Lifehacker Australia

Google now indexes more than a trillion pages

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 09:56:33 +1000

Google is normally uber-secretive about the size of its search indexes, but the official Google blog did drop a fascinating hint this week: Google is now indexing more than one trillion unique URLs. Of course, that makes the core database the company stores even larger:

This graph of one trillion URLs is similar to a map made up of one trillion intersections. So multiple times every day, we do the computational equivalent of fully exploring every intersection of every road in the United States. Except it'd be a map about 50,000 times as big as the U.S., with 50,000 times as many roads and intersections.

All of which is good reason to be grateful that Google's doing it, so you don't have to. [The Official Google Blog]

ABC iView draws a big audience

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 09:20:10 +1000

The ABC's excellent iView service is clearly filling a need for Australians keen to access TV on their own schedule. In the first 24 hours following its launch, the service attracted 58,000 visitors, who downloaded 2.3 terabytes of content. Mind you, that amounts to just under 50MB each, which suggests that lots of people aren't doing much more than testing the service. But it's still a great start.

Remember that the value of your house can go down

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 09:05:41 +1000

The Australian addiction to property investment is at least partly fuelled by the belief that while growth rates may vary, the value of a house will never go down. However, as economist Nigel Stapledon points out, while this may have been true since the mid-1960s, there have been points in history where the value of houses in Australia have declined, and current economic woes have seen property prices plummet overseas:

Of course that does not necessarily mean Australian house prices will fall now, but there is no law of nature that says they cannot fall.

None of that's an argument against owning (as opposed) to renting your own house, but it's something to bear in mind if you're thinking about a longer-term investment strategy.
Debunking housing myths [Herald Sun]

Only 10% of us are using mobile email

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:55:53 +1000

According to Sensis' latest e-Business Report, just 10% of Australians have a phone with email access incorporated. (Whether that's because the data plans for them are so expensive is another matter.) Those of us who do have them seem to like them: six out of ten mobile email users never switch their device off, while roughly a fifth of us de-activate them at weekends to get some proper downtime. Doubtless these figures will be used at some point in the near future to argue that the BlackBerry has turned us all into work slaves -- though, as Gina argued recently, such discussions never point out the productivity gains that can come with better access to work resources.

WorldPurchases gives global access to US stores

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:45:40 +1000

It's a familiar problem: you spot an item you want in an online store, and then discover that it won't deliver to a non-US address or without a US credit card. WorldPurchases offers itself as an intermediary, allowing you to order from multiple US retailers. Pretty much every major online store is covered (though sadly no eBay). The service charge is 5% of your total order and shipping from the US, but that still might work out cheaper than buying locally for some items (especially if you take advantage of services like Amazon's Super Saver Shipping to minimise postage). If you've used WorldPurchases or a similar service, let us know how it went in the comments. (Thanks Tony!) [WorldPurchases]

Get Word 2007 to use draft mode as default

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:00:15 +1000

In Office 2007, Word automatically defaults to full print preview mode, which is fine if you're a design obsessive but a big waste of screen real estate if you just want to get some words written. Fortunately, you can make Word default to draft view, though it's a very obscure option. (Proving the point: while Microsoft notes how to fix this in its online support site, somewhat remarkably this information isn't included in Word 2007's own online help.)
To make Draft the default view, select Word Options from the main Office menu (or just type Alt-T then O), and scroll down to the General section. Tick 'Allow opening a document in Draft view' (despite the confusing phrasing, this actually affects new documents as well). In my experience, you need to exit and relaunch Word to make the setting stick. To really maximise your available screen real estate, you can also minimise the Ribbon (an option under the nearly invisible 'Customize Quick Access Toolbar' downward arrow button to the right of the Office button).

Outlook Office Connector offers free sync to Live

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:13:51 +1000

Standalone Outlook users suffer a little when it comes to getting their calendars and contacts into the cloud. Google offers a synchronisation tool for its Calendar, but the software is (at least in my experience) far too unstable to use. Now Microsoft itself has entered the fray, launching a beta version of release 12.1 of its Outlook Office Connector, which lets you sync information from Outlook into Live (Hotmail). Microsoft has offered this service before, but used to charge for it; now it's on offer for free. Beta is very much the word; we had trouble getting anything to sync at all. If you've had more success, let us know your experiences in the comments. [Microsoft via Official Outlook Team Blog]

ABC launches free iView online TV service

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:40:01 +1000

ABC iView (called Playback during its beta period) has now been opened up to all Australian Internet users, offering access to a fair chunk of the national broadcaster's output on full-screen streaming video across six channels. Unlike the Windows-only ABC Shop Download, the site is accessible on any browser supporting Flash (so Windows, Mac and Linux users all have options). There's plenty to keep you entertained: a rough calculation suggests there's already about 80 hours of programming on the service, the news channel will be updated on a daily basis, and the ABC has promised additional channels in the future. iView is free to access (via an Australian connection; the service is blocked overseas). As with all streaming media, you'll need to keep an eye on your download cap if you use the service extensively -- unless you're with iiNet, which is excluding iView from its quota.

Google opens up Knol wiki creation tool

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:10:35 +1000

Following a restricted beta which began last December, Google has made its Wikipedia competitor Knol open for general use. While Knol borrows the general concept of "anyone can contribute" common to most wiki projects, it has a slight twist, as Google's software engineers explain:

With Knol, we are introducing a new method for authors to work together that we call "moderated collaboration." With this feature, any reader can make suggested edits to a knol which the author may then choose to accept, reject, or modify before these contributions become visible to the public. This allows authors to accept suggestions from everyone in the world while remaining in control of their content. After all, their name is associated with it!

Knol is free to use, requires a Google account to sign in. [Knol via Official Google Blog]

Yellow Pages content now searchable on Google

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:51:09 +1000

It's been years since we looked at a print edition of the Yellow Pages, but even the online version of the venerable business directory doesn't often attract our attention. Now the whole project has become more useful for a very simple reason: Sensis (the Telstra division that produces the Yellow Pages) has finally allowed Google's robots to index Yellow Pages content, meaning that everyone's favourite search engine now has access to Australian businesses which might otherwise never appear in online results. (The fact that it was ever blocked is frankly one of the weirdest Internet strategies imaginable, but that's another story.)
We're a tad sceptical that being in a Yellow Pages listing will result in businesses getting more visibility in Google search results, as Sensis claims (based on its existing high traffic). Nonetheless, knowing that non-tech-savvy businesses will now appear in search results is very useful. (Note: Existing Telstra mobile customers might want to stick with the Yellow site when on the road, if only because it's free to access on many Next G plans.)

Finding the cheapest way to use your iPhone overseas

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:37:45 +1000

Australian data rates for iPhone users have been an ongoing source of controversy, but they look like positive bargains compared to the roaming charges you'll face if you take your beloved new 3G model overseas. David Flynn at APC has analysed the deals being offered by the three local carriers, and concludes that for overseas travellers, Vodafone is the best value for money -- though still far from cheap. Of course, Vodafone's own inability to work out what its plans cost locally might give you pause for thought. If nothing else, the prices serve as a reminder that using your iPhone as a modem, while possible, is unlikely to be cheaper overseas than hooking into the nearest Wi-Fi hotspot, even if it charges for the privilege.
The best global roaming deals for your iPhone [APC]

SwarmPlayer seeks test users for P2P TV

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:28:38 +1000

The p2p-next project, which is trying to develop a system for broadcasting video user peer-to-peer file sharing, has released the first version of its SwarmPlayer and is seeking testers to assess how the software performs as the user base grows. There's currently only a small amount of content to watch (including a BBC weather report live webcam from Amsterdam), since the purpose is testing rather than creating a broadcast network. SwarmPlayer is currently Windows and Linux, but a Mac version is said to be due shortly. [SwarmPlayer via BBC]

Discount broadband plans may finally be affordable

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:17:56 +1000

It's long been accepted wisdom that entry-level broadband plans are rarely worth the money: $30 a month sounds cheap, but if you only have 200MB of downloads to play with you'll be lucky to keep your systems patched, let alone get anything done. But the situation does appear to be improving. Internode has launched a $34.95 a month plan which includes 5GB of downloads. It's unlikely to appeal to a serious hard-core geek (especially as it's a slow 256Kbps service), but it could make it feasible to switch your dial-up-diehard relatives into a speedier always-on world. Any other good discount broadband plans you've encountered? Share them in the comments.

Plan your Olympic travel with free Beijing PDF guidebook

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:44:15 +1000

As the Beijing Olympics loom ever closer, free resources to help visitors to China for the games are gathering steam. Hot on the heels of Lonely Planet's free Chinese phrasebook for the iPhone, AsiaHotels.com is offering a tourist guide to the games as a free PDF.

Ask Lifehacker: How should I prepare for my new Eee PC?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:19:16 +1000

Dear Lifehacker,
I was hoping I could put a question to the Lifehacker community. I know a lot of folks out there are Eee PC owners, and I've finally caved and ordered myself a 901 (it's a 20GB Linux model -- I may switch distro as I run Ubuntu/XP on my main rig). I'm curious about whether there's anything I should do/gather in preparation, while I wait for my black beauty to be delivered. Essentially, it will put my waiting-for-a-new-toy-anxiety on hold, and I'll be that little bit more organised when it actually gets here. I realise there are many Lifehacker posts that are Eee-centric already, however they're mostly for taking it apart or using it, once you have it. Any advice? Cheers, Paul C

Taking a Japanese approach to getting organised

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:00:34 +1000

I don't kid myself that four days spent in Tokyo, staying in Western-oriented hotels and with someone around to translate most of the time, is going to lead to in-depth insight into Japanese culture and work approaches. Nonetheless, there were a few self-evident lessons about the future of technology. Click after the jump for some quick ideas to help you approach organising from a different angle. (Photograph of votive prayers at the Meiji Shrine, which might put your to-do list into perspective.)

ACCC dives into mobile charges debate

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:23:24 +1000

Rampant confusion over mobile phone plans and charges (and yes, we're still waiting for Vodafone to get back to us on its particularly bad case of iPhone plan perplexity) has apparently got so bad that the ACCC is getting involved. ACCC head Graeme Samuel has reminded consumers to be especially careful with excess data fees:

"The ACCC is particularly concerned that consumers may be misled if they are not made sufficiently aware that their data allocations can be exceeded - at significant cost. In the case of smartphones, consumers can download greater amounts of information from the internet than ever before. With this, comes the potential for them to exceed their phone plan value and incur considerable additional charges."

This is sound advice, which we'd almost deem obvious if so many people hadn't signed up sight unseen for iPhone deals. The ACCC is asking phone companies to supply evidence of their consumer education programs in this area; given the speed with which many responses are handled in telcos, we'd suggest self-education is still the best option. Read that small print carefully!

eBay offers discount on computer sales

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:30:38 +1000

If there's an ageing notebook sitting in your garage waiting to get shifted, this week might be as good a time as any. eBay Australia is offering a 25% discount off the listing fee and (more significantly) a 25% discount on the final value fee for items listed in the computers category between July 26 and 29. Gives you some time to photograph it and write a listing before the weekend kick-off. [eBay Australia]

Adding iPhone 2.0 to a jailbroken iPhone via Windows

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:54:06 +1000

We predicted yesterday that it wouldn't be long before a Windows-centric means of adding iPhone 2.0 to a jailbroken iPhone would emerge, and we were right. The team at iPhone Hacks has worked out a way of getting iPhone 2.0 installed that doesn't require a Mac. On the other hand, it's not a simple process; the technically inept might want to wait until someone codes a less convoluted approach. [iPhone Hacks via Gizmodo]

Optus introduces untimed call plans

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:26:54 +1000

While it isn't actually the first provider to offer untimed mobile calls (goTalk's VOIP plans have a similar feature), Optus' new Timeless bundles do offer a cheap option if you make lots of calls to mobile numbers. Of particular note given the ongoing debate over iPhone plans is the $129 bundle, which includes 2GB of data and an all-you-can-call policy for $129 -- a much better deal than the iPhone's $149 1GB launch plan on Optus. If nothing else, this is yet another reminder that signing up early for the iPhone was always like to be a costly decision.

Moko social network moves from mobile to Web

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:05:21 +1000

Social networking site Moko, originally developed for mobile phones, has now launched a full-blown PC version of its site. While the primary emphasis appears to be on romantic hookups, there's also general chat rooms and picture sharing. Moko is free to sign up and use on the Web version; charges for mobile use vary depending on your mobile network and plan. [Moko]

Download a batch of free winter recipes

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:56:16 +1000

Looking for some warm food ideas for the colder months? Download Coles Winter Magazine as a free PDF for 40 recipe ideas. (Don't stress about the Coles branding, all the ingredients are standard pantry fare.) Some of the ideas are a tad basic (omelette, anyone?), but there should be something here to get you stimulated -- I especially like the sound of the lazy man's chicken and corn soup. [Coles Winter Magazine]

Add iPhone 2.0 to your first-generation iPhone

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:20:36 +1000

While the original iPhone never got an official Australian release, there's still plenty of unlocked models kicking around. If you're keen to get some iPhone 2.0 goodness on your iPhone, Danny Gorog at APC offers a detailed guide to using PwnageTool to get your iPhone unlocked and running the latest apps. Note: The process is somewhat fiddly, and the tool only works on Macs, though we're sure a Windows-based approach will emerge.
HOW TO: unlock the iPhone 3G to work on any network [APC]

Windows Search 4.0 ready for download

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:42:04 +1000

Microsoft will begun pushing out version 4.0 of Windows Search, the OS-wide indexing system for Vista and XP users, via Windows Update in late July. If you're keen to get the new version before it hits Windows Update, which claims improved performance (especially on indexing of open email inboxes), you can grab a copy here. However, there's two potential challenges: it'll need to rebuild your whole index, which might cause system problems (though Microsoft claims any foreground activity will pause the indexing); and it won't happen until you reboot. If you've been there, done that and found Windows Search 4.0 a boon or a bore, let us know in the comments.
Reminder - Windows Search 4 coming to WU soon... [Microsoft Product Update Team Blog]

3 customers get iPhone working, Vodafone still confused

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:43:18 +1000

While we're still waiting on an official response from Vodafone over the ever-growing confusion surrounding its iPhone plans, not everyone is sticking with the official carriers. Joseph Hanlon at ZDNet Australia reports on forum postings from MacTalk.com.au detailing how enthusiasts have managed to plug a 3 SIM card into an iPhone and get it working, though the process requires flashing the phone and isn't for the faint-hearted. If you've successfully got your iPhone working with its non-native carrier, let's hear about it in the comments. [MacTalk via ZDNet Australia]

How to ditch MobileMe and get push on your iPhone

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:31:04 +1000

Most everyone seems to love the iPhone, but the same can't be said for Apple's MobileMe service, which has performed so badly at launch that the company even issued an uncharacteristic apology. If MobileMe is driving you nuts, or you just don't fancy the annual service fee, blogger Beau Giles outlines how you can get similar results using NuevaSync and Google's mail service. The setup process looks a trifle fiddly, but there's step-by-step instructions, and it could be the solution to your mail, calendar and contact syncing woes -- and hey, it's free.
Using Google as a *free* MobileMe alternative (with push contacts & calendar) [Good News for People That Love Bad News]

Lonely Planet offers iPhone audio phrasebooks

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:23:07 +1000

Lots of publishers and developers are pushing their content onto the iPhone, but not everything necessarily takes advantage of the format. Travel publisher Lonely Planet's audio phrasebooks are a logical inclusion however, including both written and pronounced versions of common phrases in 10 different language versions. The phrasebooks are selling for $12.99, but as an Olympic promotion you can download the Mandarin version for free until August 24. [Lonely Planet]

Networking tricks for the Tokyo traveller

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:42:48 +1000

Here's your intrepid Lifehacker AU editor slurping up some free Wi-Fi at Odawara station late at night while waiting for the bullet train. Impressively, there was actually an open network to be had, which allowed me to approve some more comments about Vodafone's confusion over its data plans. Note also the modification to easily attach a broadband wireless modem on the back of my trusty Eee PC.
Of course, extended usage of someone else's bandwidth is poor form, but Tokyo offers plenty of options for the traveller seeking connections. In particular, most hotels seem to have worked out that if you're already paying a small fortune for a room, you shouldn't have to pay an extra surcharge for Internet access. Australian (and US) hotels would do well to emulate. (Postscript on the perils of boasting: after this went up, I didn't manage to get a functioning net connection in Tokyo for most of the day, hence the delayed posting of many stories today. Apologies all round!)

Vodafone denies iPhone cap plan confusion

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:03:45 +1000

Vodafone has denied that any customers have been sold an iPhone and told they can use general cap credits for data -- a stance which contradicts comments heard from many iPhone buyers and Lifehacker readers. Why won't Vodafone acknowledge the confusion over its plans, and what will it do for customers who have signed up on the basis of a contract which it seems Vodafone doesn't want to honour? See after the jump for the full story.

Playground Finder helps keep the kids occupied on trips

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:22:38 +1000

If you're visiting an unfamiliar city or planning a long road trip, finding good playgrounds to keep the kids exercised and entertained can be a challenge. Playground Finder fills the gap with a user-contributed listing of playgrounds throughout Australia, sorted by state and with facilities lists and user reviews. It'd be nice to see some Google Maps integration for easier playground location (currently there are Whereis links), but this still could be a lifesaver when it's time to stretch the family's legs. (Thanks Simon!) [Playground Finder]