Google has introduced a new incarnation of its successful Chrome browser.
Unlike most previous updates, Chrome 8 brings about several new features and significant upgrades. The browser features a built in PDF reader for improved speed and stability. The UI also underwent a minor overhaul and it features improved security as well.
However, the truly novel feature offered by Chrome 8 is app support. The browser should reportedly support Google’s upcoming Web Store service, but we have yet to see the apps in action. It’s an interesting concept, provided developers get on board
In a video demonstration of the new Chinese Google Voice Search, the Google employee showing off the functionality may have given us our first non-blurry look at some of the new UI features of Android 2.3, codenamed “Gingerbread.” According to Pocketnow, the first obvious sign that we’re looking at 2.3 is the black notification bar. Unless Google is using a custom ROM in their official demonstrations (which is highly unlikely), this is a sure sign that we’re not looking at Froyo (Android 2.2) anymore.
Pocketnow also points out that there are three tabs in the Android market instead the familiar two, and the checkbox and radio button menu elements are different as well.
We noticed in the video that the responsiveness and smoothness of the UI seems refreshingly improved. One of the big arguments against Android up until now was its lack of hardware graphics acceleration. This has always been one area that iOS has trumped Android in, and many of the Android faithful have been clamoring for the significant UI improvements that hardware acceleration would bring. However, it’s not clear if the performance of the demonstration device is a consequence of hardware acceleration or simply a byproduct of the increased power of the hardware or the improvements in the OS itself.
Google has been uncharacteristically hush-hush about Gingerbread, and the lack of any real announcement ever since Google CEO Eric Schmidt took the stage with a Gingerbread Device, teasing the audience without making any substantial announcement, has been wearing on Android owners for over a month now. However, as the Gingerbread man statue goes up on Google HQ, it’s only a matter of time before Google decides to release this update to the public.
Information has surfaced showing that Microsoft’s next generation Xbox will feature an AMD Fusion II CPU. The reports indicate that Microsoft is in the near final stages of soldifiying its hardware plans for the next version of its popular gaming platform, the Xbox.
According to Tweaktown.com, “It looks like the next-gen XBox will be based on technology from AMD based on production at Globalfoundaries on their 28nm ‘high-k gate first’ process. ” Intel and nVidia angered Microsoft after the initial Xbox release, which is what drove them to use the IBM Xenon processor in the Xbox 360.
While it’s not known why Microsoft is now moving to AMD, one can’t forget all the troubles Microsoft had when trying to make the current Xbox 360 backwards compatible. Microsoft had to invest significant resources to make games backwards compatible to the new platform, something you think they would try to avoid this time around.
Microsoft first launched the Xbox in 2001 in a tough market against Sony and Nintendo. Many scoffed at Microsoft’s attempt, stating that they were late to the game and that their new platform would never take off. Nearly a decade later, Microsoft is now the leader in online gaming and continues to have a devoted following.
Microsoft is always looking to protect its investments from piracy. While some implementations of quality assurance can be cumbersome and annoying, it is a necessary evil for Microsoft to protect its intellectual property.
It has been rumored that Microsoft is going to be integrating cloud based services into Windows , so it only makes sense that they will also implement security features to thwart piracy that use cloud based services. Rumorpedia states that “Windows 8 will synchronize a couple of kernel files directly from Microsoft cloud servers, not only preventing privacy (at least temporary) but also allowing instant system updates for some of the components (no reboot required).”
The idea seems plausible as the vast majority of computers do connect to the Internet on a regular basis. There will also be a backup kernel file stored locally for instances where the computer can not contact Microsoft’s servers.
If Microsoft does implement this feature, depending on how regularly they update the kernel files on the servers, it could pose a serious blockade for would be pirates. While it may be possible to pirate Windows 8 for offline use, in the Internet era, that leaves a lot to be desired.
Microsoft has officially launched their XBOX LIVE rewards program today. The program is open to all Xbox LIVE members, both paid and free.
Though the program is open to the Silver Xbox LIVE members, the Gold Xbox LIVE members will be able to take advantage of more opportunities to earn reward points. Users will earn points for things like purchasing an Xbox Live Gold membership, or purchase game and movies from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. According to USA today, Microsoft will also be offering surveys and promotions to help users earn more points.
Get this: You can earn Rewards Points for doing what you do best – having fun! Whether it’s games or entertainment, with Xbox LIVE Rewards it’s easy.
Microsoft began testing the rewards system in early November but announced many details or an official release date. They have, rather quietly, launched the rewards program and it is open to all Xbox LIVE members
