10 things you need to know about Google Chrome Operating System

1. What exactly is Chrome OS?

Google Chrome OS is the company's first attempt at designing an operating system for more powerful computers. The Google partnered Android has done well for mobile platforms, and it now wants to take the work it has done there, tie it up with the work it is doing on its still-fresh Chrome browser and make the first 'OS for the cloud' – with most of the work being done on the net rather than on the computer.

"Speed, simplicity and security are the key aspects of Google Chrome OS," said Google's statement. "We're designing the OS to be fast and lightweight, to start up and get you onto the web in a few seconds.

"The user interface is minimal to stay out of your way, and most of the user experience takes place on the web."

2. When will we able to use Chrome OS?

Google has confirmed that it will be making code available to developers later this year and predicts that we will be buying the first Chrome OS powered netbooks by the second half of next year.

"Later this year we will open-source its code, and netbooks running Google Chrome OS will be available for consumers in the second half of 2010," said Sundar Pichai, VP Product Management and Linus Upson, Engineering Director on the Google blog.

"Because we're already talking to partners about the project, and we'll soon be working with the open source community, we wanted to share our vision now so everyone understands what we are trying to achieve."

3. So Microsoft need not worry about competition for Windows 7 then?

On the contrary; Google Chrome OS is a first foray from Google into a more powerful operating system, and by 'initially' targeting netbooks it is immediately going to be treading on Windows 7's toes. Microsoft designed Windows 7 to be scaleable – useable on everything from netbooks and high end desktops – and Google not only has the financial clout to compete with the Redmond software giant, it is also likely to gain favour by its cloud approach.

With people increasingly used to having their information and tools online, from webmail to docs, from calendars to chat, Google appears to be asking if we really need an OS that deals with our desktop, and not simply an interface for the web.

Plus, should it prove to be a success, you can guarantee that more powerful computers will begin to look at Chrome OS as a viable alternative to Windows 7. By using the word 'initially', Google is making a statement of serious intent in the OS arena.

On the plus side for Microsoft, it will have at least 9 months to get market share and persuade people that they don't need an alternative to Windows 7

4. Will it run on my computer?

"Google Chrome OS will run on both x86 as well as ARM chips and we are working with multiple OEMs to bring a number of netbooks to market next year," says Google.

Compatibility is a big thing for Google, but by using a Linux kernel with a windowing system, and working with powerful partners, Chrome OS will be able to run on most PC platforms.

5. If it's so heavily web integrated, will it be secure enough?

Google certainly thinks so. Security is what many would term a 'hygiene' problem. You expect your computer to be secure and you notice, and notice hard, when it isn't.

"...as we did for the Google Chrome browser, we are going back to the basics and completely redesigning the underlying security architecture of the OS so that users don't have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates. It should just work," says Google.

source:T3

6. So is this being done entirely in-house by Google?

No. Google has already appealed to the open source community to get behind the project – which is built on the open Linux kernel.

"We have a lot of work to do, and we're definitely going to need a lot of help from the open source community to accomplish this vision."

By making the browser the central component to the OS, Google is extending an already huge platform - the web - meaning that anyone designing for web standards will be well catered for.

7. So how will this make my computing experience better?

Google is hoping that 'it just works' which is probably the mantra being rolled out at Apple and Microsoft HQs about their operating systems as well.

Chrome OS is heavily web based. It's perhaps the most focused on bringing the web into the mix and offering a 'cloud' operating system from the ground up.

"Speed, simplicity and security are the key aspects of Google Chrome OS," says Google. "We're designing the OS to be fast and lightweight, to start up and get you onto the web in a few seconds."

So what is the functionality that Chrome hopes to bring?

"People want to get to their email instantly, without wasting time waiting for their computers to boot and browsers to start up," says Google.

"They want their computers to always run as fast as when they first bought them. They want their data to be accessible to them wherever they are and not have to worry about losing their computer or forgetting to back up files.

"Even more importantly, they don't want to spend hours configuring their computers to work with every new piece of hardware, or have to worry about constant software updates."

8. What does this mean for Android?

Android is the Google backed mobile phone platform, whereas Chrome OS is designed specifically for more traditional computers. Although Android netbooks are appearing, Chrome OS may well shunt Android back to the mobile phone when it arrives next year, although Google is hedging its bets somewhat.

"Google Chrome OS is a new project, separate from Android." explains Google.

"Android was designed from the beginning to work across a variety of devices from phones to set-top boxes to netbooks.

"Google Chrome OS is being created for people who spend most of their time on the web, and is being designed to power computers ranging from small netbooks to full-size desktop systems.

"While there are areas where Google Chrome OS and Android overlap, we believe choice will drive innovation for the benefit of everyone, including Google."

9. Will this sound the death knell for Ubuntu and Fedora?

Google making its own Linux based OS will certainly be a major 'competitor' for other flavours of Linux, like Ubuntu, with the powerful company likely to attract a big swathe of developers into the Chrome OS camp.

More importantly will be the reaction of the consumers; netbooks have helped fuel a boost for several Linux flavours – gaining entry into homes that may never have considered an open-source OS, but Chrome OS will, no doubt, capture a large share of that particular market on reputation alone.

Saying that, the open source ethos of Linux will hopefully be retained in the Chrome OS project and that's a good thing for everyone.

10. How much will it cost?

It's Linux based, it's open-source; it will almost certainly be free. Of course Google may make money with corporate support, should it become competitive for enterprise.

source:techradar

4GB Calvin Klien Sunglasses

A simple combination of style and technology, these sunglasses by fashion design giants, Calvin Klien still manages to keep a classy look unlike some other Usb/Mp3/Sunglasses unions which makes you wonder how you could possible wear it and not be considered a super nerd. It would be available across the ocean for a cool $200.

1 Screen + Dual View = Awesome

Source: Smokie's Writing Pad

HP Introduces World’s First Web-connected Home Printer

HP is hoping there're a lot of people out there with mass printing needs but without regular Internet access. Their new PhotoSmart Premium printer has a Wi-Fi-enabled touchscreen on the front that allows a user to print directly from the Internet. The idea is that the printer would be a quick way of printing out online directions, pictures, movie tickets, and so forth, without the need of a computer.

HP even plans on teaming up with Google, Fandango, Snapfish, and other websites to provide easy-access widgets for the printer. But at a price of $399 and with a screen rivaling an iPhone's in size, it's unclear if this printer will capture the computer-less market from people who could probably afford a netbook and cheap printer for the same price.

Source: Smokie's Wrinting Pad

Microsoft Security Essentials Antivirus Software (Codename: Morro)

Microsoft has supplied details on its plans for Microsoft Security Essentials (formerly referred to as Morro)-a free antivirus service for Windows. Do Symantec and McAfee really have anything to worry about?

Features Include:

•Real-time protection. Microsoft Security Essentials uses real-time protection to help address potential threats before they ever have an opportunity to become a problem.

•Dynamic Signature Service. In addition to taking advantage of daily signature downloads, Microsoft Security Essentials is able to validate suspicious files against newly identified malware in near-real time by querying the Dynamic Signature Service. Actions from unknown sources such as unexpected network connections, attempting to modify privileged parts of the system or downloading known malicious content all trigger requests for updates from the Dynamic Signature Service.

•Rootkit protection. Microsoft Security Essentials includes a number of new and improved technologies to provide additional defense against rootkits and other aggressive threats. These technologies include live kernel behavior monitoring for monitoring the integrity of kernel structures, support for direct file-system parsing to help identify and remove malicious programs and drivers hidden from the file system, and improved live rootkit removal that dynamically loads a new kernel mode driver as part of the cleaning process so that it can help successfully remove some of the more advanced rootkits.

•Lightweight design. Because Microsoft Security Essentials is core anti-malware only, it doesn't carry the weight of the suite products and has a much smaller download size.

•CPU throttling. CPU throttling helps ensure that the user's system remains responsive to those tasks the user is likely to be performing such as opening files or browser windows, launching programs, editing documents, saving files, etc.

•Idle-time scanning. Scans and updates are scheduled to run when the PC is idle and use a low-priority thread.

•Smart caching and active memory swapping. Signatures not in use don't take up space in the available memory, making Microsoft Security Essentials friendlier toward older PCs as well as today's smaller, less powerful form factors.

Essentially, Security Essentials seems a little bit like a lite version of Live OneCare (though it's technically not related). Since this version is free, it is certainly worth a shot and it definitely poses a threat to Symantec and McAfee. Plus, they note that there will be no registrations or renewals and the software will be updated automatically. As far as availability is concerned, Morro will can be downloaded directly from Microsoft starting on June 23rd in a limited public beta for XP, Vista and Windows 7 users.

Source: Smokie's Wrinting Pad

250GB credit card sized Hard drive from samsung

they keep getting smaller and smaller. A hard drive that can fit in your wallet and its a massive 250GB.The 3,600rpm drive features 125GB per platter, 8MB of cache, and should be capable of withstanding drops from about 20-inches. And should cost at around N50,000

Blackberry Onyx Review

The folks over at Crackberry have done a pretty good review of the blackberry Onyx. click here

Nokia 3720 classic

The Series 40-based candybar features

• 2-megapixel camera with LED flash, 4X digital zoom
• 2.2-inch QVGA 16.7 million colours display
• Nokia Maps pre-installed on the 1GB microSD card
• Stereo music player supporting MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+ and WMA, and stereo FM Radio
• 20MB free internal user memory plus support for microSD memory card up to 8GB
• XHTML browser, Java MIDP2.0, OMA DRM 1.0 and 2.0
• Bluetooth 2.1
• EGSM 900/1800/1900
• Series 40
• 115mm x 47mm x 15.3mm
• 94g
• Up to seven hours talk time
• Up to 18 days standby time

Nokia

Office 2010: The Movie

As we head towards the release of the new Microsoft office application, i just had to share this hilarious clip.

Interior video of the new Jaguar 2010XJ

At the center of the console is an 8-inch dual-view touchscreen that allows you, the driver, to monitor the on-board navigation maps while your passenger simultaneously watches a TV or a DVD -- in silence, if they choose, with the aid of headphones. There's also a large driver-side virtual instrument cluster that, for better or worse, replaces the physical speedometer, rev counter, and fuel and temperature gauges. As a 12.3-inch "high-definition" display it dynamically morphs into warning messages, menus, and colors that provide the driver with the most relevant information required at the time. The XJ also packs a Bowers & Wilkins 1200W audio system with 20 B&W speakers pumped through 15 channels of audio processing. The XJ is also the first automotive application of Dolby Pro Logic IIx tech with choice of DTS Neo:6 to enjoy 7.1 surround sound.

Quest from Veda Technologies

Veda technologies recently launched a multimedia resource application called Quest, which follows the brands successful launch at the civic center on the 5th of may.Quest comes preloaded on all Veda computers and with it, you can enjoy a host of third party, pictures, eBook, music, videos, and games all in one convenient and easy to use location, saving you the cost of purchasing different applications and saving you time, by providing all this information at your finger tips. At the launch Veda introduced some really interesting products,and greyed-out will have reviews of the veda product line soon. But at first glance it is impressive to note that such well designed devices are being manufactured by an indigenous Nigerian company.Veda touch:An all in one touch screen system with external keyboard and mouse

Specification: Intel core 2 duo, 250GB SATA HDD, 2GB Dimm, DVD drive, 1.3 mega pixel inbuilt camera, bluetooth and switchable 110- 240V power supply.

Veda fly: Available in Pink, white, blue, yellow and black, the Veda fly is laptop that can suite your personality and I find that really cool. The tag line for this range is, See, Try, Fly. What more can we say, we are certainly looking forward to giving it a try

Specification: intel mobile core, 160GB SATA HDD, 2GB RAM, DVD drive, inbuilt 1.3 mega pixel, wifi b/g, 4 cell smart lithium battery

Veda EXL: made for the business minded individual, the EXL looks like a serious device that is ready to be an effective companion and virtual personal assistant on business trips and at board meetings.

Specification: Intel core 2 duo, 250GB SATA HDD, 2GB dimm, DVD drive, inbuilt 1.3 megapixel camera, bluetooth 2.0, 6 cell smart lithium battery, wi-fi b/g, 4 in 1 card reader.

Veda pulse: a simple yet hardworking desktop that could become the pulse of the home or workplace.

Specification: Intel E2200 2.2GHz CPU, 160GB SATA HDD, 1GB DRAMM, DVD ROM, 10/100/1000 ethernet, 7.1 sound card, 9 in 1 card reader, 100-240v/50-60hz. 19" WXGA LCD panel monitor.

Introducing Google Chrome OS

Ars Technica has received confirmation from two sources that Google is working on new software named Google Chrome OS, which will offer a cloud-based, OS experience around the browser. UPDATE: It's official. It's coming in the second half of 2010.

Google says the OS is open source and lightweight, allowing users super quick access to the web. They claim the OS will be virus free (the security architecture is entirely new), and run a newly-designed windowing system on top of a Linux kernel that will be compatible with x86 and ARM processors alike. Though they were quick to mention this was separate from Android, they also conceded there would be some overlap in concept and functionality between the two platforms.

While the discussion of specific apps (and how they will work) was vague, Google made reference to a developer ecosystem that will be heavily web-based, and apps would be compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux (obviously). In a nutshell, it looks like Google Chrome OS is about simplicity, speed, safety, and cloud computing.

The announcement of Google Chrome OS is a big step forward for a company who slowly and subtly wedged their way into web app development. Google says that Chrome OS is intended for "power computers ranging from small netbooks to full-size desktop systems." So what does this mean for Google, and more importantly, what does this mean for Microsoft and Apple?

I think that Google has primed themselves to take a big chunk out of the mainstream computing market. That's not to say that you or I will be exclusively using Chrome OS, but with the internet becoming more and more accessible from ANYWHERE, our parents, grandparents and technophobic siblings probably will be converts. Most of them are already familiar with Google as a brand, and frustrated in trying to learn the intricacies of current operating systems.

And even for those of us who consider ourselves technologically advanced, how much of the desktop experience have Google's web apps already replaced? We'll still have our main computers, but what will be running on our netbooks or old laptops that sit in the living room?

More and more, I find myself working almost exclusively with apps that exist entirely on the web, or with clients that connect to web services. The only apps I use that aren't cloud-happy are either utilities, media players or photo/video editors. And even then, those are heading in that web-centric direction. Cloud computing has been bringing us closer and closer to the mainframe days of yore. Google wants to be the only backbone working behind the scenes. By saying they're keeping Chrome OS app development web-centric and platform-agnostic, they're slowly luring us techies into their web.

Still, Windows and OSX will always have a spacious home in the computer world, undoubtedly. Some apps will always require native architecture, and the businessmen, code-monkeys, graphic designers, video editors and other connoisseurs of nuanced computing would be foolhardy to try and work strictly in the cloud.

But the final hurdle for Google to overcome is easy, accessible online storage. Will they be able to go after Amazon's S3 cloud servers? And perhaps more importantly, will they be able to offer the service for free? If they can let us really extend our hard drives into the cloud, look out. Chrome OS will be a force to be reckoned with.

Source: Smoke's Writing Pad

Nokia maps 3.0

I havent had a chance to give the new Nokia maps 3.0 application a run, but over at mobility Nigeria, they've tested out Nokia maps with exciting decent results. With a significant number of street names and directions and the use of existing hardware i.e a phone you already own, Nokia maps 3.0 should be a hit amongst the Nigerian Public.Greyed-out will have a full review very soon. Other features include:

* 3D maps
* My location
* Traffic info
* Map/Satellite/Terrain modes
* Favourites
* History
* Map Screenshot (allows you to take screenshots of the map on the screen)
* Search places and addresses i.e. points of interests
* Voice Guidance

BlackBerry Tour (Coming Soon 12th July)

True to BlackBerry style, you get a full QWERTY along with a sharp 480x360 screen, Bluetooth, 256MB of storage and an MicroSD/SDHC expansion slot. As you'll see in the press release linked below, it's not just a phone but a "premium phone" with voice dialing and noise cancellation. It'll support your yapping for 5 hours per charge.The most interesting component for the non-business consumer will surely be the Storm-reminiscent 3.2MP IS camera with autofocus, GPS-enabled geotagging and video support.

Source: Smoke's Writing Pad

Tag Heuer's Monaco V4 concept chronograph watch

Tag Heuer celebrated 40yrs of the original Tag heuer Monaco concept with this special release