Tag Archives: netbook
We May See a Chrome OS Netbook Mid-2010, But Not For Sale
Posted on 25. Feb, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 
0 Comments
There has been a lot of speculation that there will be a Chrome OS netbook that will be available from Acer in the middle of this year, which would only be about four months away. I’m not sure where this kind of information is coming from, but I think that this was something that was leaked by an insider to keep Acer’s name in the news about Chrome OS. Ther reality is that yes, we will probably see something from Acer in mid-2010, but it won’t be something that we as consumers will be able to buy yet.
That’s because one of the biggest computer shows, Computex, will be convientley showing off the wares of many manufacturers in early June. Doesn’t that sound like mid-2010 to you? Plus, Computex is held in Taipei, Tawian. That means that major companies such as Asus, MSI and of Acer will be there, and they will probably be showing finished products that run on Chromium builds.
Also, in late May, Google will hold its developer conference, dubbed Google I/O. A look at the sessions that will be held has some Chrome OS topics scheduled. There may be some news that comes out of the conference, most likely of which will be an announcement of a uniform programming language for use across Google’s platforms to help streamline development when the operating system is actually released. This will most likely be of Google’s own experimental language, called Go.
Look, anyone that has taken a look at the latest builds of Chromium by running Hexxeh’s Flow would know that while the OS is progressing, there is still some development that still needs to be completed before Google is going to give the green light for manufacturers to sell devices with this platform. While I’m sure they want to get something out that competes with Apple’s iPad soon, rushing the development cycle for this is not going to create a lasting impression on users if the product is not ready.
So if you’re in such a hurry, Acer, why don’t you advertise the fact that you have the Windows 7/Android AOD250 netbook on the market? Sure, it’s not a tablet. But it’s probably a more polished product that what Chrome OS can offer consumers over the next six months:
So expect to see some interesting hardware developments by June, but don’t expect to see something that you can actually purchase until the beginning of the fourth quarter.
Qualcomm Plans to Bring FLO TV to Smartbooks
Posted on 19. Feb, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 0 Comments
At the Mobile World Congress, which just wrapped up in Barcelona, Taiwan’s Quanta Computer showed off a smartbook running Chrome OS complete with Qualcomm’s FLO TV. So what is FLO TV? It’s digital content straight to your mobile device, whether that may be television shows or interactive magazines. Plus, by watching shows or reading articles with a digital device, you are able to have an enhanced expereince: imagine getting Twitter updates while watching a game or being able to read an interview of an entertainer that you just read a profile of. Here’s a quick overview:
That’s the basic gist of FLO TV. Because it uses analog signals that were once for over-the-air TV, you don’t need to have an internet connection, or even 3G service. It can be had for a small fee on wireless phone networks like Verizon and AT&T, or you can buy a device specifically for FLO TV. While that may be the case right now, don’t be surprised to start seeing this on smartbooks and netbooks. When Quanta first showed off this netbook product late last year, it was running Android. Now they are using a Chromium build instead. Also, should it come to any surprise that instead of using an Intel Atom, it is loaded with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processor?
According to their corporate site, Quanta currently does not have its own netbook or smartbook on the market, so it is possible that they are waiting for a commerical launch of Chrome OS before they release one. Since they have used both Android and Chrome, it seems like they enjoy running operating systems that are free for this device.
Dell Chrome OS Build Has Been Updated
Posted on 18. Feb, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 0 Comments
The Linux team at Dell has been periodically releasing builds that are focused on testing what Chrome OS can do for their line of Mini netbooks. A few days ago, they put out a build based on the latest Chromium Project version from February 11. Also in this is support for the latest Broadcom drivers, however there is a user that has reported that they are having issues with wi-fi with their Mini 9 netbook.
Regardless, this has been tested by Dell for the Mini 9, Mini 10, 10v and Latitude 2100. It’s pretty cool to see them doing this, and prior to releasing these builds I had not idea that they had dedicated support for the Linux platform. In the public eye, Dell is showing us that they are preparing for a time when they will sell commercial products that are loaded with Chrome, and there are several benefits for them to do this.
This is especially true in terms of being competitive on cost for netbooks and eventually tablets or other gadgets as well. With every computer manufacturer moving into smaller devices, expect to see a mobile computing market have an array of devices that people can choose from.
You can get more information here:
• README: http://linux.dell.com/files/cto/README-Feb11.txt (please read this FIRST)
• Image: http://linux.dell.com/files/cto/ChromiumOS_Mini10v_Feb11.img.gz
DISCLAIMER: This image is totally UNSUPPORTED with no WARRANTY – USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Another Samsung Chrome OS Post: Yeah Blah Blah
Posted on 17. Feb, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 0 Comments
So Samsung is working on a Chrome OS product. What a shock. Although maybe in a dry news cycle there is an appetite for anything related to Chrome OS, that unfortunately doesn’t really strike me as news. Maybe I’m cynical, maybe I’m a realist (I could also be dumb, you could comment upon that if you want). The truth is that there are probably a whole slew of manufacturers that want to be the first that gets into the genre of Google’s cloud computing platform. But in being realistic that means that the one that offers the most compelling device specs for the initial launch will win.
It would really be no coincidence that Samsung has initialized a partnership with ARM to provide graphics capabilities to their mobile devices, but other sites are not reporting this little nugget of information. Instead of providing specifications for a future netbook, the interest that I have is more about the synergy that Samsung and ARM will create with this partnership.
Sure, its just a press release, but the reality is that Samsung doesn’t need an integrated processing and graphics solution for a television or a mobile phone. It’s to get into the netbook/tablet/smartphone market. And say what you will about them, but their products are pretty good. Mind you, to compete in the soon-crowded cloud operating system market they are going to be dealing with Taiwan companies that have been successful in the netbook market such as Asus and Acer. However, I would not be surprised to see Samsung do some innovative development that puts them ahead of the pack and eventually have a Chrome OS product that is ahead of their competition.
If Samsung is really interested in entering this market and competing on price, then they could do well. Their track record in consumer electronics is pretty good. But HTC, which came out of nowhere, is currently dominating in Android mobile phone sales because they are ambitious and were willing to take risks that traditional mobile phone manufacturers were not willing to do. Is it going to be a consumer electronics company like Samsung that can heed the call for emerging web operating systems? We will see.
Low Powered Mini ARM? It is Now Possible
Posted on 13. Feb, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 2 Comments
University of Michigan researchers have made what will be a breakthrough in processing power for mobile computing – an ARM processor that is smaller than a penny and uses a miniscule amount of power. The energy requirement for this chip right now is provided by a small solar powered unit, and eventually could be derived by other sources such as the body heat of a human. The goal of this project is to develop monitoring devices for health purposes but I can see a bigger use for something like this in the technology industry.
For those who are not aware (I’m one of those) ARM is a company based in Cambridge that has a business based on the Qualcomm model – they don’t manufacture their products, they simply research, develop and license them to others for use in electronic products. You might be surprised to know that ARM processors are already in 95% of the mobile phones that we use. In fact, the current ARM products are so successful because they work on the idea that low enegy and low heat dissipation is the reason why we enjoy phones that don’t melt in our pockets the way that laptops do when they’re sitting on our legs.
So it comes to no surprise that the next generation of laptops, netbooks and smartbooks are probably going to be based on this technology. Qualcomm has already released their processor for the mobile computing market, dubbed the Snapdragon. Expect to see products being released in 2010 with these processors, because their power and heat use are low enough to not require a fan for releasing heat from the chassis of a mobile computer.
Of course, I expect that Intel will come out with something to combat ARM processors like the Snapdragon, as the most popular netbooks right now use their Atom architecture. But for the time being, ARM is going to be the way to go when looking at computers that are light and fast – which is the model for what Google’s Chrome OS is expected to run on. Don’t be surprised if initial machines running Chrome OS that hit the market are using ARM processors.
Also, think about the applications for a processor that small. While it may be far off, think about the implications of tablets that could theoretically unfold out of your pocket and provide all of the processing power that you would need.
What kind of applications could you develop for a platform like that?
You can read more about the University of Michigan research project right here.
Video: Compaq Airlife 100 Breaks into Smartbook Territory
Posted on 12. Feb, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 0 Comments
Ever dislike sitting with your laptop until it gets uncomfortably hot to the point where you no longer can get any work done? With a new generation of computing devices called smartbooks, this problem – along with a few other hardware issues – fades away. A smartbook that has poppped up in the news today is the Compaq Airlife 100 which is an 10.1 inch Android machine that is based on a Snapdragon ARM processor. An ARM processor is the type of technology commonly found in smartphones and other highly mobile devices. Because of this, the chipset itself does not generate a lot of heat and therefore does not need a fan for cooling. Check out this video from CES:
Touchscreen, solid state hard drive and 3G? Where can I get one of these bad dogs?
So what is the difference between a smartbook and a netbook? The lines will probably blur sooner or later, but a netbook is a device that probably runs an Intel Atom chipset and runs a full function OS such as Windows. A smartbook has a hardware platform more akin to a smartphone, yet offers more functionality in terms of a larger internal storage capability, a full keyboard and a good number of inputs for versatility.
Right now most of these smartbooks are running customized Android platforms, but don’t be surprised if we start seeing some web OSs on these very soon.
Apple’s Strategy: iPad the Bottom Line – Before the Competition
Posted on 30. Jan, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 1 Comments
There is no speculation at this point that Apple’s tablet has been way overhyped – but it’s been some great free marketing. Plus, the iPad has a leg up on its rivals in that it does not have any solid competition right now in this segment. Many are saying that at $499 ($130 if you want wireless 3G) for the entry level 16GB iPad that this tablet is a good price. But the reality is that it’s a good price because there are not many tablet products out there as well as the fact that it’s a pretty cheap Apple product.
The only other tablet products that are out now are made by PC manufacturers such as HP and Lenovo, but these devices usually come with Windows 7, have swivel keyboards and cost over $1,500. Those products are tagerted toward businesses, and that’s a totally different market altogether than what the iPad is currently focusing on.
What you’re getting is essentially a larger iPhone – without the phone. There’s no camera, you cannot multitask and typing anything other than short texts are going to be difficult unless Apple has some really groundbreaking technology in this product. And did I mention that the operating system for the iPad is closed source?
Apple still doesn’t offer a product in the netbook genre. Instead, they are releasing a tablet. This may be a good idea for them – but I have a feeling once the competition heats up that only those who are Apple diehards are going to want an iPad. In fact, at a recent presentation at Google’ London headquarters, Senior Product Manager of Search Anders Sandholm basically had to go the “no comment” route when asked about whether Chrome OS will have a multitouch tablet product.
Final thought? Apple is going to have a cash cow on their hands – until Google gets a product from a manufacturer like HTC or maybe even an MSI product running Android. Also Motorola has announced plans to bring out a product that is cheaper and has more capabilities. And there’s no doubt that many other companies are going to announce their plans as well.
Don’t believe that Apple is just using this tablet to pad the bottom line from slower iPod sales? Look at this bill of materials report on the iPad by Computerworld. Interpretation? Apple has room to drop this price when competitors arrive, but they will try to keep their healthy margins as long as they can.
More Development Resources Released For Chromium Project
Posted on 25. Jan, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 0 Comments
Now that extensions are available for the Chrome browser across all platforms, the Chromium team from Google has posted on their blog some resources for developers to get started working with Chrome to develop apps for both the browser and eventually what will be the Chrome operating system that is expected to ship in the third quarter. Third quarter Google Chrome netbook? Sounds a little early, but at least that’s what Acer has been saying today.
Anyways, with the newest stable release of Chrome browser (version 4), there is support for some things like the Web SQL Database API for localized storage, a Websockets API for faster data tramsmission and unobtrusive status alerts for users.
As for where to get help for Chromium related development, those interested in extensions can head to the official Google threads to get involved in that discussion as well as take a look at a short tutorial on how to create your first extension. There is also a new Chromium HTML5 Group that was just started recently. And for those of you who have used the Chromium OS Discuss Google Group in the past, it has moved to a new location, so be forewarned that old posts from the previous Group database have to be found at the old site to search for answers from. Otherwise, you may need to post a question that has already been asked at this point.
And while not so technically-focused, we also have a forum here for discussion.
Must Read: Interview with Chrome OS Engineering Director
Posted on 21. Jan, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 2 Comments
A fantastic in-depth article came out yesterday about Chrome OS that comes from those behind the scenes at Google. This was an interview that was done back in November with Chrome OS lead engineer Matthew Papakipos and Google PR’s Eitan Bencuya. They talk about a myriad of topics, from the conceptualization of Chrome OS out of Chrome browser development, why we call netbooks what we do and who the target market is for Chrome OS.
One of the big issues addressed is the difference between a phone and a netbook. For many (including myself) it seems difficult to understand why there is both Android and Chrome OS. But the reality is that until there is a breakthrough in usability design that allows a phone and a netbook to converge, there really does need to be a clear separation between netbooks and smartphones. The concept of tablets and smartbooks are moving technology in that direction, but until you are able to pull a Chrome OS machine out of your pocket and use it just like a full fledged computer, this is the way things have to be.
The best part? The quote from Papakipos on what Chromium OS really is: ”it is challenging—we haven’t figured this all out.”
That’s what is intriguing.
Support for Nexus One Could be Improved for Google Netbook
Posted on 09. Jan, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 2 Comments
So while it is apparent that Google wants to be at the epcicenter of even selling hardware, as the sale of their Nexus One phone on their website shows, it doesn’t appear that their customer service for this product is up to snuff when comparing other wireless providers. It’s being reported that the forums for Nexus One support questions are being overloaded and there is very little in terms of response from Google’s support people on resolutions.
Customer service on the Nexus One support page of Google’s website does not offer a phone number to contact, and email responses that are sent to Google are being responded to in one or two days. Too long, says some of the people over at the official Nexus One support forum.
In looking at the forum, it appears that many of the problems being reported are related to 3g coverage being extremely spotty, and that the phone keeps switching from 3G back to EDGE, which is slower, almost like 2G. Unfortunately for Google, I don’t know how much of this has to do with the hardware or Android, as it may be something that T-Mobile is going to have to address on their network.
And therein lies the problem of Google selling the Nexus One direct to consumers. With Google offering the operating system, HTC providing the hardware and T-Mobile running the network infrastructure, you have a new dynamic that is going on where there is a confluence of factors going into one product. Plus, that leaves some problems out of Google’s sphere of control and therefore is causing customer service problems.
I’m not saying that Google can’t make this right – it just means they need to try to learn from this experience if they want to launch other hardware offerings such as a Google-branded Chrome OS netbook in the near future. Because although that device may reach a different demographic than the Nexus One, it still will require the contributions of several different companies in order for it to be a success.
Great Secondhand Market for Chrome OS
Posted on 06. Jan, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 0 Comments
This may be a familiar situation for those who work on a day-to-day basis with technology issues, but an intriguing point was brought up today in the Chromium Google Group about the fact that many people have already have a secondary laptop or other older computer equipment that no longer functions as their main computer, and is only used for the internet. These devices would be a great candidate to just run Chrome OS, wouldn’t they?
In 2006, world mobile PC sales was at 80 million units. The United States alone was at 26.5 million units sold. Sooner or later, many of these older machines will no longer be used for intensive processing purposes, and they have similar technical specifications that many netbooks have. What can they be used for? Surfing the internet.
I can understand why Google and hardware manufacturers are only interested in selling Chrome OS for new computers because that is where the fat profits are. But for those of us with an extra PC just sitting around, it would be pretty cool to just load up Chrome OS and use it for internet-only purposes.
I smell a business here that could be profitable in refurbishing older computers as internet-only machines, free from sluggishness and virus problems that are rife in these machines. Besides, where are all these old computers going to go anyways? I would like to think that they are all being recycled, but I don’t really think that is actually the case.
Why Google Likes T-Mobile
Posted on 05. Jan, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 2 Comments
What exactly is it that Google likes so much about T-Mobile? Once again, as when Android first hit the wireless market, T-Mobile is the flagship wireless carrier for Google. This time it is for the newest Android phone, the Nexus One, which is made by HTC and sold officially by Google.
It started back in 2008 when Android was in its infancy, and yes that was really not too long ago. T-Mobile was the only wireless company that was willing to carry something new and somewhat revolutionary like the G1, also made by HTC. No one except Google one wanted to try to compete with Apple, and the reality is that the G1 was kind of an ugly phone. Although you could do some cool things with it, and Android was open source, the general feeling was that development-wise Android was not ready for prime time.
Well, now it is. And T-Mobile, which is a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, is reaping the benefits from that earlier partnership. If you don’t opt for the $179 Nexus One with a two year plan, the “unlocked” phone will cost $529. But because the phone is set up for GSM, you can only use it with T-Mobile or AT&T. With Nexus One on the AT&T network, the phone can only operate at EDGE data speed, which is not as fast as the 3G on T-Mobile. This is because the two networks operate on different frequencies. Oh yeah, and it only works in the U.S.
So T-Mobile is the one who is benefiting from the decision to launch Android in the first place. Will there be other versions that will cater to other wireless carriers? There is supposed to be in the spring. We’ll see whether Google decides to make versions that cater to each carrier or not. Whatever the case, it’s interesting to see that Google is selling this phone on their own website instead of T-Mobile’s. There is a strategy in play here behind the reason to do that.
Bottom line? Expect this to be a trial run on how Google plans to release a netbook with Chrome OS. If the Nexus One is successful, I would expect Google to sell a Chrome OS netbook on their own and offer service plans from the wireless carrier of the users’ choice down the line. Intially I would expect T-Mobile to get the first crack at selling wireless data plans to subsidize the netbook’s cost as well.
So, when is Google just going to be billing for data service as well?
