conversion

Nuance's first free PDF reader is a strong entry to the growing field of zero-cost Adobe Reader alternatives. It has a reasonable set of features, including free document conversion via the Nuance Web site, and a crisp interface that should be accessible to anybody.

Nuance comes with two toolbars. The one at the top of the program is loaded with big icons, but avoids clutter by hiding most of the secondary tools behind drop-down arrows. The toolbar at the bottom contains PDF-relevant details, such page number, zoom percentage, and viewing format. It's bigger than in most competitors, though, … Read more

PDF enthusiasts have a new Web converter tool at their disposal with PDFmyURL, a simple, one-function site that converts any live Web site into a static PDF file--something handy for offline reading, long-term archiving, and sticking on PDF-friendly e-book readers like Amazon's Kindle. It can also be a lifesaver, if you're on a computer without PDF-making software that would otherwise enable you to "print" a PDF copy of your own.

In every way, PDFmyURL, which launched on Tuesday, is the exact opposite of one of our favorite PDF sites, PDFMeNot (currently down), which takes hosted PDF … Read more

Ford is having a good year, and it shows in CEO Alan Mulally's demeanor. During my interview with him at CES 2010, just a few hours after his keynote address, it was clear the ebullient executive is serious about turning Ford into a car brand for geeks, and optimistic about his company's outlook.

At the show, Ford continued to push some major tech into cars, announcing a slew of in-cabin technology advances like a Ford Sync API that will lead to mobile apps that work with your in-car Sync system. Ford will roll out the upgrade to Sync … Read more

Exciting CNET Conversations news: our next Conversation takes place later today at CES 2010. I'll be interviewing Ford CEO Alan Mulally and asking about Ford's new role as the "tech car company" and much more. As always, I want to give you a chance to join the conversation, so please post any questions you'd like me to ask in the comments below.

Why the CEO of Ford for CNET Conversations? Well, Ford clearly sees that technology is the future of its brand--so much so that Mulally is a keynote speaker here at CES. Ford Sync … Read more

Axara Audio Converter provides a very user-friendly way to convert audio files. By showcasing a simple set of commands and performing its task quickly, it's a great program for audio novices.

The program's interface is laid out in a very intuitive fashion, complete with large command icons that more or less walk you through the conversion process. The program functions much like dozens of other audio converters, but its simple and efficient layout sets it apart from the crowd. You can creating an MP3, MP4, WAV, WMA, AMR, OGG, AIFF, or AAC file by simply clicking its logo. … Read more

OJOsoft WAV Converter is a simple program that allows users to convert WAV files to a variety of other formats. The program doesn't really offer anything that we haven't already seen, but it is easy to use and it works well.

The program's interface is plain and intuitive, with large buttons across the top that represent the file conversions that OJOsoft WAV Converter can perform--WAV to MP3, WAV to WMA, etc. Users click the appropriate button and then simply select the file or files that they want to convert, choose an output destination, and pick the audio … Read more

Aglare Music Converter Platinum is a simple program that allows users to convert audio and video files to a variety of different audio formats. Although there was nothing about the program that particularly impressed us, we found it to be easy to use and effective.

The program's interface is basic, with all of its features contained on a single screen. Users simply choose the file or files they want to convert, select the output format from among seven options, optionally select the desired quality of the output, and click Convert. The program quickly converts files and saves them to … Read more

A full-page ad in USA Today and in the New York Times marks the next chapter of the never-ending “the conversation is your brand” saga. Trident, the chewing gum maker, bought the placements, and instead of using them to promote its latest product (Trident Layers) with the usual mix of emotionally resonant narrative, sharp copy, and persuasive imagery, it chose to feature select tweets about the product under the tagline “The people have Tweeted."

Trident says that the ten tweets featured were discovered by the Trident team using Twitter Search, and that they used Twitter to contact each party … Read more

Forrester is about to release a new report on “Adaptive Brand Marketing: Rethinking Your Approach to Branding in the Digital Age,” in which it proposes replacing “brand managers” with “brand advocates.” Advertising Age provides a sneak peek at the ‘new 4 Ps of Marketing’ presented in the report: permission, proximity, perception, and participation. Other core elements include: “embracing an expanded role for consumer intelligence, focusing on strategic brand platforms, and empowering a federated organization."

A fervent advocate of marketing as a cross-organizational catalyst for change myself, I wholeheartedly agree with BBH Labs which believes the Forrester report points to … Read more