Google I/O 2018 - Watch Live!

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It's the most wonderful time of the year...for Google Fans! ;-) And you can watch the live streams here:

Getting Ready for Google I/O 2017!

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You can watch it here:

FYI: Microsoft Outlook, Skype, OneDrive hit by another authentication issue

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The lovely and talented Mary Jo Foley is keeping tabs on this - check her article for updates: http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-outlook-skype-onedrive-hit-by-another-authentication-issue

Using a 3D Printer to Help New Readers

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People love to focus on the “evils” of technology, but the positive side gets far too little attention.

Case in point: someone has come up with a brilliant way to use a 3D printer to create “cards” that allow a reader with vision issues to “see” the pictures that go along with the story. And that’s just one use for this technology - the creators report that the solution has also been used for designing assistive devices like can openers, tactile diagrams, and fractal art.

The tool’s name is CraftML, and there is an online demo scheduled for Wednesday, March 30th at 3pm MT (5pm ET).

You can read more about this by visiting: http://makezine.com/2016/03/28/customize-and-print-3d-picture-books-visually-impaired-kids/

Testing Your Website/Web Application in Microsoft Edge

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OK, so now that we know the real name for the browser formerly known as “Spartan” is Microsoft Edge*, the next question is…

What is this browser going to do to my website (or web application)?

Microsoft Edge Testing Options

There are 2 ways you can go about testing this today:

  • Get in on the Windows 10 “beta” and install it on one of your systems. (Reports are that the new browser comes with the Windows 10 install.)
  • Use the online testing tool provided by Microsoft.

About the Microsoft Edge Testing Tool

Since I don’t have a system I want to install Windows 10 on right now, I went for the online testing option. Here’s how you can do that:

  1. Go to: https://remote.modern.ie/subscribe and sign in (or set up an account if you don’t already have one).
  2. Select your region from the drop list.
  3. Download and install the version of Remote Desktop for your environment.
  4. Log in to Remote Desktop and select the Internet Explorer option. [Note: It does NOT say Microsoft Edge, at least at the time I wrote this up.]
  5. When the browser opens, enter the URL in the address line (or click to open a new tab and enter it there).

It’s Not All Good News

That’s the good news. The bad news is, it doesn’t work for local testing. Even when I replace localhost with the IP address. Which makes sense, since it’s based on a remote system, but for those of use who need to test stuff that’s not out on the public web, well, hopefully a solution is on the way!

 

*And think of all the fun confusion we have to look forward to, since Edge is used for Micorsoft Edge Transport servers, the Verizon Edge program, the Samsung Edge phones, heck there was even a Microsoft Edge messenger bag!

 

 

It's Time to Break Out of the Web Design Boxes

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Recent developments in HTML & CSS are making it easier to create web page and application layouts that are more than a series of boxes. For example: CSS Shapes the future of the web. If you haven’t tried any of these options, you really should. Need help? Feel free to drop me a line: solutions@ksinnott.com!

International Caps Lock Day

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Yea, I’d never heard of it either. But hey, WHY NOT JOIN THE PARTY? International Caps Lock Day Just please, remember to stop tomorrow. OK?

15 Links for Halloween & Pets Fun!

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OK, sure, it’s always sad to say good bye to Summer, but rather than dwell on that, let’s get ready for the next Big Fun Holiday: Halloween!

There are lots of ways to include your pet in your Halloween fun. But it’s important to keep safety in mind, and to consider your pet’s personality. If they prefer to sit this one out, give them someplace quiet to hang out until it’s all over.

Either way, here are some ideas and tips for a great Halloween:

Halloween Pet Treats

Hint: You might want to keep some dog treats handy for any furry trick-or-treaters!

Halloween Pet Trivia

Halloween Pet Costumes/Costume Ideas

Happy Howl-o-ween: Save up to 50% on hundreds of Halloween products at PetSmart.com! Offer Valid 10.19 - 10.23.

Single Line of Code Allows Hackers to Remotely Wipe Phones

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First this was reported only on Samsung phones, but now we’re hearing that HTC phones (specifically the HTC One X) may also be involved. So, I’d expect that list to grow over the next couple of days. Basically, the usual common sense rules apply, be careful what links you click on. And, probably more importantly, be careful before giving your kid your phone to play with (most are adorable click monsters!). Get more info here: