May 15

Official: Samsung Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab getting Gingerbread update in mid-May

Posted in: Android, firmware, galaxy, GalaxyS, GalaxyTab, gingerbread, Mini, mobile os, MobileOs, official, operating system, OperatingSystem, os, samsung, samsung galaxy tab, SamsungGalaxyTab, slate, smartphone, Software, tablet, Today's Chili, update, upgrade

After encountering a little hitch with its mid-April Gingerbread delivery, Samsung is now ready to boot up Kies for another try. The company has this morning released word that it intends to update its entire Galaxy S family line, starting with models in the UK and Nordic countries from the middle of this month. The rest of the globe, including North America, will follow suit “according to the regional plan.” Also benefiting from a Gingerbread upgrade will be the 7-inch Galaxy Tab, which already got a taste of Android 2.3 in Italy, and the company’s bevy of budget Galaxy devices, the Ace, Gio, Fit and mini. Read the full PR after the break.

Continue reading Official: Samsung Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab getting Gingerbread update in mid-May

Official: Samsung Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab getting Gingerbread update in mid-May originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 May 2011 01:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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May 15

Switched On: Chrome alone

Posted in: Android, Apple, Chrome, chrome os, ChromeOs, Google, ios, mac os x, MacOsX, Microsoft, operating system, OperatingSystem, os x, OsX, switched on, SwitchedOn, Today's Chili, Windows, windows phone, WindowsPhone

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

About a year after the debut of the first Android handset, Switched On discussed the threat that Chrome OS posed to Android. To reprise it briefly: Like chief rivals Apple and Microsoft, Google has two operating systems trying to bridge the rift between consumer electronics and traditional computing, but Chrome is different than Mac OS and Windows in an exceptionally important way.

Rather than trying to refine the traditional software experience (as Apple has done with the Mac App Store and other iOS-inspired developments in the queue) or move that experience forward to tablets (as Microsoft is doing with Windows), Chrome OS is not looking to carry forward any legacy beyond the browser.

Unlike with Mac OS vs. iOS or Windows vs. Windows Phone, the battle isn’t over which apps make sense, but rather the irreconcilable difference around whether apps to begin with. This makes Google’s suggestion that the two operating systems might merge at some point less credible, and sent a mixed message to developers about whether to focus their efforts on apps or the web. At Google I/O 2011, however, the company clarified its position.

Continue reading Switched On: Chrome alone

Switched On: Chrome alone originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 May 2011 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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May 11

Google: ‘no plans’ for Chrome OS on tablets, any other form factors

Posted in: Chrome, chrome os, ChromeOs, Google, laptop, netbook, notebook, operating system, OperatingSystem, os, slate, Software, tablet, tablet pc, TabletPc, Today's Chili

Google’s second (and final) day of I/O 2011 was all about Chrome, and unfortunately for those yearning for a Chrome OS tablet, it looks as if your dreams will remain unfulfilled. Sundar Pichai, Senior VP of Chrome, spoke candidly about the company’s intentions during an executive Q&A session follow this morning’s keynote, and he didn’t bother to mince words:

“[Chrome OS] is a new experience we’re working on. It’s hardware agnostic in a sense. We are fully, 100 percent focused on laptops. Most of the web usage — greater than 90 percent — is on laptops. That’s what we’re working on today, and we have no other plans on any other form factors.”

Any other form factors outside of the Chromebox, we’re surmising. Goog’s been pretty steadfast in its approach to Chrome OS; it’s being marketed as a software + hardware package, with both working in lockstep to provide a (more or less) guaranteed user experience. To that end, the outfit’s obviously not interested in cannibalizing any Android slate sales with the addition of Chrome OS, and while we’re bummed in a way, the promise of Ice Cream Sandwich helps to numb the pain (a little). In related news, Sundar also addressed questions regarding the company’s decision to rely on both Chrome OS and Android. When asked to “reconcile [Google’s] two big strategic visions,” he hit us with the following:

“There are a variety of experiences out there, and the web model is very different. We’re comfortable seeing them coexist. Google Movies and YouTube have web versions — when you use a Chromebook, you see how it’s different, and they’ll naturally coexist. These are very different models — if we didn’t do something like Chromebooks, I’m pretty sure someone else would.”

That last line is most telling, and it begs the question: if not Google, then who? There’s no question that companies are crowding the cloud bandwagon, but would Microsoft or Apple really have the desire to bust out a totally connected operating system? Makes you wonder if Chrome OS won a race that never actually began…

Google: ‘no plans’ for Chrome OS on tablets, any other form factors originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 May 2011 19:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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May 05

iOS 5 updates expected to be carried over-the-air, at least for the Verizon iPhone

Posted in: Apple, firmware, ios, ios 5, Ios5, ipad, iPhone, ipod touch, IpodTouch, leak, operating system, OperatingSystem, os, ota, rumor, speculation, Today's Chili, update, upgrade, verizon

Having spent a good part of our day yesterday negotiating with iTunes and downloading a whopping 666.2MB file to update our iPhone to version 4.3.3 — a version, we might add, whose sole claim to fame is the removal of things — we know well the pains of updating Apple’s mobile software. Those aches, however, may soon be coming to an end. 9to5Mac has multiple sources informing it that Apple and Verizon are scheming to start delivering iOS updates over the air from this fall, or just as soon as iOS 5 is made available. Untethered OS updates are a familiar feature to users of other smartphone operating systems and even the iOS-infused Apple TV, but getting Apple’s mobile devices up to date has so far always required going through the company’s own cable and software.

There’s no reason to believe this wireless update feature will be limited to Verizon, mind you — that’s just where the informants are coming from in this instance — though Apple will almost certainly have to alter the file sizes of its updates. We can’t think of many carriers who’ll be happy to push more than half a gigabyte of data per user per update. Additionally, since iTunes currently acts as the major backup hub, 9to5Mac speculates Cupertino must be working on a cloud backup service as well, which would seem a very sensible idea. Of course, that doesn’t paint a very happy or busy future for iTunes, but so what?

iOS 5 updates expected to be carried over-the-air, at least for the Verizon iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 May 2011 04:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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May 03

Latest Windows 8 leaks reveal cloud-based settings, more app store evidence

Posted in: AppStore, cloud, leak, Microsoft, operating system, OperatingSystem, os, Today's Chili, Windows, windows 8, Windows8
We’re sure Microsoft is going to announce some more official details about Windows 8 one of these days, but until then we’ll just have to make do with the seemingly unending stream of tidbits being unearthed from the leaked version of the OS. Most notably, this latest batch includes the most conclusive evidence yet of a Windows 8 app store, including the logo pictured above, and a slew of other references at the code level — things like the ability to download a trial app and then unlock the full version (rather than re-download it), for instance, and the existence of things like screenshots and system requirements in the app store listings. Another recent leak has also revealed some new cloud-based settings options that could let you take your desktop profile and other personalizations from one computer to another, and even give you the ability to sync apps from that aforementioned Windows Store between PCs. All that, plus support for 3D displays and WiFi Direct. Hit up the links below for some additional details.

Latest Windows 8 leaks reveal cloud-based settings, more app store evidence originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 May 2011 16:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Geek.com, Electronista  |  sourceMSWin.me, Windows 8 Italia (1), (2)  | Email this | Comments

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May 02

RIM announces BlackBerry 7 OS with better browser and BlackBerry Balance, but no legacy support

Posted in: BlackBerry, breaking news, firmware, mobile os, MobileOs, official, operating system, OperatingSystem, os, RIM, Software, Today's Chili, update, upgrade

The BB OS 6.1 update that grew too big for its name has just been made official by RIM as BlackBerry 7. Its ambassador into the wide world of smartphones will be the newly minted BlackBerry Bold Touch, which is expected to arrive “this summer.” What can you look forward to? The user experience is promised to be both easier and faster, voice-activated searches are available for content both on your phone and the web, and the browser has been “significantly enhanced” with new features like a JIT (just-in-time) JavaScript compiler and HTML5 Video support. BlackBerry Balance is also part of the new OS, allowing you to compartmentalize your personal and professional lives into neat and separate piles of content. Full PR can be found after the break.

Update: RIM has just noted that there will be “no legacy support” with BB 7, meaning that older devices, even those running version 6 of the OS, won’t be getting any (official) updates to the latest stuff. This has been justified by how tightly integrated the software build is with the underlying graphics hardware in the touch-capable Bold handsets. Basically, the old phones won’t be able to run the new OS. Oh, and in case you were wondering, there’s no trace of QNX in BB 7.

Continue reading RIM announces BlackBerry 7 OS with better browser and BlackBerry Balance, but no legacy support

RIM announces BlackBerry 7 OS with better browser and BlackBerry Balance, but no legacy support originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 May 2011 08:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apr 30

Shocker! Microsoft commands 79 percent of worldwide OS revenue (update)

Posted in: Apple, Linux, mac os x, MacOsX, market share, marketshare, Microsoft, operating system, OperatingSystem, os, statistics, stats, Today's Chili, Windows
Everyone knows that Windows is installed on the vast majority of computers, but it’s always interesting to be reminded of what a cash cow the OS has been for Redmond. According to Gartner, Microsoft owned 78.6 percent of the global market revenue share for desktop operating systems at the end of 2010 — revenue up almost 9 percent from 2009. That means, of the $30.4 billion in revenue that various companies generated, $23.8 billion lined Microsoft’s coffers. But while Windows remains the kingpin, Mac OS X and — wait for it — Red Hat, posted more substantial gains. Apple’s market revenue shot up almost 16 percent to 1.7 percent, Red Hat surged 18 percent, while dark horse Oracle leaped from ninth place to fourth, with a 7,683 percent growth in income — no small thanks to its 2009 acquisition of Sun Microsystems. Only one question remains, then — who’s the loser here?

Update: Looks like we got this one wrong, folks, as it’s not market share that’s being measured here, but rather revenue share — how much money each company made from its operating systems relative to one another. That means companies that price their operating systems cheaper will be at a disadvantage in the rankings, not to mention those organizations that charge nothing at all — Ubuntu, anyone? Oh, and as some of you have pointed out in comments, there are both desktop and server operating systems in the chart above.

Continue reading Shocker! Microsoft commands 79 percent of worldwide OS revenue (update)

Shocker! Microsoft commands 79 percent of worldwide OS revenue (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Apr 2011 15:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apr 28

Ubuntu 11.04 ‘Natty Narwhal’ brings new Unity UI, controversy to the desktop

Posted in: Linux, open source, opensource, operating system, OperatingSystem, os, Today's Chili, ubuntu
Ubuntu 11.04 Natty Narwhal

It’s April, the fourth month of the year, and that means it’s time for a new Ubuntu release. (This also true of the tenth month of the year — those Canonical folks like to keep busy.) Ubuntu 11.04, or Natty Narwhal as the kids are calling it, is here and packing some significant changes from earlier editions of the Linux distro. The most obvious being the arrival of the Unity desktop environment, which was previously relegated to netbooks. It’s got integrated search, a combination launcher and taskbar, and app menus that have been moved to the top of the screen à la OS X — basically it’s harvested the best ideas from Apple and Microsoft and splashed a pretty coat of aubergine paint on it. The new UI is not without its detractors and reportedly has some stability issues, but you can always choose “Ubuntu Classic” to stick with Gnome. The update also makes Firefox 4 the default browser and replaces the Rhythmbox music manager with the sleeker and more functional Banshee. Hit up the source link to download the 700MB ISO — it’s free and you can try it without installing, so what’s there to lose?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Ubuntu 11.04 ‘Natty Narwhal’ brings new Unity UI, controversy to the desktop originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apr 27

Windows 8 settings page suggests tablet compatibility, embraces Metro scrollbars (video)

Posted in: arm, leak, Microsoft, operating system, OperatingSystem, os, tablet, Today's Chili, video, Windows, windows 8, Windows8
Latest Windows 8 settings page hints at tablet compatibility, Metro scrollbars? (video)

We’re still waiting for Microsoft to blow us away with its strategy for tablet domination but, thanks to the latest build of Windows 8 to drip through onto the internets, we have yet another indicator that the company’s hopes rely on that OS. Of course we already know that it’ll run on ARM processors, and now we have a look at a set of settings that have strong tablet implications. On display in the video below (and the picture above) are toggles for mobile broadband, Bluetooth, and GPS. Sure, laptops have those too, but here it’s all presented with a Metro flair that, frankly, looks like a real chore to manage with a mouse. (Just look at those scrollbars!) But, with a 16:9 screen and gesture swiping, maybe it’ll all come together. Meanwhile, WinRumors is reporting that there will be six separate flavors of Windows 8 and that tablets are actually quite far along, again pointing to a Q1 2012 release at the latest. Yes, we’re already looking forward to next year’s CES, aren’t you?

Continue reading Windows 8 settings page suggests tablet compatibility, embraces Metro scrollbars (video)

Windows 8 settings page suggests tablet compatibility, embraces Metro scrollbars (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 07:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Microsoft News  |  sourceCompixels, WinRumors  | Email this | Comments

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Apr 19

Microsoft’s Ashley Highfield says no dedicated tablet OS until the time is right

Posted in: Microsoft, operating system, OperatingSystem, slate, tablet, Today's Chili, Windows, windows 7, Windows7

In an interview with Pocket-lint, Microsoft UK’s Ashley Highfield said the company won’t be delivering a dedicated OS for tablets anytime soon. “We won’t do anything in the tablet market unless we can be distinctive,” he said. Given, we’ve already seen a number of slates rocking Windows 7, but Highfield was apparently tight-lipped about any solid plans to move into the tablet market in any substantial way, saying Microsoft sees itself as an underdog in certain areas. As far as we know, Highfield made no mention of how this relates to Windows Compact 7, which we’ve seen in prototype form in the past. Of course, all of this is coming from the guy who warned of the impending death of television as we know it, but we’re inclined to believe him on this one. On another note, Microsoft’s UK managing director said he gets his tablet fix on a Dell Inspiron Duo — we suppose it’s a good sign he’s not rocking an Android or iOS tab.

Microsoft’s Ashley Highfield says no dedicated tablet OS until the time is right originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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