Google today released their latest version of the growing web browser, Chrome. The new version includes a large range of new features.

I’m very pleased to know that Chrome now synchronises browser settings, as well as bookmarks, to the syncing server. This means that when you use Chrome on multiple computers, you take your whole browser with you. Nice touch.

There’s also a really nice selection of HTML functions - including drag and drop (ie you can drag your Gmail attachments to your Documents folder).

In addition, great news for Mac and Linux users – Chrome 5.0 is a stable version! It’s about time!

Oh and finally, Google have set that from the next release of Adobe Flash (10.1), they are planning to automatically include a full compatible version of Flash with Chrome every time it is installed. That way, if you don’t already have it, Google will automatically install it for you when you install Chrome.

Head to google.com/chrome for the new version, or upgrade automatically from your browser!

It’s been announced - Office 2010 is finally at the Release to Manufacturer stage. It looks like it will be on the store shelves by late May/early June.

That does sadly mean that Microsoft will probably cut life support to the beta within the coming weeks. It’s a shame really as I love Office 2010 – but having said that I’ll probably go out and buy it. Maybe even pre-order it. I don’t know.

iTunes 8.2 will now be available on Apple Software Update.

The update adds compatibility for the upcoming iPhone/iPod Touch 3.0 software update, and apparently also adds “many accessibility improvements” according to Apple.

Apple iTunes 8.2 has been in discussion for quite some time since it was dispatched to iPhone 3.0 OS beta testers over the course of the last month.

Unless you have an iPod Touch or iPhone, I don’t think there is any rush to get hold of this update. Even if you do, the latest iPhone/iPod Touch OS release date hasn’t even been confirmed yet. Apparently, Apple are going to confirm the new OS release date at the Worldwide Developers Conference next week.

Just a quick message to let you all know that Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 has rolled out.

You can grab it free for both 32 bit Windows (348MB) and 64 bit Windows (577MB) at the respective links.

I’ve got my copy on download now, so I’ll post a review up for it in the coming days (hopefully by the end of the week).

Enjoy!

It has been mentioned on a few sites that Microsoft is apparently going to be giving the prices for the upcoming Windows 7 release as early as next month.

However, there are rumours going round that Windows 7 might even be more expensive than its predecessors, which is a very worrying thought – especially in this economical climate. Not to mention the fact that Windows Vista (as much as I may love it) was overall rather a failure for Microsoft. Increasing the prices now may well put people off what is hopefully going to be a massive improvement on Vista. The last thing Microsoft want is to kill customers off now, surely.

There isn’t really enough information on the internet yet to make any predictions for what the pricing of Windows 7 is going to look like, but I’d say it would be a good idea to start saving up now just in case it is a little more than you expected.

Microsoft recently confirmed that they have released Service Pack 2 of Windows Vista to manufacturers – which I guess means that they have completed work on it. They have also sent a RTM of Windows Server 2008 SP2 to manufacturers.

The official release of Vista and Server 2008 SP2 is not due until quarter two of 2009, but it’s good to know it looks like Microsoft are on track and ready.

According to Microsoft (quote-en-qoute), these are the key features of SP2:

• Windows Search 4.0 for faster and improved relevancy in searches
• Bluetooth 2.1 Feature Pack supporting the most recent specification for Bluetooth Technology
• Ability to record data on to Blu-Ray media natively in Windows Vista
• Adds Windows Connect Now (WCN) to simplify Wi-Fi Configuration
• Windows Vista SP2 enables the exFAT file system to support UTC timestamps, which allows correct file synchronization across time zones.

So hopefully it’ll be good. GEEK! will keep you updated on any dates for the Service Pack’s launch as soon as they arise.

Apple released iTunes 8.1 yesterday, with reported updates for performance and stability. Plus, the new iTunes version supports the latest iPod Shuffle.

According to Apple, new features include a new Genius sidebar that supposedly now does TV and move recommendations, speed improvements when importing large libraries, improves speed and handling of iTunes Plus songs and many accessibility improvements.

So it looks like this may be a worthwile updates and I suggest you go ahead and get it. If you already have iTunes on your computer, you can just get the new version over Software Update. If you don’t have it, head over to apple.com/itunes for the free software.

Mozilla has decided to rename the idea of Firefox 3.1 so it becomes Firefox 3.5. Mozilla has decided that a fourth beta will be released on the 14th of April and the release will be named Firefox 3.5. 

Mozilla claims on their developer news site  that the reason for the change is because of the “sheer volume of work” which seems to make it more relevant to make it a bigger release. 

Mozilla confirmed the change in this blog post. They have said they will change the upcoming release to Firefox 3.5 before the next beta is released in April.

We shall have to see what happens when the beta arrives in our download folders, but personally I think that Mozilla just want to make the release stand out more as there is evidently large amounts of work going into it. Hopefully it’ll be something to look forward to, as Firefox is (in my opinion) beginning to fall behind a little as competition from Chrome (and possibly Safari) is falling into place.

I was very shocked when I found that it has been reported that Windows 7, the operating system succeeding Windows Vista (see http://www.geekonthepc.co.uk/2008/10/30/windows-7-what-do-you-think/) may well be installing while we are eating our Christmas Lunch next year.

Yes, Microsoft has apparently told system and engineering partners that Windows 7 will indeed be ready for Christmas 2009. 

The last time that Microsoft actually managed to get Windows ready in time for the Christmas/Holiday season was Windows XP which was launched in October 2001.

Also, it has been rumoured that there will be a BETA on Windows 7 the week before Christmas 2008 and that we’ll have a release candidate by the second quarter of next year.

Do you think Windows 7 will be ready for Christmas 2009? Will you try the BETA this Christmas?

I’ve got my doubts… it’s not like Microsoft has always been perfect with timing!