Amazon joins cloud-based syncing services with Cloud Drive

Amazon subtly joins the cloud-based syncing services bandwagon along with Dropbox, Google Drive and Microsoft's SkyDrive. Amazon's Cloud Drive now offers desktop file syncing capabilities similar to Dropbox.

New Google Chrome OS: What to Expect

Google lately has just released some new information about the much awaited Chrome OS at today’s webcast. By the looks of it, Google Chrome OS has assumed that most users want their computing experience involves web browsing and internet connectivity — could they be wrong or not? And those of us who were expecting a similar Android type interface are going to be disappointed. If your familiar with Chrome browser, in a nutshell, it's Chrome OS. In general, Google Chrome OS isn’t going to be an OS designed for heavy computing like video and photo editing, or 3D modeling. This is some sort of a lightweight accessory for access to online information and utilities.



Google has said bluntly that they designed their Chrome OS with three things in mind: speed, simplicity, and security.

Speed

Google engineers stated that turning on your Chrome OS powered netbook will be like turning on a television; you hit the power button and within a couple of seconds, you're ready to browse. Google have been focusing on this and working hard to improve upon it. Currently, Chrome OS’ cold boot time record is 7 seconds to login window, plus an additional 3 seconds for user to login, making for a total boot time of 10 seconds. Impressive. And Google is still hoping to have that time shaved down further by the time Chrome OS is ready for release.

Simplicity

As we have pointed out earlier, Chrome OS is all about the web. All applications are web apps. The entire computing experience takes place within the browser and therefore no conventional desktop applications are needed. This means users do not have to deal with installing, managing and updating programs.

Your information is stored in the cloud. No user bits are going to be stored on the modest solid state hard drive that all Chrome OS netbooks are going to come with. When you login to the cloud you can be sure that your Chrome OS netbook is up to date, patched, and ready to go. The main interface is also very simple in that it’s a Chrome browser window where you can customize shortcuts and favorites.

Security

Finally, because all apps are web based, there are significant benefits to security. Unlike traditional operating systems, Chrome OS doesn't trust the applications you run. Each app is contained within a security sandbox making it harder for malware and viruses to infect your computer.

Security is accomplished in two main ways: architecture setup and the cloud. First and foremost there are three partitions setup on the Chrome OS’ SSD drive, a root partition (which is read-only and holds the OS), a user partition (which by default is encrypted), and a swap partition. When you boot Chrome OS it checks the integrity of the OS and if it finds that your OS has somehow been corrupted or compromised by maleware, it simply re-downloads a fresh copy of the OS from the intertubes. All on its own. Again, your information is in the cloud and the system is technically stateless, so the OS can be restored at point in time without any harm to user data.

Here are some videos for you to check at to further satisfy your inquisitiveness.

Skype 2.8 Gold for Mac: Now with WiFi, Screen Sharing and Better Audio Video

Mac users were treated last January with the release of the most popular VOIP application Skype 2.8 Beta. Now they are getting more treats with the new Skype 2.8 Gold which added more awesome features screen sharing, integration with Wi-Fi access service Boingo (where you can pay your WiFi access using your Skype account balance), better audio and video, and several other improvements. Here’s some of updated features included with the Gold edition:

* Improved chat management (sort chats, set priorities)
* Quick add (self explanatory but let’s you add new people to chats)
* Mood message chat (”it’s a bit like Twitter”)
* Support for large profile pictures
* Hidden avatars in incoming contact requests
* Add notes to contacts

Skype 2.8 Gold is a freeware and available for download immediately from Skype’s website.

Download link: Skype 2.8 Gold for Mac OS X