Yesterday was an end of an era as Steve Jobs stepped down from Apple as CEO.  Steve is known for many things – Revolutionizing mobile phones, creating amazing portable music devices, coming up with sexy computers, and giving some of the most compelling presentations you’ve ever seen.

My favorite Steve Jobs moment however has little to do with technology.  It is a commencement speech he did back in 2005.  Although I’ve watched it several times, it never fails to resonate with me every time I listen to it. Here are some great snippets from the speech:

Again, you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.

I’m pretty sure none of this would have happened if I hadn’t been fired from Apple. It was awful tasting medicine, but I guess the patient needed it. Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith. I’m convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You’ve got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

Watch the video.  No matter where you are in life, I’m sure if will speak to you.  The full transcript is also available online.

As for me I’ll Stay Hungry. I’ll Stay Foolish.

Thank you Steve for everything.  It’s been a blast.

Hey – Google’s new awesome cloud music service is out on closed beta!  It syncs to the cloud so all your music is synchronized across all devices.  It supports both online streaming and offline listening in a very seamless manner.  Create instant play mixes across your whole music selection whenever you want.  That, any many more cool features. 

Chris from the Google Music team does a much better job of explaining it in this video, than I ever will.

Sound good? 

Well it’s currently a closed beta but I have 5 super-exclusive invites to giveaway.  Please note that it’s only open to US based users.

Enough talk – are you going to give them away or what?

Yes – just fulfill this simple criteria:

1. ‘Like’ my facebook fanpage (If you have already liked the page just proceed to step 2)

2. Drop a comment on this blog post saying you want an invite.

At the end of this week, I’ll randomly pick 5 lucky people to get an invite to this closed beta.

Go ahead, join my facebook page and drop a comment :)

UPDATE: 16/8/2011: And the randomly selected people who walk away with a cool and exclusive Google Music Invite are:

1. Scot Merrick
2. Havilson
3. Zeffri
4. Gladys
5. vhick

Congrats to the lucky ones, and to those who participated and didn’t win – thanks for supporting this giveaway. Your participation means a lot to me.

It’s been almost 4 months since the Japan quake and tsunami, and the recovery continues.

We’ve previously organized donations on this blog to help with this cause, but today I’m going to talk about one way we can help by offering our own heartfelt support.

In the last few months I’ve seen quite a number of organizations sending messages of hope to Japan – 1000 cranes for Japan , being a good example. 

I’ve recently come to know about this project called Messages for Japan by Google and Fantasy Interactive where it takes it one step forward and uses the Google Translate API to come up with a platform which allows all your messages of hope to be translated directly into Japanese in real-time, so that language no longer becomes a barrier, and you can be sure that if a Japanese person ever gets on the website to read your message, you will have made an impact on their lives. 

We know the road to recovery in Japan is not a quick nor easy one, but lets take the time to write something thoughtful, read other encouraging messages which have come from your area, and join the 27,000* other people who have contributed so far.

*This is the number of contributors on the ‘Messages for Japan’ site at the time of writing this post.

So thumbs up to PayPal for trying.  I appreciate the PR gesture :)

Please watch the video, and if you like it – share it around – and visit their YouTube channel – where they have more songs about other bloggers.  Also, all the songs sound the same (which makes it more cheesy).

Reader Giveaway time again!  Thanks to our friends at InvestinTech PDF solutions, we’re giving away 5 copies of this amazing software called Able2Extract Professional, which is capable of taking scanned images and transforming it into editable documents. 

Perfect for doing useful things like: Translated printed material into editable text, or taking PDF presentation and turning it into PowerPoint. 

Here’s other ridiculously useful things Able2Extract can do:

• Batch processing support to convert multiple files at once
• PDF to AutoCAD DXF(!!!)
• Ability to convert selected text from PDF to Word so that you don’t need to convert the whole document
• and much much more

Retailing at USD129.95, here’s your chance to get it for FREE!

How to get it? 

Drop a comment below saying you want it, we’ll select 5 random entries using random.org’s integer generator, and if you’re one of the lucky winners you’ll walk away with this awesome piece of software. 

Hurry, giveaway closes 28th March 2011 so comment NOW :)

Update:

Here are the 5 lucky winners!

• deepak
• Anthony
• Joanna
• Ash
• J.J.

We’ll be contacting you shortly via email to pass the prizes over to you :)

So I got to see the HP TouchPad in action sometime back in February, and actually played with it for all of 30 seconds before the lady doing the demo realized that I had my grubby hands on it and politely pulled it away.  From my brief time with the device, and the very extensive controlled demos by the presenters – here are my initial thoughts on what I really liked about the TouchPad which HP has just announced will be launched in June. 

I have never been a big fan of the old Palm Pre phones.  Always felt that the phones were much too small, especially when trying to handle all the touch gestures the palm interface demanded in order to use the phone.  The new Pre 3 is a step in the right direction with decent 3.6 inch displaybut the TouchPad however – that’s a different ballgame all-together. 

So why on earth would you ever consider holding out for an iPad 2?   Here’s a few reasons why:

1. You want grouped multi-tasking

Because all smartphones these days handle multi-tasking pretty decently, but handling anything more than a few apps is often a clunky user experience.  
WebOS on the other hand, groups together related apps running in the background. 

How is this useful? 

On other platforms multi tasking is focused on helping you switch between apps quickly, not so much between tasks. 
Some tasks require you to switch between related apps, For example – to calculate expenses you may want to switch between a calculator, notepad, and email app.
On WebOS, because apps are grouped together, you can quickly switch between groups of related apps all at once without hunting around.

Here’s a video which shows you this feature or ˜stacks’ as Palm people call it (Tip: Forward to halfway through the video to see most of the action)

2. You want a wireless charging

Because there’s no more plugging in wires.  Just place it on the dock, and it charges/syncs. 

I don’t think I need to say more.

3. You want an adjustable sized keyboard

Because not all fingers are the same size.  For me, the keyboard is perhaps the most important aspect of any smart device (aside from touchscreen sensitivity), and perhaps one of the most difficult for manufacturers to get right.  Making the on-screen keyboard adjustable really helps eliminate the compromise many keyboards make to get it to a one-size-fits all setup.

4. You don’t want to launch apps

Because you want to just type and go.

A feature called ˜Just Type/Quick Actions’ in webOS 2.0 will allow you to do things in apps, without ever having to launch the app.  Doing things like search, compose email, set alarms, create calendar appointments, Facebook status updates, send text messages, update your blog etc.  from anywhere on your phone without having to open an app and wait for it to load.

How useful this turns out to be though, lies in the hands of developers who build need ˜Quick Actions’ plugins for this to take off.

5. You Want Decent Speakers

Because the iPad 2 has mono speakers.  (Why Apple, why?)

while the TouchPad comes with HP Beats Audio and stereo speakers.  This setup possibly makes it the best audio system you will get for ANY tablet.

6. You want unobtrusive push notifications

Because while the rest of the smartphone world (Palm/Android/BlackBerry) has figured out how to do unobtrusive push notifications, iOS is using the worst push notification system in the world.  It’s in your face, forces you to look at everything, and forces you to unlock the phone to dismiss the notification.

WebOS notifications on the touchpad however are unobtrusive, easily dismissible if you don’t want to attend to it right away, and provides a useful preview to boot, and is very well thought through. 

What could be improved on the TouchPad

1. Really wished it would come with a rear camera.  If you’ve ever used a tablet for annotation, or tried taking photos of text/maps for use on a tablet you’d realize how truly important this is.  Hopefully we’ll see this in the next iteration. 
2. Also, the very obvious hole they have is their distinct lack of apps.  Their porting platform, the WebOS PDK has been around for about a year.  On one hand you’ve got nice testimonials of companies porting over 9 games in 5 weeks.  On the other hand, the reality of the matter is that they have REALLY struggled to get publishers on board, and even the very new Windows Phone 7 Platform which is still extremely raw, has gotten further ahead of the game.
3. Things are moving really slow in terms of product development and launch.  Bear in mind the iPad 2 will take some steam away from the TouchPad launch, and if Apple really shifts their launch cycle for the iPad to ship in time for Christmas, the TouchPad could get swallowed up by iPad 3.

I did talk to Steven MacArthur who’s the SVP of Apps and Services in HP about how slow everything has been moving, but his response was that it was early days in this market and he could afford to go slowly for now saying it did not matter in the grand scheme of things and long term strategy – citing how Apple and Android beat up the smartphone incumbents within a short period of time.  

Truth be told, I disagree with him on this one.  The iPhone was a ridiculously revolutionary device when it launched.  Android bridged the gap and opened up solid smartphone capabilities to a whole other range of manufacturers.

Palm’s devices however are at best incrementally better than existing systems, still has its shortcomings, and they will not license out their OS.  In short – the market will be much less forgiving.  Given that the Pre and Pre 2 hasn’t done spectacularly well so far, this should already be a warning flag.  Also, the unofficial price point is touted to be at the USD$499 point for the 16GB Wifi version which makes it on par with iPad 2 pricing, so it does not look to have an advantage there either.  Meanwhile I’m crossing my fingers that a 3G version will follow quickly.

Hands-on video

Here’s a full hands-on which was demo’ed in Shanghai. It gives a great look at the new WebOS devices which were launched including the TouchPad.

Video courtesy of Lowyat.tv

Conclusion

All that aside.  The TouchPad did seem like a really snappy device.  Interface looked well designed and slick.  More than anything it has bucketloads of potential especially when WebOS starts being integrated into ALL new HP computers starting from next year.  The tablet future certainly looks interesting doesn’t it?

Yet, you can make a choice.  Sit idly by, shake your head, and feel sorry for Japanor do something about it, and drive people to do more about it.  These are a few things I’ve put together which should help you do the latter as a blogger. 

1. Give and get others to give

Just feeling terrible about the situation won’t really change much.  Put your money where your heart is and give.  Friedbeef’s Tech is going to be MATCHING whatever is given by YOU our readers until a USD500 limit. 

All you need to do is:

1. Donate to any organization which is providing relief for the Japan earthquake and tsunami.
2. Send in proof of the said donation to jamesyeang [at] gmail.com . 

All MY matched funds will will be going into Groupon Malaysia’s Red Crescent/Red Cross relief fund which in turn will be REMATCHED again.   So any funds you donate will be multiplied at least 3x.  So follow your heart and give!  *See update below*

Your local area should have their own fund, but you may also donate directly to the Red Cross via Google’s Crisis Relief page. 

After you’ve done it, blog about it, and use whatever influence you have as a blogger – big or small, to drive your readers to give more.

2. Embed a hellobar on your site

A hellobar is a thin horizontal bar which comes up at the top of your blog and provides readers with a simple message.  In this case, we’re adapting it to support Japan relief.  It’s eye-catching, yet does not disrupt your theme, and it’s for a good cause.  That’s all the reasons you’ll ever need to install one. 

Mashable has an excellent set of simple instructions on how to do this in under 5 minutes.

3. Embed a simple tool to help others find and provide information about potential missing Japanese people

Basic communications are down, so Google has put together a Person Finder tool where anyone worried about the their loved ones can look them up by name, and others can submit information as well.  In short, it’s an adhoc database to connect people.  You’re also able able to embed the tool like what I’ve done for this post.

Hope some of these tools help you get started.  Even if you don’t have a blog, please do drive people facebook/twitter account to help so at least the people you know can be drawn to action, not just watch in horror as events continue to unfold.

Update 20/3/2011:

Campaign has ended, in conjunction with Groupon Malaysia reaching their matching limit of RM25,000. We have matched a grand total of USD$242 towards this cause. All proof matching has been sent to individual donors. Please continue to donate directly to Japanese disaster relief.

Yes, another Reader Appreciation Giveaway for you guys, but with an unlimited twist to it :)

The Giveaway

Our kind sponsors iSkysoft are giving away a FREE copy of SyncPod for Mac to EVERYONE who leaves a comment on this post within this 24 hour period.  (Normal Price USD$39)

The Gift

If you own a Mac and an iOS device (iPhone/iPod/iPad), SyncPod is like the one-stop synching tool you’ve been dreaming about if you want to break free from the constraints of iTunes. 

• Sync both ways to iTunes (copy music you’ve put on your iPod from elsewhere to iTunes).
• Instantly rip DVDs to your iPad
• Transfer music from your iTunes to your friend’s iPhones
• Download YouTube videos into your iPod

and much more

This screencast gives you an idea as to how easy it really is :)

How to get it:

Just leave a comment saying you want it from now till the 24 hour giveaway window closes. 

There is NO limit to how many copies are given away within this time period, so if you want it, it’s yours!

The window is open at the time this post is published and closes at 9.30am GMT 22nd Feb 2011 *Update* GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED – Those lucky people who managed to make it within the timeframe – I’ll be in touch within 14 days :)

Hi everyone, it’s time for another reader appreciation giveaway!  This time, we have world renowned antivirus Avira sponsoring the goodies!

The goodies:

Avira Premium Security Suite is one of the leading commercial antivirus in the market and is chock full of all kinds of features on top of their top-notch antivirus protection – like

• Strong Anti-phishing: to ensure you never key in details to a malicious site.
• Game-mode: so that you never have to worry about your anti-virus getting in the way of your online gaming
• Access to proper support: which is always handy in your time of need. 

Tuneup Utilities helps you tune-up your PC and keep things running smoothly by among other things –

• accelerating startup and response times of programs for optimal PC performance
• disabling unnecessary background programs, focusing all the processing power for your active programs.

Check out the full product details on the official website, or the the official facebook page for more info!

What we’re giving away:

5 bundles of Avira Premium Security Suite antivirus + Avira Tuneup Utilities. 

Each bundle come with 5 licenses!  This means if you get one of these bundles – you’re able to install on up to 5 different computers -  Protect your whole family all at once :) 

Each bundle (on promotion now!) is worth USD$68 which means we’re giving away a total of USD$340 worth of prizes!

How to get this:

Just drop a comment on this post saying you want it.  On 25th Jan 2011 we will tabulate all the entries and pick 5 lucky winners randomly via random.org

Don’t wait – Drop a comment, and let us know you want it :)

UPDATE: 27th Jan 2011:

Thanks for the amazing response guys! I’m sure we’ll have some more juicy giveaways in the future :)

The winners of this reader’s appreciation giveaway picked at random by are Random.org .*drumroll*

1. Kansas
2. jack
3. S.Palanichamy
4. Erica
5. Mary R

We’ll be contacting you via email shortly.

Congrats to those who won! Thanks for those who didn’t, you may not have won but your participation makes it more attractive for future sponsors to give away more goodies on this website, so good luck in the future and THANK YOU so much :)

]]> http://www.friedbeef.com/giveaway-avira-antivirus-avira-tuneup-bundles/feed/ 145 http://www.friedbeef.com/giveaway-qwiki-invites-for-everyone/ http://www.friedbeef.com/giveaway-qwiki-invites-for-everyone/#comments Thu, 06 Jan 2011 23:31:01 +0000 James Yeang http://www.friedbeef.com/?p=1977

UPDATE: 27/1/2011: Qwiki has gone PUBLIC Alpha so there’s no need for an invite, just sign up on the website directly :)

Still in Alpha development stages, Qwiki, winner of the amazingly competitive TechCrunch Disrupt showcase, is like something out of Star Trek.  Here’s how you can score some lovely Qwiki invites to give this service a test drive.

What is it:

3 words.  Infographics on Steroids.  Qwiki generates an audio visual feast of information on almost any given topic, and has great potential to change the way we learn and consume information.  Check out this quick video for a demo.

How to score some sweet invites to Qwiki

Just leave a comment below saying you want invite to Qwiki (The email address used in the comment will be the one I send the invite to).

There’s enough invites for everyone, so comment away, tell your friend to try this, and oh, welcome to the future :)

UPDATE: 27/1/2011: Qwiki has gone PUBLIC Alpha so there’s no need for an invite, just sign up on the website directly :)