Google [GOOG] back in July announced that they were working on a new operating system called Google Chrome OS. The new operating system is a step-up from Android in that it’s designed to run on computers rather than phones.

The main problem with the launch being next week is that there’s still a lack of drivers which will probably mean that when you install the OS on your computer you might get a bit disappointed that half of your hardware doesn’t work. However, it is believed that Google have a team of developers working on this as well as leaning on hardware manufacturers to create compatible drivers. [Read more…]

Microsoft recently banned a huge amount of XBox owners (around 1 million of them) from accessing XBox Live due to them running modded XBox 360 consoles. Microsoft at the time of the ban said the only way to access XBox live was to basically buy a new XBox console and not mod it.

Hackers of course wouldn’t sit down and accept that so it seems a workaround has already been created whereby if you make a few tweaks to the firmware running you can actually log back on to the service.

The process looks to be quite complicated requiring that you use iXtreme LT (Light Touch) to cover up some of the signals that tell Microsoft you are running a hacked console while at the same time, acting as a modded console that still can do what it did before. [Read more…]

Google [GOOG] have officially announced that their YouTube service will soon start accepting uploads of 1080p HD video content. Currently the limit is set at 720p, but this will change next week when higher resolution videos can be uploaded.

At the moment there is a 2GB limit and 10 minutes set for uploads and it is unclear if the 2GB limit will need to be increased to accommodate the higher resolution uploads.

The move to full HD comes because of advances in technology. YouTube say they want to provide the best quality for your content. [Read more…]

Ridgeblade is a device that sits on the roof of your home and contains a rotor that can generate power when wind hits it. It’s different to the more conventional generators that are seen and sits quite neatly on the roof of a home.

The Ridgeblade was designed as part of the 2009 Dutch Postcode Lottery Green Challenge and is touted by it’s designers as being an “innovative, affordable and effective way of harnessing the winds power to produce renewable energy.” [Read more…]

Neatorama have gathered some interesting facts about Google and put them all in a single blog post over on their site. The various facts include a lego storage case that held 10 x 4GB hard drives allowing enough storage capacity for their PageRank algo to be tested successfully. Another fact mentions that the I’m Feeling Lucky button costs Google around $110 Million a year in lost ad revenues and if you want to know how many servers Google has… you might find out in the blog post, or you might not.

For some interesting facts for a few minutes of your time check out the post.

Windows 7 launched just recently and has already achieved a 3.48% market share according to figures collected at the end of October. These figures only represent installed copies and do not include shipped copies that have not been installed just yet.

Windows 7 has been around for a number of months now in beta. Just before the 21 October release date figures showed a share of 1.89%. The 1.89% representing beta installs also counts towards the total 3.48% reported. [Read more…]

After hearing about fuel cell’s being the future for the last few years we actually see that this might just be the case as Toshiba have launched their fuel cell over in Japan. Fuel cells allow instant power by topping up the battery with concentrated methanol. They are ideal for items such as laptops where you could simply top them up with fuel and work away without the need to recharge or plug in.

The new Toshiba fuel cell called the Toshiba Dynario acts as a battery charger with 50mL being capable of charging your mobile phone or other USB connected devices a couple of times before needing to be refilled. If you travel a lot then this type of charger could be handy. [Read more…]

Changes to the iTunes store’s terms and conditions have been spotted that mention a new version of Apple TV. Apple [AAPL] has not made it clear yet if the update is just to software or if a new version of the Apple TV may be coming soon.

‘iTunes LP and iTunes Extras Products are usable only on computers with iTunes 9 or higher and Apple TV with software version 3.0 or higher.

[Read more…]

Looks like both TomTom [TOM2] and Garmin [GRMN] might be hating life right now thanks to Google Maps Navigation that was announced. As can be seen in the graph here, things are heading in the wrong direction.

Perhaps the regular GPS/Satnav makers can hang on to one thing which is that the new Google Maps Navigation is available on Android 2.0 at the moment which doesn’t even have a market share yet, (ok, 2 things), and that it relies on having the said phone available on a network to download the maps real time. After a recent trip to the middle of nowhere I found that my online navigation just didn’t function when it had to replan a route. With nav systems like TomTom and Garmin they do store data off line on the memory card, so they do have a good benefit for some. [Read more…]

Google [GOOG] have launched the Google Powermeter service for people in the UK. The tool is based online and allows households to monitor their energy usage so that you know exactly what could be switched off.

The system has already been trialled in the US, and makes use of smart meters to relay information over to the web about how much power you are actually using. If you don’t have a new smart meter then you can purchase an add-on clip that works with regular power meters.

Once your meter is hooked up to the web and the Powermeter service from Google you can then log on from anywhere in the world to see how much power your set-top box and any lights left on are actually using which by being shown in graph form could help sway you to think if you actually need something switching on and left in standby while not in use. [Read more…]

If you are planning to fly on a Virgin America plane between the dates of November 10 this year and January 15 2010 then thanks to Google you’ll be getting a free wi-fi connection to use. TechCrunch has reported that Google will be footing the bill for all passengers who wish to use the wireless service on VA’s aircraft that support it over the 8 or so week period.

It’s a smart move in my opinion as a number of people find that sitting a few hours on a plane can be a boring time where you could put that time to better use by keeping in contact with the world. However, some may see that as a bad thing as it is one of the very few places where you can actually disconnect from the web and people and take time to relax. Whatever your thoughts are on this, it’s still a nice little bonus for those flying who want to make use of the service. [Read more…]

Google [GOOG] have announced that their YouTube service will now be showing full length shows from Channel 4 in the UK.

The service will allow users to watch Channel 4 shows in full and free-of-charge as well as being on demand.

The service should be launching in 2010 and by that point a full catalogue of catch-up TV should be available along with a mixture of about 3000 hours of programs already broadcast. The programs include Skins, Brass Eye, Teachers and Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. [Read more…]