Google Unveils Chrome OS, Cr-48 Chrome Notebook

At a recent press conference, Google showed off its upcoming Chrome OS and the Cr-48 Chrome laptop. Based on Chrome browser technology, Chrome OS is a Linux-based operating system that’s lightweight and leverages the cloud. Although it can do a number of things offline, Chrome OS is meant to be used with an Internet connection. Chrome OS notebooks will hit in the middle of 2011, with initial offerings by Acer and Samsung.

One very smart and very cool aspect of Chrome OS notebooks is that they’ll come with free Internet access through Verizon. Users get 100MB a month on Verizon 3G for two years. Sure, that’s not a ton of data, but it should tide users over until they can access a WiFi or wired network. Additional access packages are available for purchase. It’s nice to see Google and Verizon using the crack cocaine model — first one’s free! *joke*

As an avid Google user, I’m pretty high on Chrome OS. On paper, Chrome OS notebooks will be cheap yet highly functional. Users will not be required to pay for expensive Windows and Microsoft Office software. Instead, they’ll rely on products like Google Docs and the relatively inexpensive (or free) software on the Chrome Web Store.

While some are questioning why Google is supporting two mobile operating systems (Android and Chrome), I believe there’s room for both. Android is meant for phones and will be optimized for tablets in version 3.0 (Honeycomb). Chrome is meant for the netbook market and has an opportunity to reinvigorate that lagging space. Chrome OS products seem ideal as a second computer and/or for casual users (soccer moms).

To work the kinks out of Chrome OS, Google has launched a pilot program featuring the Cr-48 Chrome notebook. Sadly, this laptop will not be be available for purchase, but you can apply to be a beta tester. Internet geeks are already in love with the Cr-48’s so-understated-it’s-cool looks. Hell, I’m drooling over the Cr-48 and hope I get accepted into the pilot program.

Anyway, this was just a cursory glance at Chrome OS and the Cr-48. Let’s talk it up! Let me know what you think of these products and if you have any questions about them.

Google Launches Chrome Web Store

Google has launched its Chrome Web Store, a repository for web apps designed to run on its Chrome browser and OS. Although the store has just launched, there are already some nifty apps available. I’ve already downloaded several productivity and entertainment apps that do a nice job at showing off the power and flexibility of HTML5.

On the gaming front, there are a bunch of casual games, including several from Electronic Arts. After the Google I/O conference, I imagined the Chrome Web Store challenging Facebook in the casual games space. This successful launch reaffirms my thoughts. It certainly has the potential to be a major player in the casual games space, but it will certainly take a lot of work.

Let me know what you think of the Chrome Web Store when you have a moment. Are there any apps that interest you? Any of you interested in playing Wordico with me? I’ll play if you play!

Do You Like Emma Stone’s Blonde Gwen Stacy Hair?

Here’s a picture of Emma Stone with what’s clearly a Gwen Stacy haircut. Ha! As you know, she’s slated to play Gwen in the upcoming Spider-Man reboot. Did you know that she’s a natural blonde and has been dying her hair for various roles since she was a young teen? I think she’s sexy with red hair and equally delightful as a blonde. What say you?

Coffee Talk #262: My Favorite Interview

RPadholic bsukenyan asked me, “Favorite person you interviewed?” That’s an easy answer! It was DICE 2005 in Las Vegas. I headed up to Activision’s private suite with my coworker Ryan. With each step I took, I got more and more…

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the Cliff Lee bonanza, Katy Perry changing her last name, or remembering Elizabeth Edwards, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

RPadholic bsukenyan asked me, “Favorite person you interviewed?” That’s an easy answer! It was DICE 2005 in Las Vegas. I headed up to Activision’s private suite with my coworker Ryan. With each step I took, I got more and more chills. Remember how excited you got when Hulk Hogan “Hulked Up”? That’s exactly what I felt like right before I interviewed Stan Lee.

This was the only time I’ve ever marked out during an interview. I’m cool with game developers, musicians, movie stars, television peeps, WWE Superstars, etc. Meeting a living legend like Stan Lee…wow. That’s something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. It was an amazing honor and I was so incredibly grateful that my career led me to a Stan Lee interview.

Out of curiosity, have you ever marked out when meeting someone famous? Who would make you absolutely lose it?

Jack Black and Jason Segel Team Up on “Little Drummer Boy”

Actors Jack Black and Jason Segel have teamed up for charity in a rock-infused version of “Little Drummer Boy”. According to People, “The song goes on sale on iTunes beginning Tuesday, with proceeds going to Blue Star Families, a nonprofit that connects, supports and empowers military families.” I’m a fan of both actors and love their take on the Christmas carol (similar to the Bing Crosby/David Bowie version). I’ll buy the song to support their charitable efforts.

Check out the clip above and let me know what you think of the song (please)!

Update: I’ve added the Bing Crosby and David Bowie version below because it’s awesome.

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Insomniac Creative Director Speaks on Resistance 3

Insomniac Games creative director Marcus Smith wrote a great (and spoiler filled!) Resistance 3 post on the PlayStation Blog. I know that a few of you are high on this game and probably anxious to see the new footage at the Spike TV Videogame Awards. Hopefully Smith’s post will tide you over. Here’s an excerpt:

First of all, the main protagonist in Resistance 3 is Joseph Capelli, the Sentinel who (HUGE RESISTANCE 2 SPOILERS HERE… if you haven’t played it yet, go buy a Greatest Hits copy now!) was forced to kill Nathan Hale at the end of R2. Capelli was dishonorably discharged, and four years later is living in hiding with his wife, Susan, and son, Jack, along with other survivors in the town of Haven, Oklahoma. He’s given up fighting, and is now just trying to hide and survive the Chimeran death squads that roam the planet. But when Dr. Malikov arrives with an opportunity to deliver a blow to the Chimera, Capelli embarks on a road trip to New York City. Resistance 3 is a tale of Capelli’s heroic journey across the country as he encounters the remnants of humanity left in the aftermath of the brutal invasion.

After reading more about R3’s story, I’m more interested in the game. The plot seems more interesting this time around. What do you ladies and gents think?

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NFL Football in Los Angeles Speculation Post!

As requested by Rpadholic N8R, here’s some space to discuss the possibility of NFL football returning to Los Angeles. What team will be moved? Will it be the Bills or Chargers as some have speculated? What does AEG’s alleged purchase of 35% of the Chargers mean? Where will the team play? Will it be the proposed stadium next to the Staples Center? Or will it be in San Gabriel Valley, which is (sadly) the easier choice. Is there any chance that the team will be called the Hollywood Lamberts? Discuss (please)!

Apple iPad 2 Shipping in February 2011?

According to DigiTimes, Chinese manufacturer Foxconn will be shipping the Apple iPad 2 as soon as February 2011. The original iPad was released on April 3, 2010. Apple has been very good at sticking to one-year product cycles with its iPhone and iPod Touch products, so it’s surprising that the iPad would be refreshed so soon. Then again, the market will be flooded by Google Android, Microsoft Windows, and RIM BlackBerry tablets in 2011, so perhaps Apple’s hand is being forced. Here’s the skinny:

Foxconn Electronics’ (Hon Hai Precision Industry’s) plants in Shenzhen, China have recently been notified they will ship Apple’s iPad 2 within the next 100 days with initial shipments to reach 400,000-600,000 units, according to sources from Taiwan-based component makers. However, Foxconn declined to comment on its products or clients. The sources pointed out that the iPad 2 will ship as soon as the end of February in 2011.

I’m super amped for an iPad 2, especially if the rumors of it having dual cameras and a Retina Display screen pan out. I would love for it to come sooner rather than later. How about you? Are you excited for the second coming of the iPad? Do you think Apple will stick to an April release date or will it ship earlier?

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NeoGeo Classics Coming to PS3 and PSP on December 21

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the NeoGeo console (and to cash in on nostalgia) SNK Playmore will be releasing classic NeoGeo games for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable starting December 21, 2010. There are plenty of old favorites set for release on “NeoGeo Station” over the next few months. Here are the details:

Here is the complete launch title list for NeoGeo Station — each PS3 version will sell for a suggested price of $8.99 per title, each PSP version will cost $6.99 per title. All titles listed will be available for the PS3 on December 21, 2010 and except where noted, in January for the PSP:

  • Fatal Fury (PSP 12/21)
  • Alpha Mission II
  • The King of Fighters ’94
  • Samurai Showdown
  • Baseball Stars Professional
  • Magician Lord
  • Metal Slug (PSP 12/21)
  • League Bowling
  • Super Sidekicks
  • Art of Fighting

Anything on the list excite you? Did any of you have NeoGeo consoles? At $650 in 1990, it was too expensive for me. If you were lucky enough to have one, what were some of your favorite NeoGeo games?