Google pushes a new image format called WebP that is supposed to make the web faster. Google is on a mission since while to make the web faster. They released tools like Page Speed to help webmasters optimize their site. Google identified that the majority of the latency on pages across the web are caused by images. Google wants to tackle this issue with the new WebP format that promises to significantly reduce the byte size of photos on the web, allowing web sites to load faster than before.
Images and photos make up about 65% of the bytes transmitted per web page today. Images on the web consist primarily of lossy formats such as JPEG, and to a lesser extent lossless formats such as PNG and GIF. Google focused on improving compression of the lossy images, which constitute the larger percentage of images on the web today.
To improve on the compression that JPEG provides, Google used an image compressor based on the VP8 codec that Google open-sourced in May 2010. Google ran a test on a million images from the web and achieved on average size savings of 39%. This is pretty impressive as they ran their tools on already compressed images.
The WebP tools are now available as a developer preview. While WebP images can’t be viewed until browsers support the format, Google is developing a patch for WebKit to provide native support for WebP in an upcoming release of Google Chrome. So there is no hurry yet for webmasters to convert to WebP.
There have been so many updates in the past week that it seems like every Android device is deciding to receive an OTA just to not feel left out.
This time, Google's own flagship device, the Nexus One, receives an update to its OS. Here is the information on the update, courtesy of Devastatin from the XDA forums:
Android version: 2.2.1 (!!!!)
Baseband version: 32.36.00.28U_4.06.00.12_7
Kernel version: 2.6.32.9-27240-gbca5320
Android-build@apa26 #1
Build number: frg83
Update instructions after the break. Thanks, Anthony!
1. Download the Android 2.2.1 firmware for the Nexus One Here 2. Rename the file update.zip and copy it to your microSD card via USB. [Note: make sure the file is named update.zip and not update.zip.zip.] 3. Power down your Nexus One 4. Hold down the “Volume Down” button as you power the phone back on. 5. A screen should appear showing your phone’s system searching for various files. Scroll down to “recovery” and press the “Power” button. 6. When you see the triangle with an exclamation point symbol, press the “Power” and “Volume Up” buttons at the same time. 7. From the menu that appears, select “Apply sdcard:update.zip.” 8. When the screen displays “Install from sdcard complete” select “reboot system now” and wait for the phone to power back up. (this will take a long time)
Just a software update as far as we know. We have heard that once it is updated, some of the 3rd party keyboards have issues. Swype was reporting an issue while not working and Swiftkey wasn't predicting words. So if you do this update, watch out as you may not be able to use your favorite keyboard right away.
This is a very new update, so we'll keep you up-to-date as we hear more. [XDA forums] Thanks to Anthony and Devastatin for providing info!
Dual-core Android devices: they are the unicorn spit of Android Fan Boy dreams. There have been several claims of truth and “debunking” of those truths for dual-core powered Android devices this year. On one side of the Android Community, well known bloggers and even great pillars of the community stated that a dual core device is not possible by the end of the year. On the other side of this dual-core coin, other websites and discussions have arisen that a dual-core Android device launch is imminent.
All these debates in regards to a dual-core device started when a leaked photo of the GL Benchmark for the HTC Glacier arrived on the scene, with rumors of a dual-core chipset, project emerald relations and unicorn urine. Soon after the HTC Glacier announcement, the community was set ablaze with more rumor of Android dual-core goodness, and for a good reason. As enthusiasts, we want the latest, the greatest and that means cooler, bigger and better screens; more efficient processors and better battery life. Repeatedly, naysayers have stated the HTC Glacier is in no way a dual-core powered Android device. Unfortunately, a recently leaked internal T-Mobile document revealing a “dual processor” MyTouch HD have added fuel to the rumor fire. Once again, these rumors had to be shut down again and again by members of the community who claims to be in the know. For now, the empty promise of dual-core hangs in the air, while everyone awaits for the next best and greatest…
… or do we? On the September 15th Android Show with Scotty Brown, Keyan Mobli from the hardware division of Team Douche explained the technology behind Qualcomm chipsets of now, tomorrow and beyond over-the-air. At the end of the discussion, Scotty asked Keyan about the possibility of a dual-core Android device. Although pessimistic, Keyan stated that it is possible a dual-core device could launch this year. Also standing on this side of the ring is the nVidia Tegra 2 chipset powered devices, which does not have to conform to the QualComm restrictions that Keyan spoke about.
So what does that leave for us? Dual-Core chips on Android are still in the air. As fans, we would love to have these powerful devices as soon as possible. All we can do as enthusiasts is to continue digging for more information. To finish the article, here are some of the best bets for a dual-core Android device this year:
LG Optimus T: This device was leaked in the T-Mobile accessory document by TmoNews. The Optimus T could go both ways, either it’s a low range LG device like the Optimus One or Optimus Chic, or it could be the LG Optimus Tablet/Highend Phone recently announced to be expected fourth quarter of this year.
Viewsonic Tablet: This device is expected to land sometime in October, just in time for my birthday. Sporting a Tegra 2 chipset, and a 1024×600 screen; although priced over $500 it could be the Christmas item every Android geek would love to have under the tree.
India will launch its much anticipated ultra-cheap tablet PC, the Sakshat, on 11 January 2011, the ministry of Development has announced. The tablet, which will cost no more than 35 US dollars (or 27 euros), is aimed at students and low-income groups in India. The announcement of the launch date came as a surprise to many, as some experts say a PC this cheap is simply impossible.
India's Development minister Shri Kapil Sibal (pictured, with a prototype of the tablet) looks determined to turn this project into a success, despite the criticism. "We are constantly customising the device to the needs of our target groups, students in particular," Mr Sibal told reporters earlier this week. "So the machine simply does what the user requires. This has enabled us to keep the price as low as possible."
Sceptical But even with a launch date now set, many people remain sceptical about the Sakshat project. "There is no 35-dollar PC," says Satish Jha of the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project in India, which distributes cheap laptops in schools in India for approximately 100 US dollars per laptop. He told RNW: "It is not clear who is producing the device. The government can always buy any number of pieces and subsidise it and ask any manufacturer to create it. Such a product can only be sold at a subsidised price."
Realistic? Mr Jha also wonders whether it's actually up to the government to create this kind of technology. "To try to do this without a track record of virtually any product seems impossible," he says. "It raises questions about the ability of those behind the project to understand how technologies evolve and how products get created. We hope they'll be a little more realistic about the expectations they generate."
Watch a promotional video of the Sakshat here (story continues below):
With its 35-dollar price tag it will be the cheapest computer in the world, but Mr Sibal thinks the price could go down even further. "I expect the price will gradually drop down to 20 dollars and ultimately to only ten dollars," he said.
Rural areas If successful, the Sakshat provides internet access to millions of Indians who until now, simply couldn't afford even the cheapest PC. It is part of the Development ministry's drive to bring technology to low-income groups, especially in rural areas.
But the Sakshat may not be what some people in these target groups actually need, Mr Jha warns. "The Sakshat is aimed at universities. During the course of our OLPC project, we have discovered that what's good for university students may not be good for schools. What is good in privileged environments may not work in the villages and for the underprivileged. Hopefully the decision makers will keep those two tracks separate."
Mobile banks Another example of bringing technology to low-income groups is the government's scheme to introduce "mobile banks" to all parts of India by 2015, as announced by the Reserve Bank of India on Tuesday. Customers will have access to bank services through specially equipped vans that will travel to even the smallest villages.
Incidentally, India - one of the world's fastest growing economies - is making a name for affordable consumer products. In 2008, the cheap Tata Nano car was introduced with only a 2,000 dollar price tag attached to it (6,000 dollars in Europe). Despite initial reservations from the automotive industry about the success of the project, it is still the world's cheapest car.