When Universal Sports and BP present a series of original webisodes highlighting the personal stories of Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls over the coming weeks, fans won't just be treated to the videos. They'll also be able to follow the athletes' continuing journeys with real-time social updates embedded on the Journey to the Games homepage.

How? Integration with the social engagement platform BumeBox. In addition to letting fans track athletes' latest social media posts, it also enables them to see and respond to Olympics-related tweets from other fans, find athletes to follow and tweet encouragement directly to the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls.

The webisodes are designed to hel…
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More About: olympics, Paralympic Games, Social Media, Twitter

Welcome to this morning's edition of "First To Know," a series in which we keep you in the know on what's happening in the digital world. Today, we're looking at three particularly interesting stories.

New Dropbox iOS App Brings Automatic Uploads

The latest version of Dropbox for iOS (1.5) brings several important updates, including automatic uploads of photos and videos, either using Wi-Fi or cellular data plan. By using this feature customers can earn up to 3 GB of extra free space.

Also, users can now see all the photos and videos they've uploaded to Dropbox in Gallery view. Get the latest version of Dropbox for iOS devices here.

BBC Brings Euro 2012 Matches to Mob…
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More About: features, first to know series, mashable

A YouTube Haiku, according to the subreddit (a subsection of popular social news site Reddit) that coined the name, is a video that lasts no longer than 14 seconds, and is, as they describe it, pure poetry.

Cheap humor isn't what they are looking for. The subreddit's welcome message states "Videos of kids falling down aren't exactly poetic (we don't delete them, but they may be downvoted)."

In layman's terms, they are YouTube one-liners, funny enough to make you laugh in a very short amount of time.

The subreddit does allow videos longer than 14 seconds, but considers them poetry, not haiku. At the moment, a large portion of the top videos on the page are labeled as poetry, w…
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More About: reddit, YouTube

The White House has launched a public-private partnership aiming to build ultra high-speed broadband networks in communities around the U.S. Unveiled Thursday, it's called US Ignite.

The networks will be opened up to developers for use as a development sandbox for turning out new applications in key sectors of the economy.

"This network will become a test-bed for designing and deploying next-generation applications to support national priorities areas such as education, healthcare, energy, and advanced manufacturing," reads the White House's press release. "US Ignite will challenge students, startups, and industry leaders to create a new generation of applications and services that…
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More About: broadband, developers, development, Politics, Startups, trending, US, White House

The popular kids-only social network site Club Penguin is making every kids dream come true — becoming a Super Hero.

Club Penguin is partnering with Disney Marvel to let kids dress their penguin avatars as Avengers characters including Iron Man, Captain America and the Hulk. This is the first time the site is allowing users to dress up as characters from a franchise outside the Club Penguin world.

Usually, kids avatars in the virtual world are winter-clad penguins, but now children can choose to suit up as one of 14 different Marvel characters, and they don't have to always be a hero — super villiain Loki will also be an avatar choice.

The social media site — a place wh…
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More About: club penguin, Marvel, social network for kids, the avengers

We've all been to parties where someone grabs the laptop and starts showing everyone this latest cool YouTube video. Eventually, everyone gathers around the computer, firing off their favorites, and the party turns into a YouTube party.

If you love this form of entertainment, you'll be glad to know that Google has launched a YouTube app for Google+ Hangouts which lets all participants share and watch YouTube videos.

To try it out, start a Hangout and have all users load the YouTube app at the top of the screen. Now, everyone can start adding videos, drag and drop them to change the order in the playlist, as well as skip forward or backward.

Participants can also share a v…
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More About: Google, YouTube, YouTube Party

Australian online retailer Kogan wants its users to stop using old versions of Internet Explorer and it isn't afraid to threaten a little taxation to get there.

The company claims that it will levy a 6.8% tax on any user that attempts to checkout using Internet Explorer 7. Kogan says that keeping its website compatible with IE 7 is costing it lots of money. To offset those costs -- and encourage users to download a more up-to-date browser, Kogan says it will charge users an extra 6.8% tax -- 0.1% for each month IE 7 has been on the market.

Kogan CEO Ruslan Kogan told the BBC that "the amount of work and effort involved in making our website look…
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More About: Browsers, internet explorer, Internet Explorer 7

The Spark of Genius Series highlights a unique feature of startups and is made possible by Microsoft BizSpark. If you would like to have your startup considered for inclusion, please see the details here.

Quick Pitch: A personalized second screen social experience for sports fans.

Genius Idea: Second screen usage while watching TV is high, while sports and social media are a natural pairing, so SportStream cuts out the noise.

Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trailblazers owner Paul Allen is clearly a huge sports fan -- and as co-founder of a little company called Microsoft, he's got major tech bonafides. So his Vulcan Capital investment firm pouring $3.5 million into a social…
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More About: apps, bizspark, social tv, sports, tablets

There's no doubt social media enables us to organize our real-world relationships, and even meet new people outside the digital realm -- both of which can be great, life-enhancing things.

But could social networking have an adverse effect on our quality of life?

Consider this: 24% of respondents to one survey said they've missed out on enjoying special moments in person because -- ironically enough -- they were too busy trying to document their experiences for online sharing. Many of us have had to remind ourselves to "live in the now" -- instead of worry about composing the perfect tweet or angling for just the right Instagram shot.

Worldwide, Facebook users spend 10.5 billion m…
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More About: Facebook, infographics, Social Media, Twitter

We already had our invitation to Microsoft's "major" announcement in Hollywood next Monday -- an Apple-style event so hush-hush, there isn't even a location yet.

Now rumors are starting to coalesce around the thing being launched: a touchscreen tablet, manufactured by Microsoft itself, running on Windows RT (a version of Windows 8), intended to rival Apple's iPad.

Hollywood blog The Wrap cites "an individual with knowledge of the company", who claims the software giant would be "making a foray into a new hardware category that would put the company in direct competition with rival Apple" -- tablets.

This would hardly be the first time Microsoft has tried its hand at a tablet dev…
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More About: apple, ipad, microsoft, trending, Windows 8

Ever wish your iPhone dock was just a little more interactive? Have we got a Kickstarter project for you: Moboto.

Designer Mark Solomon created the device for those of us who fantasized our stuffed toys were alive when we were a child (ie. pretty much everyone). Moboto turns your recharging iPhone into a seemingly life-like companion.

With the Moboto dock and app, an iPhone can take on various personalities to convey information to its user. It can display a blinking eyeball that changes color depending on your device's battery life. Moboto can also be a flower that shows rain or sunshine in the background to convey the current weather outside in a beautiful way.

Solomon says…
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More About: iphone, kickstarter

A new site called Octofeed is looking to make reading your Facebook feed a little easier by reducing what you see on it.

The product of programmer David Chin Yee and his wife Jennifer Puno, the site simplifies your traditional Facebook experience, streamlining content and removing some of the app information and ads that can be distracting when looking at Facebook in its traditional form.

Octofeed divides your Facebook experience into just two things -- "My Wall" and "The Feed" -- which you can then toggle between from the top of the page.

The Feed shows each entry from a friend or page you're following, with that person's name disp…
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More About: Facebook

Does your YouTube homescreen look a little different Thursday? That's because Google is testing out a design of the site that focuses more on categories. Only a very small number of users can see this temporary version, for which YouTube is collecting feedback.

Google announced it would be experimenting with the new layout starting last year. That design is morphing over time into the modern day cable TV with the addition of an "add channels" button and the option to select your favorite channels.

But YouTube says it's listening to user feedback. (Clearly, they don't want to create a Bitly type situation.)

YouTube sent Mashable this stateme…
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More About: Google, redesign, videos, YouTube

After reporter Barrett Tryon posted a link to an article on his personal Facebook Timeline, his boss told him it violated the company's social media policy.

Tryon refused to remove it, sparking a whole conversation about the legality of social media policies -- and landing himself on administrative leave.

The article he linked to was an LA Times report about Freedom Communications, Inc.'s sale of seven newspapers -- including the Colorado Springs Gazette, the newspaper that employs him -- to a Boston investment group.

Tryon posted the link with a pull quote that suggested his paper would be spun off by the end of the summer.

About three hours later, his boss emailed him t…
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More About: Facebook, Media

When Apple created major buzz around a new product in the past few years, it was almost always an iPhone or iPad. That's why it's so refreshing to see the world ooh and aah about an Apple computer again, the MacBook Pro With Retina Display.

It certainly looks great on paper -- a cutting-edge laptop loaded with the latest tech and a jaw-droppingly sharp screen. But does it really deliver the goods?

The answer isn't just yes. It's "oh, baby." Within minutes of taking our review sample out of the box here at the Mashable offices, a crowd of staffers gathered around to see what visions the glorious 2,880 x 1,800 retina display would show them.

It didn't disappoint. After setting u…
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More About: apple, laptops, Macbook Pro, retina display, reviews, trending

It's a familiar problem; you've scanned the shoe stores for the perfect sandals to match your new bathing suit, but nothing quite goes. What if you could design your own?

Havaianas and Bloomingdales in NYC are offering customers the chance to do just that.

The store's windows are being turned into interactive displays that let you design and order a pair of the ubiquitous flip flops.

Here's how it works. Walk up to the window and tap through the ordering process, as you would on the company's website. Pick your color sole, straps, and decorations. After you complete the order, you can choose whether you'd like to get your confirmation number via a QR code or SMS.…
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More About: clothing, shopping, trending

The Latino vote is a much sought-after prize in this year's presidential election, so it makes sense that both sides have Spanish-language websites courting Hispanic voters. However, a keen pair of eyes discovered a gaffe on one such Republican site: the top banner featured a group of children that weren't Latino -- but Asian.

RNClatinos.com's mix-up was discovered by US News and World Report when a reporter there realized the stock photo, downloaded from Shutterstock, included search terms such as "asia," "asian," "interracial," "Japanese" and "Thailand" -- a strong sign the children in the photo aren't Hispanic.

SEE ALSO: Amercia! Epic Mitt Romney App Gaffe Goes Viral Online [PIC…
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More About: 2012 presidential campaign, Politics, US, web design

The Epic Rap Battle of History music video series takes on two tech heavyweights -- late Apple innovator Steve Jobs and Microsoft chairman Bill Gates -- in its latest rap-off.

Lyrics mock both men and throw jabs at Bill's wife, Melinda, and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.

And then, holy sh*t, Jobs becomes HAL 9000 from the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey? Yup, Jobs continues the war of words as a "heuristically programmed algorithmic computer."

Epic Rap Battle's past matchups include Darth Vader vs. Adolf Hitler, Gandalf vs. Dumbledore, Dr. Seuss vs. Shakespeare, Justin Bieber vs. Beethoven and more.

SEE ALSO: Billionaire Tycoon One-Ups Rapper Drake's Money Tweet

If you lik…
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More About: apple, bill gates, Entertainment, humor, microsoft, Music, parody, rap, steve jobs, viral videos

Major League Gaming, one of the largest companies devoted to livestreaming professional gaming, announced its latest eSports tournament shattered viewership records, with more than 4.7 million unique online viewers tuning in for the three-day event.

A long-time passion of gamers in South Korea and Europe, pro-gaming has been steadily on the rise here in the U.S. with games like StarCraft II and League of Legends pushing the sport's popularity. Earlier this year, CBS Interactive announced a partnership deal with MLG to broadcast eSports events, piggybanking off the growing numbers of online viewers MLG has brought to its live events.

Along with the high viewership numbers, MLG…
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More About: esports, major league gaming, Starcraft II

YouTube has become a vital platform for emerging musicians, supporting and amplifying talented individuals more than they might have been along traditional routes of the music industry.

Musician Cobus Potgieter has received more than 100 million views on YouTube by playing the drums along to other popular songs.

Potgieter launched a Kickstarter campaign in order to bring a whole band together through YouTube. Other musicians can audition by downloading an extension pack and submitting their demos through YouTube.

The campaign started with an initial goal of $35,000, which would fly the band members to Los Angeles for a few weeks to write and record an album. The rest of the mone…
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More About: Google Hangouts, kickstarter, Music, Social Media, Video, viral, YouTube

In the last few years the growth of smart devices has exploded. As a result, there are now more than one million active apps. Other drivers that are contributing to app growth include the standardization of development tools, decreasing technology costs, and increased investment in mobile platforms.

As recent entrants like Amazon and Facebook try to stake their claim in the mobile market, the ability to discover an app that doesn't somehow make its way onto a top-ten list continues to be an issue. So how's the marketplace attempting to address that problem? In short, primarily through a variety of supply-side and demand-side solutions. Here's what those look like.  
Search Engi…
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More About: apps, contributor, features, mobile apps, trending

MyForce is an advanced security app changing the face of personal safety. MyForce is a subscription-based app that launches a mobile panic button for emergencies. Members are urged to arm themselves with this safeguard during solitary walks, at night or in desolate areas.

"There are so many incidents where you are out late at night or out in a lone parking lot and you're walking around and just feel unsafe," Co-founder Brad Zotti tells Mashable. "It's the blue light emergency phone that you can take around with you on smart phone."

There are tons of emergency alert apps on iOS, Android and BlackBerry platforms, but MyForce is uniquely effective. Here's why -- other GPS security app…
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More About: android, application, blackberry, iphone, Mobile, security, Tech

On Monday, Apple's World Wide Developers Conference in San Francisco was center stage for a much-anticipated release:  the 15" MacBook with Retina display. The question now is not whether people will buy it (there is already an 8-week backorder), but why.
Many were ready to stampede the Apple store and drop some serious cash on the computer, which starts at $2,199. And while some say Apple is once again ahead of the game, others see reasons to pass.

The specs are impressive, including a light, slim design with powerful graphics and a pace that feels like it's approaching the speed of light. But at such a price tag, is it worth it?

Let us know how you feel about Apple's new Ret…
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More About: apple, macbook, poll, retina display, wwdc

Are you ready to gear up for the year's biggest events in your industry? Keep your eyes on the curated listing of more than 55 events on Mashable's new Events Board. There are plenty of business conferences and exhibitions in a wide range of topics -- plus some special and exclusive events that are sure to educate and entertain. If getting out and mingling with top executives in your field is on your to-do list, you'll find plenty to do.

Every week we highlight new events that are at the top of our must-go list, and new events are added around the clock. Don't forget to visit our Events Board for networking opportunities, meetings and expos that will help jumpstart your professional s…
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More About: Events, features, mashable

Abercrombie & Fitch challenged its male models around the world to record themselves lip-syncing and dancing to this summer's most-viral song, "Call Me Maybe."

The results of the mission (see above) show topless men freely getting their Carly Rae Jepsen on in New York City subways and in front of France's Eiffel Tower, among other global landmarks.

"Call Me Maybe" hit number one on Billboard's Hot 100 songs chart Wednesday in its 16th week on the list, besting Gotye's long-standing "Somebody That I Used to Know." The tune previously hit number one on Billboard's Digital Songs chart and iTunes singles chart in May.

Lip-dubs similar to Abercrombie & Fitch's from the Harvard bas…
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More About: Call Me Maybe, Carly Rae Jepsen, Entertainment, Music, viral, viral videos

Marc Nager (pronounced "Naw-ger") is the CEO of Startup Weekend. With a degree in international business from Chapman University in Southern California, Marc left his MBA program after the first semester to pursue new direction. Itching to learn how to launch a startup, Marc found the opportunity to acquire Startup Weekend, LLC and to transform it into a non-profit with the help of co-directors Clint Nelsen and Franck Nouyrigat.

Passionate and curious about the world of startups, Marc has found a way to help others pursue their ideas and dreams. Startup Weekend has landed him in over 50 cities around the world, where he's listened, observed and helped hundreds in their…
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More About: Business, features, Live Chat, Startups

In Mashable's new video series, Behind the Launch, we're taking cameras behind the scenes at Vungle, an in-app video advertising startup. New episodes air every Monday and Wednesday, but we're running bonus footage throughout the series to provide a deeper look into the startup experience.

This week, two design partners from Google Ventures -- a Vungle investor -- came by to talk about how to position the startup and design the dashboard. In the bonus clip above, designers Braden Kowitz and Jake Knapp offer tips for the Vungle website, in anticipation of launch.

What resources would you want from an investor (besides, of course, money)? Join t…
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More About: Behind the Launch Series, features, Google Ventures, investors, mashable, Startups, Vungle, web design

Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court sparked a new wave of chaos and disorder in the country on Thursday by dissolving Parliament and giving a green light to the presidential aspirations of ousted president Hosnai Mubark's former prime minister.

News of the decision quickly spread via social media, which protesters first used to organize anti-Mubarak protests, and has since become an integral part of turmoil in Egypt and across the Middle East. Some protests and demonstrations have been spotted in the capital of Cairo, but they haven't yet reached the scale seen before Mubarak was overthrown.

Some Egyptians and outside observers have been labeling the court's decision a constitutional…
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More About: Arab Spring, Egypt, Revolution, Social Media, Twitter, World

Footage from security cameras is unlikely fodder for a feel-good campaign, which is why this ad for Coca-Cola seems to be catching on.

Loaded to YouTube on June 11, Coke's celebration of the altruistic, brave and foolish behavior has passed 1 million views and netted close to 13,000 likes (and about 500 dislikes.) Though the ad ties in nicely with Coke's "Open Happiness" campaign, which features other such scenes of spontaneous delight from around the globe, not everyone has been won over. The Huffington Post's U.K. edition, for instance, wonders if some or all of the scenes are staged. It's also unclear how Coke got the footage and the rights to images of people in the ad.

Update…
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More About: Advertising, coca cola, Marketing

Last year, Facebook launched a new initiative built around, of all things, verbs. The company's Open Graph sought to do something interesting with the way we communicate with each other: Any action expressed on Facebook could become a branding opportunity.

Perhaps the best example of Open Graph at work is Spotify. If you listen to Green Day's "Dookie" on Spotify, then all your Facebook friends will see that you're enjoying the album and perhaps they'll even mark their approval with a Like or comment. Meanwhile, you don't have to do anything to initiate the action except listen to the album (and don't initiate the app's "private listening mode"). Meanwhile, Spotify gets lots of free exposu…
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More About: Facebook, Facebook Marketing Series, features, mashable, Open Graph