A version of Gmail used by Google employees has been revealed in a screenshot included with a Chromium OS bug report, and the image reveals more than a half dozen changes to the Gmail most of us are using today.

The blog Google Operating System posted the image yesterday, and we’ve also featured it below. Note that Google Operating System originally posted it as two images — the top bar that says “report issues” and so on was its own image, so we’re not sure how it’s really oriented in relation to the rest of the stuff you see.

Also remember that this internal version of Gmail may differ from future public versions.

Savvy Gmail users immediately picked apart the screenshot looking for new features and interesting changes. Most notably, Mail, Contacts and Tasks have all been featured in the top left as the three pillars of the user experience. Right below those, you can see that “Compose Mail” is now an actual button, not just a text link. That’s simply an aesthetic change, but it’s an interesting choice regardless.

Following that theme, there are no longer text links to actions such as “Select All” or “Select None” — those appear to now exist under a textless drop-down box above the Inbox. Drop-down boxes are ubiquitous in general, actually. Note that the e-mail address at the top menu is accompanied by a drop-down box — could that be the Gmail account switcher that Google promised? We’ll all find eventually, I’m sure.

Look in the chat window and you’ll see a new “Call Phone” button. That might be Google Voice integration. You’ll also see two little buttons in the top-right corner of the Google Talk window; one of those could be a rejiggered settings menu, but it’s hard to tell for sure.

Do you see anything else interesting in this image? Let us know in the comments.

More About: chromium os, gmail, Google, image, pic, picture, screenshot

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BlackBerry tablet rumors continue to gain momentum, with a new report indicating that the device, possibly to be called the BlackPad, is set to hit stores this November.

According to Bloomberg, Research in Motion, the company behind the BlackBerry, is planning on releasing its tablet device this fall. The device will reportedly feature a 9.7″ screen, roughly the same dimensions as the iPad. The device will also feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options, with the option of using an existing BlackBerry smartphone as the data connection.

Rumors of a BlackBerry tablet have been swirling for quite some time, but Bloomberg is citing two sources familiar with the details. RIM could not be reached for comment, but declined to speak with Bloomberg as the company doesn’t comment on rumors or speculations.

RIM recently took over the domain BlackPad.com, fueling speculation that this will be the moniker for the new device. As CrackBerry.com notes, however, RIM has more than 4000 registered domains; “BlackPad” may not end up being the name for the fabled product.

Bloomberg’s sources say that the device will feature front- and back-facing cameras for video conferencing. Rather than bundling the device with a 3G data connection, it will use Wi-Fi or connect to a BlackBerry phone via Bluetooth to tether a data connection. Although the tether option is potentially less expensive for consumers (who wouldn’t need to have another subscription to use the BlackPad), we’re not really sure why a 3G radio would be omitted as an option.

The biggest question we have about a BlackBerry tablet involves the keyboard. If you’re into physical keyboards, in our mind, the BlackBerry stands out among other devices with this feature. However, physical keyboards and tablets don’t really mesh. In any event, we hope RIM doesn’t decide to include the click-screen that make the BlackBerry Storm and Storm II such “fun” to use.

Incidentally, RIM has an event Tuesday, at which point the company is expected to unveil its latest BlackBerry smartphone, the 9800. The device will feature a slide-out keyboard alongside a pure touch screen. Whether or not a slide-out keyboard would work on a larger form remains to be seen.

Does this Make Sense?

RIM is busy readying BlackBerry OS 6.0 for release; the new OS, which includes a new browser, better media options and tighter social network connectivity, looks like it just might be what RIM needs to recharge the BlackBerry brand.

However, we question the need for an RIM tablet. Even before the iPad was officially announced, a larger-form iOS device made sense because of the large ecosystem of games, media players and entertainment content that were already available from the iTunes ecosystem.

BlackBerry doesn’t have that same ecosystem. Sure, a BlackPad could be a great device for watching video and surfing the web, but the BlackBerry’s best features have always been based around instant messaging, e-mail and getting things done. That isn’t to say that that experience can’t translate well to a tablet. With the right software support and screen resolution, the BlackPad could be a great mobile word processor. But the use cases for consumers don’t seem as apparent they do with other devices.

Ultimately, we think price is going to be a big factor in the success of a BlackBerry tablet. I know lots of BlackBerry users who have purchased an iPod touch or an iPad, but I don’t know if Android or iOS users would jump at the chance to get a BlackBerry powered tablet.

What do you think of the BlackPad rumors so far? If RIM made a tablet, would you be interested in buying one?

More About: blackberry, blackberry tablet, blackpad, RIM

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Google has indicated it’s going to be working with developers on checkins for location-based applications through its Places API.

This spring, Google announced Places as a revamping of its local and local-business listings. Originally, we saw Places as a SEM/user review mechanism, perhaps a Yelp competitor.

However, with the recent preview of the Google Places API at Google I/O, the company showed developers a whole world of geographical, commercial and social information attached to each Place on its vast radar.

In a May blog post, Maps API Product Manager Thor Mitchell wrote, “Each Place Page consolidates together everything we know about a single Place, be it a business, point of interest, or geographical feature such as a city or neighbourhood. We believe that this unified concept of Places more accurately reflects the way that Maps users see the world, and are working to bring an awareness of Places to the Google Maps API.”

Based on developers’ interest in the Places API, Google is going to begin offering access to certain apps. Mitchell wrote today that while his team has seen “applications looking to show a user Places around them and applications looking to offer a search and browse experience for Places similar to that offered on Google Maps,” what intrigued the company most were the applications that offered a checkin function — easily one of the hottest features of present-day social media.

“We are going to focus initially on check-in applications,” Mitchell continued. “These are the applications that we feel the API currently caters to well, and we are excited to work with developers building these applications to understand their requirements, and ensure that we are offering them the best possible experience… We have now begun reaching out to developers who have expressed an interest in building checkin applications using the API, including those working on client applications for the Buzz API.”

We can’t wait to see who gets to work with the Places API and what kinds of apps they build. Devs, what do you expect to come from Google’s interest in checkins?

And what do you think this new direction bodes for Latitude? Could a better, Places-based app take its place as Google’s de facto location-based service?

More About: checkin, geolocation, Google, google places, lbs, location, places API

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Microsoft is working on a new technology, dubbed Street Slide, aimed at reshaping the street-level mapping space currently dominated by Google Street View and Microsoft’s Bing Streetside.

The company plans to present the technology at SIGGRAPH 2010 later this week. The big advantage of Street Slide is that it allows users to position and change the viewpoint of the camera, rather than relying on the limited view panorama that current technologies utilize.

Multi-perspective is the name of the game with Street Slide and looking at the demonstration video, the difference between the old method and the new method is immediately apparent.

Check out this Street Slide video:

While the improved contextual viewpoints of Street Slide could be useful in any context, the real benefit is on the mobile side. MIT’s Technology Review spoke with the founder of EveryScape, a startup that captures panoramic imagery of buildings, who has already created a version of Street Slide that is compatible with the iPhone. According to EveryScape’s tests, Street Slide helped people find places on unfamiliar streets 17 seconds faster on average than on Google’s StreetView.

We look forward to seeing Microsoft’s full paper and presentation at SIGGRAPH, and hope that some of this technology makes its way into Bing Streetside soon.

What do you think of Microsoft’s latest take on street-level mapping?

More About: mapping, microsoft, street slide, streetview

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A new report suggests that LinkedIn’s value has surpassed the $2 billion mark, based on recent investments from outside investors.

According to Bloomberg, hedge fund Tiger Global Management spent $20 million to acquire approximately a one percent stake in the business social network. The hedge fund specifically paid $21.50 per share.

That’s where the math comes in. According to SharesPost, an online marketplace for privately-held companies, LinkedIn has 105 million shares outstanding. Multiply that by the $21.50 Tiger Global Management spent, and you arrive at a valuation of $2.26 billion.

It’s important to note that Tiger Global didn’t make a new investment in the company; it acquired its shares form an existing investor.

Because this transaction occurred on the private market, these numbers aren’t concrete (for example, SharesPost estimates LinkedIn’s value at around $2 billion). However, we think it’s safe to assume that LinkedIn is now a multi-billion dollar company. Of course, that’s still a fraction of the price that Facebook currently commands, but how can you can you really complain about having a multi-billion dollar company?

Do you think LinkedIn is worth $2 billion, or do you think that valuating is too high or low? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

More About: linkedin, sharespost, valuation

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A new Twitter setting called “Tweet Media” has rolled out to several Twitter users, strongly suggesting that the company will soon embed videos and photos into the stream.

Tweet Media, which we’ve been able to access under Twitter’s account settings, asks you whether or not you want to show photos and videos from everyone. It also comes with the following description of the setting:

“By default, you’ll only see images and videos shared by people you’re following, and reveal those by people you’re not. Check this box to see media from everyone on Twitter.”

It seems clear now that Twitter is about to add multimedia in the Twitter.com stream, which could radically change the entire Twitter experience.

We’ve reached out to Twitter for comment.

Hat tip to @NickStarr

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While you don’t have to worry about how to hold your iPad, there will be times when you want to go hands-free.

We’ve scoured the Internet for the best iPad stands known to man, and have pulled together a top 10 list of products we’d be happy to see holding our devices in place.

So, if you’re in the market for an iPad stand or holder, have a look at our choices below and let us know your favorites in the comments.

1. Element Case Joule

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Perfect for minimalists, the Joule stand will hold your iPad in landscape or portrait modes in what must be one of the most simple and elegant ways available. The Joule comes in aluminum, or anodized silver or black for $10 more.

Cost: From $129

2. LUXA2 H4

" src="http://cdn.mashable.com/wp-content/gallery/ipad-stands/luza.jpg" />

Made from solid aluminum with six supporting rubber-covered arms, LUXA2’s H4 iPad stand boasts 360-degree adjustability, can rotate vertically or horizontally, or even flip.

Cost: $59.99

3. Quirky Cradle iPad Lap Desk

" src="http://cdn.mashable.com/wp-content/gallery/ipad-stands/ipad-lapdesk-render-1.jpg" />

Made from “Plyboo” (bamboo plywood) this lightweight “lap desk” offers a stylish way to use your iPad without holding it, while the Lazy Susan approach to the desk’s design means rotating it just takes a twist.

Cost: $52.50 on pre-sale

4. GroovyStand

Get rugged yet sleek with the GroovyStand, an ultra-portable and affordable solution for propping up your iPad. In dark and light wood as well as black, the GroovyStand range offers stands with single slots, wide slots to accommodate cases and dual-angle stands that’ll keep your iPad at 18- or 45-degrees.

Cost: From $7.95

5. Elago Design P2

" src="http://cdn.mashable.com/wp-content/gallery/ipad-stands/p2.jpg" />

Another simple, yet effective stand comes from Elago Design. Available in silver or black and made from aluminum, the slightly angled P2 has a hole in the back for cable management, making it a great desktop option.

Cost: $29.99

6. ClamCase

More than just a stand, the soon-to-be-released ClamCase is a three-in-one wonder. In addition to offering protection, it contains a Bluetooth keyboard so you can use your iPad like a netbook, and the clever design means the “screen” will flip back on itself so you can view movies and other media on a desk or table-top.

Not yet available – Due Fall 2010

7. Modgrain Modern iPad Stand

" src="http://cdn.mashable.com/wp-content/gallery/ipad-stands/ipad-vertical-560×379.jpg" />

What’s so cool about this Modgrain item isn't that it’s handmade, not that its height is adjustable, not even that you can use it in landscape or portrait mode, but that you can wall-mount it with a metal bracket.

Cost: $69

8. TwelveSouth BookArc

" src="http://cdn.mashable.com/wp-content/gallery/ipad-stands/main_1_bookarc_for_ipad.jpg" />

Described as “a beautiful slice of heavy gauge steel,” the BookArc boasts a neat design. It has a cut-out for home button access, keeps the iPad raised so you can have access to the charging port, and the stand will hold your iPad at a slight angle in work mode and upright in storage mode, in both landscape and portrait.

Cost: $39.99

9. Thought Out Company Stabile

" src="http://cdn.mashable.com/wp-content/gallery/ipad-stands/stabile.jpg" />

Weighing in at nearly four pounds of solid steel, and featuring non-slip feet with a low center of gravity, the good-looking Stabile stand is ideal for the clumsy.

Cost: From $59.99

10. WedgePad

Unlike the other more desktop-like stands on this list, the WedgePad’s unique selling point is that it’s perfect for when you're lounging on the sofa or even in bed. The hand-made, bean-bag style design is finished in microsuede and it has little elastic straps on each corner to keep your iPad in place.

Cost: $27

BONUS: Kitteh iPad Stand!

Veronica Belmont has discovered a great iPad stand — her little kitty!

More Apple Resources from Mashable:

– 10 Awesome Apple-Inspired iPad Wallpapers [PICS]
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– 10 Essential Money-Saving iPhone Apps

More About: accessories, apple, Apple iPad, ipad, ipad accessories, Quirky, twelvesouth

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It turns out that you can play the classic game Snake (especially popular on cell phones back in the day) at Google-owned YouTube by holding the left and up arrow keys on your keyboard while a video is playing or paused.

Once the game starts, you can direct a transparent snake around the video player with the arrow keys to gobble up dots that cause the snake to grow. Hitting the edge of the player or any part of your snake’s body will end the game.

The easter egg — just one in a long series of similar stunts from Google — was discovered by users last week. No one’s sure exactly when the game was added, but it must be recent because it only works on the new YouTube video player introduced in April. It doesn’t work with embeds, either, so you’ll have to go to YouTube’s website to try it out.

Previously, Google put a button on YouTube videos that played a World Cup-style vuvuzela sound. Google’s no stranger to playable games on its websites, either; the logo on the Google home page became a playable game of Pac-Man two months ago, supposedly costing society more than $120 million in productivity.

This video that was embedded at gaming blog Kotaku reveals the feature, but note that the creator’s claim that you must be in a “Gaming” category video to play Snake is incorrect. Otherwise, it’s a solid explanation.

[via The Next Web]

More About: easter egg, Google, online games, snake, video, video games, youtube

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Are you currently salivating all over your keyboard, starving both for weekend joys and a home-cooked meal? Oh, man, aren’t we all?

Well, the Mashable staff isn’t much for cookery, but we have managed to gather together a rather succulent crop of YouTube videos this week for your consumption.

This week’s theme is hunger. Bon appetite.

Cookie Monster

Josh Catone: Who has the hunger? Cookie Monster has the hunger.

Hungry, Hungry Kitteh!

Amy-Mae Elliott: This hilarious clip is one of my all-time YouTube faves. Just how hungry is this poor little kitteh?!

The Mad Men School of Seduction

Louis Dorman: Feed the hunger. Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you have fed him for a lifetime.

cows & cows & cows

Matt Silverman: Seems wrong to put this in the "Hunger" category. But it feels so right.

Food Fight

Ben Parr: The history of modern warfare since World War II…told in food format. It's really quite well done and, if you get some of the references, quite disturbing.

Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom – Parry Gripp

Jenn Van Grove: Equally cute and annoying. Nom nom nom nom nom.

Hungry Hungry Hippos Commercial

Erica Swallow: You can't beat a day at grandma's house, playing Hungry Hungry Hippos with the family. Those were the days.

A Boy in Watermelon

Adam Hirsch: Baby eating a watermelon… Baby inside a watermelon… Who thought to put the baby there in the first place?

Man Man – "Rabbit Habits" [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO in HD]

Brenna Ehrlich: I heart Man Man, and this video contains werewolves. All-around win.

‬

image courtesy of iStockphoto, TommL

More About: humor, music, pop culture, youtube

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Disney has released the newest trailer for TRON: Legacy at Comic-Con, and it’s spreading around the web like wildfire.

TRON: Legacy is the much-anticipated sequel to Tron, the 1982 classic that follows hacker Kevin Flynn’s journey into the virtual world of the ENCOM mainframe. Jeff Bridges is reprising his role as Flynn in the sequel, which is due to be released on December 17, 2010.

This trailer not only shows off the cutting-edge, techno-style special effects that make the world of TRON; it also dives deeper into the storyline and the relationship between Bridges’ character and his hacker son Sam Flynn (played by Garrett Hedlund). Comic-Con attendees got an extra bonus, though: eight full minutes of footage from the upcoming film.

The film trailer has been a hot item around the web. The movie wins nostalgia points with children of the eighties, and it also wins the hearts of technology and computer geeks. After seeing this trailer, we’re more excited than ever for this film.

What about you: Are you excited? Are you planning on going to see the film later this year? Let us know what you think in the comments, but please, no reaction videos.

More About: entertainment, f, Film, movie, movie trailer, TRON, tron legacy

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