Googler Daniel Russell knows how to find the answers to questions you can't get to with a simple Google query. In his weekly Search ReSearch column, Russell issues a search challenge, then follows up later in the week with his solution—using whatever search technology and methodology fits the bill. This week's challenge: How do you figure out who owns a specific piece of land? More
In iOS 5, Apple added some slick multitasking gestures to the iPad that allow you to four-finger swipe to pull up the multitasking drawer, swipe left and right between apps, and five-finger pinch to view the homescreen. They also added AirPlay mirroring, which allows you to view your iPad’s screen on an Apple TV. Both of these features are great, but for whatever reason, Apple decided they were best relegated to the iPad 2. Here’s how to enable the new multi-touch swipes and mirroring on your first generation iPad, no jailbreaking required. More
If your laptop’s integrated graphics just aren’t cutting it for the games you want to play, you can actually connect a desktop graphics card to your ExpressCard slot with an external dock. More
Psst. Hey, do you carry a spare Smart Cover around with you? Well, if you’re an unscrupulous sort, you can actually use it to bypass the lock screen of any iPad running iOS 5. This multi-step security hole will let you browse whatever’s running behind the passcode screen, whether that’s email, apps or the homescreen. To take advantage of the flaw, hold down the power button on the locked device until the power off slider appears, then whip the Smart Cover on, open and tap cancel. Fortunately for iPad owners, the rest of the tablet remains locked-down, but the main problem here is any sensitive information left on-screen. If you unlock the tablet to the main screen, you won’t be able to open new apps, although anyone feeling particularly nefarious can apparently delete apps from that meticulously arranged home screen. See how it’s done in the video after the break.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Continue reading Smart Cover can unlock password-protected iPads running iOS 5 (video)
Smart Cover can unlock password-protected iPads running iOS 5 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Valve’s Source Engine may be getting long in the tooth, but the fact it’s constantly updated means it can still produce some surprisingly realistic results. Like this gallery, comparing images taken inside the game engine to photos taken in real life. More
Danish researchers can offer some reassurance if you’re concerned about your cellphone: Don’t worry. Your device is probably safe.
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Last month, Sprint nixed unlimited data for tethering customers. Now it’s capping data for its mobile hotspot users, without grandfathering in current unlimited plans. If you have the option coverage-wise, there’s basically no reason to pick Sprint’s hotspots over Verizon’s now. More
The Measurement Lab program conducted a study between mid-2008 and mid-2010 to see which ISP was the least bittorrent friendly (i.e. throttling down data transfer rates for the protocol). Turns out the historically-hostile Comcast wasn’t the worst. More