When the New York Times reported that Google is "trying again in social networking," I thought it meant a significant new product on the level of Chrome or Picasa. Then I read down further: "Google’s +1 is remarkably similar to Facebook’s Like button," except that you're "liking" search results. It's personalized search. When you find a store, news article, recipe, photo, advertisement, etc. and … [Read more...] about Google’s new social tool ‘+1’
First-ever Net-safety-ed app for smartphones
I'm stating my bias right up front because ConnectSafely contributed to this little app, but isn't it kind of cool that there are digestible little bytes of fixed and mobile online-safety education right in people's pockets now? This is safety and security ed for the smallest screens, and you can download the Net Safety On-the-Go app here. "This app provides quick, practical, friendly advice for … [Read more...] about First-ever Net-safety-ed app for smartphones
Help for your family’s tech-support kid!
Is there a teenager at your house playing the role of family CTO (Chief Technology Officer) or doing tech support for the entire extended family? Well, this is pretty cute (and useful): something to that tough job a little easier: TeachParentsTech.org, created by employees of Google who know first-hand what it's like, according to Mashable.com. [Here is a sample list of tech-support tasks the … [Read more...] about Help for your family’s tech-support kid!
US’s huge new ‘Stop. Think. Connect’ campaign
Smokey Bear has been replaced. Well, at least his slogan. A broad coalition of federal government agencies, businesses, and cybersecurity advocates wants this slogan – "Stop. Think. Connect" – ringing in everybody's ears as reflexively as "Only YOU can prevent forest fires" once did (I don't want to admit that I remember that). Of course, not everyone finds the slogan compelling – see why it gets … [Read more...] about US’s huge new ‘Stop. Think. Connect’ campaign
Google’s new Family Safety Center
The search giant and parent of YouTube, Picasa, Buzz, etc. today launched its new "one-stop shop" for online and on-phone safety for parents. The two things I like about the Family Safety Center most are 1) the video that pulls together good ideas about kid safety from parents at Google, including CEO Eric Schmidt (on the Safety Center's main page) and the way the FAQ puts safety info for all key … [Read more...] about Google’s new Family Safety Center