YouTube’s limit now at 15 minutes

YouTube’s video length is now 15 mins. Before the limit was only 10 minutes, where user’s are allowed to upload a video not more than 2 GB or no longer than 10 mins.

This was of couse implemented to avoid users from uploading full length movies, TV shows and copyrighted materials. Even if they do, those videos will eventually be deleted by YouTube.

According YouTube’s official blog…

the upload limit for non-partners has been 10 minutes for years. Well, we’ve spent significant resources on creating and improving our state-of-the-art Content ID system and many other powerful tools for copyright owners. Now, all of the major U.S. movie studios, music labels and over 1,000 other global partners use Content ID to manage their content on YouTube. Because of the success of these ongoing technological efforts, we are able to increase the upload limit today. We will continue our strong commitment to provide advanced technology and tools to protect the rights of small and large copyright owners worldwide. We’ll also do everything we can to release incremental improvements like this one that benefit our video creators.

For free promotions of your newly uploaded 15 mins video, you can tag your video with “yt15minutes,” upload it by Wednesday, August 4, and it will showup on the YouTube’s homepage. I guess this time, its safe to say that those YouTube Videos got their “15 mins of fame!”

Smart Micro-SIM is confirmed!

Received this poster last night confirming that Smart has come up with its own micro-SIM and is available with a postpaid plan.

Details are not clear yet but from what I gather, it will be included in a data plan with Smart Bro Plan 999. Obviously, that involves the Apple iPad 3G.

I am also told this will also work with an open-line iPhone 4 (which is now selling in Hong Kong and Singapore). The Smart Bro Micro SIM is not available for prepaid yet though, just the Plan 999 for now.

I have yet to receive my micro-SIM kit but Smart is sending me a complimentary 6-month account within a week. We’ll see how it goes once I get it. More on this when I get the details.

*via: YugaTech

Smart wants you to stress-test their 3G network

(July 30), Smart will open their 3G network to everyone and offer free mobile internet for free within a 24-hour period.

No registration needed, no special requirements — there’s no catch (except for a minimum 1 peso load balance). Just fire up your mobile browser and start surfing with Smart 3G.

My guess is that Smart wants to stress-test their 3G network and see if their bandwidth can take the capacity and the load. Maybe we can all lend a hand and tether our 3G phones to our laptop or PC and download stuff all day? {see FAQ here}

There can only be two outcomes — (1) the network handles the load just fine so we know they’re really allocating enough bandwidth for their existing customers or (2) the network collapses with the extra load and Smart will have to upgrade their bandwidth allocation to adjust for that. Still a win-win for customers, right?

If you’re set to do this, please share your experience and post download/upload speeds in the comments. Let’s see how this goes.

Update: Got a tip that if this TGI Freeday works well, they might do it again on another Friday. So let’s get it on and tell everyone to try it out.

*via: YugaTech

Globe Immortaltxt and Immortalcall+ End of Promo

Please be informed that IMMORTALTXT and IMMORTALCALL+ are available until July 31, 2010 only and will not be extended.

GLOBE TATTOO IMMORTALTXT and IMMORTALCALL+
Official Statement

Hey everyone, big news!   Being Globe-connected just keeps getting better because we’ve got more great services to keep you in touch! Try these on for size.

Globe’s new SUPERUNLI 25 service gives you all-day unlimited calls and texts to all your friends on Globe and TM, for just P 25. Just text SUPER25 to 8888 to register.  Or go for best value with UNLITXT which lets you text to the max to all your Globe and TM buddies for only P 20. Just text UNLITXT 20 to 8888 to try it.

But if you’d rather hear that special someone’s voice, try our super-affordable 3-minute calls for just P 10.00 per call when you dial a Globe or TM number. Plus you don’t need to register to try it. Just dial 235 + the 10-digit Globe/TM mobile number.

And if you want super-sulit calling, use Sakto Calls which lets you call Globe and TM buddies for just P 0.10 centavos per second from Monday to Saturday. And on Sundays, it’s only P 0.05 centavos per second! Just dial 232 + the 10-digit Globe/TM mobile number.

So even though may have heard that IMMORTALTXT20 AND IMMORTALCALL+ promos are coming to an end by July 31, 2010 and will no longer be available starting August 1,  we don’t want you to worry.  We promise that we’re busy coming up with lots more new ways to keep you happy and in touch with all the people that matter to you.

Stay tuned!

Apple’s new Magic Trackpad for Macs

If the Apple Magic Mouse is no longer comfortable to those who are used to trackpads on their MacBook, the Magic TrackPad might just do the trick for Mac Desktop users.

At $69 a pop, the Magic Trackpad will pair with your Mac via built-in Bluetooth (2 AA batteries needed) and eventually replace your Magic Mouse. Not sure what’s so magical about it though.

*via: YugaTech