New Technology Reviews!.: Chrome

How To Control Your PC Remotely Only Using Google Chrome

<img alt="launch app-chrome remote desktop" border="0" height="301" src="http://cdn.vikitech.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/launch-app-chrome-remote-desktop.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 6px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle; white-space: normal;" width="597"></h3>
 
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Remotely accessing a PC can be tricky. Especially if you are trying to help a less than tech savvy person. Luckily Google has come up with a way to help with only an extension for Google Chrome.</div>

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Being that most people are familiar with and trust the web browser they are using, walking them through adding an extension to an application they already use daily is easier than teaching them to use a whole new application.</div>
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There are many applications out there, both free and paid, to remotely access computers. However, if you do not frequently need to access or be accessed, the simplicity of a browser-based remote desktop app will be ideal. 
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How To Control Your PC Remotely Only Using Google Chrome

Remotely accessing a PC can be tricky. Especially if you are trying to help a less than tech savvy person. Luckily Google has come up...

Google+ Mac "app" now available (Updated)

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If you're one of the early adopters of Google+ and have been wishing for a native Mac app that you could use to check out your circles and swim the stream, you're in luck. A rudimentary Google+ app is now available for Mac, which bodes well for the future of standalone apps for the social media tool.</div>
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The app appears to be a pared-down version of Google's Chrome Browser, since the menu bar shows "Chrome" as the name of the running app instead of "Google+." However, the app is much smaller -- about 16.5 MB in size compared to 239 MB for the full-fledged version of Chrome.</div>
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Launching the app takes you directly into the same web version of Google+ that you're used to. Clicking any links will open a new browser window, so your Google+ session remains foremost on your screen and unsullied by tabs.</div>
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It's not really a native app, but according to the developer it's something to tide over Mac users until something faster and more Mac-like can be prepared. For the time being, the Google+ app should work fine for those who want to keep their social networking separate from their other browsing.</div>
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The app is hosted on Cloud App and is a quick download.</div>
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Update: We'd like to warn readers that this appears to be an unofficial app that is not sanctioned in any way, shape or form by Google. If you've already downloaded the app, you may wish to log into Google+ through your normal browser and change your password just in case this is a "social engineering" attack disguised as a harmless way to access your Google+ account.</div>
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Google+ Mac "app" now available (Updated)

If you're one of the early adopters of Google+ and have been wishing for a native Mac app that you could use to check out your cir...

Chrome browser handles DOS games

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<img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-84247 aligncenter" height="149" mce_src="http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/5314/dosbox.jpg" src="http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/5314/dosbox.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #444444; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px;" title="dosbox" width="234" />There is nothing quite like rolling back the years by indulging in a little bit of nostalgia – and for hardcore gamers, surely you would have had your fair share of games on the MS-DOS platform? Ah, to run a game directly from a command prompt seemed to be so far removed from today’s mouse clicking crowd, and there will always be a group of people who would love giving DOS games a go even now. NaClBox is actually a DOSBox port that enables DOS games to be played on the Google Chrome browser. Yes, that’s right – you can experience titles such as the classic Star Wars Tie Fighter complete with multi-voice MIDI sound and VGA graphics, now how about that?,</div>
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<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ubergizmo?a=BrvJ4xGpJ-A:5wtlPKqBvIM:yIl2AUoC8zA" mce_href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ubergizmo?a=BrvJ4xGpJ-A:5wtlPKqBvIM:yIl2AUoC8zA" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5;"><img alt="" border="0" mce_src="http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/259/90071116.gif" src="http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/259/90071116.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ubergizmo?a=BrvJ4xGpJ-A:5wtlPKqBvIM:qj6IDK7rITs" mce_href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ubergizmo?a=BrvJ4xGpJ-A:5wtlPKqBvIM:qj6IDK7rITs" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5;"><img alt="" border="0" mce_src="http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/6137/99257265.gif" src="http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/6137/99257265.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ubergizmo?a=BrvJ4xGpJ-A:5wtlPKqBvIM:gIN9vFwOqvQ" mce_href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ubergizmo?a=BrvJ4xGpJ-A:5wtlPKqBvIM:gIN9vFwOqvQ" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5;"><img alt="" border="0" mce_src="http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/5352/96775578.gif" src="http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/5352/96775578.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ubergizmo?a=BrvJ4xGpJ-A:5wtlPKqBvIM:-BTjWOF_DHI" mce_href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ubergizmo?a=BrvJ4xGpJ-A:5wtlPKqBvIM:-BTjWOF_DHI" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5;"><img alt="" border="0" mce_src="http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/56/88483695.gif" src="http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/56/88483695.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px;" /></a></div>
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Chrome browser handles DOS games

There is nothing quite like rolling back the years by indulging in a little bit of nostalgia – and for hardcore gamers, surely you would...

1Password, Lion and that new Safari extension

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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0.6em;">
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="187" mce_src="http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/2118/1psswordsafariextension.jpg" src="http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/2118/1psswordsafariextension.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #444444; display: block; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 12px; max-width: 640px;" width="135" />1Password version 3 was recently made available with Mac OS X Lion compatibility, enhanced keyboard shortcuts and, most notably for Safari users, a new Safari extension. The new extension borrows heavily from its Chrome counterpart and represents a departure from the older version. I spoke with Dave Chartier about what Safari users can expect from the current version of 1Password as well a few other goodies.</div>
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TUAW: Dave, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for me. Right off the bat I've got to ask you about the re-designed Safari extension, which is available to Lion users and Snow Leopard users running Safari 5.1. It's quite a departure from its predecessor, at least in the looks department. What can you tell me about the new extension?</div>
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Dave: With the new extension we wanted to give users a bigger slice of 1Password right in the browser. The goal was to give you access to more of your data without having to open the 1Password app, and yet speed up the login and form-filling experience whether you're a mouse cowboy or keyboard ninja. It is now much easier to flip through between your Logins, Identities, Credit Cards, and the Strong Password Generator, and new users should have a much easier time learning and exploring what 1Password can do for them.</div>
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TUAW: I see that the new Safari extension is similar to the Chrome extension, at least in appearance. What motivated the team to bring the Chrome extension's look to Safari?</div>
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Dave: Why, it's all just part of the plan! We released our Chrome extension early in 2010. We've been working for a some time towards unifying as much of our extension code and interface as possible, and with the increased pace of Chrome and now Firefox development, we grew more motivated to focus our efforts there in order to improve the update process for our users.</div>
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Last November we decided to try out this new interface and extension architecture with our Chrome users and it was a huge hit. We received fantastic feedback, and when Apple announced Lion earlier this year and a number of changes coming to Safari 5.1 for Snow Leopard users, we decided Safari should be the next step.</div>
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One of the great features of this new extension is that it will allow us to update it without having to update the 1Password application. Automatic extension updates is a big selling point of Chrome, and now Safari supports it too. In fact, this new version installs as an official Safari extension -- you can open Safari 5.1's preferences and see for yourself.</div>
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TUAW: Are there any other goodies that Lion users can expect from the latest version of 1Password?</div>
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My favorite goodies (which work for both Lion and Snow Leopard users in Safari 5.1) are all the new keyboard shortcuts, which we highlight on our blog and in a dedicated support document. You can now call the 1Password extension, find a login, tab between your Logins, Identities, Credit Cards, and Strong Password Generator, and view details on every item (including password history!) without touching your mouse.</div>
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The ability to view an item's details comes in handy in a bunch of ways too, such as when you need to log into a Flash site. Instead of having to stop what you're doing, open the 1Password app, and hunt for your login there, you can just stay in the browser and open the new 1Password extension, then hit the right arrow key to view your Login's details and copy the password to paste into the form. It's a huge time saver.</div>
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Thanks, Dave! 1Password has many fans on the TUAW staff, myself included. Here's to future updates.</div>
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1Password, Lion and that new Safari extension

1Password version 3 was recently made available with Mac OS X Lion compatibility, enhanced keyboard shortcuts and, most notably for Safar...

Games at Google revealed in job posting

Google is looking for someone to run a new gaming division, an official job posting has revealed. The posting on Google's website details a position as Project Manager for a new venture to be called Games at Google and offers "a rare opportunity to grow a brand-new business." A social gaming venture from Google has been long in the offing, and this is the first official confirmation. It remain unclear whether Games at Google will be an Android-based platform, a future part of the Chrome OS or something universal for all web users. Interesting and impactful The broad job posting requires someone to lead the new venture from designing the user experience, working on partnerships with developers and working with the gaming community. It reads: "We are looking for a strategic, technical and game-loving Product Manager to drive Google's gaming strategy. "You will design strategies for game distribution and discovery, player identity, game mechanics, and more. "In addition to designing a great user experience and building out key partnerships, you will be significantly influencing Google's social platform as you work directly with a critical set of early adopters, game developers. "Interesting and impactful decisions involving social gaming, privacy, virality, business, and technical APIs await you and the strong, passionate team of gamers you will work with." We'll be keeping our snouts close to the turf on this one. <a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/106215538122/u/49/f/9809/c/669/s/16195929/a2.htm"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/3898/31258733.gif" /></a><img alt="" height="1" src="http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/5505/57211695.gif" width="1" />

Games at Google revealed in job posting

Google is looking for someone to run a new gaming division, an official job posting has revealed. The posting on Google's website detail...

Hands on: Google Chrome OS netbook review

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-484-200-200.jpg"> We first glimpsed the CR-48 prototype Google Chrome OS netbook at CES in January and they've finally appeared in the UK courtesy of the Big G. Our Chrome OS netbook has arrived in the office today, so we've ignored the big hot sun to bring you more in-depth thoughts on Google's Windows basher than we were able to put together in a few minutes on a baking show floor at CES. First thing's first, this is still very early kit. Some of the creases we'll explain here will be ironed out by the time Chrome OS gets into your hands in hardware from many of the usual netbook vendors. Second thing's second, Google Chrome OS looks like Chrome the browser because, essentially, that's exactly what it is. Here's a few of the different bits. That's what it is. It's a browser. There is no desktop. And that in itself takes an awful lot of getting used to. We won't lie - we've been spoilt with fully-fledged operating systems. Chrome OS does attempt to make up for the limitations of this in many of the ways that phone OSes fail to - there is a (very basic) file browser so you can transfer files between somewhere like Dropbox and Google Docs. Or where you might save an image from the web to upload as your Facebook profile pic. <img alt="Chrome os cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4818-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Chrome OS also comes with the Scratchpad note-taking tool. Of course, you don't need Chrome OS for this, but it's a handy tool and can sync with Google Docs. <img alt="Chrome os cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4813-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> You sign in using your Google Account, though you'll need to be connected to the internet (or the integral cellular) to sign in – so you can have multiple people signing in on your Chrome OS netbook. Guest access does exist, but you can disable this. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-481-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> If you already sync your Chrome browser to the cloud like us, your Extensions and other details download automatically. You're offered to take a webcam pic for your account picture when you first sign in.... <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4812-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> ...while there are also options for logging onto Wi-Fi and cellular networks, even before the point of login should you not already be connected... <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4823-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> ...and there's also the ability to set the time and date. Otherwise, pretty much everything is handled inside the standard Chrome interface including all the settings. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4824-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> There are some usability flaws. Our main criticism is that, well, things are a bit slow. We know how fast the Chrome browser is (answer: fast) and strangely that speed just isn't replicated here. Admittedly, we have a fair amount of Extensions installed – could that be a factor? – but it doesn't seem a problem for the versions we've used on Windows or Mac OS X. Also fonts in the browser seem really rather patchy in terms of the way they render - as do some other elements. Despite us having the new Google bar on all our other machines, it isn't replicated on Chrome OS. As we said, it's early days. And then there's the issue of connectivity. The key issue of connectivity. Chrome OS is currently a bit rubbish without the internet. Google Docs will again support offline use in due course but until this happens and becomes reliable, there's at least a little to be desired. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4815-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> We mentioned the cellular data support of the CR-48 - the SIM slots in inside the battery compartment. This is essential to the success of Chrome OS as a system. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4825-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Hardware-wise, the CR-48 prototype is surprisingly tidy in appearance and very usable. The keyboard is pleasant, the matt finish smart and the matt screen excellent for usability. There's a webcam, mic and a VGA connector. Here we're using the webcam through Google Talk, which pops up at the base of the browser. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4814-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> So what else is there to shout about hardware-wise? Well it seems pretty well-prepared - the sole USB port accepted our Logitech cordless mouse without issue, for example. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-486-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> There's also a VGA adapter. Like the decals? They were included in our Chrome OS box. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-485-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> The function keys atop the keyboard for maximising and minimising Chrome OS, changing brightness, switching tabs and the like work well. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4817-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Indeed, the marriage between hardware and software isn't too shabby and many Windows netbooks could take a look at the simplicity on show here. Leave it on and it will sleep. Any key will wake it. Close the lid, it will sleep. Resume is instant. <img alt="CR-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-487-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> The Caps Lock key has been replaced with a search key that brings up a new tab for us. If you really want Caps Lock back, you can get it though. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-488-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> So although Chrome OS is quite usable for basic web use when you have connectivity, it's those moments offline that Google really needs to think about. Naturally, the real battle will be price. How cheap can Chrome OS netbooks be? They'll have to be sub-£300 to be a serious alternative to Windows netbooks for starters. <img border="0" height="1" src="http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/9809/s/13a3faa6/mf.gif" width="1"> <DIV class=mf-related><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/allnews/~3/lnX8IJk4gqY/story01.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Article</A></DIV>

Hands on: Google Chrome OS netbook review

We first glimpsed the CR-48 prototype Google Chrome OS netbook at CES in January and they've finally appeared in the UK courtesy of the ...

Hands on: Google Chrome OS netbook review

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-484-200-200.jpg"> We first glimpsed the CR-48 prototype Google Chrome OS netbook at CES in January and they've finally appeared in the UK courtesy of the Big G. Our Chrome OS netbook has arrived in the office today, so we've ignored the big hot sun to bring you more in-depth thoughts on Google's Windows basher than we were able to put together in a few minutes on a baking show floor at CES. First thing's first, this is still very early kit. Some of the creases we'll explain here will be ironed out by the time Chrome OS gets into your hands in hardware from many of the usual netbook vendors. Second thing's second, Google Chrome OS looks like Chrome the browser because, essentially, that's exactly what it is. Here's a few of the different bits. That's what it is. It's a browser. There is no desktop. And that in itself takes an awful lot of getting used to. We won't lie - we've been spoilt with fully-fledged operating systems. Chrome OS does attempt to make up for the limitations of this in many of the ways that phone OSes fail to - there is a (very basic) file browser so you can transfer files between somewhere like Dropbox and Google Docs. Or where you might save an image from the web to upload as your Facebook profile pic. <img alt="Chrome os cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4818-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Chrome OS also comes with the Scratchpad note-taking tool. Of course, you don't need Chrome OS for this, but it's a handy tool and can sync with Google Docs. <img alt="Chrome os cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4813-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> You sign in using your Google Account, though you'll need to be connected to the internet (or the integral cellular) to sign in – so you can have multiple people signing in on your Chrome OS netbook. Guest access does exist, but you can disable this. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-481-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> If you already sync your Chrome browser to the cloud like us, your Extensions and other details download automatically. You're offered to take a webcam pic for your account picture when you first sign in.... <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4812-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> ...while there are also options for logging onto Wi-Fi and cellular networks, even before the point of login should you not already be connected... <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4823-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> ...and there's also the ability to set the time and date. Otherwise, pretty much everything is handled inside the standard Chrome interface including all the settings. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4824-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> There are some usability flaws. Our main criticism is that, well, things are a bit slow. We know how fast the Chrome browser is (answer: fast) and strangely that speed just isn't replicated here. Admittedly, we have a fair amount of Extensions installed – could that be a factor? – but it doesn't seem a problem for the versions we've used on Windows or Mac OS X. Also fonts in the browser seem really rather patchy in terms of the way they render - as do some other elements. Despite us having the new Google bar on all our other machines, it isn't replicated on Chrome OS. As we said, it's early days. And then there's the issue of connectivity. The key issue of connectivity. Chrome OS is currently a bit rubbish without the internet. Google Docs will again support offline use in due course but until this happens and becomes reliable, there's at least a little to be desired. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4815-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> We mentioned the cellular data support of the CR-48 - the SIM slots in inside the battery compartment. This is essential to the success of Chrome OS as a system. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4825-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Hardware-wise, the CR-48 prototype is surprisingly tidy in appearance and very usable. The keyboard is pleasant, the matt finish smart and the matt screen excellent for usability. There's a webcam, mic and a VGA connector. Here we're using the webcam through Google Talk, which pops up at the base of the browser. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4814-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> So what else is there to shout about hardware-wise? Well it seems pretty well-prepared - the sole USB port accepted our Logitech cordless mouse without issue, for example. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-486-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> There's also a VGA adapter. Like the decals? They were included in our Chrome OS box. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-485-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> The function keys atop the keyboard for maximising and minimising Chrome OS, changing brightness, switching tabs and the like work well. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-4817-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Indeed, the marriage between hardware and software isn't too shabby and many Windows netbooks could take a look at the simplicity on show here. Leave it on and it will sleep. Any key will wake it. Close the lid, it will sleep. Resume is instant. <img alt="CR-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-487-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> The Caps Lock key has been replaced with a search key that brings up a new tab for us. If you really want Caps Lock back, you can get it though. <img alt="Google cr-48" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/mobile-computing/notebooks-and-tablet-pcs/images/chrome-cr48/cr-488-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> So although Chrome OS is quite usable for basic web use when you have connectivity, it's those moments offline that Google really needs to think about. Naturally, the real battle will be price. How cheap can Chrome OS netbooks be? They'll have to be sub-£300 to be a serious alternative to Windows netbooks for starters. <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techradar/allnews/~3/JFeDqqdE9uo/story01.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Article</A>

Hands on: Google Chrome OS netbook review

We first glimpsed the CR-48 prototype Google Chrome OS netbook at CES in January and they've finally appeared in the UK courtesy of the ...

GNU founder Richard Stallman and Gmail creator Paul Buchheit hate on Chrome OS

GNU founder Richard Stallman and Gmail creator Paul Buchheit hate on Chrome OS

There are a lot of things to like about Google's prototype Chrome OS machine, the CR-48, not the least of which its name that makes it ...

Gmail developer says Google Chrome OS will fail

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com///classifications/computing/software/operating-systems/images/Chrome_OS/chrome-cr48_crop-200-200.jpg"> The lead developer of Google's Gmail service reckons the hotly-anticipated Chrome OS is doomed to failure. Paul Buchheit, the former Google employee who also developed the company's AdSense technology, says that the cloud-based challenger to Windows 7 and OS X is likely to end up in Android's shadow. On his FriendFeed account (a Twitter-like service) Buchheit succinctly forecast: "Prediction: ChromeOS will be killed next year (or 'merged' with Android)." Dead on arrival? Just last week in San Francisco <a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/google-shows-off-chrome-os-but-no-devices-until-mid-2011-913698">Google took the wrapper off the OS</A>, unleashing the full feature set for the first time, while promising the first Chrome OS notebooks by the middle of next year. Beta devices are already on the way to developers, certain members of the media and a few select fans who will be allowed to test the OS ahead of the 2011 release. Despite the fanfare, Buchheit reckons Chrome might be dead on arrival, adding: "Is this too obvious to even state? But then I see people taking Chrome OS seriously and Google is even shipping devices for some reason." What's the point? With a tablet-friendly Android 3.0 Honeycomb OS very much in the pipeline and Android already so well established, it's likely that Chrome will indeed be confined to laptops. Will Android and Chrome end up being merged? Is Mr Buchheit right? Let us know your thoughts on the <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/techradar">TechRadar Twitter feed</A>. Also, read Garry Marshall's latest column, <a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/chrome-os-whats-the-point-914002">Google Chrome OS: What's the point?</A>

Gmail developer says Google Chrome OS will fail

The lead developer of Google's Gmail service reckons the hotly-anticipated Chrome OS is doomed to failure. Paul Buchheit, the former Goo...

Chrome Web Store, HTML5 and the iPad: symbiosis at its best

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KlvNohYj_4wLV9rC19RXk94WQAcq4sWh1mOISO2XnLMfJ2w-wTCwJfCjtulam_RXZAPJdl4CtLWLzQEwU6ZckCeozQDb6_mNlhFulYyDKTZcU8JloEWwy64pn-wb961wQMlvZrTRNu0/s1600/npr-app-chrome-ipad-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KlvNohYj_4wLV9rC19RXk94WQAcq4sWh1mOISO2XnLMfJ2w-wTCwJfCjtulam_RXZAPJdl4CtLWLzQEwU6ZckCeozQDb6_mNlhFulYyDKTZcU8JloEWwy64pn-wb961wQMlvZrTRNu0/s320/npr-app-chrome-ipad-1.jpg" width="320"></a></div> 
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=latesttecompu-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0046SUPQQ&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>It's all coming together, folks. It doesn't take much of a gander at the Chrome Web Store to notice a trend: some of the flashiest, most mature "apps" are actually just in-browser versions of iPad apps. And you know what else? Most of these "apps" actually run fine in Safari on the iPad.

Chrome Web Store, HTML5 and the iPad: symbiosis at its best

It's all coming together, folks. It doesn't take much of a gander at the Chrome Web Store to notice a trend: some of the flashiest,...

In Depth: Google Chrome OS: what you need to know

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/software/operating-systems/images/Chrome_OS/chrome-cr48_crop-200-200.jpg"> The long-awaited <a href="">Chrome OS is finally here</A>, and the first Chrome notebooks are winging their way to happy beta testers as you read this. So is it the operating system reinvented, or just a nifty way to squeeze more speed out of laptops? Here's what you need to know about Google's Chrome OS. Chrome OS is web-only There's no underlying operating system to Chrome: unlike, say, Apple's iOS you don't have a choice between native applications and web applications. Every Chrome application is a web application; think browser-based apps rather than desktop ones. As a result, apps in the Chrome Web Store will run "all [desktop] browsers that support this technology." Don't worry, though, the apps will work offline - something of a plus for those of us who travel to places where there's no decent coverage. Places like, er, most of the UK. <img alt="Chrome store" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/software/operating-systems/images/Chrome_OS/chromestore-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> FAMILIAR: The Chrome Web Store reminds us of something. Your sarcasm detector should be beeping Chrome OS is device independent Chrome is all about getting you onto the web as fast as possible, and the experience is designed to be identical no matter what device you pick up. You don't have to use Google's apps to benefit from Chrome, but inevitably you'll get a better experience if you do. Chrome OS might not work on your PC Google isn't interested in supporting every PC that's ever been made; by all means download the code and compile it yourself, but don't be surprised if it doesn't play nice on your existing hardware. Google's looking forwards, not backwards, and the focus here is on shipping Chrome on brand new devices next year. For now it's on Intel chips, but ARM support is coming too. Chrome OS isn't finished Chrome is still in beta, so some things don't work. Cloud-based printing isn't finished yet, USB support for devices such as cameras needs more work and overall performance needs tuned. Chrome OS is secure All of your data is encrypted by default and there's a guest mode so other people can use your computer without accessing any of your stuff. Chrome OS also has a feature called Verified Boot, where the operating system is checked for integrity at boot and if anything's changed, you can roll back to a Last Known Good Configuration. Google says it's the most secure desktop operating system ever shipped. <img alt="New york times app" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/software/operating-systems/images/Chrome_OS/nytapp-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> QUICK START: Big-name apps such as the New York Times are already available, look good and work well Chrome OS is fast You should be able to go from switched-off machine to ready for business in ten seconds. That's partly because of the solid state storage, which is much faster than traditional hard disks, and partly because Chrome has been optimised for speedy booting. Chrome OS notebooks will ship in early 2011 It seems that the Chrome release date has been delayed, because rather than ship this month as expected Google has announced that Acer and Samsung will be shipping the first Chrome Notebooks "mid-2011 globally". Google says that other manufacturers will follow. Google's already built and deployed a Chrome notebook The reference machine is called Cr-48 - after the isotope of chromium - and shows roughly what Chrome notebooks will look like. Thousands of Google employees are already using it as their main computer, Google says. Chrome OS netbooks won't have hard disks The Cr-48 specifications aren't set in stone, but it is reference hardware - in other words, it's pretty much what Google expects other firms to make. It has a 12.1" screen, a webcam, a full size keyboard and an "oversized" clickable touchpad. There's no caps lock - "it'll improve the quality of comments all over the web," Google jokes - and there are no function keys. In fact, while the caps lock has been replaced by a search button, you can change it to a caps lock in the system settings. More significantly, there's no hard disk: Chrome notebooks are designed with faster solid state storage. Connectivity comes in two flavours: Integrated world-mode 3G and dual-band 802.11n wireless. Google says eight-plus hours of everyday use should be realistic, and Chrome notebooks should hang around for eight days in standby mode. Google's chucking Cr-48 notebooks at everyone Google is putting some of its money where its mouth is: it's giving Cr-48 notebooks to some of the world's best known firms so they can test it properly and provide feedback. Firms including American Airlines, Kraft, Virgin America and even the US Department of Defense are taking part in the Pilot Program - and consumers can take part too. How to get a free Google Cr-48 Chrome notebook If you didn't send off for a Chrome sticker via the Chrome Facebook page, we've got bad news for you: those stickers are attached to Chrome notebooks and they're being shipped to some very happy Facebookers. Don't despair, though, because there are other ways to get on the programme provided you live in the US. <img alt="Apply for chrome os" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/software/operating-systems/images/Chrome_OS/chromeapply-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> The next time you click New Tab in Chrome, look for anything different: there may be an invitation to the Pilot Program. If not, you can fill out the <a href="http://www.google.com/chromeos/pilot-program.html">Google Pilot Program form</A>, or humiliate yourself in front of a camera and upload it to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/googlechrome">http://www.youtube.com/googlechrome</A>. The notebooks will be shipped between now and January and applications are open until midnight on 21 December. It wouldn't be Google if there weren't some cute videos to watch. Here's the Chrome OS promo. </PARAM><PARAM value="true" name="allowFullScreen"></PARAM><PARAM value="always" name="allowscriptaccess"></PARAM><EMBED src=http://www.youtube.com/v/7SHbqakDm-w&hl=en&fs=1 width=420 height=315 type=application/x-shockwave-flash allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"> </EMBED></OBJECT>

In Depth: Google Chrome OS: what you need to know

The long-awaited Chrome OS is finally here , and the first Chrome notebooks are winging their way to happy beta testers as you read this. S...

Opinion: Chrome OS: a new beginning for web apps?

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/software/operating-systems/images/Chrome_OS/chrome-cr48_crop-200-200.jpg"> Google has finally announced full details of its web only <a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/google-chrome-os-what-you-need-to-know-914070">Chrome OS</A>. Whilst the response to the release date (mid 2011) was slightly muted, the general reaction has been a positive one. At the same time Google announced the Chrome Web Store, a place to source and purchase web applications compatible only with the Chrome web browser. Obviously the big idea here is for the store to become the main source of apps for Chrome OS users, in the same way the Apple App Store is the only place to go for new iOS software. But web applications aren't exactly new, so what does the Chrome Store, and Chrome OS, give us that is new? First, let's look at the Chrome Store in isolation. Right now it is a slightly strange experience. 'Downloading' a web app seems to just add it to your Chrome start page, and er.. well that's about it. Launching the app opens it in a new tab, and you interact with it just like any other website. Because that's exactly what it is: a website. For example, installing the 'Aviary Image Editor' from the Chrome store offers exactly the same experience as browsing directly the site, even in a different browser. All change Right now apps are written in HTML5 and JavaScript, current web standards, but that will change. Earlier this year Google released more details of its 'Native client' or NaCI for short. This allows the Chrome browser to run x86 native code, allowing its hosted web apps to consist of more traditional code in addition to HTML and JavaScript. This is Google's attempt to advance the cause and power of web apps, and allow them to offer an experience more akin to traditional desktop apps. It will also make the offerings of the chrome app store much more enticing, as they begin to tempt us with features that standard websites can't match. Enter Chrome OS Which brings us onto Chrome OS, the real reason for the app store. Used from within the new browser-based operating system the store feels a much more natural experience. But what about the apps themselves? It's currently a similar experience to just using the browser on another OS. Apps are accessible from a central 'app screen' but launch in the browser function pretty much like the vanilla web sites they basically are. NaCI again has a huge role to play here in increasing the sophistication of the apps, but their integration with the OS will also be significant. Let us take Gmail, probably one of the more sophisticated web applications currently out there on the web, as an example of where web apps could be heading under Chrome OS. Firstly, sophisticated offline access is an absolute must. Google previously had its own Gears plugin for offline access to its apps, but has been moving toward a HTML5 implementation for some time. Chrome OS will allow you offline access to apps, but it remains to be seen if there will be offline access to individual files, like we are use to on current operating systems. In fact, it remains to be seen if we will be able to access a 'filestore' at all just yet, or whether files will only be accessible inside of their respective apps. My guess would be Google Doc's slow transformation into an online hard disk will come into use here. Secondly will the look and feel of apps develop? Will we see multiple windows inside one app, like Word's ability to handle multiple documents? Will people use a tab per app, or separate instances of Chrome? Will the 'instant' save feature of many apps completely remove any notion of 'saving' files? There are many metaphors in the traditional operating system that may not travel well with a web OS. System-wide cut and paste? The humble web app feels relatively mature right now. However, I suspect that Chrome OS may show us that we are only at the beginning of a very exciting journey.

Opinion: Chrome OS: a new beginning for web apps?

Google has finally announced full details of its web only Chrome OS . Whilst the response to the release date (mid 2011) was slightly muted,...

Gary Marshall: Chrome OS: what's the point?

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/software/operating-systems/images/Chrome_OS/chrome-cr48_crop-200-200.jpg"> There's an old saying in marketing: sell the sizzle, not the sausage. Google's <a href="">Chrome OS presentation</A> reminded me of that. We spent ages watching Google grind up some testicles, bits of bone, chopped sawdust and the odd factory worker's finger before shoving them into a big machine, but nobody spoke about how tasty sausages are or fried up a few tasty links. We saw the sausage. Where's the sizzle? There was a telling bit in the post-launch Q&A, where the Google team were asked why someone should use a New York Times web app in Chrome when they could just go to the New York Times website. There was humming. There was hawing. I was half-expecting someone to say "Damn, we hadn't thought of that. Cancel the project!" with security goons rushing in to bring the session to a premature halt. That didn't happen, but it really was a good question. Chrome OS is undoubtedly clever and Google's giveaway of lots and lots of Chrome notebooks is very nice, but what exactly is it the answer to? It's here. Now what? I suspect the problem is the iPad and the rise of the tablets. Most questions to which the answer could be "Chrome notebook" can also be answered "iPad" or "Android tablet". What boots faster than a traditional PC (the answer to that one also includes "MacBook Air" and "Anything with solid state storage")? What runs web apps from an App Store? What sleeps and wakes instantly? What's very secure and very unlikely to get viruses? What's really portable? What has great battery life? What can access the enterprise systems from a secure yet friendly interface? Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? You get the idea. Even the Web Store looks like a very slightly tweaked iTunes. It's easy to make predictions that blow up in your face - remember "No wireless. Less space than a Nomad. Lame" about the iPod? - but while there are obvious benefits to enterprise customers, I'm struggling to see how this is going to appeal to consumers. Mobile phone subsidies will make it as cheap as chips if you look beyond the pricey data contract, I'm sure, but the networks subsidise netbooks, normal laptops and iPads, too. I really can't see why you'd want a Chrome OS notebook when you could buy a normal notebook and run the Chrome browser on it - or skip notebooks altogether and go with a tablet instead. Maybe it was just an underwhelming presentation and Google's got a marketing plan that's going to blow everyone's socks off. I do hope so, because more tech, more competition is always good. But I can't help thinking that Google's reinventing the netbook just as everybody who wants a netbook has bought one, and just as everyone who might have thought about buying one has either bought or started saving for a tablet. If I'm right, Google isn't shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted; it's erecting a precision tooled, state of the art stable door in an empty field.

Gary Marshall: Chrome OS: what's the point?

There's an old saying in marketing: sell the sizzle, not the sausage. Google's Chrome OS presentation reminded me of that. We spen...