It’s a pretty slick piece of technology but the beauty of this machine is its simplicity. Once you get over its stunning good looks (you won’t look out of place sitting in the window of Starbucks), the first thing that hits you is the speed and simple layout. With the app launcher in the bottom left, it’s just click and go. Could this be the answer to all your tech envy?

Although Chromebooks have been centered around cloud applications and your Google account, it’s apple-esque in its synchronization of your Google account with all your data files, photos and documents making your Chromebook a completely personalised experience. If you’ve an android phone it allows to you take that synchronization to another level on the go. In Google docs you can log in and do all your document writing safe in the knowledge that it’s fully compatible with Microsoft word.

The biggest question new users seem to ask – “Can I use it offline?”. The answer is a simple “Yes”. It even updates with your online file the next time you are online giving you up to date on the go computing. Just click the Google drive icon and click enable offline.

Google are constantly updating the Chrome OS system, improving speed and battery time lasting up to 9 hours, plus the system boots in less than 10 seconds. No need to worry about security as Google take care of all the threats with security updates happening as soon as you go online.

With the Chromebook coming in at less than half the price of the cheapest MacBook Air, it’s certainly providing a value for money alternative to Apple’s MacBook Air or Microsoft Windows machine – and it looks pretty cool too!

The Chromebook is fun and cheap and if you embrace the android family with mobile and tablet, it gives you the full eco-system allowing you full access and complete synchronization of technology.

Why not check it out here.

A wide range of iconic locations can now be accessed right from your phone, tablet or computer including Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin’s oldest medieval cathedral; Co. Clare’s Ennis Friary founded by the Franciscans in the 13th Century and Leitrim’s Parke’s Castle built in the 17th Century on the shores of Lough Gill.

The megalithic burial grounds of Loughcrew and the beautiful National Botanic Gardens in Kilmacurragh as well as many of Dublin’s well known parks (St. Patrick’s Park, Herbert Park, Bushy Park and St. Anne’s Park in Raheny) have also been added to the Street View collection.

Rugby enthusiasts from home and abroad will also be able to tour the Aviva Stadium on Street View ahead of the upcoming 6 nations tournament.

The images were taken in the summer of 2014 using the Google Trekker – a four-foot, 40lbs backpack, fitted with a 15-angle lens camera, taking 360 degree pictures every 2.5 seconds – which is designed to capture imagery in locations that the Street View car can’t typically reach.

Google Street View can be accessed on desktop and on the Google Maps app for iOS and Android.

Article supplied by independent reviewers at: theeffect.net

Movies arrive on Google Play in Ireland

Blockbusters and classic films available for rent and purchase in standard definition and high definition.

Dublin, 10th July, 2014 – Google today announced that people in Ireland can buy and rent films on Google Play, Google’s online entertainment store offering apps, games, music, books and now movies. With this launch, Google Play becomes a one-stop-shop where people can easily find the best apps and digital entertainment for their phone, tablet or computer.

“We’ve listened to our users and worked closely with key partners in the film industry to bring Google Play Movies to Ireland,” said Ben Serridge, product manager for Google Play. “Google Play offers new release movies and classic films for rent or purchase and you can watch on the device of your choice, from an Android tablet to an iPhone. Start watching a movie on your computer, and pick up where you left off on your tablet.”

Movies from local and international studios to rent or buy

Starting today, consumers in Ireland will also be able to rent and purchase new-release movies in high definition and standard definition from major international film studios, as well as independent distributors.

The Play Store will offer rental and movies to own in both SD and HD. To mark the launch there will be movie deals on offer including the following titles:

Captain Phillips to own for €7.99
Elysium to own for €7.99
The Hangover 3 to own for €4.99
Great Gatsby to own for €4.99
After Earth to own for €5.99
The Selfish Giant to rent for €1.99
The Harry Potters to rent for €2.99 each

Access to Google Play on multiple platforms

With Google Play, users can rent or purchase films and enjoy them across their Android or iOS devices, or on the web.

Consumers can access digital movies in a variety of ways:

Android devices – Android phone and tablet users can click the Google Play Store app to shop for movies. Movies can be streamed immediately in the Play Movies app, or downloaded to Android devices for viewing without a data connection;

iOS devices – iPhone and iPad users can download the Google Play Movies app from the Apple App Store. To watch a movie, rent or purchase on the Google Play Store website (play.google.com). The movie will be instantly available in the Play Movies app on your iOS device to watch.

On the web – Computer users can buy and access digital content online through the Google Play Store website (play.google.com/store/movies)

Article supplied by independent reviewers at: theeffect.net