessário alterar a meta informação do IIS existe esta tool da MS que dá muito jeito.

Eu uso regularmente isto quando tenho problemas a puxar solutions que estão em source control, e o IIS fica meio baralhado.

SoapUI - muito útil para developers - free

"soapUI is a free and open source desktop application for inspecting, invoking, developing, simulating/mocking and functional/load/compliance testing of web services over HTTP. soapUI Pro is an extended version with professional support and extended functionality."

http://www.soapui.org/

Acho que não é preciso dizer muito né?
É um UI (User interface) para testar e validar WS (WebServices)...

SandCastle - geração de documentação .Net

"Sandcastle produces accurate, MSDN style, comprehensive documentation by reflecting over the source assemblies and optionally integrating XML Documentation Comments.

Sandcastle has the following key features:

• Works with or without authored comments
• Supports Generics and .NET Framework 2.0
• Sandcastle has 2 main components (MrefBuilder and Build Assembler)
• MrefBuilder generates reflection xml file for Build Assembler
• Build Assembler includes syntax generation, transformation..etc
• Sandcastle is used internally to build .Net Framework documentation

"

SandCastle: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=E82EA71D-DA89-42EE-A715-696E3A4873B2&displaylang=en

SandCastle Builder GUI: http://www.codeplex.com/SHFB

Radar Parental Control - The big brother?

"RADAR You want the convenience of being connected with your kids and the peace of mind from knowing they are safe when using their cell phone. Your kids want the fun and ease of staying connected with friends and family in cyberspace. RADAR makes cell phone usage a positive experience for both of you.

RADAR can protect your kids against cell phone safety threats for as little as $9.95 a month!
RADAR monitors and tracks your child's cell phone contacts and immediately alerts you if he or she receives unwanted or suspicious email, Instant Messages*, text messages or phone calls.
Plus RADAR lets you stay connected to your child - set appointments, list tasks... all from the Internet.

Safeguard Your Children While Using Cell Phones
Everything available on the Internet is now available on cell phones – email, text messaging, instant messaging and web browsing. Children are going mobile for more than just talking. Unfortunately, that means online safety threats such as cyber bullies and child predators are now also cell phone safety threats. RADAR - Your Kids' Mobile Watchdog keeps your children safe while using their cell phones by keeping you informed of what they see and who they talk to.

Monitor Their Cell Phone UsageParents are the first defense against cell phone dangers.
RADAR is a parenting tool that gives you the information necessary to effectively talk with your children about safety threats and potential predators. Create a safer mobile environment for your children by educating them about the dangers of the wireless world, and by using RADAR to monitor their handheld activities. Remember, no technology alone can substitute for good communication with your child."

O big brother está a chegar às criancinhas... :)

SysInternals - conjunto de tools para windows

"The Sysinternals web site was created in 1996 by Mark Russinovich and Bryce Cogswell to host their advanced system utilities and technical information. Microsoft acquired Sysinternals in July, 2006. Whether you’re an IT Pro or a developer, you’ll find Sysinternals utilities to help you manage, troubleshoot and diagnose your Windows systems and applications. If you have a question about a tool or how to use them, please visit the Sysinternals Forum for answers and help from other users and our moderators."
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/default.mspx

Uma grande variedade de aplicações e tools excelentes para o everyday programmer/coder/administrator.
Hoje usei pela primeira vez esta: Active Directory Explorer v1.0 :), very nice... que podem ver que é uma das mais recentes a ser disponibilizada.

Ver lista de aplicações aqui: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilitiesindex.mspx

ENJOY...

iPhone - disponível apartir de hoje

29 de Junho de 2007 - É hoje que o mundo vai conhecer e poder comprar (nos States) o, tão mais super mega hype gadget, iPhone.

Na europa ainda não se sabe como e quando estará disponível, mas prevê-se que seja já no final deste ano, estando a Apple em conversações com a Vodafone.

Guide tour video:
http://www.apple.com/iphone/usingiphone/guidedtour_medium.html
(20 minutos)

Vídeo exemplificativo de funcionalidades do iPhone:
http://movies.apple.com/movies/us/apple/iphone/2007/tips/iphone-tip-compilation_560x316.mov
(4 minutos)

All thing iPod, iPhone, etc... acessórios para o iPhone:
http://www.ilounge.com/

Algumas fotos dos malucos que fizeram fila desde 2ªfeira À porta de lojas da Apple:
http://news.com.com/2300-1041_3-6193649-1.html?tag=ne.gall.pg

Eventos Google

Site do Evento:
http://code.google.com/events/developerday/

Agenda das Sessões e vídeos:
http://code.google.com/events/developerday/mv-sessions.html

GoogleDevDays2007 Videos:
http://youtube.com/googledeveloperday

Já que não os consegues vencer, junta-te a eles... isto foi o que pensou Bill Gates há uns anos, quando começou a fazer sw (browser, aplicações de produtividade) para os Macs. Mas correu mal. Agora é a Apple e Steve Jobs a tentar a estratégia, ao desenvolver aplicações para o Windows... vamos ver como corre... :)

“We think Windows users are going to be really impressed when they see how fast and intuitive web browsing can be with Safari,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Hundreds of millions of Windows users already use iTunes, and we look forward to turning them on to Safari’s superior browsing experience too.”

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/06/11safari.html

"When Steve Jobs announced the beta for the Apple Safari 3.0 browser for Windows XP and Vista, the first thought on many minds was 'Do we need it?' On a Mac, Apple Safari excels in some important areas — speed, rendering, standards compliance — but offers very few plug-ins, doesn't preview tabs and doesn't preview linked URLs. When the final version comes out, Safari 3.0 will probably compete directly with, and make things harder for, the Opera community, but will draw little from the existing Firefox and Internet Explorer user base.(...)In the end, Safari 3.0 beta is a mixed bag. There are some good features, but current Firefox and Internet Explorer users will probably be frustrated by the lack of add-ons and other user interface concerns."

http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/software/productivity/0,1000001108,39287488,00.htm

"Blazing performance.
The fastest web browser on any platform, Safari loads pages up to 2 times faster than Internet Explorer 7 and up to 1.6 times faster than Firefox 2.
And it executes JavaScript up to 2.8 times faster than Internet Explorer 7 and up to 1.6 times faster than Firefox 2.
What does all that mean for you? Less time loading pages and more time enjoying them."

http://www.apple.com/safari/

Download:

http://www.apple.com/safari/download/

Problema: Quer dizer, já não chegava termos que nos preocupar com o IE, FireFox e Opera, agora aparece ainda mais um browser??

Microsoft Surface

"A Surface computer is able to recognize physical objects from a paintbrush to a cell phone and allows hands-on, direct control of content such as photos, music and maps. Surface turns an ordinary tabletop into a dynamic surface that provides interaction with all forms of digital content through natural ... "

"The intuitive user interface works without a traditional mouse or keyboard, allowing people to interact with content and information on their own or collaboratively with their friends and families, just like in the real world. Surface is a 30-inch display in a table-like form factor that small groups can use at the same time. From digital finger painting to a virtual concierge, Surface brings natural interaction to the digital world in a new and exciting way. "
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=7199

"Part of the big value adds behind any kind of Rich Internet Application is the experience. You’ll always hear things about how flashy graphics and bells get in the way, and in some cases that’s true, but when those extra bells and whistles come together to create a truly unique, compelling and usable experience, it makes a world of difference. Just reading some of the commentary on Surfacing shows how captivated people are by great experiences and great interfaces. We should be able to tap into that excitement through software and Surface is helping us think outside the box."
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Stewart/?p=396

O melhor mesmo é ver os filmes que estão na apresentação da plataforma/produto:
http://www.microsoft.com/surface

E já agora este outro artigo e vídeo:
Microsoft Surface: Behind-the-Scenes First Lookhttp://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4217348.html

Microsoft PopFly

"Popfly is the fun, easy way to build and share mashups, gadgets, Web pages, and applications. Popfly consists of two parts:

1. Popfly Creator is a set of online visual tools for building Web pages and mashups. 2. Popfly Space is an online community of creators where you can host, share, rate, comment and even remix creations from other Popfly users."

http://www.popfly.com/Overview/


"The hosted service, called Popfly and now in alpha testing, gives consumers a visual way to create a Web site or add features, such as mashups, to existing blogs or personal pages. Mashups are Web applications that combine content from more than one source.

Popfly includes a builder tool that allows people to create an application by dragging and dropping block icons onto a design page. These blocks represent tasks or services, such as a widget that displays photos in a slide show, with which a person can build."

http://news.com.com/Microsoft+Popfly+service+does+mashups/2100-1012_3-6184838.html?tag=cd.lede


"Extending application development to non-programmers, Microsoft on Friday plans to introduce a hosted tool called Popfly, for building Web pages and mashups.

Also part of the Popfly equation is a social networking component to connect people creating content. Microsoft envisions a YouTube-like platform for sharing of applications.

Previously known as Project Springfield, Popfly is «a tool for building Web pages, mashups, and gadgets and it's online,» said Dan Fernandez, lead product manager for non-professional tools at Microsoft. Popfly currently is in alpha release state, with the company not ready to commit to a general release date.

«Our goal with Popfly is to provide a totally new tool for people that have no programming experience whatsoever to be able to create their own distinctive, dynamic Web experiences,» Fernandez said."
http://www.infoworld.com/article/07/05/18/microsoft-popfly_1.html

O melhor mesmo é verem o vídeo de demonstração:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/media/en/popfly/PopFlyin15.wvx

É muito à frente...

International Workshop on Gesture in Human

The 7th International Workshop on Gesture in Human-Computer Interaction and Simulation

200723-24-25

May 2007

Edificio ISCTE Lisbon,

Portugal

Friday, 18 May 2007

http://adetti.iscte.pt/events/GW2007/

PDF da apresentação: http://adetti.iscte.pt/events/GW2007/images/poster_gw2007_V1_A4.pdf

Estão a ver o filme "Minority Report", onde o Tom Cruise brinca com uns ecrãs?

É isto que estes senhores andam a fazer...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXBbi0gWuCg&mode=related&search=

Giro!!!!!

(infelizmente, não fui ao evento...)

Google Analytics - new version

"The New Google Analytics
Google Analytics has been re-designed to help you learn even more about where your visitors come from and how they interact with your site."

http://www.google.com/analytics/index.html

http://www.google.com/analytics/features.html

E está muitttttoooo bom!!!

Gosto particularmente do novo Geomap, onde se podem ver os acessos em mapas por países...

É barato (grátis) e muito simples...

Golf Ball Finder - isto deve ser útil... se funcionar bem :)

"Ballfinder Scout™, The Digital Golfball Finder that locates lost golf balls!

The Ballfinder Scout™, endorsed by Nick Faldo, Britain's best golfer of all time and the 2008 Ryder Cup Captain, is a hand-held digital imager capable of locating hard-to-find golf balls at distances of up to 50 feet.

Locating golf balls more quickly with less searching and frustration should make your game more enjoyable for you and your partners. Play faster with more confidence and find your balls, with the Ballfinder Scout™!!!

Works with standard white golf ball
Crucially, only this unique golf ball finder works with the standard white ball - unlike some golfing training aids that need special balls not allowed in normal club play.

Using the latest digital tracking/imaging technology, the hand-held battery-operated Ballfinder Scout™ pinpoints any ball with more than 1% of its surface showing (or three dimples).

You just switch on, point in the right direction, starting at the ground and moving gradually upwards. A buzzer alerts you when a sighting is made. A pair of directional LED's then guide you towards the spot. And in no time you'll see a snapshot of your ball exactly where it's lying.

To help you further, the Ballfinder Scout™ switches itself off after your regulation five minutes' search."

http://www.ballfinder.com/

Será que isto funciona mesmo??
Se funcionar é um gadget bem útil, para alguns claro...

Sim, pq eu só perdi uma bola desta última vez que fui para o campo e foi para o lago (e essas não se procuram) ...e no qual fiz o primeiro par da minha vida!! :)

Relógio para vídeo, mp3, rádio, fotos... e dá horas também!

"Finally, a cutting edge tech video watch with matching high style and quality case! Along with the usual bevy of video playback, mp3 music and various format viewers (see below), now you can wear this watch at any fancy occasion too!!Memory: built-in 2GB flashMP3 video watch, support MP4 (SMV) video 1.5-inch, 260K OLED true color screen, high resolution 128*128 pixel image Showing time and date, style is outstanding Supports MP3, WMA and MP4 (SMV) format, 8hours continue playing music Support JPEG format, and showing picture and lyric High-quality digital record, Music repeat and support several language 5-equalizer modes, super bass 3-D sound effect playing modes E-book browse Picture Viewing Options: Thumbnail, Slideshow, can change from 24:00 to 12:00 hour format / date Change dates views( M/D/Y to Y/M/D ect) Voice recording:from 256-320 Kb/s, FM Radio 88 - 108 Mhz, -1 year warranty, from Epoq"

Creio que custa na ordem dos $170

http://www.firsttoyou.com/servlet/the-Watches/Categories

http://www.firsttoyou.com/servlet/the-69/mp4-video-watch,-metal/Detail

http://www.i4u.com/article8746.html

http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9715956-1.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=Crave

Demonstração:
http://www.youtube.com/v/sMUWH8QE150

MUITO NICE!!!

Microsoft® Silverlight™ - a concorrência ao Adobe FLASH

«Microsoft® Silverlight™ is a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next generation of .NET based media experiences and rich interactive applications for the Web. Silverlight offers a flexible programming model that supports AJAX, VB, C#, Python, and Ruby, and integrates with existing Web applications. Silverlight supports fast, cost-effective delivery of high-quality video to all major browsers running on the Mac OS or Windows.»
http://silverlight.net/

Exemplo do Plugin a funcionar para o canal da FOX:
http://silverlight.net/fox/
(é preciso instalar o dito plugin)

"Ontem, depois do seminário e do encontro do riapt, em conversa com o João Fernandes e com o Christoph Dressel disse que acreditava que o Microsoft Silverlight apesar de aparentemente menos potente que o Flash iria fazer "mossa".
O meu argumento é simples: o produto até pode ser inferior, mas a Microsoft domina a magia do marketing e possui um trunfo relativamente à Adobe. É que o mercado da Microsoft É o mercado empresarial. A Adobe apaixona developers e designers (e não só) pela excelência e qualidade dos seus produtos, mas é esse, no fundo, o perfil dos seguidores Adobe: técnicos. Por outro lado, a Microsoft vai directamente à fonte, e lida, não com quem produz, mas com quem manda. Todos nós sabemos que as Rich Internet Applications já conquistaram os developers, mas ainda não foram encaradas de uma forma séria pelo mercado empresarial. Pois eu acredito que isso vai começar a mudar agora com o lançamento do Silverlight."
http://www.riapt.org/tiki-view_blog_post.php?blogId=1&postId=53

OutSystems Express - free!!!

Já ouviram falar de uma empresa portuguesa chamada OutSystems que tem uma plataforma/framework de desenvolvimento ágil?

Pois bem, agora será possível, há semelhança de outras aplicações, instalar uma versão "Express" para testar e brincar...

http://www.outsystems.com/site/Express.aspx

"Express Edition is currently in Beta. Leave your email today and we will send you an invitation to proceed with a FREE download soon!

Designed to keep you working faster and delivering more, OutSystems technology lets you create and modify feature-rich web applications without getting in your way. The OutSystems Express Edition gives you everything you need to build your own web applications, plus a ready-to-use network discovery application that you can modify to suit your needs. And it's free!

Free! What's the catch?

OutSystems Express Edition is free for commercial and personal use, with the following limitations:
- Limited to 5 application users
- Your Database must be on the same server as your applications
- One single application server, no cluster option"

Audio em casa pela rede de instalação eléctrica

Está quase a chegar ao mercado um novo producto para o mercado residencial com algum interesse para quem deseja possuir um sistema de som global sem ter de gastar muito dinheiro (não é barato, mas também não é dos mais caros do mercado) e sem se preocupar com fios ou sistemas wireless (como o sistema da Philips).

"Música através da corrente eléctrica de casa Obtenha o som ambiente em todos as divisões da casa sem fios de colunas.
Ligue até seis destas Colunas Power Line Network numa tomada eléctrica em múltipos quartos e oiça música reproduzida via Estação de som, ligada numa tomada em outro quarto.
O circuito de corrente eléctrica actua como condutor de som, “canalizando” música através da Estação de Som a partir de uma tomada até outra tomada, de um quarto para outro. A estação pode também ser controlada através de controlo remoto a partir de qualquer coluna grande."
http://www.pioneer.pt/pt/products/42/1382/227/MT-01/index.html

Segundo a informação que recebi da Pioneer:

"Tenho a informar de que este equipamento estará disponível no mercado em finais do mês de Março, e tem o preço recomendado à venda ao público de 599.00 € com o IVA já incluido. Poderá adquirir ou efectuar a sua encomenda assim que este estiver disponível no mercado em qualquer Representante Pioneer, entre eles estão todas as Lojas da Fnac, Transom, Mediamarkt, Bazar do Video, Luxoluz, El Corte Inglês entre outros."