Desktop diehards will discover a gift waiting around for them in Windows
8.1, the approaching improve colloquially dubbed ?°Windows Blue.?± A fantastic,
horrible, oh-so-teasing current.
In its place, clicking the previous familar button will dump you to the
modern UI Begin display. Although the brand new attribute is noteworthy for
incorporating a practical visual cue to an functioning technique rife with
concealed menus, it isn?ˉt what precisely people today begging for your return
with the Begin button ended up on the lookout for.
One particular much-clamored-for, keyboard- and mouse-friendly aspect are
going to be building a debut in Windows 8.1, on the other hand. The update adds
the option besides immediately for the desktop, bypassing the fashionable UI
start off display fully. (Essentially, you can boot into various alternate
spots, like the All Apps watch.)
An additional new choice adds the ability to carry your desktop history in
excess of into the modern interface, fostering a far more unified really feel
across the OS. If that doesn?ˉt float your boat, new Start out monitor colors
and backgrounds will even be readily available, like some animated aspects. You
could also opt for to utilize a slideshow of the photographs for your personal
lock display, in result obtaining your Pc double to be a definitely pricey
digital photograph body when you?ˉre not actively working with it.
Everything reported, the vast majority of Windows eight.1?ˉs enhancements
are created to bolster the fashionable atmosphere, not the desktop.
Probably the most welcome advancement may be the addition of thoroughly
customizable Snap sights. No longer will you be locked into your two app,
quarter-screen Snap limitations of Home windows 8 vanilla. Windows eight.1 adds
a chance to resize Snap applications to any ratio you?ˉd like, and features a
possibility to Snap three apps side-by-side-by-side. You?ˉll also be capable to
possess several instances of an app open up and Snapped; Microsoft?ˉs site
submit lists two Online Explorer Windows as an example.
Loathe how that each newly mounted app gets plopped in your Start out
screen? You won?ˉt the moment Windows 8.one hits, because that frustrating
?°feature?± is going the way in which in the dodo. As a substitute, any
applications set up in the Windows Retail outlet will seem beneath a different
?°New?± filter from the All Apps watch, from which you'll selected to pin
applications towards the Start off monitor for those who so want. Yay
self-determination!
Friday, May 31, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Apple CEO Cook mum on new products, says 'we have more game changers in us'
Apple CEO Tim Cook stayed true to form during an on stage interview at the
All Things D conference here. "We release products when they're ready (and) we
believe very much in the elements of surprise," Cook told an audience packed
with tech luminaries, investors, and journalists. "I have no plan of changing
that."
In a wide-ranging interview that covered taxes, his management style, even Google Glass, Cook was short on specifics about any futuristic plans. But for those of us product guys, Cook did provide a few clues on what might be coming next.
"We have several more game changers in us," Cook said.
We already know that on June 10 at its Worldwide Developer Conference in San Francisco, Apple plans to show off new versions of the iOS software used in iPhones, iPads and iPod touches and the OS X software that is at the core of Macintosh computers. Cook wouldn't disclose what the new software might look like or what features might be included. He did confirm that iOS is under the watchful eye of famed Apple designer Jony Ive. "Jony has contributed significantly to the look and feel of Apple over many, many years and could do that for our software as well," he says."
I for one am counting on seeing something fresh at WWDC and would be disappointed if that doesn't turn out to be the case. And I say that as a fan of iOS. A "flat" user interface, for one, has been the subject of online rumors but we'll see.
As to whatever the final result turns out to be, "I'll let you judge," Cook told the D crowd.
I'm one of those folks who have increasingly been seduced by the larger screens on Samsung's and other Android phones and phablets (combination phone-tablet) . So I'm ready for an even larger display iPhone 6 or whatever Apple ends up calling the next version of its flagship phone. Again Cook was non-committal, but then he didn't rule anything out either. "A large screen today comes with a lot of trade-offs," he says. "People do look at the size. But they also look at things like did the photo show the proper color, the white balance. battery life…longevity. What our customers want is for us to weigh those and make a decision."
Cook said Apple remains interested in improving the television experience but — this is becoming a broken record — he was skimpy with the details. He did say that Apple has now sold 13 million Apple TV set-top boxes, about half in the last year. You'll recall that this is the product line Steve Jobs used to refer to as a "hobby" business. In any case there is definite growth there—Cook says Apple used to sell Apple TVs in the hundreds of thousands.
When you look at the TV, "it's not an experience that has been brought up to date for this decade," Cook says. "I don't want to go further on this...there is a very grand vision."
Another development to watch is what Apple might do with, well, a watch, or at least other types of wearable computers. Cook, who had praise for the Nike FuelBand he wears, says he hasn't seen any wearable computers that do more than one thing well.
And it seems unlikely that Apple, for now anyway, is going to do anything along the lines of Google Glass, a product whose broad appeal Cook questions.
On wearable computers generally, Cook says many issues still have to be solved, "but it's an area ripe for exploration" with "tons of companies playing in this."
Even if he didn't say so, I imagine anyway that Apple will be one of those companies
In a wide-ranging interview that covered taxes, his management style, even Google Glass, Cook was short on specifics about any futuristic plans. But for those of us product guys, Cook did provide a few clues on what might be coming next.
"We have several more game changers in us," Cook said.
We already know that on June 10 at its Worldwide Developer Conference in San Francisco, Apple plans to show off new versions of the iOS software used in iPhones, iPads and iPod touches and the OS X software that is at the core of Macintosh computers. Cook wouldn't disclose what the new software might look like or what features might be included. He did confirm that iOS is under the watchful eye of famed Apple designer Jony Ive. "Jony has contributed significantly to the look and feel of Apple over many, many years and could do that for our software as well," he says."
I for one am counting on seeing something fresh at WWDC and would be disappointed if that doesn't turn out to be the case. And I say that as a fan of iOS. A "flat" user interface, for one, has been the subject of online rumors but we'll see.
As to whatever the final result turns out to be, "I'll let you judge," Cook told the D crowd.
I'm one of those folks who have increasingly been seduced by the larger screens on Samsung's and other Android phones and phablets (combination phone-tablet) . So I'm ready for an even larger display iPhone 6 or whatever Apple ends up calling the next version of its flagship phone. Again Cook was non-committal, but then he didn't rule anything out either. "A large screen today comes with a lot of trade-offs," he says. "People do look at the size. But they also look at things like did the photo show the proper color, the white balance. battery life…longevity. What our customers want is for us to weigh those and make a decision."
Cook said Apple remains interested in improving the television experience but — this is becoming a broken record — he was skimpy with the details. He did say that Apple has now sold 13 million Apple TV set-top boxes, about half in the last year. You'll recall that this is the product line Steve Jobs used to refer to as a "hobby" business. In any case there is definite growth there—Cook says Apple used to sell Apple TVs in the hundreds of thousands.
When you look at the TV, "it's not an experience that has been brought up to date for this decade," Cook says. "I don't want to go further on this...there is a very grand vision."
Another development to watch is what Apple might do with, well, a watch, or at least other types of wearable computers. Cook, who had praise for the Nike FuelBand he wears, says he hasn't seen any wearable computers that do more than one thing well.
And it seems unlikely that Apple, for now anyway, is going to do anything along the lines of Google Glass, a product whose broad appeal Cook questions.
On wearable computers generally, Cook says many issues still have to be solved, "but it's an area ripe for exploration" with "tons of companies playing in this."
Even if he didn't say so, I imagine anyway that Apple will be one of those companies
I have grown keen on applying my HP Envy x2
Say that which you will with regards to the ability of Window 8 to manage
just about every kind of laptop or computer in existence, it can accomplish that
relatively properly. Guaranteed there are some matters easier to do in Home
windows 8 on the touch pill, and various responsibilities extra all-natural over
a desktop or notebook. It is really distinct Microsoft has tried to manage each
person state of affairs feasible.
I have grown keen on applying my HP Envy x2, and achieve this as being a touch pill as well as a notebook. Occasionally the laptop use is strictly while using the trackpad as well as other moments by using the contact display screen. It's flexible and lets me make use of the control approach which makes the most perception to the offered process. I am unable to visualize utilizing Windows eight with out a touch display.
Despite having maintaining monitor of all the different management methods doable to take care of most of the person scenarios attainable, Windows eight includes a magic formula underbelly that is certainly somewhat spooky. This magic formula daily life is the place Windows eight does each of the behind-the-scenes servicing expected to maintain items functioning easily. It almost appears to be just as if all the time I get factors carried out utilizing the method, the system is checking for updates to help keep points working optimally.
There are actually not less than 3 levels of routine maintenance that I'm informed of that Windows eight is functioning in mystery. The primary could be the OEM degree, and while that's not technically Windows eight it can be component of the system procedure so it feels the identical.
HP, the maker from the Envy x2, has become aggressive at updating its product drivers and also releasing firmware updates to keep the components operating correctly with Windows 8. These may be setup to only come about with handbook intervention, but I don't choose to miss out on vital updates like these so I've them take place routinely on the regular routine.
These components updates demand a procedure reboot to acquire applied, so I dutifully allow the technique to reboot to acquire every thing up-to-date. This typically exposes the hidden underbelly of Home windows 8 as about 50 percent the time a reboot implies it is implementing other Windows Updates that were downloaded in secret. That is the next stage of maintenance in Windows eight.
You have noticed the reboot display in Home windows eight that says it is actually configuring updates having a development indicator. At times these implement promptly and also other periods it would choose a moment or two. The point is Windows 8 grabbed the updates with none sign it absolutely was happening, and afterwards sat on them until finally the next technique reboot.
That would seem for being an inexpensive approach to prevent interrupting the user, nevertheless it would seem about 50 percent the reboots I do stop up using an unforeseen software of Windows Updates. That solution life of Home windows 8 seems being fairly lively every one of the time underneath my function sessions. It's a bit odd that Home windows 8 isn't going to give a sign that an update is going on while in the history. It isn't a major offer but could well be the courteous matter to try and do.
Occasionally I manually go into your Windows Update place while in the options to find out what may be lurking there. Normally it exhibits a Home windows Defender update is there being applied immediately eventually down the road. Since these updates hold my anti-malware up-to-date I always strike the backlink to go ahead and use them. They only just take some seconds to use so I do not fully grasp why it absolutely was waiting around for a long time in the future to use them. They require no reboot nor any person motion, so why wait to update right after it is aware of it has to be finished?
I have grown keen on applying my HP Envy x2, and achieve this as being a touch pill as well as a notebook. Occasionally the laptop use is strictly while using the trackpad as well as other moments by using the contact display screen. It's flexible and lets me make use of the control approach which makes the most perception to the offered process. I am unable to visualize utilizing Windows eight with out a touch display.
Despite having maintaining monitor of all the different management methods doable to take care of most of the person scenarios attainable, Windows eight includes a magic formula underbelly that is certainly somewhat spooky. This magic formula daily life is the place Windows eight does each of the behind-the-scenes servicing expected to maintain items functioning easily. It almost appears to be just as if all the time I get factors carried out utilizing the method, the system is checking for updates to help keep points working optimally.
There are actually not less than 3 levels of routine maintenance that I'm informed of that Windows eight is functioning in mystery. The primary could be the OEM degree, and while that's not technically Windows eight it can be component of the system procedure so it feels the identical.
HP, the maker from the Envy x2, has become aggressive at updating its product drivers and also releasing firmware updates to keep the components operating correctly with Windows 8. These may be setup to only come about with handbook intervention, but I don't choose to miss out on vital updates like these so I've them take place routinely on the regular routine.
These components updates demand a procedure reboot to acquire applied, so I dutifully allow the technique to reboot to acquire every thing up-to-date. This typically exposes the hidden underbelly of Home windows 8 as about 50 percent the time a reboot implies it is implementing other Windows Updates that were downloaded in secret. That is the next stage of maintenance in Windows eight.
You have noticed the reboot display in Home windows eight that says it is actually configuring updates having a development indicator. At times these implement promptly and also other periods it would choose a moment or two. The point is Windows 8 grabbed the updates with none sign it absolutely was happening, and afterwards sat on them until finally the next technique reboot.
That would seem for being an inexpensive approach to prevent interrupting the user, nevertheless it would seem about 50 percent the reboots I do stop up using an unforeseen software of Windows Updates. That solution life of Home windows 8 seems being fairly lively every one of the time underneath my function sessions. It's a bit odd that Home windows 8 isn't going to give a sign that an update is going on while in the history. It isn't a major offer but could well be the courteous matter to try and do.
Occasionally I manually go into your Windows Update place while in the options to find out what may be lurking there. Normally it exhibits a Home windows Defender update is there being applied immediately eventually down the road. Since these updates hold my anti-malware up-to-date I always strike the backlink to go ahead and use them. They only just take some seconds to use so I do not fully grasp why it absolutely was waiting around for a long time in the future to use them. They require no reboot nor any person motion, so why wait to update right after it is aware of it has to be finished?
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Don't mimic Silicon Valley, Australians urged
In the past five years, there's been a growing campaign to
create the so-called "Silicon Beach" in Australia — mirroring
California's tech hub, home to the world's leading IT and social media
companies.
Google is one of a number of entities backing the idea, encouraging more Australians to launch tech start-ups and urging schools and universities to teach more computer science and engineering subjects.
The sector continues to grow in Australia, with about 1,500 start-ups and with a number of big name companies, including Twitter, increasing their presence here.
But Harper Reed, chief technology officer for Obama's re-election campaign, said that Australian tech companies must retain their own identity.
"I think every city, every region, should really represent what they do well," he told the CeBIT technology conference in Sydney on Tuesday.
"If you want to go and build a company that exists in Silicon Valley, then you should go and do it there.
"But if you want to build a company that is Australian, that represents your culture and your being, then you should do it in Sydney."
Rayid Ghani, the chief data scientist for the Obama campaign, said Sydney had some key advantages over Silicon Valley, including proximity to Asia.
Asked for his advice about what existing Australian company CEOs could do better, Reed said: "The first thing I would do is make sure that they are tweeting. Because they can start listening to the problems with their business personally."
Google is one of a number of entities backing the idea, encouraging more Australians to launch tech start-ups and urging schools and universities to teach more computer science and engineering subjects.
The sector continues to grow in Australia, with about 1,500 start-ups and with a number of big name companies, including Twitter, increasing their presence here.
But Harper Reed, chief technology officer for Obama's re-election campaign, said that Australian tech companies must retain their own identity.
"I think every city, every region, should really represent what they do well," he told the CeBIT technology conference in Sydney on Tuesday.
"If you want to go and build a company that exists in Silicon Valley, then you should go and do it there.
"But if you want to build a company that is Australian, that represents your culture and your being, then you should do it in Sydney."
Rayid Ghani, the chief data scientist for the Obama campaign, said Sydney had some key advantages over Silicon Valley, including proximity to Asia.
Asked for his advice about what existing Australian company CEOs could do better, Reed said: "The first thing I would do is make sure that they are tweeting. Because they can start listening to the problems with their business personally."
Monday, May 27, 2013
A far more difficult issue to answer is whether or not Windows 8.1
I initial got wind of Windows Blue from my contacts about 4 months back and
possess considering that created several PCMag columns concerning the OS update.
As I have defined prior to, Home windows eight.one, as it can be now officially
referred to as, extends this new touch-based OS to tablets within the 7- to
eleven.4-inch variety. It is also being used on exactly what are known as
ultramobile laptops, or laptops that specifically use an Intel Atom processor or
simply a new low-voltage chip from AMD identified as Temash.
The thrust to incorporate Windows eight to scaled-down tablets will come as no surprise as that is a market place that Microsoft has overlooked right until now, although tablets while in the 7- to 8-inch assortment will represent just as much as 65 p.c of all tablets sold globally beginning this yr. That's since these more compact tablets are inclined for being cheaper-some market for less than $150 presently and other individuals are anticipated to fall to $129 from the vacations. These more compact tablets are evidently getting used for content material usage, not productivity, but seemingly Microsoft also thinks that tablets from the 10.1-inch variety may also be media use products and do not cross around to productivity.
But there is a thing odd about Microsoft's solution to tablets and Windows 8.1 is noteworthy for your few of factors. Very first, it can be used on smaller sized tablets. Second, when employed on tablets or laptops that activity Intel's Atom chip or AMD's Temash processor, the OEM price tag for Home windows 8.1 is about $30 compared with its price on laptops and PCs with additional impressive processors wherever the license charge ranges from $65 to $85 for each machine.
But here's the twist: Microsoft has determined that on tablets approximately 10.1 inches managing Home windows 8.one and making use of these lower-end processors from Intel and AMD, it will eventually throw Microsoft Office environment in without spending a dime. If I'm not mistaken, Office is efficiency software package. Hence the enterprise seems to get stating that tablets up to 10.one inches are predominantly consumption units, not applied for efficiency, nonetheless it is providing them Office environment for free. Go figure! To get fair, this likely has one thing to do with receiving new people acquainted with Office and striving to move them to the cloud subscription of Business eventually. Still, around the area it still appears like a strange go.
As I mentioned higher than, OEM vendors could get Home windows 8.1 for about $30 assuming that they use these new low-voltage chips from Intel and AMD and will be executed on screens from 7 inches as higher as thirteen.3 inches. Having said that, these machines are clearly for productivity so Microsoft doesn't bundle Business free of charge. In the event the OEM suppliers heard they could get Home windows Blue for $30 when they utilized Atom or Temash and will use it on contact screens approximately thirteen.3 inches, they jumped on the opportunity to make lower price tag ultramobile laptops. Even though they understand that creating touch-based laptops within the $399 to $549 variety is rather dangerous as it could try to eat in to the product sales of extra costly ultrabooks, all OEMs have continue to embraced this chance and may before long provide these types of ultramobile laptops.
These lower-end ultramobile laptops are certainly created to go just after the Chromebook current market that is definitely finding up. In fact, NPD analysts mentioned that Chromebooks comprised 25 % of all laptops bought in retail less than $300 previous thirty day period. Our contacts at a community retailer explain to us they get twelve Chromebooks a week and that they may be all marketed out within just 48 hours. Whilst these ultramobiles could possibly be priced in a $200 to $250 premium more than Chromebooks, they are doing have comprehensive Home windows app compatibility and people who definitely have invested during the Home windows environment over the years may find this added expense tolerable. Also notice that buyers convey to us the highest price they're going to pay for your laptop or Personal computer is $599.
An rising craze suggests that folks favor low-cost laptops. Our exploration proceeds to substantiate that buyers can manage about eighty % in their computing desires on the tablet plus the remaining twenty per cent must nonetheless be performed on a pc. Consequently, when contemplating a completely new Computer system, they possibly elect to increase the lifestyle in their latest model or purchase an affordable design realizing that it is only essential for around twenty % with the factors they do, these types of as house finances, running media collections, or other heavy-lifting responsibilities.
The industry's most important issue is always that these low-cost, touch-based laptops not just turn into wildly common, but that they create what we get in touch with "the new usual." Which means that even though we are going to still market laptops higher than $599, the change in client need will enhance the amount bought at reduce rate details. The revenue margin on these more cost-effective laptops is way scaled-down than on highly-priced machines and if they acquire off, they may diminish the demand for higher-priced laptops, that have been the bread and butter in the Personal computer field for decades.
Windows 8.one will basically be a crucial edition of Home windows 8 thanks to this massive press with lower-cost, touch-based laptops. I believe that they will likely be a tremendous hit this back-to-school and getaway year. A far more difficult issue to answer is whether or not Windows 8.1 on smaller tablets will see any desire. It can be up towards iOS and Android, which the two have application suppliers boasting a lot more than 800,000 applications. And while we could see some 7-inch Home windows 8.one tablets as low as $249 with the holidays, Windows-based tablets should have an uphill climb specified the present level of competition.
The thrust to incorporate Windows eight to scaled-down tablets will come as no surprise as that is a market place that Microsoft has overlooked right until now, although tablets while in the 7- to 8-inch assortment will represent just as much as 65 p.c of all tablets sold globally beginning this yr. That's since these more compact tablets are inclined for being cheaper-some market for less than $150 presently and other individuals are anticipated to fall to $129 from the vacations. These more compact tablets are evidently getting used for content material usage, not productivity, but seemingly Microsoft also thinks that tablets from the 10.1-inch variety may also be media use products and do not cross around to productivity.
But there is a thing odd about Microsoft's solution to tablets and Windows 8.1 is noteworthy for your few of factors. Very first, it can be used on smaller sized tablets. Second, when employed on tablets or laptops that activity Intel's Atom chip or AMD's Temash processor, the OEM price tag for Home windows 8.1 is about $30 compared with its price on laptops and PCs with additional impressive processors wherever the license charge ranges from $65 to $85 for each machine.
But here's the twist: Microsoft has determined that on tablets approximately 10.1 inches managing Home windows 8.one and making use of these lower-end processors from Intel and AMD, it will eventually throw Microsoft Office environment in without spending a dime. If I'm not mistaken, Office is efficiency software package. Hence the enterprise seems to get stating that tablets up to 10.one inches are predominantly consumption units, not applied for efficiency, nonetheless it is providing them Office environment for free. Go figure! To get fair, this likely has one thing to do with receiving new people acquainted with Office and striving to move them to the cloud subscription of Business eventually. Still, around the area it still appears like a strange go.
As I mentioned higher than, OEM vendors could get Home windows 8.1 for about $30 assuming that they use these new low-voltage chips from Intel and AMD and will be executed on screens from 7 inches as higher as thirteen.3 inches. Having said that, these machines are clearly for productivity so Microsoft doesn't bundle Business free of charge. In the event the OEM suppliers heard they could get Home windows Blue for $30 when they utilized Atom or Temash and will use it on contact screens approximately thirteen.3 inches, they jumped on the opportunity to make lower price tag ultramobile laptops. Even though they understand that creating touch-based laptops within the $399 to $549 variety is rather dangerous as it could try to eat in to the product sales of extra costly ultrabooks, all OEMs have continue to embraced this chance and may before long provide these types of ultramobile laptops.
These lower-end ultramobile laptops are certainly created to go just after the Chromebook current market that is definitely finding up. In fact, NPD analysts mentioned that Chromebooks comprised 25 % of all laptops bought in retail less than $300 previous thirty day period. Our contacts at a community retailer explain to us they get twelve Chromebooks a week and that they may be all marketed out within just 48 hours. Whilst these ultramobiles could possibly be priced in a $200 to $250 premium more than Chromebooks, they are doing have comprehensive Home windows app compatibility and people who definitely have invested during the Home windows environment over the years may find this added expense tolerable. Also notice that buyers convey to us the highest price they're going to pay for your laptop or Personal computer is $599.
An rising craze suggests that folks favor low-cost laptops. Our exploration proceeds to substantiate that buyers can manage about eighty % in their computing desires on the tablet plus the remaining twenty per cent must nonetheless be performed on a pc. Consequently, when contemplating a completely new Computer system, they possibly elect to increase the lifestyle in their latest model or purchase an affordable design realizing that it is only essential for around twenty % with the factors they do, these types of as house finances, running media collections, or other heavy-lifting responsibilities.
The industry's most important issue is always that these low-cost, touch-based laptops not just turn into wildly common, but that they create what we get in touch with "the new usual." Which means that even though we are going to still market laptops higher than $599, the change in client need will enhance the amount bought at reduce rate details. The revenue margin on these more cost-effective laptops is way scaled-down than on highly-priced machines and if they acquire off, they may diminish the demand for higher-priced laptops, that have been the bread and butter in the Personal computer field for decades.
Windows 8.one will basically be a crucial edition of Home windows 8 thanks to this massive press with lower-cost, touch-based laptops. I believe that they will likely be a tremendous hit this back-to-school and getaway year. A far more difficult issue to answer is whether or not Windows 8.1 on smaller tablets will see any desire. It can be up towards iOS and Android, which the two have application suppliers boasting a lot more than 800,000 applications. And while we could see some 7-inch Home windows 8.one tablets as low as $249 with the holidays, Windows-based tablets should have an uphill climb specified the present level of competition.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Google to Fund, Develop Wireless Networks in Emerging Markets
Google Inc. GOOG -1.07% is deep into a multipronged effort to build and
help run wireless networks in emerging markets as part of a plan to connect a
billion or more new people to the Internet.
These wireless networks would serve areas such as sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia to dwellers outside of major cities where wired Internet connections aren't available, said people familiar with the strategy.
The networks also could be used to improve Internet speeds in urban centers, these people said.
Google plans to team up with local telecommunications firms and equipment providers in the emerging markets to develop the networks, as well as create business models to support them, these people said. It is unclear whether Google already has lined up such deals or alliances.
A Google spokeswoman declined to comment.
In some cases, Google aims to use airwaves reserved for television broadcasts, but only if government regulators allowed it, these people said.
The company has begun talking to regulators in countries such as South Africa and Kenya about changing current rules to allow such networks to be built en masse. Some wireless executives say they expect such changes to happen in the coming years.
As part of the plan, Google has been working on building an ecosystem of new microprocessors and low-cost smartphones powered by its Android mobile operating system to connect to the wireless networks, these people said. And the Internet search giant has worked on making special balloons or blimps, known as high-altitude platforms, to transmit signals to an area of hundreds of square miles, though such a network would involve frequencies other than the TV broadcast ones.
Google has also considered helping to create a satellite-based network, some of these people said.
"There's not going to be one technology that will be the silver bullet," meaning that each market will require a unique solution, said one person familiar with Google's plans.
The activities underscore how the Web search giant is increasingly aiming to have control over every aspect of a person's connection to the Web across the globe.
The Mountain View, Calif., company now makes its own smartphones and tablets through its Motorola Mobility unit. It owns Android, the most-used mobile operating system for smartphones, and it is also preparing to sell Google Glass, a wearable device for people's faces that it hopes will transform computing.
Connecting more people to the Web world-wide creates more potential users of its Web-search engine and other services such as YouTube and its Google Play media and app store. More than half of the world's population doesn't use the Web, particularly in developing nations, researchers say.
More Internet users, in turn, would drive online advertising on many of Google's services. The company currently derives 87% of its annual $50 billion in revenue from selling online ads.
Google's expansion can also net more data about consumer behavior, which can be used to create more personalized services and target individuals with more relevant advertising, said Narayanan Shivakumar, a former Google engineering executive. And by profiting from data it gleans from how people use a network it operates, Google could build a business more cheaply than traditional carriers do today.
Providing wireless networks would allow Google to circumvent incumbent cable companies and wireless carriers. Such companies, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, have clashed with Google, believing it is unfairly reaping profits on the back of their networks. Google has long feared such companies would make it harder for its Web services to work properly on the networks, said people with direct knowledge of the matter.
In the U.S., Google has deployed its own fiber-optic cables to wire up homes in cities in Kansas with high-speed Internet and video, and it has plans to do the same in cities in Missouri, Texas and Utah and elsewhere. Google also plans to launch powerful Wi-Fi networks in those markets that piggyback on its wired network, allowing anyone to use their mobile device to access the Web while they are in public spaces, said people familiar with the matter.
In mid-2011, Google also engaged in advanced discussions to buy rights to the airwaves, or spectrum, owned by wireless operator Clearwire Corp., CLWR 0.00% according to people with direct knowledge of the matter. The talks ended without a deal as Google pursued its blockbuster acquisition of Motorola MSI +0.57% Mobility.
And last year, Google held talks with satellite-TV provider Dish Network Corp. DISH -0.15% to partner on a new U.S. wireless service that might rival the networks of carriers such as AT&T T +0.03% and Verizon Wireless, people familiar with the matter have said.
Separately, Google also has made financial investments in Internet-access-related startups such as O3b Networks Ltd. O3b this year will launch special satellites that would broadcast signals to power new networks operated by telecom companies for remote areas of developing countries around the world.
The drive to be a vertical player starts at the top of Google. Chief Executive Larry Page for years has spearheaded secret research on alternative methods to provide more people with Internet access, and has become more active in thinking about providing wireless Internet access to consumers, said people familiar with the matter.
The initiatives have since become more serious and are being led by Google's "access" unit, the Google X lab led by Google co-founder Sergey Brin, and Google.org, the company's nonprofit arm, these people said.
Google sees its revenue-generating Web services as "inextricably linked to the infrastructure" of the pipes that bring the Web to people's devices, said David Callisch, a marketing executive at Ruckus Wireless Inc., RKUS -4.78% which helps build wireless Internet networks and has worked with Google on Wi-Fi projects.
Some of Google's steps toward giving emerging markets wireless access are public, with the company working with other organizations to convince governments in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia to change regulations to create new wireless networks using previously restricted airwaves. Google has long been involved in public trials to prove the technology—which operates at lower frequencies than some cell networks, allowing signals to be more easily transmitted through buildings and other obstacles and across longer distances—can work.
Google and Microsoft Corp., MSFT +0.35% normally archrivals, have cooperated to bring government leaders and wireless-industry entrepreneurs together to consider ways to open up the broadcast airwaves for public use. Next week, the companies are hosting a two-day conference in Dakar, Senegal, to discuss the issue with regulators from numerous countries.
Google has also funded and conducted several small-scale trials, many of them public, involving wireless networks that use TV broadcast airwaves in the U.S. and beyond. Microsoft, which has its own Web services such as Bing search and Skype video chat, also is conducting such trials in Africa.
One of Google's trials is in Cape Town, South Africa, involving a "base station" that broadcasts the signals with a range of several miles, and wireless access points, or small boxes that receive the signals.
The access points, made by a California company called Carlson Wireless Technologies Inc., are located at 10 elementary schools and high schools and allow thousands of students to receive high-speed Internet access via Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi routers. The system is controlled by Google software that automatically recognizes which TV broadcast airwaves in the area aren't being used at a given moment and can be used for the network.
Arno Hart, who manages the trial on behalf of the Tertiary Education and Research Network of South Africa, which operates wired Internet services for educational institutions, said it began in February and has "gone really, really well."
In a blog post last year announcing the trial, Google said the technology was "well-suited to provide low cost connectivity to rural communities with poor telecommunications infrastructure, and for expanding coverage of wireless broadband in densely populated urban areas."
For such wireless networks, Google has publicly supported the possibility of using small, inexpensive cellular devices, called "micro cells" that would be located at the access points and would harness the TV airwaves to broadcast the equivalent of a 3G or 4G wireless signal for devices within a quarter-mile radius.
These wireless networks would serve areas such as sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia to dwellers outside of major cities where wired Internet connections aren't available, said people familiar with the strategy.
The networks also could be used to improve Internet speeds in urban centers, these people said.
Google plans to team up with local telecommunications firms and equipment providers in the emerging markets to develop the networks, as well as create business models to support them, these people said. It is unclear whether Google already has lined up such deals or alliances.
A Google spokeswoman declined to comment.
In some cases, Google aims to use airwaves reserved for television broadcasts, but only if government regulators allowed it, these people said.
The company has begun talking to regulators in countries such as South Africa and Kenya about changing current rules to allow such networks to be built en masse. Some wireless executives say they expect such changes to happen in the coming years.
As part of the plan, Google has been working on building an ecosystem of new microprocessors and low-cost smartphones powered by its Android mobile operating system to connect to the wireless networks, these people said. And the Internet search giant has worked on making special balloons or blimps, known as high-altitude platforms, to transmit signals to an area of hundreds of square miles, though such a network would involve frequencies other than the TV broadcast ones.
Google has also considered helping to create a satellite-based network, some of these people said.
"There's not going to be one technology that will be the silver bullet," meaning that each market will require a unique solution, said one person familiar with Google's plans.
The activities underscore how the Web search giant is increasingly aiming to have control over every aspect of a person's connection to the Web across the globe.
The Mountain View, Calif., company now makes its own smartphones and tablets through its Motorola Mobility unit. It owns Android, the most-used mobile operating system for smartphones, and it is also preparing to sell Google Glass, a wearable device for people's faces that it hopes will transform computing.
Connecting more people to the Web world-wide creates more potential users of its Web-search engine and other services such as YouTube and its Google Play media and app store. More than half of the world's population doesn't use the Web, particularly in developing nations, researchers say.
More Internet users, in turn, would drive online advertising on many of Google's services. The company currently derives 87% of its annual $50 billion in revenue from selling online ads.
Google's expansion can also net more data about consumer behavior, which can be used to create more personalized services and target individuals with more relevant advertising, said Narayanan Shivakumar, a former Google engineering executive. And by profiting from data it gleans from how people use a network it operates, Google could build a business more cheaply than traditional carriers do today.
Providing wireless networks would allow Google to circumvent incumbent cable companies and wireless carriers. Such companies, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, have clashed with Google, believing it is unfairly reaping profits on the back of their networks. Google has long feared such companies would make it harder for its Web services to work properly on the networks, said people with direct knowledge of the matter.
In the U.S., Google has deployed its own fiber-optic cables to wire up homes in cities in Kansas with high-speed Internet and video, and it has plans to do the same in cities in Missouri, Texas and Utah and elsewhere. Google also plans to launch powerful Wi-Fi networks in those markets that piggyback on its wired network, allowing anyone to use their mobile device to access the Web while they are in public spaces, said people familiar with the matter.
In mid-2011, Google also engaged in advanced discussions to buy rights to the airwaves, or spectrum, owned by wireless operator Clearwire Corp., CLWR 0.00% according to people with direct knowledge of the matter. The talks ended without a deal as Google pursued its blockbuster acquisition of Motorola MSI +0.57% Mobility.
And last year, Google held talks with satellite-TV provider Dish Network Corp. DISH -0.15% to partner on a new U.S. wireless service that might rival the networks of carriers such as AT&T T +0.03% and Verizon Wireless, people familiar with the matter have said.
Separately, Google also has made financial investments in Internet-access-related startups such as O3b Networks Ltd. O3b this year will launch special satellites that would broadcast signals to power new networks operated by telecom companies for remote areas of developing countries around the world.
The drive to be a vertical player starts at the top of Google. Chief Executive Larry Page for years has spearheaded secret research on alternative methods to provide more people with Internet access, and has become more active in thinking about providing wireless Internet access to consumers, said people familiar with the matter.
The initiatives have since become more serious and are being led by Google's "access" unit, the Google X lab led by Google co-founder Sergey Brin, and Google.org, the company's nonprofit arm, these people said.
Google sees its revenue-generating Web services as "inextricably linked to the infrastructure" of the pipes that bring the Web to people's devices, said David Callisch, a marketing executive at Ruckus Wireless Inc., RKUS -4.78% which helps build wireless Internet networks and has worked with Google on Wi-Fi projects.
Some of Google's steps toward giving emerging markets wireless access are public, with the company working with other organizations to convince governments in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia to change regulations to create new wireless networks using previously restricted airwaves. Google has long been involved in public trials to prove the technology—which operates at lower frequencies than some cell networks, allowing signals to be more easily transmitted through buildings and other obstacles and across longer distances—can work.
Google and Microsoft Corp., MSFT +0.35% normally archrivals, have cooperated to bring government leaders and wireless-industry entrepreneurs together to consider ways to open up the broadcast airwaves for public use. Next week, the companies are hosting a two-day conference in Dakar, Senegal, to discuss the issue with regulators from numerous countries.
Google has also funded and conducted several small-scale trials, many of them public, involving wireless networks that use TV broadcast airwaves in the U.S. and beyond. Microsoft, which has its own Web services such as Bing search and Skype video chat, also is conducting such trials in Africa.
One of Google's trials is in Cape Town, South Africa, involving a "base station" that broadcasts the signals with a range of several miles, and wireless access points, or small boxes that receive the signals.
The access points, made by a California company called Carlson Wireless Technologies Inc., are located at 10 elementary schools and high schools and allow thousands of students to receive high-speed Internet access via Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi routers. The system is controlled by Google software that automatically recognizes which TV broadcast airwaves in the area aren't being used at a given moment and can be used for the network.
Arno Hart, who manages the trial on behalf of the Tertiary Education and Research Network of South Africa, which operates wired Internet services for educational institutions, said it began in February and has "gone really, really well."
In a blog post last year announcing the trial, Google said the technology was "well-suited to provide low cost connectivity to rural communities with poor telecommunications infrastructure, and for expanding coverage of wireless broadband in densely populated urban areas."
For such wireless networks, Google has publicly supported the possibility of using small, inexpensive cellular devices, called "micro cells" that would be located at the access points and would harness the TV airwaves to broadcast the equivalent of a 3G or 4G wireless signal for devices within a quarter-mile radius.
Up-to-date inside the to start with week of Could
This month, Windows Cellphone buyers ultimately been given Microsoft’s
YouTube client for their handset. Made by Redmond, after Google declined to
assist their mobile platform, the client has currently sparked a war of words
(and authorized letters) amongst the 2 tech businesses. The saga from the WP
YouTube client is way from in excess of, nevertheless it highlights two critical
parts - Microsoft usually means business with Windows Mobile phone, and YouTube
has started to become as pervasive for a utility business.
Up-to-date inside the to start with week of Could, Microsoft’s YouTube consumer ceased currently being an icon that opened up a mobile internet site and became a complete application on any Home windows Telephone handset, which include assistance for Kid’s Corner by restricting use of age limited movies; pinning channels, playlists and video clips; and downloading video clips for offline viewing.
By such as an alternative to down load films into the handset, instead of displaying any in-app promoting, Microsoft was provoking reaction from Google (all of the time together with the response of ‘we’d love to incorporate these, but we never have the API’). That reaction duly came, a major, juicy cease and desist letter (using the ask for to utilize the trapdoor in the Windows Cell phone Retailer to remotely delete all copies with the app).
And similar to that, after a metaphorical spherical of corporate ‘who’s is bigger’, the two companies are sitting down round the desk, and it appears like Home windows Mobile phone people could have a good and formal YouTube customer immediately after all.
It once experienced a very good third-party edition referred to as Metrotube, but anyone supporting that app will realise that it absolutely was regularly looking to find alternatives on the not enough APIs from Google, and at a single stage withdrew by itself within the Home windows Telephone Retail outlet mainly because it absolutely was just too tricky to maintain up with the variations. It’s again now, and customers go on to love the app. But there was normally need for something extra formal.
The posturing from the two Microsoft and Google illustrates just how vital on the net movie is always to a mobile system, as well as de facto leader on this subject is clearly YouTube. By giving clientele for the number of cellular platforms of their option, but only an HTML5 cellular edition on the website for Home windows Telephone users, Google needs to be wary of the anti-trust motion provided the dominance YouTube has while in the marketplace.
Google has declined to support Windows Telephone with purposes, pointing for the decreased current market share of your system, as well as their HTML5 offerings that indicate the data is often partially accessed through the cellular net browser. So Microsoft has made this shopper applying their methods, but without authorization to entry the indigenous APIs, they’re having to drive the difficulty which is able to benefit the people, but it really also bolsters the Windows Telephone platform and gives it parity using the handsets up coming to it over the Substantial Street.
There’s even now heading to get loads of give and acquire in between the businesses (the down load option has currently been eliminated), and several of which may be performed out in public, although the phase is ready. Microsoft goes aggressive with Home windows Cellphone; and Google must deal with the YouTube as a utility that should be out there to every person on line, not as their own individual walled back garden the place they're able to establish obtain rights on the platform by system foundation.
Up-to-date inside the to start with week of Could, Microsoft’s YouTube consumer ceased currently being an icon that opened up a mobile internet site and became a complete application on any Home windows Telephone handset, which include assistance for Kid’s Corner by restricting use of age limited movies; pinning channels, playlists and video clips; and downloading video clips for offline viewing.
By such as an alternative to down load films into the handset, instead of displaying any in-app promoting, Microsoft was provoking reaction from Google (all of the time together with the response of ‘we’d love to incorporate these, but we never have the API’). That reaction duly came, a major, juicy cease and desist letter (using the ask for to utilize the trapdoor in the Windows Cell phone Retailer to remotely delete all copies with the app).
And similar to that, after a metaphorical spherical of corporate ‘who’s is bigger’, the two companies are sitting down round the desk, and it appears like Home windows Mobile phone people could have a good and formal YouTube customer immediately after all.
It once experienced a very good third-party edition referred to as Metrotube, but anyone supporting that app will realise that it absolutely was regularly looking to find alternatives on the not enough APIs from Google, and at a single stage withdrew by itself within the Home windows Telephone Retail outlet mainly because it absolutely was just too tricky to maintain up with the variations. It’s again now, and customers go on to love the app. But there was normally need for something extra formal.
The posturing from the two Microsoft and Google illustrates just how vital on the net movie is always to a mobile system, as well as de facto leader on this subject is clearly YouTube. By giving clientele for the number of cellular platforms of their option, but only an HTML5 cellular edition on the website for Home windows Telephone users, Google needs to be wary of the anti-trust motion provided the dominance YouTube has while in the marketplace.
Google has declined to support Windows Telephone with purposes, pointing for the decreased current market share of your system, as well as their HTML5 offerings that indicate the data is often partially accessed through the cellular net browser. So Microsoft has made this shopper applying their methods, but without authorization to entry the indigenous APIs, they’re having to drive the difficulty which is able to benefit the people, but it really also bolsters the Windows Telephone platform and gives it parity using the handsets up coming to it over the Substantial Street.
There’s even now heading to get loads of give and acquire in between the businesses (the down load option has currently been eliminated), and several of which may be performed out in public, although the phase is ready. Microsoft goes aggressive with Home windows Cellphone; and Google must deal with the YouTube as a utility that should be out there to every person on line, not as their own individual walled back garden the place they're able to establish obtain rights on the platform by system foundation.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Waze Could Be In Play Again, With Google The Latest Suitor. Or Not Actually
Google is the latest suitor to be reportedly circling around social sat-nav
smartphone app Waze. Bloomberg reports ‘people familiar with the matter’ who say
Mountain View is considering an acquisition, and that Waze is “fielding
expressions of interest from multiple parties and is seeking more than $1
billion”. However sources contacted by TechCrunch have poured cold water on the
Google rumour.
We’ve reached out to Google and Waze but at the time of writing neither company could be reached for comment. Update: A spokeswoman for Waze said: “We don’t comment on rumors or speculation.”
Earlier this month we covered reports that Facebook was sniffing around the mapping and traffic service, with a view to ramping up its mobile efforts. Meanwhile Apple has also previously been linked with a Waze buy – having had its own highly public problems with maps. Google has also previously been rumoured to be interested, as has Microsoft. So that’s the full complement of tech giants all apparently eyeing up the same crowdsourced traffic startup.
Waze was founded in 2007 and has raised some $67 million in VC funding from backers including Kleiner Perkins, BlueRun Ventures, Magma Venture Partners, Vertex Venture Capital, and Li Ka-shing, according to Crunchbase. In February it announced it had grown to 40 million registered users, some of whom it picked up during Apple’s mapgate troubles. Waze has offices in the U.S. and Israel — the latter being where its R&D is based.
A key blocker for any Waze acquisition has been apparent investor conflict over the terms of any deal, with questions about whether Waze would move fully to the U.S. or keep R&D in Israel causing disagreements. There has also been investor conflict about whether to accept a lower, mostly cash offer or a higher offer comprised of more shares, according to our sources. Rumours of big tech suitors like Google sniffing around could also be a way for Waze investors to try to leverage more out of an acquisition — by making other suitors, such as Facebook (whose up to $1 billion interest in Waze we have previously confirmed), up their own offers.
Bloomberg’s sources claim Google and “other large tech companies” — but not Apple — have approached Waze about a possible acquisition since its talks with Facebook become public. However they also say none of the bidders is close to clinching a deal, and add that the talks may fall apart or Waze may walk away and seek more VC funding to continue expanding its mapping program. So really that’s saying everything is still to play for and any outcome is possible at this point.
To our ear, the most plausible-sounding scenario here is that investors are trying to leverage more out of a possible Facebook acquisition of Waze. Especially because multiple credible sources contacted by TechCrunch have told us that the Google acquisition rumour is not at all true.
We’ve reached out to Google and Waze but at the time of writing neither company could be reached for comment. Update: A spokeswoman for Waze said: “We don’t comment on rumors or speculation.”
Earlier this month we covered reports that Facebook was sniffing around the mapping and traffic service, with a view to ramping up its mobile efforts. Meanwhile Apple has also previously been linked with a Waze buy – having had its own highly public problems with maps. Google has also previously been rumoured to be interested, as has Microsoft. So that’s the full complement of tech giants all apparently eyeing up the same crowdsourced traffic startup.
Waze was founded in 2007 and has raised some $67 million in VC funding from backers including Kleiner Perkins, BlueRun Ventures, Magma Venture Partners, Vertex Venture Capital, and Li Ka-shing, according to Crunchbase. In February it announced it had grown to 40 million registered users, some of whom it picked up during Apple’s mapgate troubles. Waze has offices in the U.S. and Israel — the latter being where its R&D is based.
A key blocker for any Waze acquisition has been apparent investor conflict over the terms of any deal, with questions about whether Waze would move fully to the U.S. or keep R&D in Israel causing disagreements. There has also been investor conflict about whether to accept a lower, mostly cash offer or a higher offer comprised of more shares, according to our sources. Rumours of big tech suitors like Google sniffing around could also be a way for Waze investors to try to leverage more out of an acquisition — by making other suitors, such as Facebook (whose up to $1 billion interest in Waze we have previously confirmed), up their own offers.
Bloomberg’s sources claim Google and “other large tech companies” — but not Apple — have approached Waze about a possible acquisition since its talks with Facebook become public. However they also say none of the bidders is close to clinching a deal, and add that the talks may fall apart or Waze may walk away and seek more VC funding to continue expanding its mapping program. So really that’s saying everything is still to play for and any outcome is possible at this point.
To our ear, the most plausible-sounding scenario here is that investors are trying to leverage more out of a possible Facebook acquisition of Waze. Especially because multiple credible sources contacted by TechCrunch have told us that the Google acquisition rumour is not at all true.
Google Chrome Browser Keeps Winning Converts: 10 Reasons Why
Google's Chrome browser is coming on strong in the worldwide marketplace.
The browser, which just a few years ago held only single-digit browser market
shares, now controls 16.4 percent of that space, according to the latest data
from NetApps. And although that's still a far cry from Internet Explorer's 55.8
percent share, it has taken a significant chunk out of Microsoft's browser
dominance over the years.
With the latest Chrome launch, version 27, Google is once again proving that it wants to eventually match Microsoft in the browser market. The upgrade isn't major, but it includes some fixes to speed and security and other improvements to keep users happy. Better yet, it allows for spoken conversation, meaning voice integration is finally available in the platform.
But a discussion on what all of the new features in Chrome 27 are might not give a true picture of the browser market. Looking at Chrome itself, however, tells a much different story and explains how the browser went from being an obscure also-ran to being an effective alternative to Internet Explorer.
1. Blame it on Google
If Google weren't the company behind Chrome, there would literally be no chance that the browser would have gotten off the ground. The browser market is chock-full of lesser-known companies trying to compete with the likes of Microsoft and Mozilla, and they've all failed. Chrome and perhaps Apple's Safari are the only browsers to actually get it right. In Chrome's case, it happened because Google had the patience and determination to slowly win converts to its browser.
2. Simplicity means something
If the latest software and online trends have taught us anything, it's that customers are responding well to simplicity. That's perhaps why Chrome has come on so strong over the last few years. The browser is much simpler than Internet Explorer, while Safari and Firefox have been heavily modified to mimic Chrome's look and feel. Chrome's simplicity is a major selling point.
3. An emphasis on security
Google should be given credit for its dedication to security with Chrome. The company allows third parties to effectively take Chrome apart and try to exploit it in any way they'd like. If they're successful, they can earn cash rewards. The fixes are then incorporated into the browser to keep it safe. That has helped make Chrome one of the most secure browsers on the market and certainly more secure than Internet Explorer.
4. An even stronger emphasis on integration
Google has made the smart decision to fully integrate its many services into Chrome. That means that users can access Gmail, Maps and other companies' services, if they're signed in within the Chrome browser. Simply having access to Google Search in the address bar is a huge plus. Full integration really matters.
With the latest Chrome launch, version 27, Google is once again proving that it wants to eventually match Microsoft in the browser market. The upgrade isn't major, but it includes some fixes to speed and security and other improvements to keep users happy. Better yet, it allows for spoken conversation, meaning voice integration is finally available in the platform.
But a discussion on what all of the new features in Chrome 27 are might not give a true picture of the browser market. Looking at Chrome itself, however, tells a much different story and explains how the browser went from being an obscure also-ran to being an effective alternative to Internet Explorer.
1. Blame it on Google
If Google weren't the company behind Chrome, there would literally be no chance that the browser would have gotten off the ground. The browser market is chock-full of lesser-known companies trying to compete with the likes of Microsoft and Mozilla, and they've all failed. Chrome and perhaps Apple's Safari are the only browsers to actually get it right. In Chrome's case, it happened because Google had the patience and determination to slowly win converts to its browser.
2. Simplicity means something
If the latest software and online trends have taught us anything, it's that customers are responding well to simplicity. That's perhaps why Chrome has come on so strong over the last few years. The browser is much simpler than Internet Explorer, while Safari and Firefox have been heavily modified to mimic Chrome's look and feel. Chrome's simplicity is a major selling point.
3. An emphasis on security
Google should be given credit for its dedication to security with Chrome. The company allows third parties to effectively take Chrome apart and try to exploit it in any way they'd like. If they're successful, they can earn cash rewards. The fixes are then incorporated into the browser to keep it safe. That has helped make Chrome one of the most secure browsers on the market and certainly more secure than Internet Explorer.
4. An even stronger emphasis on integration
Google has made the smart decision to fully integrate its many services into Chrome. That means that users can access Gmail, Maps and other companies' services, if they're signed in within the Chrome browser. Simply having access to Google Search in the address bar is a huge plus. Full integration really matters.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)