Tech Blog

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Google
Chrome OS released
The tech-heads were all a twitter this week as Google released a version of the Google Chrome operating system. Reviews were mixed, as the release version wasn't as current as the build they demoed at the event, yet having the ability to download and try the new OS is a positive sign. I've linked to some good overviews here, and plan to download and test the new OS myself:

• Ars Technica - Chrome OS: Internet failing at PC > PC failing at Internet
• Engadget - How-to: run Chrome OS as a virtual machine
• PCWorld - Chrome OS: Move Along, Nothing to See Here (Yet)
• TechCrunch - Want To Try Out Google Chrome OS For Yourself? Here’s How.

Social Media
Foursquare in more Canadian cities
The social media communication, geolocation, achievement-oriented, stalking game that is Foursquare is now available in 50 more cities: Edmonton, Ottawa and Calgary finally make the grade

People always ask how we choose which cities we’re going to launch and the answer is always the same…. we listen to all your feedback!  Whether you’re voting on the web or harassing us on Twitter , it’s the cities you ask for that we end up launching!

Depressed woman loses benefits over Facebook photos
Big brother (your insurance company) is reading your facebook page and making decisions about your coverage and benefits accordingly:

The Eastern Townships woman was receiving monthly sick-leave benefits from Manulife, her insurance company, but the payments dried up this fall.

When Blanchard called Manulife, the company said that "I'm available to work, because of Facebook," she told CBC News this week.

Apple
Frustration mounts in the iPhone development community
More developers leaving iPhone development due to iPhone store policies? Ars Technica gets into more details with this indepth look:

Apple's control over the App Store—which seems arbitrary at times—still frustrates developers. That much isn't a surprise, but some developers have become frustrated to the point that they have decided to simply halt iPhone development altogether. Facebook's Joe Hewitt, Second Gear's Justin Williams, and long-time Mac software developer Rogue Amoeba have all recently decided that enough is enough, and the loss of these developers and others could spell a troubling future for the App Store.

But wait, there's more!
Now it seems that computers will initially screen app submissions:

Word is that Apple has added a new layer to the approval process, called a static analysis tool. This particular static analysis tool is intended to scan for the use of private APIs in submitted apps, and flag them if it finds any.

Microsoft
More Big Brother?
Microsoft says it didn't work with the NSA to build a backdoor into Windows 7:

Microsoft today denied that it has built a backdoor into Windows 7, a concern that surfaced yesterday after a senior National Security Agency (NSA) official testified before Congress that the agency had worked on the operating system.

"Microsoft has not and will not put 'backdoors' into Windows," a company spokeswoman said, reacting to a Computerworld story Wednesday.

Interesting Net Tech, Apps & Software

• Next-gen Flip camcorder to boast Wi-Fi
  
  Details are thin on the ground at the moment, but we've been informed by a Cisco spokesperson that the new model will feature "a large screen that slides to reveal the record and menu buttons underneath" allowing users to see what is going on when they are recording video.
  
• Google updates Google Earth for iPhone with:
  
  the ability to view maps that you create on your desktop computer right from your iPhone, explore the app in new languages, and improved icon selection and performance.
• Google also updates Google Mobile News:
  
  Our new homepage displays more stories, sources, and images while keeping a familiar look and feel. Also, you can now reach your favorite sections, discover new ones, find articles and play videos in fewer clicks. If you are an existing Google News reader on desktop, you will find that all of your personalizations are honored in this mobile version too.
  

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Your Turn
So, did I miss anything? What online story really got you going this week? Link to it in the comments!