Techblast » Google

Google to release new OS

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:54:00 +0000

The whole world is a buzz with the news that Google is to create its very own operating system. Taking inspiration for its name from its popular Chrome web browser, the OS will provisionally be called Chrome OS.

The intial target for the operating system will be notebooks, promising to be smooth and easy to use like their popular Android software, that is already used on their mobile phone. The OS also has the potential to become open-source, allowing for developers from around the world to contribute to its ongoing development and expansion. Taken directly from the official Google blog:

Speed, simplicity and security are the key aspects of Google Chrome OS. 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. And 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.

For some technical info, the Chrome OS will be running on x86 and ARM chips to allow for use on multiple notebooks. In terms of software architecture, Chrome OS will be looking to run a windowing system on top of a Linux based kernel.

Although we will be looking at a 2010 launch timeframe, this exciting news from Google will probably have Microsoft shaking in their boots. You can read the full story here.

My Google News Years Resolution

admin — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:49:37 +0000

One of my computer based new years resolutions has to be use iGoogle more, if you think about it – you can shave a good amount of time off your day (if you are a heavy web user like me) by having all of your useful tools in one place. Mail, search, widgets, news and even weather if havent realised its damn cold right now.

Multiple iGoogle Apps for New Years.

2009 for me will be all about efficiency. No more wasted clicks if i can help it – integrated pages are the way forward. For some momre New years related widgets check out for example the weightloss tracker or for those with less will power maybe the reason to have a drink today app, both found at the iGoogle apps directory.

Adwords Editor Update – Mac and Windows

admin — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:38:15 +0000

This week we saw the release of the handy AdWords Editor 7.0 for both Mac and PC. The new version includes the long-awaited first page bid estimates (which tell you how much you need to bid to achieve a first page ad), your landing page quality score for any given keyword, along with several new updates to the Keyword Opportunities tool. Version 7.0 also provides the option to enable usage tracking, which lets Google collect anonymous statistics to help Google improve AdWords Editor, i would be tempted to turn this off if you want to stay slightly more anonymous.

The main reason i find the AdWords Editor tool useful is the ability to work offline and upload your campaigns in one go, this can be handy for when you are working on the move – visit the official google AdWords page to download the update, alternatively use the in-built automatic update feature in the programme.

Adwords Editor Tool 7.0 for Windows

Google Earth Updates

admin — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:21:11 +0000

Google Earth, perhaps the worlds best free mapping software has recently unveiled some fantastic changes to their maps. The software created by search giants Google, which allows people to zoom in on their favourite football ground, school and homes with a few simple clicks has extended their updates to NYC.

Google has updated the 3D buildings in Google Earth for New York City! This is a large update with with a large number of the American cities famous landmarks given 3D realistic textures on the sides of the buildings! Basically, Google has completed nearly every building in Manhattan Island for Google Earth. Just fly to “New York City” and turn on the 3D Buildings layer in Google Earth. Tilt your view so you can see the 3d textures of all the buildings. This is the largest city so far that has been completed with photo-realistic textures. Let’s look forward to London being completed soon!

Check out the before:

and the sexy 3D version after :

Googles Mobile Phone

admin — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:22:28 +0000

Recently we saw the unveiling of Googles new mobile phone dubbed the G1, powered by their very own Android software. The operating system, which enables users to create their own applications and develop ‘widgets’, has been seen as a revolution in mobile phone technology. Google, The worlds largest search engine provider estimate that mobile technology could eventually out-earn their computer services. The software which has been integrated into the HTC dream handset has been received with better than expected reviews, amidst fears concerning the phones software.

Google

The main competition for the G1 is the Apple iPhone, which has been dubbed the next generation of mobile phone technology, with integrated mapping software, games and of course, iPod functionality. With the G1 arriving into UK stores on Thursday on the T-mobile network, and the Carphone warehouse on friday, strong sales are expected through association with the mighty serarch engine. The G1 device has a HTML email client which synchronises your email with POP3 or IMAP services. The Bluetooth and HSDPA-enabled handset also has Wi-Fi connectivity. It also seems the iPhone notorious battery life will be put to shame, with the G1’s battery life giving five hours’ talk time and up to 130 hours’ standby.

Other features include GPS, a compass, a 3-megapixel camera, MP3 functionality and comes with a pre-installed 2GB microSD memory card for all your music and file downloads. Because the Android software powering the device is open source, and downloadable by any programmer who is interested, the G1 is expected to open the doors to new creative applications on the phone and a boom in popularity. This is likely to create an added sense of community for developers and users alike, and will no doubt improve mobile phone technology on the whole. It looks like Google are set to cause a stir with their new product and carve out the future of mobile phone technology as we know it.

Google SEO Guide

admin — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:02:20 +0000

In order to assist fledgling Webmasters, and SEO newbies alike, Google has announced its ‘official SEO guide’ packed with tips and advice on how to help raise your search engine position and improve your website. The SEO guide can be found on the Google Webmaster Central Blog and outlines some of the do’s and don’ts for your site.

Because in the field of SEO, there are often many myths and pre-conceptions around the ranking algorithms, the guide outline some key pointers to follow to ensure a better chance of rising up the rankings. The guide itself gives some good tips on site architecture, navigation and how to create great content for readers, which makes it a worthwhile read even if you are covering concepts you already know.

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