Google’s Laptop, Netbooks vs Tablet & Eye-Tra...
Will Google’s Laptop Make Waves?
Pretty much anything Google does gets attention in the tech arena. The introduction of the web giant’s laptop, the Chromebook, was no different. Given its roots, it is no surprise that it was designed with web surfing in mind. In December of last year the company released the product to test the market and get public feedback.
The fact is, most people perform many tasks online from shopping to banking transactions. This would explain why Google saw fit to endow the laptop with Chrome OS (not to be confused with Chrome, the web browser from Google) as opposed to the other browsing software available. Currently, official launch date is set at June 15, 2011 as Google works to correct problems that were identified.
One of the most significant problem with the laptop is the use of Google’s OS, Chrome, which utilizes cloud computing. This in the opinion of some critics is a problem in itself. It is said that the technology does not run very well on some networks. In fact, while some users are happy with the Chromebook, they have not been quick to forego Windows and Mac OS. Still, if there is one thing Google has in its favor its brand recognition. The company also has the obvious technical capabilities to sort out the problems that have been experienced so far.
Will Netbooks Lose Out to Tablet PCs?
There is no denying that netbooks came along at exactly the right time. They gave an eager public the ability to do what most of them wanted to do – simply browse the Internet. Infinitely portable, it was smaller than the laptop and carried a smaller price tag.
While they were still in the testing phase many predicted they would be the next big thing, and they were. Growth in the sale of netbooks was staggering, and figures reached over 30m million within just a few years. As with everything else in the tech industry however, it couldn’t last forever.
The current hot ticket is tablet PCs, with Apple and Motorola leading the charge. While Apple’s iPad is still the one to beat other players including HP and Dell have been coming out with impressive offerings. Netbook sales have dipped and already industry insiders are predicting doom for the once hot tech product. Much of this has come in the wake of the iPad’s rapid rise in the market. There are still some factions that insist that the netbook will continue to have devotees and new users in the years to come.
The Eye-Tracking Laptop is Now Here
It seems there is no boundary that laptop makers are not willing to shatter when it comes to tech developments. While 3D laptops are still catching on there is even more for tech lovers to salivate over. One of the hottest trends currently is the use of eye tracking laptops which is being partly driven by Lenovo, fast becoming a major player in the market.
Lenovo teamed up with Tobii Technology to reveal the new laptop at a trade show held in Germany back in March. As revolutionary as it may seem, it is actually in keeping with the direction that the industry seems to be heading. There is an increasing emphasis on moving away from typical inputs as can be seem in gaming with the introduction of Microsoft’s Kinect.
How it Works:
On the face of it, the technology works in a relatively simple fashion. A built in camera zeroes in on the user’s eyes and follow even the slightest movement. This is what Tobii is known for developing and so far critics have been impressed. When using the laptop you can do many things you would do with a mouse or keyboard; make selections, open new windows, scroll up and down or zoom in on pictures.
Originally Tobii was focused on developing the technology for people with special needs. With Lenovo’s help they hope to reach a wider audience with their products. There is also a focus in the industry on trying to reduce the incidence of repetitive motion injury.
Tags: 3D laptop, apple, Chrome, Chrome OS, cloud computing, Dell Laptops, HP Laptops, ipad, keyboard, laptops, Lenovo, Mac, Mac OS, Microsoft Windows, Motorola, Netbook, netbooks, Netbooks vs Tablet, Tobii Technology, XP
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