Stories by Michael Gartenberg

Google polishes Chrome OS

A year ago, I wrote that the first Chromebooks felt more like a science project than a strategic product. They were interesting but of little practical value. A lot has changed since then, and while I wouldn't say that Google has developed a truly compelling device, it has shown that the Chromebook and its underlying Chrome OS are evolving.

Five things I really like and dislike about Android

A lot has been written about Android since its introduction by <a href="http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9136345/Google_Update">Google,</a> both good and bad. It's been praised as an open model that led to the creation of the <a href="http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9045560/Update_Google_touts_Android_its_new_open_mobile_platform">Open Handset Alliance</a>. It's been criticized for being fragmented as a platform and for the rapid pace of new releases, which has made it hard for both users and vendors to keep up.

iPhone 4S and iOS 5 raise the smartphone IQ once again

It came late and with a different name than many expected. Some were anticipating a new hardware design (some case vendors went as far as to order cases made on rumored design changes), others a larger screen. More than a few expected something called <a href="http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9108338/Continuing_coverage_Apple_s_iPhone">iPhone</a> 5.

Why Apple dares to change your apps

Apple recently introduced the long-awaited update to its Final Cut Pro video-editing application. Final Cut has been around more than a decade, and it’s become quite popular with those who do professional video work.

Apple keeps on giving lessons in retail

If you shop in the U.S., you're likely familiar with the Nordstrom brand. It's not just another department store: It's a business with legendary customer support.

Google Chromebook: Bigger than a tablet, but less useful

More than a year ago, Google announced an ambitious project to create a new class of device powered by an operating-system version of its Chrome browser . Many months of hyped expectations later, Google finally took the wraps off the first of its Chromebooks at its developer conference last week. While Google has delivered in some ways, the pricing of the Acer and Samsung Chromebooks relative to the functionality offered could spoil the party.

Five questions for IT from CES

Didn't send anyone to CES? You probably should have. As I wrote last April, the Consumer Electronics Show may have "consumer" in its name, but it is more and more a place for IT to keep up to date with what will be happening in their companies soon. That's because users are increasingly having their say when it comes to the technologies they use.

And then there were three: A look at Chrome OS

A year ago, Google began discussing the idea of offering a full operating system based on its Chrome browser. This month, Google revealed further details of its plans and began shipping a first run of test units so that developers, reporters and analysts could begin to evaluate Google's efforts. I've been testing one of these units over the last week or so, and I found Google's efforts impressive. The question is whether Google has created a new environment that will challenge more traditional PC operating systems such as Mac OS and Windows, or whether Chrome will be the latest challenger that ends up with niche success at best.

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