I found this video from a post on wordpress.org - who rarely speak out about anything political etc – however if you watch this video you’ll see why so many big players are stepping up and speaking out against some impending legislation that could mean the end of the open and free nature of the internet as we know it.. And that’s just the beginning.

Please take a few minutes to get an understanding of the possible ramifications of this legislation, and why everyone should try to do what they can to oppose it.

The reaction to this has been incredible. The giant web host GoDaddy suffereed massive basklash from their users after 22,000 of them pledged to move hosts if GoDaddy continued to support SOPA. And it worked. They reversed their decision, and now many online communities from Reddit to Business Insider are launching a campaign against any companies who support SOPA.

More info here:

How SOPA/PIPA Can Affect You
Over 40 Internet Companies Come Out Publicly Against SOPA (TechCrunch)
Why Americans Need a Civil Liberties Caucus (Forbes.com) 
What SOPA Means for Business and Innovation (Infographic)
Mashable staff Google Hangout debate on SPOPA
Scary facts about SOPA

You gotta love the ‘Geniuses” at Apple – their so silly!

When the sneak peak of the iPad came out about a year ago now, it really did not excite me. The concept was good because we all can imagine the potential of handheld tablet computers, but Apple (unsurprisingly) were a bit light on the features and heavy on the price. I certainly was not adding one to my wish list – but I was definitely interested to follow the market. A few months later I got my hands on one for a proper play with it, and wow, I was very impressed. This thing is slick – like really cool. I was very surprised by how much I like it – and so many of the apps were absolutely captivating and very impressive to use. Also as a business productivity tool its amazing. However the price was still extortionate – starting at €499 for the basic 8GB & wifi – going all the way up to a crazy €799 for 64GB with 3G. So, it was stilll a pass for my shopping list, but i was excited to see what the competitors would come out with. And it didn’t take long….

There have been a multitude of new tablets released onto the market like the Samsung Galazy Tab, the Dell Streak, the Archos 101 – all varying in sizes and capabilities – but all these, not being apple, run Google’s mobile operating System called “Android”. However because the market is still quite imature – none of them aren’t exactly cheap for something you may only use as an occasional toy – surfing the web on the couch instead of on the PC – or keeping you amused on trains & planes. Thankfully, it did not take long for a whole host of Chinese versions to hit the market. Like a lot of these Chinese imatations, most of them are rubbish…. Apart from one…

Zenithink ZT-180

The Zenihink ZT-180 looks just like an iPad with a 10″ screen – although it has a slightly more widescreen format screen. It has a pretty fast processor, 256mb and 4gb of internal storage – but unlike the iPad this is easily expandable by up to 32GB with a Micro SD card. it has Wifi and a full accelerometer as well which is great for games. Also unlike the iPad it has a full size USB port which for me is a massive plus! It runs Android 2.1 but can be upgraded to 2.2 Froyo. The battery like is not going to be as good as the iPad’s but from waht I hear you can get about 4-6 hours depending on usage. Some stat’s say more but many say less.  It does not have 3G but I’d be unlikely to even get an iPad with 3G due to excessive data charges in Ireland (it’s cheap in the UK). With a small Hack you can get loads of apps from the Android Market – and this upgrade improves battery life too apparently.

But the best thing about this, is the cost. I just bought this lovely little unit for a total price of €134 including express delivery via DHL – a tiny fraction of what you would have to pay for n iPad. Ok now its definitely not going to be quite as Good as an iPad – however it does have some advantages like USB & SD etc – however the iPad does have a nicer Capacitive screen – but overall its a great value package.

Buy from Here using 5% discount code: 15450

So, looks like Native Instruments are doing exactly what I predicted (hoped) they would. It’s a 4 Channel controller specifically for Traktor with jog wheeels, effects, samplers, and on-board sound card, and lots of other goodies. YES!!! I’m so buying this, I just hope it won’t be as expensive as the Xone DX.

Looks like the release may be accompanied with a new release of Traktor Pro too.

From: http://www.djtechtools.com/2010/07/21/traktor-pro_controller_new/

• There is a new software on the way with 4 loop players/samplers
• This will be a 2 deck/4 channel mixing console much like the new Xone DX
• It has a built in sound card and will be around the same price as the DX ($1200 ish)
• The decks are switchable from a-b c-d
• Lots of good LED feedback
• What looks like 4 cue pads per deck
• NI is calling it a Traktor System (Hardware and Software combo)

The questions remain – What is it going to be called? Kontrol X2? Kontrol X3? Kontrol X4, Kontrol X5?
And how much is it going to cost? Says $1,200 above other sites have said it’s going to be €799 which would be right on the money..

Screen grabs form the video

Enter “Sleep Cycle” – and app for the iphone. This amazing little gadget uses your iPhone’s accelerometer to monitor your movements during the night and determine when you’re most likely in and out of a dream state. Before you go to bed, set the app’s alarm clock, then place your iPhone on the corner of your bed. As you move around during the night, Sleep Cycle records your activity and, over the course of two or three nights, gradually learns your sleep patterns. Beginning about 30 minutes before your alarm is set to go off, the app begins watching for the lightest portions of your sleep cycle and gently prods you awake with your choice of soothing preset sounds.

I’ve been using this for the last few nights now and honestly I’m amazed! I did not really believe it would work but at 79 cent I thought it was worth the try. Every time I have used it, it has an uncanny ability to wake you up, just as you feel you were about to wake up naturally yourself! You set the latest time at which the alarm can go off, and it will wake you up some time before then. So not only do you get woken up at the time when you are going to feel the best, but it might be earlier than you expected so you have more time in the morning too – and will feel more awake than if you slept those extra 20 mins anyway!