Google users re-imagine building the Chrome icon
The results are in and they are quite impressive. Some of my favorite creations include the Lego one of course, the dominos, and the Transformers-styled video.
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i-gotU GPS travel & sports logger
The i-gotU GPS logger tracks your trip via GPS and records up to 65,000 waypoints in its 16MB memory. With its very small size, you can slip this into your pocket and head off on a hike, bike ride or road trip. Take pictures along the way and when you get back, plug both camera and i-gotU unit into your PC and the software will figure out where and when you took those photos.
The software is also configured to upload your travel blog to sites like @trip, Google Maps, Facebook and more. Take a look at the demo on @trip to get a good idea of what it can do for you without your having to figure out blogging software or GPS to map or photo to GPS.
There are 2 versions: a pure USB one and one that has Bluetooth so that you can pair it with your phone and use it as the GPS unit for your cell.
More info from the manufacturer
Price: $29.99
(Please note prices are subject to change and the listed price is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of posting)
Google’s Android OS to appear in more than just cell phone handsets?
Android appears set to start appearing in more than just cell phones. A few reports point the way. Although Google appears mum, one touchscreen manufacturer, Touch Revolution, says they’re working on Android-based devices for quite a few companies. Another company, MIPS Technologies, reported this week that they’ve ported the open-source Android to their architecture, which is used on their home devices.
What types of devices? Well, the sky’s the limit really. Think landline handsets, kitchen Net-appliances, DVRs, even photo frames. It’s possible some of these devices may start appearing this year.
Recover your Google password via SMS/text message
Nice new feature for your Google account (same as the one you use for Gmail) – get a password-reset code via SMS or text message.
All you need to do is click on Accounts, then Password Recovery Options and add your cell phone #.
Google launching its own operating system – Chrome OS
Google has taken the much rumored step of creating its own OS. Named Chrome after the browser of the same name, this new OS will have a windowing environment based on a Linux kernel (of course) and will naturally contain the Chrome browser as its browser-of-choice.
Google expects Google Chrome Operating System to be available in netbooks in the first half of 2010, and has been working with OEMs to make this a reality. This OS is really meant for those users who use computers mainly to access and use Web applications – e-mail, documents, social networking, shopping, etc. You probably won’t find too many power users switching to this OS, although it’ll be fine if it was on the family room netbook.
Is Microsoft worried? You bet they are, and if not, they should be. The scarier thing is that Google probably isn’t even doing this to ‘compete’ with Microsoft per se. They just want to get the Web in front of as many people as possible, because that means more people viewing and potentially clicking on their ads. This is not a direct revenue maker for Google, but would result in a revenue losses for Microsoft.
And if Google succeeds in creating an OS that is faster, more lightweight, more secure (with few or no bugs, viruses and malware), than current MS platforms then more people (and developers) will gravitate towards the OS.
Gmail Tips – become a ninja!
Gmail user? Bet you didn’t know that you could sign out your Gmail session remotely?! If you did, then you might be considered a Gmail master.
The Google Gmail team has put together a nice set of tips grouped by ‘belt level’ so that you too can become a Gmail Ninja. As much of an avid Gmail user that I am, even I learned something.
Google Reader gadget for Google Desktop now available
Google’s recent addition to Google Desktop is the much-awaited RSS Reader gadget, which lets you read your Google Reader RSS Feeds/subscriptions straight from your desktop.
Google Android Operating System – Linux Competitor?
They were always 3 choices in the operating system market – MacOS, Windows or Linux, with the latter being free but not much good for those who struggled with technology, and the others being quite pricey. Now Google have added Android to the mix, offering a free operating system that (hopefully!) will be easier to use than the Linux base – ironic, isn’t it? Android is built on a Linux operating system and now could possibly replace it.
Android was released in late 2007 as an open source software platform for phones, and contributed to Google’s sector entrance with the G1 which has become quite popular. Google are now hoping to pass on this popularity and familiararity to persuade users to adopt this OS for their computers, and manufacturers are looking to cash in on this to provide low cost laptops with the new operating system without having to resort to XP or a rather more complicated operating system.
GfG’s Article Recap for Week Ending June 26, 2009
Here’s the quick recap for the week:
- Skyhook Wireless has a new positioning service that works via WiFi
- Metal detecting sandals
- IEEE has a video contest to celebrate their 125th anniversary.
- Guitar Hero 5 on its way!.
- Really Easy Reader can help speed up your reading
- Google could add number portability to Google Voice, and Google Voice is opening up to new users.
- The 1.4 HDMI spec is out
Google Voice opening up to more users
We blogged back in March that Google had finally finished up their work on turning GrandCentral into Google Voice. Now they’re taking the next logical step which is to open it up to more than old GrandCentral members. If you had requested an invitation, keep your eyes peeled to your e-mail – you may receive an invite soon!
Meantime, check out the quick video overview of G Voice: