Across the tech world, the keyword today is either free or a launch. Google has launched its Chrome OS, debuted its Netbook and for lucky some giving it for free. Notion Ink Adam which has been teasing us with teasers, is finally out in the wild with pre-order which is open today. Blackberry Playbook is being offered for app developers.
Honeycomb
Google Honeycomb aka Android 3.0 is seen running on a 10-inch Motorola tablet. The tablet itself is running a Nvidia dual core CPU. Very few details are available but from the looks of it, Honeycomb is the OS which tablets have been waiting for as the user interface looks like iOS.
Notion Ink pre-order
The day has arrived. This probably is the most awaited tablet of the year. There is iPad and there is Galaxy Tab. Yet there is something different from Notion Ink Adam. For starters, Notion Ink is a tyro. It is competing with global majors like Apple and Samsung who collectively hold more than 95% tablet market share. If you are expecting a cheap Chinese rip-off then you could be so wrong. Notion Ink is original. Right from its UI to the swivel camera which rotates 180 degrees to its touch pad behind the screen, everything about Adam is new. Pre-ordering will be limited on its six models. See if you can get one.
Chrome OS
Google’s push to bring everything on to the cloud is getting closer by the day. It has launched Chrome Web Store and the Chrome OS. Though the OS isn’t available on the Netbook until next year, you can already see the idea. All you will do is install an app in the Chrome browser from its web store. The app seamlessly integrates your data to the cloud and you suddenly become device agnostic. All you have to do is keep Chrome as the browser in all your devices. I have already installed four apps which caught my fancy – WordPress Stats, New York Times, Evernote and Bit.ly – and I already like the concept. I still need some more apps like Live Writer to take my computing to the cloud but we are getting closer.
Free Blackberry Playbook
You might already know that conditions apply. Developers who create qualifying applications for Playbook before the North American release are eligible for a Free Blackberrry Playbook. Details here. Punch in those keys and get started.
Free Chrome Netbook
Condition apply here too. If you are in the US and 18 years old then you can go here and try your luck for a Free Netbook loaded with Chrome OS. I should warn you though. The Netbook you are getting free sans Caps Lock key. Probably the first time ever.