Google Adsense Enlarges First Ad for More Clicks

Google Adsense is enlarging text of the first ad in all ad unit sizes to increase visibility to get more clicks. This test is visible as we browse around websites, most Adsense ads show the first ad text slightly enlarged. Usually Adsense publishers can choose the ad text size, but this time the first ad text is being automatically enlarged in all ad units.

See the ad units below and see the first ad is enlarged in all the ad units.

Facebook iPad App Secretly Revealed

An iPad-specific version of Facebook's official iOS app has been discovered.

Some clever Apple fanatics managed to discover that code for the iPad version of the long-awaited official Apple Facebook app was embedded within the code of the iPhone app, which was released earlier this year.

The discovery occurred after Facebook released an update to the iPhone app, which included a handful of minor changes to the untrained eye, but obviously it also updated the app such that it now uses the same kind of code for both iPhone and iPad content.

Tech Crunch reports that the leaked iPad version of the app will have a special menu on the left-hand side of the screen for seamless access to all of the social network site's main features.

In addition, the site found that the code itself has changed from a proprietary iOS format to a combination of native code and HTML5, which is a more universal Web-based language.

It seems as though the app is started to bleed into the experience users will have if they simply go to Facebook.com from the iPad's Web browser.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Facebook is working on overhauling its website so that users who go to the site on an iPad will have a special kind of experience - it's almost as if Facebook is building its own platform specifically for iPad users.

This comes after the social network had seemingly snubbed Apple, offering very little in the way of official support for the iPhone and iPad, but it appears as though there was just a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes.

Facebook has not revealed any details about when it plans to launch the long-awaited official iPad app, but given how complete the hidden code within the new iPhone app is, it seems likely the release will happen soon.

3 Tips for Choosing a Usenet Provider

Guest post by Jared. There are a number of factors you need to consider when choosing a Usenet provider. When you think of Usenet chances are good that pictures of dial-up modems and black screens with green text pop into your mind. And who could blame you. Usenet had already been around for 10 years by the time the World Wide Web came into existence.

But the years have been kind to Usenet. Far from being tossed in the scrap heap of history, in many ways, Usenet is more popular than ever. The recent shift from Usenet service provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or local University to premium Usenet providers has brought both more choice and more confusion.

Upload / Download

If you download a lot from the Internet, there is nothing better than downloading from Usenet. Here are three tips for choosing the Usenet provider that’s right for you.
1. How Long is Their Binary Retention?

Retention refers to the amount of time text messages or files (a.k.a. binaries) are stored on the Usenet server. For example, if you are looking for a file that was uploaded 365 days ago, but the server only has retention of 300 days, you won’t be able to find and/or download that file.

Any good Usenet provider is going to offer binary retention of at least 1,000 days with text retention at 1,500 days or more.
2. What Kind of Security is Offered?

When you think of security on Usenet, there are really two things to consider. First, do they offer a secure SSL connection to the Usenet server? An SSL connection creates a direct link between you and the Usenet server making it impossible for prying eyes to see what is happening inside the connection.

The second security issue to consider is server logs. Does the server keep a log of the transactions? No server log means there is no record of that transaction. True Usenet security is 256-bit SSL encryption with no server logs.
3. Are There Any Speed or Data Caps?

One of the major benefits of Usenet is speed. A premium Usenet connection should allow you to download at speeds as fast as your internet connection will allow. Some providers may cap the speed at which you can download in order to limit the strain on their servers. Likewise, some providers may also cap the amount you can download each month. Real unlimited Usenet will allow both unlimited speed and downloads.

There are a number of good Usenet providers available. Sites like Comparere and NewsGroupReviews do an excellent job of giving you the pros and cons of each. Retention, security and speed are three important pieces that allow you to get the most out of your premium Usenet connection. Make sure your provider is meeting your needs.