1.  Facebook Makes Some Adjustments

The social networking site made some changes this week to their dashboard, Groups section, and added a new feature called “Download Your Information”.  This feature lets you download supposedly every single bit of communication, whether it be quotes, images, or statistics that you posted into the website.  Click here to discover the value of these new features for your account.

2. Google Debuts Video Doodle Commemorating John Lennon’s 70th

The shooting of John Lennon was heard around the world in 1980.  I was an infant, but my mother remembers where she stood at that moment in time.  On Google’s main site, the developers will create a playful design for the logo, and today, they debut the Video Doodle and remember John Lennon on his 70th birthday.  John Lennon’s work as a musician and ambassador to the world still remains poignant to this day, and Google gives it up.  Imagine here.

3.  Gap Redesigns Iconic Logo

According to this report, the seminal retailer of denim and basics changed their logo, and the feedback has not been kind.  Gap management has defended the change as a new reflection of the brand while honoring its past.  My first impression is that of a salon or spa products, not a classic American retailer.  It doesn’t befit their image, although they have attempted to modernize their collections with new designers such as Patrick Robinson.  As Tropicana found out last year, reinventing an iconic brand is a tricky proposition in today’s endless media spiral.  Once an image is panned, it makes product development more than a moot point.  Product development becomes impossible.  A multichannel campaign is planned, but depending on the criticism, whether it occurs is unknown.

4.  IPhone plans to launch on Verizon early 2011

This transition had been buzzed about in media circle for a long time, but now with production by Apple on the schedule docket, it will become a reality.  Some have purchased the phone and unlocked it on the black market, but now Apple can compete with rising sales of Android-operated phones, which have residency on more carriers.  A CDMA (code division multiple access) version will be developed for Verizon, although Apple originally wanted to keep its GSM version for AT&T and other worldwide carriers.  For mobile marketers and application developers, it’s a win for everyone.  Verizon has the superior network technology, especially in the Northeast, and many were loath to give that up for AT&T.  Sprint now has a chance to muscle the iPhone into its portfolio.

5.  Publishers Wanting Samsung’s Galaxy Tab

In only seven months after the iPad’s release, Samsung prepares to launch the Galaxy Tab, and publishers are lining up for the new device.  Buzz for the new tablet is slowly generating due to the promise of it containing Google’s Android operating system. Mobile developers could benefit as many forthcoming tablets promise to use the OS, allowing for flexible data transfer between devices.  The Journal weighs in with more depth on the topic.

That’s the Blue news this week. Enjoy the long holiday.

Not unlike their Farecast technology on the travel page, Bing has unique twists to segment themselves from Google.  They have expanded their entertainment menu to aggregate streaming from Zune, tour details, and links to buy music from a large database. Currently, Bing only has 9% of the search market. It could be all for naught, when facing Google’s capital prowess.

Google purchased Simplify Media in May to counter with a music download service that synchronizes the Android mobile OS and search engine.  Along with the planned upgrade of its video services, Google is really stretching its media boundaries.  We’ll discuss these implications in the future, as many could arise for the music and television industries.  One issue for the music industry is the regulation of infringing material on search results. Google and Bing could offer subscription services to access illegal content through sites like MegaUpload and Rapidshare. The sentence itself sounds unjust.  Chess pieces have only begun to align on this battleground.

First of all, the images have crisp, fluid pixelation, which is perfect for the market’s biggest smartphone screen at 4.3′ on a HD screen.  The navigation platform is borrowed from the Android, so fans of Google have an easy transition.

Phone calls were reliable, although T-Mobile has a reputation of weak connectivity.  My friend also noticed that the call didn’t hang up on the screen an hour afterwards.

The video playback is also flawless, with rich sound.  Transformers I and II are pre-installed for your viewing pleasure.  If you wish to download more videos, try JetFlicks for $9.99/month.  Bing, Barnes and Noble’s eReader, and Blockbuster are also installed on the home drive.

Like the Android, the HD2 has the swipeframe feature for easy picture management.  The camera functionality parallels and exceeds the Iphone system. As I mentioned with the video, pictures are on a higher level.

The battery life is also strong, with regular use lasting 12 hours while continuous usage takes up to four.

My negative has to do with the Windows operating system.  It is not the easiest to navigate between applications.  I also felt that the processor was slow to load at times.

If you are a fan of the Android platform, though, run to your T-Mobile shop this second because they’re flying off the shelves.