Gear Diary » Google

Google Finally Releases Chrome (Beta) for Android

Thomas R. Hall — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:45:32 +0000

My favorite browser, regardless of platform, is Google Chrome and I wondered how long it would take for Google to release Chrome for Android. Well, the wait is finally over. Sort of. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Google Music Adds ‘Download Purchases’ Button and It Is Still Astonishingly Bad

Michael Anderson — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:45:39 +0000

I have been fairly critical of Google's Music service, largely for two reasons: first off it was 'worst in class' and made every other music service look great in comparison; and second because as a Google service there were legions of blind Google fanboys spewing effusive praise because it was free. That was 9 months ago when it was in Beta. Then it got out of beta and ... it was still the worst music service available, just slightly less crappy than before. Now Google has made a major update to the service ... they added a button. This button allows you to download your purchases and any free music added to your account. How much control do you have? Binary - you can check a box that only downloads things newer than your last download, or uncheck it to download everything. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Google’s New Motto: ‘We Do What We Must Because We Can’

Michael Anderson — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:15:49 +0000

The title is a Portal reference ... if you haven't played, you should. I'll provide a video at the end for context. The basic theme is that Aperture Science (Google) does what it 'must' (cruel human experimentation in the name of science) because it 'can' (no one can stop them). But also realize that it is presented humorously in-game, and I don't intent it seriously here. Today we learn that Google is going to be combining all of the login and account data across every service we access with the same credentials. Yawn, right? Well, not exactly Orwellian, but not innocent either. Here are some details from the Washington Post:

The

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Wait … YouTube Has HOW MANY Daily Visits?

Michael Anderson — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:15:57 +0000

When someone mentions a song I want to check out or something from my past, I turn to iTunes or Rdio or perhaps Slacker Premium. My kids? YouTube, YouTube and YouTube. And apparently that is the trend according to Reuters, which has exclusive data from YouTube claiming 4 BILLION daily views! Here is some of the article:

YouTube, Google Inc's video website, is streaming 4 billion online videos every day, a 25 percent increase in the past eight months, according to the company. The jump in video views comes as Google pushes YouTube beyond the personal computer, with versions of the site that work on smartphones and televisions, and as the company

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Should Google Be Limited In HOW They Evolve Search?

Michael Anderson — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:00:08 +0000

I have been thinking quite a bit about HOW to address all of the 'stuff' flying around about Google, Google +, 'search your world', Twitter, Facebook, and a partridge in a pear tree ... because in some ways things seem very clear but in other ways not. So what I decided was to drop a couple of ideas and then open it up for everyone to discuss. First off, let us start with the baseline assumptions.

First: Google has a monopoly in search.

Second: Google's search monopoly is a 'natural' monopoly. (more in a minute)

Third: Google sees search as the absolute core of its business

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Android in 2011: The Best of Times, the Worst of Times

Michael Anderson — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:00:25 +0000

You would think that with close to 50% of the smartphone world now using an Android phone, looking back at 2011 would be a uniformly positive experience. Yet it is not - in fact, it is easier for me to draw up a list of very negative things than an equally list of positives. Of course, some will say 'that is because you hate Google and Samsung and Android and never say anything nice about them'. Am I critical? Certainly ... but I believe I am just pointing out things too many folks gloss over - ironically the same folks who get enraged about folks glossing over Apple's many flaws (which I Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Amazon Reminds Google … ‘Um, We OWN This Whole Mega-Deal Thing’ …

Michael Anderson — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:15:37 +0000

I should have known better than to rush into buying music on Google. As I say repeatedly, they have the absolute worst music service bar none. Yet that old siren song of 'great music, low prices' lulled me into not checking Amazon. BIG MISTAKE. On Google I got the music, can play it on my PC or Android phone, and download it one ... track ... at ... a ... time. And THEN manually import it into iTunes. And THEN fix the FUBAR MP3 info and tags, because Google can't even manage that 2002 level of technology. Had I gone to Amazon, I would have gotten the same Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

An Infographic on Getting More out of Google!

Michael Anderson — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:15:12 +0000

If you have been using Google to search for a while, chances are you have picked up a few tricks along the way such as putting quotes to specify phrases to find, or adding a '+' or '-' to specify things that must be included or excluded. But now the folks at HackCollege have come up with a great new infographic to help you see even more possibilities for searching. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

So … How Do YOU Feel About the New Google Reader (& GMail) Design?

Michael Anderson — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:30:42 +0000

Over the last couple of days, Google has released updates for Google Reader and GMail. Each has a new UI, and has further integration of Google +, as well as the removal of Buzz. In the case of GMail, it is mostly about a visual overhaul, as noted on the Google Blog here are the main features:

- Streamlined conversations - Elastic density - New HD themes - Smarter navigation - Better search

In the case of Google Reader the changes are two-fold: the removal of 'Share', and a visual overhaul. To say that the reaction to removing 'Share' was swift, loud and negative would be a Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Music Diary Notes: Google Music Comes to iPad/iPhone as HTML5 Web App

Michael Anderson — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 18:00:56 +0000

If you have a Google Music Beta account, and an iPad or iPhone ... this message is for YOU! Google has enabled their Music Beta site to work as a HTML5 web app on iOS 4 devices. That means it will run from an icon on your device's "desktop" and has allocated storage space for buffering tracks and so on. To get it just point your iPad browser at the Google Music site and then choose to add to your desktop! The app is rather spartan - it is a player-only, so you will need to handle any uploading and organization of tracks on the main site and through Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Gear Deal: Sony 46″ Internet LED HDTV (powered by Google TV)

Dan Cohen — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:55:28 +0000

Today's Gear Deal is nothing short of impressive. This 46" Sony Internet TV is powered by Google TV, comes with a wireless keyboard, has built-in 802.11n wireless and includes Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. It is even compatible with most smartphones. Normally $1,399.99 it is on sale for $400 less AND, thanks to a coupon code our Gear Sponsor found, you can save an additional $200. That brings the price down to an amazingly low $799.99 with no tax in most states. $799.99 for an internet connected 46" HDTV from Sony… now THAT'S a deal! Gear Deal: Sony 46" Internet LED HDTV (powered by Google TV) via LogicBUY Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Rant: Google + Updated to Support iPod Touch, but PLEASE Don’t Tell Me It Has ‘iPad Support’ … It Doesn’t!

Michael Anderson — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:30:48 +0000

Yesterday the Google + iOS app was updated, with the following changes noted:

- Huddle settings - Aggregated circle add notifications - iPod touch & iPad support - Performance and stability improvements

So ... they are claiming iPad 'support'? What does that actually mean, anyway? That it will install and be a minimally functional app that looks and performs terribly? Well, if that is the case, I guess they are correct. When I think of 'support' I look to the iPod Touch version, which looks like this:

These are the identical screenshots, yet Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Gear Diary Video Round-Up

Judie Stanford — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 17:00:43 +0000

Last week saw us post a larger number of videos than ever. In them we took a first look at the AT&T Status phone running Android 3.2.2, Carly talked to us about the benefits of Chromebooks and why they might be a great choice for you and we launched not one but two contest/giveaways. Missed any of them? Well we've gather all of them together along with links to each post...

Gear Talk: iPad 2 Case Roundup

Click here to view the embedded video.

Read It!

Judie's Orbino Padova for iPad 2 Has Arrived: Here's a First Look

Click here to view the embedded video.

Read It!

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Quick Google Tip: Multiple Account Sign-in

Carly Z — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:15:56 +0000

Several months ago, Gear Diary's email switched to Google Apps. As a result, I learned about a pretty neat Google trick -- multiple account sign-in. Effectively, it lets me be logged in at my primary email address on one tab and have my Gear Diary email opened and signed in on a separate tab. Helpful, but not earth shattering. However, in the last few weeks, I've had two different people flip out with excitement when I taught them this trick, mainly because their schools and businesses have switched to Google Apps. Both of them thought they were stuck signing in and out of accounts, or giving up their Gmail accounts. One of them thanked me on Facebook, and Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Google Takes First Steps Towards Attacking Amazon

Carly Z — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 01:00:53 +0000

Looks like Google Books is taking some tentative steps towards being more than just a hobby. The folks at Google have fired a shot across the bow of Amazon, B&N and Kobo by partnering with iRiver to offer an ebook reader with integrated Google Books access. According to the Google Blog:

We built the Google eBooks platform to be open to all publishers, retailers and manufacturers. Manufacturers like iriver can use Google Books APIs and services to connect their devices to the full Google eBooks catalog for out-of-the-box access to a complete ebookstore. You can also store your personal ebooks library in the cloud—picking up where you left off in any ebook you’re reading as

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Google Maps’ Unfortunate Mistake

Carly Z — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:00:04 +0000

(image courtesy Chevy Truck World)

Google Maps is not infallible. It's been known to give wonky directions, as Sarah and I learned on Sunday when Google Maps mistakenly thought McCarren Park in Brooklyn was in Manhattan. Luckily we caught the mistake before we got completely lost. However, that's nothing compared to the Google Maps fail for one NJ neighborhood, where they've mistakenly indicated the state park entrance is someone's driveway. According to NJ.com:

Since 1987, Gneiding and her husband Michael Brady have lived in one of three log homes found at the end of a quarter-mile long driveway in Clinton Township. The homes back Round Valley State Park, which boasts swimming

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Google Needs a “Parents” Button

Carly Z — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:45:53 +0000

(image courtesy SocialTechPop)

My parents are reasonably technologically competent. They're not big geeks, but my dad has an iPhone and my mom has both a Blackberry and an iPad, so they generally are self-sufficient when it comes to computers. However, what should have been a simple installation of Google Earth on their aging Dell set off a chain of unexpected consequences, all because they've been conditioned to trust Google and not question instructions. Apparently, when you install Google Earth on a Windows PC, Google asks to install Chrome as well. No biggie, except that in her "just click through because Google said it was okay" zeal, my mom set Chrome as the default Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Google’s Brilliant Tribute to Les Paul, Instrumental Inventor

Judie Stanford — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:15:04 +0000

Mitchell Oke left me a message asking if I had seen Google yet this morning. Of course, he left it last night, since he is hours ahead of me in Australia. I took a look, and he is correct ... it's brilliant. From the Google Blog:

The electric guitar brings back memories for me of exchanging riffs with friends and wearing out cassette tapes as I meticulously learned songs. Today, we’re attempting to recreate that experience with a doodle celebrating the birthday of musician and inventor Les Paul. For the next 24 hours on the Google homepage, you’ll find an interactive, playable logo inspired by the guitar developed

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New Gear Daily Deal: OBi100 VoIP Telephone Adapter and Voice Service Bridge

Dan Cohen — Sat, 28 May 2011 17:15:43 +0000

I'm working on a review of an Obihai Voice Over iP system. The system lets you use Google Voice, OBiTALK or other VOiP services and replace your landline. The Amazon product page explains the unit this way:

From the Manufacturer: The OBi100 has one phone port. It supports Google Voice, SIP & OBiTALK VoIP services. Use the OBi100 when you do not need an analog line to a traditional telephone network or service. The OBi100 is perfect for customers who do not have a traditional telco phone service and want the savings and simplicity of using a VoIP service for all their calls. Product Description: The OBi100 has one phone port. It supports

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Live from Google I/O 2011!

Allistair Lee — Tue, 10 May 2011 13:30:24 +0000

9:55AM PST: That's it! We are done for today's keynote! Stay tuned for tomorrow's keynote though. ;) 9:52AM PST: Google's showing the Galaxy Tab 10.1 Limited Edition. 1GHz dual-core CPU, 32GB onboard, 1GB of RAM, and Android 3.0. It's launching in a month, and everyone here at Google I/O 2011 is getting one! 9:47AM PST: Project Tungsten is being introduced by Google. Music Beta by Google is used to demo with this project. 9:43AM PST: Android at Home is the new vision, making your Android device the "center" of your life. Discover, connect and communication with devices in the home. 9:41AM PST: Whoa, some seriously crazy stuff Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

What to Expect: Google I/O 2011

Allistair Lee — Mon, 09 May 2011 14:45:47 +0000

Here it comes again: the annual Google I/O event on May 10th and 11th, and we expect Google to make a whole slew of announcements during the two-day event. For those of you who have no idea what Google I/O is, it's a conference which brings together thousands of developers for two days of deep technical content. Google I/O focuses on building the next generation of web, mobile, and enterprise applications using Google and open web technologies such as Android, Google Chrome, Google APIs, Google Web Toolkit, App Engine, and more. Here at Gear Diary, we'll be bringing you exclusive on-site coverage with the latest announcements. Here's what to expect:

Android - Android will clearly get a big

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GD Quickie: Google’s Reaction to Android Exploits; Conspiracy Theory or Keeping Us Safe?

Francis Scardino — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:00:49 +0000

Original image courtesy of KnowYourCell

If you were following mobile news over the weekend you probably saw some reports about Google remote killing some malicious apps that found their way to the market. While most were simply noting this because you may have been one of those affected users , others took some pretty hard jabs at Google for using an exploit of their own to remote into your phone and kill the apps. While this is not far off base, I think some people are taking it to an unnecessary level of conspiracy theory like ideas that Google is really out to spy on you and your apps. Taking into account that I am a Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

#1 Reason the Motorola Xoom WILL Fail (But Shouldn’t)

Michael Anderson — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 22:00:20 +0000

Everyone seems to be freaking out about the recently revealed pricing for the upcoming Motorola XOOM tablet. On the surface that seems silly: the XOOM has a dual-core processor, a 1280x720 10.2 inch touch screen, two cameras (a 5MP rear camera with flash and a 2MP 'webcam'), as well as the latest Android 3.0 operating system. On paper it seems like the XOOM completely blows away the iPad, but as we have learned with the fictitious Samsung Tab sales numbers, having better specs means little. An article at eWeek lists 10 reasons why the XOOM is overpriced, but there was one that caught my attention:

3. Apple can get away with it, but

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GD Quickie: It’s Getting to be THAT Time of Year

Michael Anderson — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 20:15:56 +0000

I keep professional contacts with loads of folks in different industries all over the country, and after a couple of years of them being divided between 'I'm happy to still have a job' and 'oh crap, I no longer have a job' ... this is the first year folks are starting to discuss raises. Having talked to several people in the last few weeks I have found a few basic themes: there are ~1% companies like Google who are saying 'we had a great year - here, have some money'. Then there are the companies that are still struggling - which is the majority - and those folks remain happy to have a Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

GD Quickie: Can You Guess Who Is Buying Google’s Priorities?

Michael Anderson — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:15:00 +0000

When I first heard that Google wasn't going to auto-complete searches for Bit-torrents and other file sharing methods I was pleased. But then it became clear that it was less a matter of taking an anti-piracy stance, and more about satisfying the corporate interests of those who feed Google loads of cash. So this image was very telling - and it also shows where the priorities are at Google ... if you have the cash, you get to set the moral compass. Source: Techi via Buzzfeed Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Agile Messenger HD for iPad

Douglas Moran — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:45:13 +0000

One of my favorite iPad apps is IM+ Pro, an integrated mobile IMing tool that allows you to pull your various messaging accounts together in one place, as well as giving you access to a bunch of other stuff (that I rarely use, as I use the iPad Twitter app for a lot of those). It's such a relief to be able to have all your chats in one place, even if their functionality is slightly different (e.g., no offline chat for Facebook, but you can have it via Yahoo IM). Into that same market comes Agilemobile, who now have an HD app for your messaging pleasure. It includes access to The Usual Suspects of Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Gear Diary at CES: Brought to You by Google

Carly Z — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 19:00:37 +0000

We hope you enjoyed Gear Diary's coverage of CES 2011! All of the editors of the site worked with various devices, but they all had one thing in common: Google. Yes, Gear Diary at CES was brought to you by various Google OSes and services. What were our favorite Google-y gadgets? Read on to find out! Carly My day job is fairly restricted, and so I don’t have access to anything behind the scenes at Gear Diary on my work PC. Thankfully, I have the CR-48 Chrome OS computer, and that made my life very easy all week while Dan, Larry and Judie were in Las Vegas Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

State of the eBook: 2010′s Legacy and 2011′s Future

Carly Z — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 18:00:35 +0000

(image courtesy earnmydegree)

It has been far too long since the last "State of the eBook" column, but life has been busy lately. However, my New Year's resolution is to get back on track, and it seemed like a good way to start would be with a retrospective on 2010 and a look to what we might see in 2011!

State of the eBook world at the end of 2010 Winners

Kindle: It's impossible not to include the Kindle on this list. Amazon has hung onto their marketshare and expanded onto Mac OS X, Blackberries and Android devices. Not to mention their existing iOS

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Google Books Versus Independent Bookstores

Carly Z — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 18:00:28 +0000

Setting aside the chorus of yawns that Google's ebookstore was met with, there was one area that generated some positive attention. Google was partnering with "indie" booksellers to power their ebookstores, so stores like Powell's in Portland, OR didn't need to build out their own stores or cede the market entirely to Amazon and B&N. Sounds great in theory. But it turns out the reality isn't as rosy. The way Google books works is that partner booksellers set their own prices. But an independent bookseller doesn't have the margin flexibility of a B&N or Amazon, so their prices are trending higher. Google, on the other hand, has plenty of price flexibility, leading to an interesting issue according Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Use Google Chrome? Install ‘Chrome for a Cause’ to Benefit Charities!

Michael Anderson — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 13:30:49 +0000

Do you use Google Chrome? How many tabs do you open in a day? Imagine that by simply opening tabs you could donate a charity! From now through December 19th you can do exactly that - simply install the "Chrome for a Cause" extension and open tabs as you normally would, knowing that each time you do a little Here is a snippet from the Chrome blog:

Whether it’s bug fixes to the Chromium open source project, dazzling apps and extensions arriving daily in our Web Store, or boundary-pushing Chrome experiments -- the Chrome community never fails to inspire us with their awesomeness. This holiday, we wanted to

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