Pulse2 Technology and Social Media News » Google Chrome Operating System

Google Chrome OS Looks More Like Windows and OS X Hybrid Now

Amit Chowdhry — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:18:59 +0000

Google has updated Chrome OS and it has a massive visual upgrade that makes it look a lot more like a hybrid of Windows and OS X. Previously it look like a more advanced version of the Google Chrome browser.

The new version of Chrome OS is code-named Aura. It looks like a traditional desktop operating system with stacked windows, a task manager, and an app launcher. Aura has support for hardware acceleration, which means that it uses the GPU instead of the CPU for tasks that are intensive. Google said that the new framework will offer “large-scale animated transitions and effects.”

Aura will not be available as an update for the Cr-48 Chromebook prototype, but it will work on the Samsung Series 5 and Acer AC700 Chromebooks.

LG Signs Patent Deal With Microsoft

Amit Chowdhry — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:20:34 +0000

LG Electronics has just signed a patent licensing deal with Microsoft. Microsoft has made patent licensing deals with companies that manufacture devices using Android tablets and smartphones. According to a press release from Microsoft, LG signed a patent agreement that covers LG’s use of Android and the Chrome operating system on tablets, mobile phones, and other devices.

Microsoft Corporate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Intellectual Property Horacio Gutierrez believes that licensing patents is the best way to resolve intellectual property clashes. Currently Microsoft has 11 patent-licensing deals with Android and Chrome OS manufacturing companies. These 11 companies somehow compensate Microsoft for selling devices that run on Android or Chrome. Microsoft patent licensees include HTC, Samsung, Quanta, and Wistron.

Currently about 70% of all Android smartphones sold in the U.S. are receiving coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio. Microsoft is awarded with thousands of patents every year and was the 6th largest company in terms of number of patents awarded last year.

I’m sure Google is not happy about Microsoft profiting from their operating system. After Google’s acquisition of Motorola is complete, they will have access to over 17,000 new patents, which would definitely intensify the intellectual property war.

[ZDNet]

Google Confirms Launch Of Acer and Samsung Chromebooks Set To June 15th

Amit Chowdhry — Thu, 12 May 2011 18:30:32 +0000

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has confirmed that the Chrome operating system based Chromebook laptops powered by Acer and Samsung will be launching on June 15th. To get your hands on the Chromebook as a student, it costs $20 per month. Enterprise Chromebooks costs $28 per month. If you add $3 per month to each of those numbers, it will be 3G-equipped. Here’s the catch: consumers can buy these deals a la carte, but bigger organizations need to sign a 3-year deal and commit to 10 Chromebooks. [Engadget]

Google To Sell “Student Package” Laptops For $20 Per Month

Amit Chowdhry — Wed, 11 May 2011 12:34:12 +0000

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) will be announcing the availability of a new laptop running on the Chrome operating system for $20 per month. This laptop will include the hardware and Google Apps software. Google Apps is online software that Google created to compete with Microsoft Office. Google Apps includes word processing, spreadsheets, calendars, etc. “Small and medium-sized businesses are banging on our doors to get something like this,” stated a senior executive. [Forbes]

Google Testing Chrome OS On Tablets

Amit Chowdhry — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 02:43:49 +0000

The source code in Chrome OS reveals that Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) programmers are testing out the operating system in tablets. “We are engaging in early open-source work for the tablet form factor, but we have nothing new to announce at this time,” said the company in a statement.

“Chrome OS was designed from the beginning to work across a variety of form factors. We expect to see different partners build different kinds of devices based on Chrome OS, but for this initial release we are targeting the notebook form factor,” added the company.

Some of the notable code changes in Chrome OS includes:
- There is a new string in the code known as “CrOS Touch,” instead of just CrOS.
- A virtual keyboard has been added.
- Increasing the space around items, making it easier on touch interfaces.
- A new-tab page that is optimized for touch.

[CNET]

Asus Planning $200 Chrome Netbook [RUMOR]

Amit Chowdhry — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:45:18 +0000

According to a rumor, Asus is planning on launching a $200 netbook that runs on the Google Chrome operating system. The netbook would most likely be a 10″ or 11″ with a possible subsidy 3G contract. [CrunchGear]

Google Cr-48 Chrome Laptop Gets A Hands-On [VIDEO]

Amit Chowdhry — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 20:05:04 +0000

Engadget has gotten their hands on the Cr-48 Chrome operating system powered laptop. The 12.1 inch Atom-powered laptop has a matte black body and feels very similar to a Droid. There is an Envy-style clickpad and it has a similar hinge design as the MacBook. The keyboard is also similar to the MacBook.

The keyboard does not have a Windows Key button. Instead that is replaced with a large CTRL and ALT button. There is an SD card slot and headphone/USB slots. There is also a SIM card slot. Engadget said that Flash is not working well with general applications, specifically with video.

[Engadget]

60,000 Chrome OS Netbooks Being Shipped To Google From Inventec

Amit Chowdhry — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:49:42 +0000

According to DigiTimes, Inventec has already shipped about 60,000 Chrome operating system powered netbooks to Google. The Chrome OS based products are estimated to arrive in the first half of 2011. Acer worked with Quanta Computer to develop at 10.1-inch Atom N550-based Chrome OS netback that has built in WiFi and Bluetooth. [DigiTimes]

Google Announces First Chrome OS Laptop: The Cr-48

Amit Chowdhry — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 01:55:39 +0000

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has announced the first Chrome OS laptop: the Cr-48. The Cr-48 will be part of the Chrome OS Pilot Program as part of a public beta. To get your hands on the laptop, you have to apply to join the program. There is only a limited number of laptops available.

The public can get their hands on Chrome OS laptops in mid 2011. The specs include:

-12.1 inch screen
-Full size keyboard
-Large clickpad
-Qualcomm Gobi 3G chip for Verizon data plans
-802.11n dual-band WiFi
-8 hour active use battery life
-8 days of standby time battery life
-Webcam
-Flash storage

The name of the laptop “Cr-48″ is a play on the isotope of the chromium material.

[Engadget]

Google Chrome Netbook Launching On December 7 [RUMOR]

Amit Chowdhry — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 20:59:22 +0000

Multiple Engadget.com sources claim that Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) is launching a Chrome-based netback on Decmeber 7. The netback is expected to have an Intel Atom processor and it will only have 65,000 units manufactured for Google’s friends and family members. The cloud-based operating system is still in beta mode. [Engadget]