Tech Week in Review 12-4-09

Google Dumps Gears for HTML5

Google originally implemented Gears as a method for web applications to have persistent storage. As time progressed, needs have changed and web standards seem to be moving in the right direction. Rather than continue to support Gears, Google is backing HTML5. Google isn’t dropping support entirely, but is encouraging future developers to use HTML5.

Sean Kingston Makes a Twitter Song

According to Mashable, Sean Kingston’s Twitter song is the “greatest thing ever.” I thought it was ok, but I guess I might just be confused about where his accent went. The song is a free download at the link above, or just listen here.

Facebook Redesign

Once again, Facebook is changing stuff. Too bad because I was just getting used to the last batch of interface modifications they made. They have moved your notifications, made search more central, made you profile pic and status ubiquitous, and made it so you can access your Inbox right from the home page. For more details and screenshots, check out 5 Big Changes to Watch in Facebook’s Upcoming Redesign.

Who Sampled?

6 out of 13 of this year’s number one songs are based on samples according to WhoSampled co-founder Nadav Poraz. The music industry recycles itself every year. Most of the top producers use samples as a matter of course, even to the point of using the same samples across different genres. If you’ve ever wanted to know what songs your favorite songs were sampled from, WhoSampled is for you.

10 out of 15 Google Users Switch to Bing

Microsoft ran a study that took 15 Google Search users and had them use Bing exclusively for a week. They were not told who was running the study. Apparently, 10 of these 15 users switched to Bing and Microsoft has video to prove it. Of course, since the study was run by Microsoft, I’m not so sure how reliable these results actually are. Here is an example of the testimonials they have up on YouTube.