sIFR 3 Beta is Here

sIFR 3 BETA version much awaited is here. sIFR 3 is chock full of great new features that are sure to bring out your inner typography genius, and because Flash is now owned by Adobe, we've even created an unimaginative new icon for it! :) Some highlights of sIFR 3 include: Much easier implementation with no need for font tuning anymore. Mike Davidson takes you indepth
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Download of the Day: Pando 1.2 Beta

For Windows and Mac only: E-mail files as large as 1GB with Pando, a free P2P app that overcomes the 10MB file-size barrier inherent to most mail servers.

Unlike the previous version, Pando 1.2 doesn't require you to venture outside your usual e-mail program. AOL, Gmail, Hotmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail users can attach files normally; if Pando determines them to be too large, it'll jump in and offer to send them Pando-style. There's even a Skype plug-in for sending files to your contacts. Just one catch: whatever method you use to send, the recipient also needs to have Pando installed.

Even so, Pando's integration, automation and simplicity give it an edge over web-based services like Dropload and YouSendIt. Definitely worth downloading if you frequently need to send big files. Pando 1.2 Beta is free and requires Windows XP/2000 or Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.
- Increase your email attachment limit to 1GB
- Download & share videos, folders of photos, big PPTs
- Send large files and folders over any IM client
>>Download Pando 1.2 Beta

Microsoft released Beta 1 of Expression, Free Download

Microsoft is pleased to present the Beta 1 release of Expression Web (formerly Expression Web Designer).

Expression Web is a professional design tool that helps you create and work with:
Standards-based Web sites
Sophisticated CSS-based layouts
Extensive CSS formatting and management
Rich data presentation
Powerful ASP.NET 2.0-based technology

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This Beta Madness Must End

Google may have started a trend all those years ago in 1998 when even their search product was 'beta'. Particularly with the advent of Web 2.0 and the swathe of new sites, the term 'beta' has become very popular.
Sound familiar? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B E T A
These beta declarations are no more than glorified 'This Site Is Under Construction' images - This Site Is Under Construction 2.0, if you will. I'm not claiming Google have stooped to similar levels - in some cases the 'beta' tag is justified, but it's a trend that seems to have caught on with a new generation of sites.
We all know the reasons why being 'under construction' is a bad idea - it only serves to irritate that most valuable of commodity, the visitor. If a site works as it should, and it happens to be in beta - great, no problems. However, when the term is used as an excuse for unfinished coding, content, lacking features, etc - as with the 'under construction' signs of the internet 5-10 years ago, then it becomes a problem.
By all means, develop your site as you see fit - but don't hide behind what is essentially an 'under construction' sign by tagging your site with a 'beta' moniker.