Consumer content

Twitter releases analytics for all

Twitter has started letting its entire user base get a glimpse of a subset of their account analytics.

First noted a week ago, and reported on this morning by The Next Web, the analytics provide a partial view into some of the activity related to users' accounts. In the past, Twitter has provided analytics just to its advertising clients.

Average users seem to be able to see information about their total number of followers, as well as a graph showing the growth of that number since signup, and other tidbits such as the top 10 Twitter users that an account'… Read more

TweetDeck's new look makes it way to Windows

TweetDeck has revamped its desktop application for Windows to put it on the same page as its app for the Web.

Version 3.0.2 of TweetDeck for Windows sports the same design as its Web app, offering a simpler and cleaner look.

The most notable change is the new toolbar. Moved from the top to the left side of the screen, the bar offers a lineup of icons for commonly-used commands. A button to post a new tweet appears at the top of the bar with a Search icon directly underneath.

Icons for all of the currently-displayed columns also … Read more

Google launches Cloud Print app for Android devices

Android users now can print photos, documents, and other files directly to certain printers with Google's Cloud Print app.

Landing in Google Play on Wednesday, the app allows you to print from any compatible Android phone or tablet to any Google Cloud Print connected printer. You can also share photos and documents from the built-in Gallery and other Android apps to Cloud Print and check on the status of your print jobs.

You can see if your printer is compatible with Google's cloud printing through the Cloud Print Web site.

HTC Butterfly S smartphone images leaked online

HTC's Butterfly S seems to be spreading its wings courtesy of a few images and other details posted online by VR-Zone.

A follow-up to HTC's current Butterfly, aka Droid DNA, the upcoming S edition will sprout a pair of front-facing speakers, according to VR-Zone. The audio will also get some oomph from HTC's new BoomSound technology, which keeps distortion low even when pumping up the volume at full blast.

The new Butterfly will sport the same 5-inch 1920x1080 pixel display as its predecessor, VR-Zone added. But it will come with HTC's Sense 5, a new interface … Read more

Twitter must reveal names behind anti-Semitic tweets, rules French court

Twitter has been ordered by a French appeals court to produce the names of the people behind any anti-Semitic tweets, according to Le Monde.

On Wednesday, the Paris Court of Appeal struck down an appeal by Twitter in which the site argued that it shouldn't be required to take action against tweets unless they're illegal in the country where the tweet was reported. Twitter had launched its appeal after a French court ruled in January that it must hand over the names of those who post anti-Semitic tweets.

The case stemmed from several tweets posted last October that … Read more

Amazon runs out of 'Launch Edition' PlayStation 4

If you're hoping to preorder the PlayStation 4, turning to Amazon might not be your best bet.

The company's initial supply of "Launch Edition" PlayStation 4 units has been exhausted. Amazon has now resorted to selling the "Standard Edition," which won't be available until December 31. When clicking on the "Launch Edition" option on Amazon's page, the company indicates that it's unsure "when or if this item will be back in stock."

Luckily, those looking for a PlayStation 4 on launch day -- which Sony is keeping … Read more

Airbnb says it has generated $240 million for Paris

Airbnb, which some cities have targeted as a threat to residential housing, has released a report (PDF) highlighting how much money it pours into local economies. The company's latest economic impact study said it generates about $240 million (185 million euros) for the city of Paris.

The company also took care to highlight how Airbnb hosts are actually using the service to supplement their income and pay for their homes. Airbnb found that 83 percent of Paris hosts rent the home they actually live in and 46 percent said they need the income for "essential living expenses such … Read more

Samsung takes wraps off 'Club des Chefs,' Samsung House

NEW YORK -- Samsung on Wednesday said it will partner with Michelin-starred chefs to design new kitchen electronics, boosting its focus on the home appliance market.

The Korean electronics giant took the wraps off the partnership during an event in Manhattan's trendy Soho neighborhood. The company set up a temporary "Samsung House," which is open to the public for a couple days later this week, to demonstrate its various home electronics.

As for its new "Club de Chefs," Samsung will call on a handful of award-winning chefs to "serve as ambassadors and consultants" … Read more

Taiwan: Come for the tourism, stay for the free Wi-Fi

Taiwan is making it easy for foreign tourists to stay connected.

The government recently announced that international travelers to the country will be able to access free Wi-Fi at 4,400 hot spots at indoor public spaces throughout the country. By showing a passport, tourists can open an account on the 1Mbps iTaiwan Wi-Fi network that's found at major tourist spots, transportation hubs, cultural establishments, and government offices, covering much of the island nation.

… Read more