Google Chrome Smartbook

While there has been much talk about smartbooks, they kind of never materialized. While the exact definition can vary, what sets them apart from netbooks is that they use a Linux based OS, and have an ARM chip, rather than the x86 one. And they are supposed to be even cheaper.

Google had promised that their Chrome browser would form the basis of a smartbook, and in fact would release a Chrome OS. While this did not seem too realistic at first, with the increasing acceptance, and even popularity of Google Android in the smartphone space, an Android based Chrome OS, running on a smartbook device could be quite popular.

It is expected that this smartbook will be released later this month, and the device will not be sold in normal retail channels.

Google launches improved mobile editor for Google Docs

If you’re a Google Docs user you’re going to love this news. Google has announced a new and improved Docs mobile editor that will be rolled out over the next several days. The new layout makes mobile document editing easier and more fluid, and allows for collaboration from other Docs users on mobile devices or desktops. If you happen to be sporting an Android handset, you also have the option to use the OS’ built-in speech-to-text functionality for verbal entry. There is video demoing the new hotness waiting for you after the break.