Hoping to get funding for your startup? You’ll have better luck if you aren’t going it alone, according to several venture capital investors on a panel session at this week’s Google I/O Conference. Two to three co-founders is a “sweet spot” for investors. Read more »
Google wants to persuade end users, corporations and school that Chromebooks represent a new and better way of computing. But what about netbooks, Android devices and strapped school budgets? Chrome VP Sundar Pichai answers the question on everyone’s minds: Why should we buy a Chromebook? Read more »
While the big news from Google I/O was today’s official launch of Chromebooks, other Google partners are thinking about new mobility paradigms. Take iRobot, the folks behind the Roomba. Their new Ava robot uses an Android tablet for sight, sound, speech and, of course, apps. Read more »
If netbook sales are declining, why would Google announce, not one but two new Chromebook devices with Chrome OS? Google’s web expertise has turned data synchronization into a core feature instead of a useful, but tricky add-on that traditional netbooks don’t deliver out of the box. Read more »
Google rolled out two new updates to its Chrome Web Store to allow application developers to reach more people — and make more money. Developers can enable simple in-app payments with one line of code, with Google taking only a 5-percent share of the revenue. Read more »
Google, Samsung and Aver are going to bring Chrome OS-powered hardware to consumers, businesses and educational institutions this summer. End-user pricing for the Chrome hardware starts at $349, and businesses can subscribe to a Chrome OS-powered cloud offering for $28 per month. Read more »
We made five Android predictions the day before the Google I/O keynote, so it’s time to check our score. Here’s how we fared, along with additional thoughts on what Google did, and didn’t, announce for Android smartphones, tablets and other connected devices in the home. Read more »
Google wants to connect all your devices to the Android ecosystem and then expose their functionality to app developers. Apps to control your light, wash your dishes and even grow your vegetables in your in-house garden are just part of a bigger plan of real-world domination. Read more »
While not always recognized for their fuzzy personalities and breezy conversational skills, most programmers do want to work well alongside other human beings. Why else did so many spend a precious hour of Google I/O time at “Social Skills for Geeks?” Read more »
Thought Android was just about phones and tablets? Think again: Google’s new ADK framework makes it possible to build all kinds of hardware extensions for Android devices. Check out our photo gallery for a first look at Android-powered gardening, exercising and robotics showcased at Google I/O. Read more »
Google today confirmed that the next smartphone version of Android is called Ice Cream Sandwich and is targeted for launch in the final quarter of 2011. Although most phones won’t likely see the version until 2012, Google is working with partners to improve the update process. Read more »
Google debuted its highly anticipated cloud-based music player, “Music beta by Google.” The launch during the opening keynote at the Google I/O Developer conference in San Francisco included an obvious wink to its competition with Apple’s iTunes music player. Read more »
At the Google I/O keynote this morning, Hugo Barra, Android Product Management director, reminisced about the early days of Android, before his team launched into some ambitious plans for the OS, including movies, music and the connected home. Read more »
Google launched a movie rental store for Android devices today, making thousands of movies available for streaming and download. The store is already available on the web, and a dedicated Android app for handsets will be available within a few weeks. Read more »
The Google I/O live video stream will be accessible to hearing-impaired viewers and search engine crawlers alike, thanks to a new live captions feature unveiled by YouTube today. The feature combines manual transcription with automatic translation and will be available to any YouTube Live partner. Read more »
