Let's Talk Tech
For no specific reason that I can think of, George Orwell’s 1984 is topping best seller lists. Probably just a bunch people who enjoy dystopian literature randomly decided to buy it all around the same time. No reason. Certainly couldn’t have anything to do with the news or current events. Perish the thought.
For any folks interested in reading this novel about war and propaganda, you can buy it, but it’s also available for free as a PDF and as an Audiobook on Archive.org.
Hey cord cutters!
This one is quick and easy. The premier episode of Breaking Bad spin-off Better Call Saul is free on Google Play. Pretty much like the title of this post said. Who knows for how long, so I’d go grab it now.
Google Earth was one of those services that really showed off what a company could do with mapping data, and I’m sure many man hours have been spent doing virtual flyovers of spots around the world.
While there was a free consumer version of Earth, for professionals needing high resolution imaging, a subscription for Earth Pro used to cost $399 a year. Now everyone can join in the fun by requesting a free license, which will also allow for high res printing and the ability to create animated videos.
Will you be signing up? Because it’s free… So why wouldn’t you?
Google’s full PR is below.
The Internet Archive is a terrific resource for finding old media, from classic films in the Public Domain to old versions of web sites. Recently they branched out into archiving video games, and now they’re announcing a treasure trove of classic arcade games.
Over 900 old school coin-op games are now available to play through your browser for free! They join a growing collection of consoles like the Atari 2600, Colecovision, and Sega Genesis.
It’s an easy way to waste a little time this weekend. Enjoy!
Disney is bringing their streaming movie service to Google Play.
Starting today you can connect your Disney Movies Anywhere account to your Google account, and your films will be available through Play on any of your Android devices. This works for all Disney, Pixar, and Marvel films, and it works in both directions, so fret not if you purchased your films through Google Play, they’ll now also show up in your Anywhere account too.
To celebrate the new partnership Disney is giving away free copies of Wreck-It Ralph to people who sign up! So go get them folks!
Many magazines have been struggling with emerging technologies. On the software side you face blogs and social media, and on the hardware side phones and tablets are more “fun” than printed paper.
For their 90th anniversary, The NewYorker is trying something a bit radical for their publication. Following refreshes to their website and app, instead of hiding all their content behind a paywall, or splitting some content out for free, they’ll be making their entire archive available online for the whole summer. From any browser or through the app, even non-subscribers will be able to get their fill.
The paywall will return come fall, but for those of you scouting some fun summer reading, The NewYorker has you covered for the next couple months.
(via The NewYorker blog)
CHRISTMAS!!!
Title says it all on this one folks. If you need a little more holiday cheer, the standard  definition version of Will Ferrell’s holiday classic is free today on Google Play. The HD version is only going to cost you a Fiver.
Go get at it folks! Today only!
It’s the season of giving, and Nokia is hooking it up for you tablet shoppers!
I recently named the Lumia 2520 the Windows RT tablet of the year, and I think it’s already a great bargain when you compare it to an iPad hardware-wise. Nokia is sweetening the pot though by throwing in a free Power Keyboard Cover! This baby sports a QWERTY keyboard and built in battery to add hours more run time to your Windows slate. Normally a $150 add on.
Just fill out this form, and you’re all set! Enjoy!
Related:
Dreamworks’ Dragons Adventure on the Lumia 2520
Lumia 2520 vs Surface 2
Lumia 2520 hands-on video