Week in Review: Google Chrome hits the web
This week in the wonderful world of IT, Google unleashes its Chrome browser onto the web, GNU celebrates its birthday, Dell finally launches its netbook, and more.


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
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
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.
Freelance journalist Nicole Kobie first started writing for ITPro in 2007, with bylines in New Scientist, Wired, PC Pro and many more.
Nicole the author of a book about the history of technology, The Long History of the Future.
-
The race is on for Higher Ed to adapt: Equity in hyflex learning
Hyflex courses can improve student wellbeing and engagement, but only with meeting technology that leaves no one behind
-
Gen Z workers are keen on AI in the workplace – but they’re still skeptical about the hype
News Younger workers could lead the shift to AI, but only think it can can manage some tasks
-
Dell grows AI laptop line with Dell Pro Max Plus at Dell Technologies World 2025
The new Pro Max Plus laptop swaps Nvidia chips for Qualcomm to ‘supercharge inferencing at the edge’
-
Dell Technologies World 2025 live – all latest news and updates live from the Venetian Conference Center, Las Vegas
Keep up to date with the news and announcements from Day Two of Dell Technologies' annual conference as they happen
-
Four things I expect to see at Dell Technologies World 2025
These are my Dell Technologies World predictions ahead of the conference kick off next week
-
Dell kills off XPS and other brands for PC simplicity
News Pro and Pro Max will be used in place of Latitude, Inspiron, and Precision naming convention
-
Work and innovate everywhere
whitepaper Protection across AI attack vectors
-
Dell, HP post underwhelming returns as PC market remains in a state of flux
News Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are contending with an impending Windows 10 EOL and a burgeoning AI PC market
-
Dell Inspiron 14 Plus (7441) review: The cheapest Snapdragon laptop yet
Reviews A no-frills compact laptop that delivers good performance and solid battery life
-
Dell XPS 13 9340 review: Compact, stylish, and frustratingly flawed
Reviews Redesigned XPS 13 has lots of potential but finds itself hamstrung by iffy design decisions and Intel's underachieving Meteor Lake