Catfood Software Blog

Improved Earthquake Display in Catfood Earth Beta

2009-10-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

I've just improved the way that Catfood Earth displays earthquakes:

The biggest change is that you can choose to display a description for each quake. The description includes the magnitude, location, date and time.

There is also now a transparency range so that recent quakes are highlighted and then fade over time. The start and end of the range is fully configurable.

Lastly you can now set a minimum magnitude so that the display isn't cluttered with numerous minor quakes.

Download the update from Catfood Earth Beta and leave a comment to let me know what you think.

Autumnal Equinox 2009 in Catfood Desktate

2009-09-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

The Autumnal Equinox for 2009 was at 21:18 GMT today. The image below captures the equinox in Catfood Desktate:

It's the start of Autumn/Fall in the northern hemisphere, Spring for the southern.

With a fair wind I'll post the Winter ~~Equinox~~ Solstice using Catfood Earth, which will replace Desktate.

US Weather Radar in Catfood Earth Beta

2009-09-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

The Catfood Earth Beta now supports displaying weather radar images from over 160 sites around the Unites States. Just select the site closest to you and choose from Reflectivity, 1 Hour Precipitation, Storm Total Precipitation, Velocity, Storm Relative Motion and Long Range Reflectivity images.

The screen shot below shows 1 Hour Precipitation for San Francisco:

I'm currently offering a free license to anyone who provides feedback on the beta. See the Catfood Earth Beta for full details.

Catfood Tracker 1.30

2009-09-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

Tracker generates Google Earth KML files from GPS equipped Windows Mobile devices. You can also use the KML files in Google Maps.

1.30 adds a few commonly requested options to Tracker.

Sample Interval - you can now configure how frequently Tracker records a position sample, from once a second to as long as you like. The default is twenty seconds.

GPS Power - if you're recording samples infrequently you can choose to power down the GPS between readings. The default is to keep the GPS powered up and in most cases this means that location samples will be more accurate.

Store elevation in KML - it's now possible to log your altitude above sea level to the KML file. The default is to not record elevation. Google Earth will automatically fit the KML track to it's internal elevation and in most cases this is what you want. If you're a pilot recording a flight then set this option to show the GPS altitude rather than fitting the track to Google Earth's data.

Download Tracker 1.30 from the original Tracker post, or on your Windows Mobile device from http://www.catfood.net/m/.

Earthquakes in Catfood Earth

2009-07-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

I just released a small update to the Catfood Earth Beta adding a layer for earthquakes.

The layer uses the USGS feed for earthquakes over magnitude 2.5 in the past day.

Catfood Earth displays an accented circle over the epicenter of the earthquake. The size of the circle is proportional to the magnitude. You can customize the fill and accent colors. It's also possible to show earthquakes from the past hour up to the past 24 hours.

Webcam Updates Moving

2009-07-11T16:14:00.001-07:00

Starting early tomorrow morning the list of new webcams added each week will be posted to the new Webcam Updates Blog. I've made this change so that this blog can focus on product related news and updates. If you'd like to know whenever new webcams are added to the WebCamSaver database you can subscribe to the update feed.

Catfood Earth 3.00 Beta and Free License Offer

2009-07-05T16:08:00.000-07:00

Catfood Earth is the new name for Catfood Desktate. Desktate made sense for the first few versions but the product has expanded over the years and now makes your desktop wallpaper into an Earth simulator. The image below is from the beta release today (click for a larger version):

Version 3 is now in beta. If you send me feedback during the beta then I'll send you a free registration key. Let me know what you like or don't like, report a bug or request a new feature.

Download Catfood Earth 3.00 Beta

If you have Catfood Desktate installed then I'd recommend uninstalling it before you install the Catfood Earth beta.

I'll update this post as new beta releases become available and when the final version releases. I received a lot of feedback for the WebCamSaver 3 beta so I'm really looking forward to hearing what you think about the new Catfood Earth.

(Updated 2009-07-12 to 3.00.0277: Now includes an earthquakes layer showing magnitude 2.5 or greater earthquakes over up to the last 24 hours.)

(Updated 2009-09-13 to 3.00.0329: Added US weather radar, fixed problems with updating on Windows XP.)

(Updated 2009-09-27 to 3.00.0349: Fixed a Julian date calculation bug that caused the render date to be incorrect. Added 7 day trial logic.)

(Updated 2009-10-25 to 3.00.0417: Improved earthquake layer - control transparency range, minimum magnitude to display and optional description including local date and time for the quake.)

Webcam Updates

2009-07-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

Catfood WebCamSaver added the following new locations today:

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Tucson, Arizona, USA
Tucson, Arizona, USA
Wenatchee, Washington, USA

If you use Catfood WebCamSaver these webcams will be added in your next automatic update. They'll also go into rotation in our Google and Vista webcam gadgets. Enjoy!

Webcam Updates

2009-06-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

Catfood WebCamSaver added the following new locations today:

Cappelle Sul Tavo, Abruzzi, Italy
Clearwater, Florida, USA
Newton, Kansas, USA

If you use Catfood WebCamSaver these webcams will be added in your next automatic update. They'll also go into rotation in our Google and Vista webcam gadgets. Enjoy!

Summer Solstice 2009 in Catfood Desktate

2009-06-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

Summer Solstice (or Winter if you're in the southern hemisphere) rendered in Catfood Desktate:

Click the image for a larger version.

Webcam Updates

2009-06-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

Catfood WebCamSaver added the following new locations today:

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

If you use Catfood WebCamSaver these webcams will be added in your next automatic update. They'll also go into rotation in our Google and Vista webcam gadgets. Enjoy!

Webcam Updates

2009-06-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

Catfood WebCamSaver added the following new locations today:

Elche, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Las Palmas, Canarias, Spain
Portland, Oregon, USA
USA
USA
Utica, New York, USA

If you use Catfood WebCamSaver these webcams will be added in your next automatic update. They'll also go into rotation in our Google and Vista webcam gadgets. Enjoy!

Webcam Updates

2009-06-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

Catfood WebCamSaver added the following new locations today:

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Tokyo, Japan
Wichita, Kansas, USA

If you use Catfood WebCamSaver these webcams will be added in your next automatic update. They'll also go into rotation in our Google and Vista webcam gadgets. Enjoy!

Webcam Updates

2009-05-31T06:47:00.001-07:00

Catfood WebCamSaver added the following new locations today:

Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA
Utica, New York, USA
Utica, New York, USA

If you use Catfood WebCamSaver these webcams will be added in your next automatic update. They'll also go into rotation in our Google and Vista webcam gadgets. Enjoy!

Play Battleships by Text Message

2009-05-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

Catfood TextShips is a simple play by text message version of battleships for Windows Mobile 6 (both smartphone and professional). There is no single player version so you'll need an opponent with a Windows Mobile phone to play. You'll also want an unlimited text message plan as one game could potentially send hundreds of text messages.

Download TextShips

TextShips requires the .NET Compact Framework 2.0 SP2 - if the game won't start on your phone you probably need to download and install this.

After installing if you receive text messages starting with "CFBS" click Menu -> Settings and enable reading your SMS inbox. TextShips tries to intercept text messages automatically but this fails on a some devices. If you need to switch this setting on then I'd recommend exiting TextShips (Menu -> Exit) when you're not actively playing.

I've added a mobile download page at http://www.catfood.net/m - bookmark this on your phone to check for TextShips updates and to download other Windows Mobile products from Catfood Software.

You can get help with Text Ships using by sending me email.

Webcam Updates

2009-05-24T06:52:00.000-07:00

Catfood WebCamSaver added the following new locations today:

Tottori, Japan

If you use Catfood WebCamSaver these webcams will be added in your next automatic update. They'll also go into rotation in our Google and Vista webcam gadgets. Enjoy!

Webcam Updates

2009-05-17T06:48:00.001-07:00

Catfood WebCamSaver added the following new locations today:

Tampa, Florida, USA

If you use Catfood WebCamSaver these webcams will be added in your next automatic update. They'll also go into rotation in our Google and Vista webcam gadgets. Enjoy!

Catfood WebCamSaver 3.00

2009-05-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

I just released Catfood WebCamSaver 3.00.

The main new feature is Catfood WebCam Browser. This application is installed with WebCamSaver and allows you to browse the database of over 800 controllable webcams. When you find a webcam you like you can click Control Cam to open the web page where you can take control of the camera. You can also just watch the webcam in WebCam Browser if you prefer this to the screen saver.

WebCamSaver now starts and displays webcams much faster than in version 2. It's also easier to customize - you can disable webcams from the list and still use automatic update. The default is now to only show webcams where it's likely to be daylight and you can set an outline color for the description text.

Several bugs have also been fixed. WebCamSaver now displays accented characters correctly in webcam descriptions. The screensaver will shut down at the same time as your monitor, saving power by not running when you can't see it. A resource handle leak has been fixed (this caused excessive handle consumption over time and could lead to stability problems if run for long enough).

WebCamSaver has been in beta for a couple of months. I've had a lot of great feedback from the beta testers - both bugs to fix and new ideas for making WebCamSaver better. Thanks to everyone who took part in the beta.

Download Catfood WebCamSaver 3.00.

Webcam Updates

2009-05-10T05:58:00.001-07:00

Catfood WebCamSaver added the following new locations today:

Mexico

If you use Catfood WebCamSaver these webcams will be added in your next automatic update. They'll also go into rotation in our Google and Vista webcam gadgets. Enjoy!

Twitter Screensaver and Catfood Follower Updates

2009-05-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

I've just posted an update to the Twitter Public Timeline Screensaver - by popular request you can now add your account (actually as many accounts as you like) to display on the screensaver as well as the public timeline. It's also now possible to change the colors for the screensaver including setting a custom color scheme for tweets from each account.

Catfood Folower has also been updated recently. This is a tool to automatically follow and unfollow people on Twitter based on rules that you set. It's useful for company accounts where you want to follow everyone who follows you, and also for finding and removing friends that no longer follow you back.

Webcam Updates

2009-05-03T05:42:00.000-07:00

Catfood WebCamSaver added the following new locations today:

Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy
Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy
Clearwater, Florida, USA
Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan
Las Palmas, Canarias, Spain
University Of Richmond, Virginia, USA

If you use Catfood WebCamSaver these webcams will be added in your next automatic update. They'll also go into rotation in our Google and Vista webcam gadgets. Enjoy!

Webcam Updates

2009-04-26T04:31:00.000-07:00

Catfood WebCamSaver added the following new locations today:

Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan
Teguise, Canarias, Spain

If you use Catfood WebCamSaver these webcams will be added in your next automatic update. They'll also go into rotation in our Google and Vista webcam gadgets. Enjoy!

Webcam Updates

2009-04-19T04:01:00.001-07:00

Catfood WebCamSaver added the following new locations today:

Bonners Ferry, Idaho, USA
University Of Richmond, Virginia, USA

If you use Catfood WebCamSaver these webcams will be added in your next automatic update. They'll also go into rotation in our Google and Vista webcam gadgets. Enjoy!

Automatically follow and unfollow on Twitter with Catfood Follower

2009-04-12T18:13:00.001-07:00

Catfood Follower is a desktop Twitter tool for following new friends that follow you and removing friends that don't follow you back. Follower supports Windows XP and Vista.

Download Catfood Follower

Why auto-follow?

I have multiple twitter accounts. My personal account (@abfo) doesn't auto-follow. If you look interesting and not obviously spammy then I'll probably follow you back. Catfood Software (@CatfoodSoftware) will follow you backup using Catfood Follower. I've no idea if followers are Catfood customers or not so I want to follow everyone that signs up for Catfood updates.

Why auto-remove?

Twitter makes it hard to tell when someone you're following removes you. The auto-remove feature of Follower checks for friends who don't follow back and removes them. You can exclude users who you want to follow regardless.

How to use Catfood Follower

Follower supports multiple twitter accounts. For each account you can decide if you want to auto-follow, auto-remove or both. The screenshot above shows the settings for a single account.

You can add exclusions for both auto-follow and auto-remove. For auto-remove you can also set how many days to wait before removing a friend who is no longer following you. This prevents Follower from automatically removing new friends who haven't had a chance to follow you back yet.

Once you've entered rules for each account click the Test button on the main window. You can run the rules in test mode to see who would get followed and removed, or run in live mode to actually process the rules.

You can just run Follower manually when you want to run the rules, or you can use Task Scheduler to run it automatically. To schedule Follower (on Vista) run Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Task Scheduler. Click Create a Basic Task and follow the Wizard to set the schedule (i.e. once a day). If you accepted the defaults during installation then the path to Follower is "C:\Program Files\Catfood Software\Catfood Follower\Follower.exe". Running Follower with no arguments will automatically process the rules that you entered in Catfood Follower Settings. There is no display when Follower is running automatically.

Need Help?

If you have any problems or questions send me an email. If you have any feature suggestions please leave a comment below.

(Updated 2009-05-04 to 1.00.0108: Fixed a problem where new exceptions for an account were not processed, this led to Follower auto-removing exceptions. Also, the installer is now digitally signed.)

(Updated 2009-06-25 to 1.00.0122: Handle a twitter API bug with returning the correct number of friends/followers per page this is a critical update, added logging.)

(Updated 2009-07-21: Note that Follower does not follow new users for you. If you're looking to do this check out Twiogle Twitter Friend Adder.)

Webcam Updates

2009-04-12T04:12:00.001-07:00

Catfood WebCamSaver added the following new locations today:

Las Palmas, Canarias, Spain
USA

If you use Catfood WebCamSaver these webcams will be added in your next automatic update. They'll also go into rotation in our Google and Vista webcam gadgets. Enjoy!