Week in Review: Google Chrome hits the web

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Google launches Chrome web browser

It’s been rumoured for a while, but it was still a surprise when Google launched it’s very own web browser, Chrome. It’s already apparently claimed one per cent of the market – which might not sound like much, but it’s only been with us a few days. Rivals to the Not-IE crown Mozilla and Opera have both giddily welcomed the shiny new Google contribution, saying it will increase innovation in the market. Researchers, however, have already found security flaws.

Stephen Fry celebrates open source, attacks Microsoft and Apple

Well-known Apple fan – and comedian and presenter – Stephen Fry has appeared in a video to celebrate the 25th anniversary of GNU, and taken the opportunity to slam both Apple and Microsoft. He compared the makers of proprietary systems to “tyrants”, and he’s famous, so he clearly knows what he’s talking about. Either way, happy birthday to GNU…

Long rumoured Dell netbook launches as Inspiron Mini 9

Dell has officially jumped on the wee PC bandwagon, launching its much-rumoured Inspiron Mini 9 netbook. It’s a big name for the little device, which boasts a 1.6Hz processor, 16GB solid state hard drive, and an 8.9 inch screen at a price just under £300. It’s too early to tell if that’ll be enough to carve a niche in the already packed field, but at least we’re done with all the speculation about when/if Dell would get in the game.

O2 unveils iPhone 3G PAYG details

For iPhone lovers who are afraid to commit, O2 has announced a pay-as-you-go plan. Commitment-phobes will be able to buy the phones from £349.99 and receive unlimited browsing and Wi-Fi access for the first year they have the precious device in their possession. But after that, it’s gonna cost you £10 a month for unlimited browsing.

O2 trials mobile phones as digital wallets

Why just make calls, check email, surf the web, send texts, take pictures and listen to music with your mobile phone, when you can also use it to buy stuff? That’s the future O2 hopes will happen using Near Field Communications (NFC) technology. The mobile operator is running a trial to test the use of the tech to let credit cards and even Oyster cards be integrated with mobile phones. Sounds convenient – especially when you drunkenly leave your phone on the Tube, thereby losing not only your friends’ contacts, personal photos and music collection, but also your wallet and travel card, too. Now that's convenience.

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