Google Launch “The (always) new computer” Chromebook

Google have announced the release of their new Chromebook and their latest addition to the Chrome OS family, the Chromebox.

The Chromebook has updated hardware.  We think the Samsung  5 550 looks great in the silver and now comes packing:

• 12.1″ (1280 x 800) display
• 3.3 lbs / 1.48 kg
• 6 hours of continuous usage
• Intel® Core™ processor
• 4 GB RAM
• Built-in dual band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Gigabit ethernet, and 3G modem (opt) 1
• HD Camera
• 2 USB 2.0 ports
• 4-in-1 memory card slot
• DisplayPort++ Output (compatible with HDMI, DVI, VGA)

The new Chromebox is a portable desktop device which is very portable and comes with the following hardware specs:

• Intel® Core™ processor
• 4 GB RAM
• Built-in dual-band WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n
• Gigabit ethernet
• 6 USB 2.0 ports
• 2x DisplayPort++ Output (compatible with HDMI, DVI, VGA)
• DVI single link output
• Bluetooth 3.0™ compatible
• Kensington™ key lock compatible

Prices for the Chromebook come in at £379 and for the Chromebox £279.

Reports coming in are positive and that performance has been improved.  We see this as a serious move by Google to start contending in the market more.  It certainly makes us think about getting one for th

Check out the latest video from Google:

And here is a great review from The Verge:

The iPad Keynote in 90 seconds

The amazing Cult of Mac bring us the iPad Keynote rounded up in 90 seconds:

The new iPad is looking great, some are saying revolutionary!  What do you think?

Google Launch Google Currents

Google have launched a new service and App called Google Currents.  It is their magazine like content reader that brings to your iPhone, iPad, Android tablet or phone online and high speed offline reading.  Google offer a number of free optimised online magazines and other content.  Check out the video below:

For even more information check out Currents page:

http://www.google.com/producer/currents

Here are some of the main points they make:

Add your favorite content

• Add your favorite content – From leading publications, to blogs you follow, you can browse, read, and share favorite content, presented in a swipable magazine format.
• Follow trending stories - Let the breaking stories find you. Personalized “trends” pulls articles, photos and videos into living editions, surfacing new stories as they unfold.
• Designed for all your device - Whether sitting on your couch, riding a train or plane, your Currents content is ready for highspeed reading on your Android or Apple phone or tablet.

All the information will of course be syncronised across your devices.  Google Currents is only available in the US at the moment.  We’re really looking forward to getting our hands on this over in UK, and can’t wait to start reading the reviews.

Clap Mini USB Camera

Check out the Clap Mini USB Camera:

Made in Japan the USB powered camera can take both video and photos, written directly to the USB flash drive. Insert a MicroSD card (up to 16GB) to expanded storage and use it as a regular USB storage drive as well.  Cool.

Thomas Suarez gives a fantastic TEDTalk about creating iPhone apps

Check out this TEDTalk given by Thomas Suarez, a 6th Grader, about creating iPhone apps.  He is one of these very confident, enthusiastic old before their time American kids who delivers a clear and engaging talk.

Who said the future didn’t have hope.  If there are more kids out there like this one, they can only but bring more exciting developments in the world of technology and innovation.

Swivl iPhone mount tracks your movement

Check out this great new product, the Swivl iPhone mount.

Under the hood, Swivl is a sensor enabled and motorized base for your mobile video device with a paired marker. You can hold the marker like a remote control or wear it and forget it. The sensor connection allows the base to “follow you” and keeps you in the camera field of view. This technology combination is ideal for capturing video of yourself for vlogging, sports, education and more.

But it’s also the basis for much more. We’re developing mobile applications to improve the video capture experience and post production, and for deployment of the product in other market uses. The Swivl accessory is the foundation for much more.

This device is going to be great for so many applications as shown in their video below:

Swivl by Satarii from Satarii on Vimeo.

For more details be sure to check out their site over at:

http://www.swivl.com

Keep your servers cool in Finland

Google earlier this year built a it’s mega green data center in Finland and now other companies are following the trend.  Taking advantage of the local conditions servers are kept cool saving on both cost and the environment.  Take a look at this detailed post from Gigaom for more information:

http://gigaom.com/cleantech/cool-finnish-weather-the-new-hotness-for-green-data-centers

and this video from Google below:

Google+ starts to roll out verification badges

Google+ has now started rolling out verification badges:

We’re rolling out profile verification badges for celebrities, public figures, and people who have been added to lots of circles. Stay tuned as we expand this feature to more Google+ users.

So if you’re not a star or really popular then you won’t be getting this any time soon, not that we are sure, you’re really bothered.

Google Inside Search Event Live Feed

Check out Google’s Inside Search Event live from San Francisco here:

http://goo.gl/iynAK

Samsung introduce “The World’s First Samsung Chromebook”

Samsung introduce “The World’s First Samsung Chromebook”, the Samsung Chromebook Series 5.

But has this “NetBook” come along a bit too late with the recent rise of the tablet?  Having said this we must not forget that Chromium OS encourages you to live in the Cloud, making use of all Google’s amazing products.

As a side note, we are also still liking the MacBook style naming of Chromebook’s.