This time, at least it’s an opt-in process. Unlike with Beacon, automatic face-tagging, location tracking, profiles being exposed to search engines, giving Facebook’s partners access to personal details, and so forth, this time, Facebook gives users a chance to say “Sure, you can track/reveal these details about me” rather than assuming you want to share unless you say otherwise. Or, rather, at least Facebook’s business partners are giving you that choice, even if the thing you’re giving consent to is obscured. Continue reading “Status update: You read it here first”
What keeps me up: Google Cloud Print
Google hopes to make printing from anywhere and any application — including “web apps” — simple using Google Cloud Print. Printing from a browser typically includes many things that clutter the printout such as navigation bars and advertisements. In the case of web applications, parts of the document may also be missing if scrolling is required. Google Cloud Print promises to allow web applications such as Google Docs — or even conventional applications — to print “properly”. Furthermore, Google will keep the software for your printer up to date (although you’ll still need to make sure the printer is properly configured to use Google Cloud Print). Sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it? Maybe on the surface.