Sunday Chatter – 10/11

Google Flu Trends Expands to 16 More Countries

Last November, Google launched Flu Trends in the U.S., which was an interactive map tracking cases of flu outbreaks throughout the country. With fears of the H1N1 flu virus (or swine flu) this year, Google has expanded its flu coverage to include 16 additional countries. Ratings are based on low, minimal, moderate and high flu outbreaks. Currently in North America, Mexico has the lowest number of people infected with the flu, while the U.S. and Canada have the highest numbers.

Coming Soon: Rock Band for the iPhone

The most popular game on the planet will soon be available for the iPhone via iTunes. The graphics were released this week and look amazing! The app comes with 15 songs, which is more than enough if you’re just playing it on the iPhone. And most obviously, you’ll be using your fingers to play this, not your feet. =)

The developers say it took them over a year to design and build the app, which will also feature four different instruments and be syncable with Bluetooth to play against your friends. Just like the real game, EA Games’ mobile decision is behind the app.

YouTube Cracking Down on Bad User Accounts

You may have noticed some of your favourite YouTube channels go down this week. That’s because YouTube has been taking copyright infringement, community actions and the way you use the site, very seriously lately. The site used to give you two warning strikes for illegal activity, and then ban your account on the third. Now it seems they aren’t giving warnings anymore and simply disabling accounts left and right. As for getting your account back… it’s not that easy. Some read as simply “suspended,” which can be reopened if you ask nicely and wait a few months. Others read “permanently disabled,” which pretty much speaks for itself. Just make sure you’re playing by the rules and you should be fine.

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