Twitter Turns Off Verified Account Feature

As Twitter flips the off-switch to its"verified account"feature, we would like to extend a warm welcome to the return of the celebrity impostor.

(More on TIME:Facebook Alum Starts"Jumo"Social Network For Charities)

The system, introduced in June 2009, won't be wiped from feeds that have already earned a"verified"status, but for the most part, no more badges will be issued. The blue icons were originally put in place so that users could distinguish between the faux and official accounts for notable media outlets and celebrities.All Things Digitalreports that the function was actually shut off in August, without much notice, but that a note from Twitter promises to replace the verification system with a new service"that will be better for users."

(More on TIME:Stars Quit Twitter For Charity)

That said, Twitter's verification service will not disappear completely. In the event of a new high-profile account, a"Verified"badge would be possible, though such exceptions will be rare.“We continue to very selectively verify accounts most at risk for impersonation on a one-off and highly irregular basis,” Twitter PR exec Carolyn Penner writes. In the mean time, 50 more fake Steve Jobs will attempt to fool the Internet – and probably succeed. Sigh.

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How To Track Your Black Friday and Cyber Monday Purchases

You're probably broke from taking advantage of all those great deals this past weekend. While you're probably eagerly awaiting your next paycheck, I bet you're more excited for those packages that are about to arrive with all your goodies. You can't be expected to wait by the door all day, so here's some way to check in on your shipments when you're out and about.

(More on TIME.com:5 Online Scams To Avoid This Year)

Using Your Phone

You can download tracking apps on your iPhone forUPSand FedExfor free. They show you a real time update of where your shipment is, as well as help you find locations and shipments. Instead of having one app for each company, you can also try several others that allow you to track multiple packages from different senders at one time.TrackTappfollows your UPS, FedEx, USPS, or DHL/AirBorne packages, while highly ratedJunecloud(which costs $2.99) updates frequently. FreeTrackMyShipmentsis free, and it has added push notifications to help you out.

Android users can usePackage Tracker Profor $1.99 or Mobile Package Tracker, which has a free seven day trial.

(More on TIME.com:Behind The Scenes of Cyber Monday)

Using Your Computer

If you run OS, try these widgets to make your life easier.Package Trackingtracks all your packages, and if you're just interested in your USPS parcels, tryUSPS Tracker. Package Tracking. So far the best we've seen is Junecloud'sfree desktop widget. Not only does it have the major shipping companies, it also has the capability to use the order number from companies you probably bought packages from like Amazon.

If you're running Windows, tryPackageTrackror Package Tracker(yes there is a difference). Package Tracker has some interface problems, but it does the job. There's alsothe standard toolbar buttons, for the three main companies for your use as well.

(More on TIME.com:Amazon Rolls Out E-Book Giving)

Using The Internet

Don't want to download? You could go to each individual website you ordered from - or you could try these websites geared toward finding your parcel. Did you know that if you google search your package number,Googlewill track it for you? It works for almost every major carrier.Pack Trackhas a lot of options, but to keep abreast on more than one item, you need to create an account.Boxohmight be the simplest to use, andTrack Thiswill email, tweet, SMS and Facebook message you where your package is. If that's too much for you,Follow My Stuffwill just send you friendly email updates.

More on TIME.com:

How To Recycle Your Gadgets

Ultimate Cyber Monday Deals

Ultimate Black Friday Tech Deals

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