Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Big Events for Both Microsoft and Apple

For Microsoft, it’s the release of Service Pack One…for Apple, it looks like the new iPad 2 will be announced in early March. That will be interesting…and I wonder how it got leaked. Apple is very secretive and if the leak source is ever found, he or she will be fired.  Of course, the other big question is…will Steve Jobs be there to present it. He is currently on a medical leave of absence.

But two other heavy hitters in the tech world, Amazon and Google, both have interesting stories to tell, both listed below. You never know what is going to show up in this newsletter, so stay tuned… - JRC

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Now Available

Service Pack 1 combines a number of updates and improvements into a single download, so if you haven't been keeping your computer up to date thus far, this one download is a good way to catch up.

Apple to Unveil IPad 2 on March 2 in San Francisco

Apple will hold its much-anticipated event on March 2, where the tech giant seems poised to unveil a new version of its hugely successful iPad, according to multiple sources. Analysts expect the iPad 2 to be thinner than its predecessor and feature an improved display, as well as front-facing camera and Facetime video chat support. And some reports suggest it will be powered by one of Qualcomm’s multimode chips and will run on both GSM and CDMA-based networks around the world.

Amazon Launches Streaming Onslaught Against Netflix

Netflix faces some serious competition as Amazon.com added instant streaming of more than 5,000 movies and TV shows for Amazon Prime members. Amazon's Prime service already offers unlimited two-day shipping for $79 a year. That compares to about $100 a year for Netflix streaming.

Hidden Secrets of the Google Search Box

From math problems and package tracking to flight information and playing music, the humble Google search box is a gateway to knowledge. With a few tips and tricks, you can use Google as a full-fledged calculator, mine local information, get answers to specific questions, find a package or flight, translate foreign words, and much more.

10+ Chrome extensions and Web apps for new users

I've become a big fan of the Chrome Browser. In fact,I use Chrome 50% of the time (the other 50% on Firefox). It is a clean interface and it is fast. It is constantly being updated, but that happens in the background so you don't have to worry about it. Like Firefox, it can use extensions and it now has thousands available to make your browsing experience even better. If you want to give Chrome a spin, here is a list of important extensions you should consider adding to it.

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