Gadget and Techno Updates
Posts tagged beta
Google Chrome 11 beta packs HTML5 voice input, 3D CSS
Mar 23rd
Google has released the latest version of its Chrome browser in beta form. The release notes for Chrome 11.0.696.16 highlights two significant updates to the browser, including an HTML5 speech input API and GPU-accelerated 3D CSS. Additionally, the browser now sports a new Chrome icon.
Googles Chrome Blog adds that the HTML5 speech input API is the result of work that Google has been undertaking with the HTML5 Speech Incubator Group. According to the group, its mission is to investigate the feasibility of integrating speech technology into HTML5. The GPU-accelerated 3D CSS function brings with it support for website designers More >
BlackBerry Protect beta catches up to Android, MobileMe
Mar 5th
Fulfilling recent BlackBerry Protect in a bid to compete with Apple and Google on smartphone cloud services. The long-in-testing feature gives individual users the option of remotely locating, messaging and (if necessary) wiping to help find or secure a lost or stolen phone. Owners also get a full backup service that safeguards not just calendars and contacts but browser bookmarks, memos, tasks and the saved text messaging history.
Much like its competitors, the Protect system is tied to the owner’s existing BlackBerry ID and uses the web for all its control. It can support multiple smartphones and is pitched as More >
Flash Player 10.2 beta improves video acceleration
Dec 1st
Adobe has introduced Flash Player 10.2 beta, which brings a variety of new features focused on improved video playback performance. The update utilizes a new model for video playback, labeled Stage Video, that promises a significant decrease in processor usage and memory usage. The system is also said to enable higher frame rates and greater pixel fidelity.
The latest version enables hardware accelerated graphics in Internet Explorer 9, while developers can define custom native mouse cursors. Support for full-screen mode with multiple monitors has also been improved, allowing users to view full-screen content on one display while completing tasks on More >
Mozilla releases feature-complete Firefox 4 beta 7
Nov 10th
Mozilla has released the seventh beta version of Firefox 4, which has finally reached the feature-complete stage of development. The update adds the JägerMonkey just-in-time (JIT) JavaScript compiler, along with expanded support for hardware-accelerated graphics on Mac OS X and Windows XP. WebGL integration also allows users to take advantage of 3D capabilities without plug-ins.
The JägerMonkey compiler has been credited with helping boost overall performance. The latest beta is said to be three times as fast as Firefox 3.6 when tested using the Kraken and Sunspider benchmarks, while v8 Benchmark performance has been improved by a factor of five.
Firefox More >