Google Archive

The second Google i/o keynote was far less fascinating than the first one. The web is abuzz about Chrome for iOS, but the fact of the matter is that this, like all other non-Safari iOS browsers, just a wrapper around Safari's WebKit - and, no access to Apple's Nitro, so worse JavaScript performance. Worse yet, you can't even set it as a default browser because Apple doesn't allow as such. In other words, the ability to sync your stuff with Chrome-proper is nice, but for the rest, it's just mobile Safari. Get it from the App Store. Google also announced Google Compute, yet another direct attack on Amazon.

"Buried somewhat quietly in the noise of Google's spate of announcements today was an interesting fact: the Nexus Q, Google's new media streamer and first self-built consumer hardware, is being manufactured in the United States." Just getting their toes wet, for sure, but it's interesting it's Google making the first attempt to bring back production to the west. I won't comment on whether or not production should move back in the first place, but in all honesty, I expected Apple to be the one to make the first move here.

Gizmodo Australia claims to have a training document which details the rumoured Google Nexus tablet. It's built by Asus, 7", 1280x800, 1.3Ghz Tegra 3 processor, 1GB of RAM, GeForce '12-core' GPU (whatever the heck that means). The 8GB variant will be $199, the 16GB one $299. It looks quite decent, and will run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Interestingly, the document also states that going forward, Google will take care of Android updates directly - however, it's not made clear if that's for this device only, or for all Android devices. The "going forward" bit would suggest all devices, but as much as I hope so, it seems unlikely.

Through the Google Play Store, the next version of Android has been confirmed: Android 4.1, Jelly Bean. I'm hoping for just a single new feature: something to address the update mess. I don't care how, as long as they do something.

"All major operating systems, from Windows to OS X to iOS to Android, are all fully customizable and manageable using either first- or third-party tools. Google's Chrome OS is no exception. As part of our ongoing check-in with the revamped operating system and new, more robust Chrome hardware, today we'll be spending some time with the Chrome OS management console, looking at whether it makes Chrome OS a viable choice for businesses."

So, Google has made it very hard to install Chrome extensions outside of the Chrome Web Store - out of security concerns. In addition, they sprung this on users and extension developers without much consultation or consideration for their concerns. As always - understandable to protect users, but the handling has an almost Apple-like bluntness to it. Next up: how to jailbreak your browser?

"If you're an aspiring Android developer, it may have been discouraging to read some of the recent conversations about what it's like to develop for Android. With the number of different Android smartphones and tablets growing - by OpenSignalMaps' count, 3997 distinct devices - the app-building process might seem complex, frustrating and, if you have to buy all these devices, way too expensive. But having just come off a successful Android launch for Pocket, and having supported Android devices since our Read It Later days in 2010, my message for you is this: fear not." Lots of interesting bits of advice, but as a user often encountering horrible software on any mobile device, this one stands out as the one most mobile developers seem to not understand: "It may seem obvious, but if you want to develop for Android, become an Android user yourself." Replace 'Android' with any other mobile operating system and it'd be just as valid.

Google held its curious little Maps event today (and WWDC is right around the corner, surely a coincidence, is it not?), showing off some new stuff in maps. While digital maps are one big snore to me (old maps fascinate me to no end, though), they did have one cool thing to show off: full 3D mapping, which they're adding to Google Earth, also for mobile devices. It'll arrive over the coming weeks. The race is on: will Apple's 3D map thing arrive before, or after "the coming weeks"?

Yes, it's been a long road, but Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich has achieved a major milestone. Just over half a year since it's been released, Google's latest Android version has crossed the all-important 7% installed base barrier. This is a major achievement for Android, so Google has reason to celebrate. I'm proud to be part of the 7.1%.

"So the titanic showdown between Facebook and Google might not be the News Feed vs. Google+ after all. It might be Facebook Camera vs. Project Glass. It might, in fact, be pictures vs. vision." Sounds esoteric, but bear with author Robin Sloan, because I think he's clearly on to something. By extension, this.

Two interesting reviews of the new Chrome OS and new hardware. The general gist? While we're all busy focussing on Android, Chrome OS keeps getting better and better - even though it's not there quite yet. Nuance is in the final verdict - The Verge claims it's almost there: "Google is closer than ever to convincing the world that we can live online, that we can do away with the old hard drives and local apps and spend our lives on the web." ReadWriteWeb is already convinced: "The point is, Chrome OS is ready for the market." I have to admit that, for the first time, I feel somewhat compelled by Chrome OS.

"What is interesting is that you can use the new system to play around and notice that Microsoft doesn't always seem to take down from its search engine, Bing, the same links that it orders Google to takedown." Funny, but since Microsoft outsources their takedown requests to a different company, most likely just a case of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing.

Google has released a treasure trove of data about takedown requests regarding possible copyright violations. What may surprise some - but is actually kind of logical if you think about it - is that most requests, by far, come from Microsoft. You'll be surprised about the total amount of requests, and looking at some of them in more detail, it becomes obvious just how much certain organisations would abuse takedown power if they had it.

Google CEO Larry Page was interviewed on Charlie Rose recently, and there was certainly some interesting stuff in there. Sadly, the interview suffers from the curse of modern journalism in that it was all a bit timid and civil (no truly harsh and confronting questions), but despite that, it's still a good watch. Two quotes from Page really stood out to me.