The Friday Fillip

Here’s a sentiment that more than a few Slaw readers will agree with, I’d guess:

Technology rocks! Especially when it’s available to the world and doesn’t cost a thing. But learning about it? That’s not so great.

This is part of Google’s explanation for why they set up Google Demo Slam, the target of today’s fillip. (You’ll need to have Flash installed to use the site.) The notion is simple: make a video doing something unusual with one of Google’s tools and they’ll host it on this site. To fulfill the promise of the “slam” in the name, they oppose two videos that feature the same tool, and let you decide which does the better job.

I’d suggest you start with the vids in the Champs section. One of my current favourites is Extra Spicy Slam, in which two young people phone in an order for Indian in Hindi, thanks to Google Translate’s ability to speak the translation. And Video Chat Magic and Rushmore (re Google Goggles) are nicely done.

Should you be unfamiliar with any of the Google tools, you can get a straightforward explanation on The Tech section of the site.

At the moment there are 48 Slam videos on the site. I’d invite you submit your own — but for reasons that escape me, you have to be resident in the U.S. to do that. Pity.