Thursday, June 28, 2012

Google’s Big Week

While Microsoft and Apple had their big announcements a few days ago, but yesterday and today belonged to Google…and they made the most of it. First, they introduced us to Android 4.1, code-named “Jelly Bean.” For most of us, this means next-to-nothing. Why? Because those of us with Android devices will not be able to upgrade to it. Those with Android 4.0 might be able to upgrade, but no guarantees…and only 7% of folks with an Android device have 4.0. Even with those limitations, 4.1 is pretty cool.

But where it comes into play was also introduced yesterday…the new Google Nexus 7” Tablet. This is a powerful tablet device that will sell for $199. Watch out Amazon, Google is coming after your market. And with the power of this device, they should do quite well. I watched the demo yesterday and let me tell you, this machine is pretty amazing.

It uses a quad-core processor and a video processor with 12 cores. Wow! And of course it runs on the new Android 4.1 Operating System. For games and video it can’t be beat. It is a serious tablet, far more powerful than the Kindle Fire, and will ship in about two weeks. But before you run out and buy one, be aware that the new Kindle 2 tablet (or tablets) will be coming out shortly. So, let’s wait and see what they have to offer. Tablets just keep getting better and better.

Other products introduced yesterday include Google Nexus Q, a streaming media device (see story below) and an upgraded Google+ app for Android devices (iOS devices coming very soon).

Today, Google dropped more bombs…first a Chrome Browser for iOS devices, which makes me happy…I would much rather have Chrome on my iPad than Safari. Second, a Google Drive app for all operating systems which, like SkyDrive, means all your data on Google Drive is available to all your devices at the same time. Of course, all your data is stored in the cloud and is immediately available to all your devices. Very cool. I’ve installed Chrome and Drive on my iPad and will give you a report later.

As you will see, much of this blog is dedicated to all the new Google products as they could be important to your computing pleasure. But, I did sneak in a few other tips and downloads…so, without any further ado, let’s get started. – JRC

Google Nexus 7 Tablet

Today, during Google's opening day keynote at Google I/O 2012, the company announced a new Asus-branded tablet called the Nexus 7. It was hardly a surprise given the flood of leaks over the past few days, but I was eager to pick up a unit and tear open the box. Here's what I've found so far.

The Android Nexus 7 Tablet (and Jelly Bean) Explained

A quick look at Google’s new Nexus 7 tablet shows us it has the potential to not just best all the other Android slates on the market - and Amazon’s Kindle Fire - but perhaps even challenge the dominance of the iPad.

Nexus 7 Tablet vs. Kindle Fire vs. the Rest: Spec Smackdown

Google’s Nexus 7 tablet, the company’s Android Jelly Bean-powered device, is heavy on the specs as it guns for Amazon’s Kindle Fire and the Nook Tablet. It’s not only the form factor and screen size Google is challenging its competitors, but also the price -- starting at $200 -- which means consumers will have quite a choice for a 7-inch Android tablet at this price point.

Google Chrome come to Apple iOS devices

Adding the Google browser to iOS devices means Google users will be able to get a more consistent experience across multiple devices, including their iPhones and iPads.

Google releases Google Drive for iOS and Chrome OS

Google has just announced that Google Drive will be coming to iOS and Chrome OS, and it's available now in the App Store. At its day 2 keynote, Google demonstrated Google Drive on the iPad, showing off the real-time collaboration and image recognition capabilities.

Google Nexus Q - Digital Media Receivers

Google is officially going head-to-head with Apple, Sony, Samsung, and Microsoft in the battle for your living room. The Google I/O keynote ended with the company's latest attempt to bring its services to your TV: the Google Nexus Q.

How to Maintain Your Android Phone

Android phones can become slow and clunky with age, but these tips can help get your phone running like new again

Microsoft explains why it killed the Windows 8 Start button

In an interview with PC Pro, the company has revealed that telemetry data was a big part of the decision to scrap the Start button and traditional Start menu in Windows 8.

10 Facebook Tips for Power Users

Facebook is a platform like any other — with a little practice you can get really good at using it. To help you out, we have pulled together 10 tips that we think will be useful for “power users” of the social network.

The Editors' Choice List: Our Selection of the Best PC Freeware

This really is a "best of the best" list. Most of the products in this list have been awarded the coveted "Gizmo's Top" pick award signifying they are the best free product in their class. We've also included some other outstanding products that have impressed our editors with their usefulness and professionalism.

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