Facebook recently invested $10 million to acquire Chai Labs, a startup which help companies develop niche websites that are search engine friendly. 

Chai Labs was started by Gokul Rajaram, a former Google Adsense executive and it’s advisory board and investor list reads like a who’s who, consisting of the likes of Marc Andreessen, one of the cofounders of Netscape Communications, Joe Kraus of Google Ventures’ and Reid Hoffman, the LinkedIn chairman.

Even its client list appears strong with Associated Content, NBC Local and the Travel Ad Network listed as some of their clients.

This is the latest in what’s expected to be a string of acquisitions from Facebook and comes a month after the social net bought travel review site NextStop.

Just over a year ago, Facebook acquired FriendFeed but no ambitious plan were implemented subsequently.

It’s not really clear how Facebook plans to benefit from the acquistion of Chai Labs. Maybe Facebook desire the talents at Chai Labs, as in the Friendfeed deal when Bret Taylor, who launched Google Maps, crossed over and is now Facebook’s chief technology officer.

[Mashable]

Engadget just reported that HP is targeting a 2011 Q1 release date for its webOS tablet.

Yes, that tablet supposedly named Palmpad which looks impressive enough to give Apple’s iPad a run for their money.

Apparently, the Personal Systems Group VP mentioned this at some mass HP meeting. Keep your fingers crossed for CES 2011 announcement.

I guess HP can really do with some good news after the recent sex scandal between HP CEO Mark Hurd and a soft-porn actress Jodie Fisher which sent its share price plunging.

It doesn’t take much to remove a CEO these days. Maybe they can ask Jodie Fisher to help promote its tablet too. That will surely create more hype than Apple products.

[Engadget]

Apple has released a new version of their mobile OS, iOS4 to fanatic iPhone and iPod touch users. I can just imagine their excitement at seeing the announcement on ITunes – “A new iPhone software version (4.0) is available.”

iOS4 is a free update for iPhone 3G and 3GS models. Early adopters of iPhones has to look on longingly at the extremely useful multitasking feature which only work on the latest 3GS models and upcoming iPhone 4.

Well, don’t feel upset if you have a first-gen iPhone as your batttery may not be able to handle multi-tasking… that is a perfect excuse for you to upgrade to iPhone 4.

There are over 1500 changes made to the API, and several new features introduced. Here are some prominent highlights from iOS 4:

- Multitasking – yes, the missing piece in the iPhone jigsaw! A combination of persistent-state applications and backgrounding functions ensures you can tweet and email at the same time.

- Folders – If you have been downloading apps, you soon find that your homepage is overwhelmed. Sometimes you just can’t find what you want amid multiple screens of apps. Not to worry, as you can now organize your homescreen into folders with ease.

- iBooks – iPad has an eBooks reader, so why not the iPhone. In iOS4, just like the kindle app, your books will be synced across all your devices.

- Tap to focus Video – Focus with video capture.

- Bluetooth Keyboard Support – I have not much use for a bluetooth keyboard with my iPhone but for those who don’t have a laptop, it might help you finish a report on the go.

- Better Spell Check – Now available in Mail, Notes and Safari and other apps.

Actually, Apple is playing catch-up to other phone developers as such features are available on other platforms long ago. The playing field is more or less level now.

iOS4 is now available for download by plugging your device into iTunes.

[Engadget, Mashable]

With the frenzy over iPads and iPhones, it is not surprising to see sales of personal computers and laptops taking a backseat.

However, 3D technology could be the X-factor to push up their sales. Toshiba has jumped on the bandwagon by unveiling its first 3D laptop, Satellite A665-3DV.

The Satellite A665-3DV boasts a Core i7-740QM quad-core processor, Windows 7 Home Premium, 4GB of DDR3 memory, a 640GB hard drive, NVIDIA’s GeForce GTS 350M (1GB), a Blu-ray burner, LED backlit keyboard and 802.11n WiFi.

There is also a built-in webcam, a trackpad, a BD drive and support for 3D. The 1,366 x 768 native resolution spanning the 15.6-inch panel is impressive too.

The laptop is priced at $1,599.99. Well, since there will be an onslaught of 3D laptop in the near future, I will just hold back for a while and hope the prices hit $1000 before opening my wallet.

[Laptopping]

Since Project Natal, now called Kinect, was announced at E3 last year, Microsoft has been hard at work. It promised to bring full body motion control to the Xbox 360 and at E3 2010, it did not disappoint.

Xbox 360 with Project Natal (Kinect) is more than a Wii clone. It provides a unique experience that caters not only to hardcore gamers.
There are games for girls (Kinectimals) and sports fans (Kinect Adventurous; Kinect Sports).

Big boys like Konami, Lucas Arts and Turn 10 Studios have embraced the next-gen controller system by developing games for adults, like Metal Gear Solid and Star Wars Kinect.

Another fun feature of Microsoft Xbox 360 is the alternative dashboard using Kinect. To log-in, you just wave your hand. Making selections and browsing through media is easy too, just swipe your hand to move the on-screen cursor. Kinect also recognizes voice commands.

Microsoft has leapfrogged above competitors Sony and Nintendo with full body motion control. Not having a controller may have drawbacks for certain games, but the gaming experience is superior as you fully immerse yourself in the action.

If the Kinect experiment proves successful, Microsoft will be the kingpin of motion control on the gaming console and computer. By the way, the Xbox 360 kinect is set to hit retail stores by November. Are you looking forward to connect with Kinect?

Apple fans were sleepless from waiting for iPhone 4 updates at WWDC 2010 in San Francisco. Considering all the leaks around the internet, Steve Jobs still impressed the audience with new fanciful features for iPhone 4. As he said: “I’m sure some of you have seen it but you’ll need to see it to SEE it”.

The iPhone 4 design (glass lining and stainless steel) is similar to the prototype that got Gizmodo into trouble with the police. IPhone 4 is 24% slimmer compared to the “bulky” 3GS. In fact, at 9.3mm, the iPhone 4 is the world’s thinnest smartphone.

Besides physical improvements, iPhone 4 has a Retina display whereby Apple squeezed four times the pixel density into a 3.5 inch, 960 x 640 screen at 326 Pixels Per Inch (PPI). There is also a 800:1 contrast ratio and IPS technology for better colour and wide angle viewing. Consumers will definitely get clearer pictures and smoother fonts compared to 3GS.

Another nifty feature in iPhone 4 is the 5 Megapixel camera with a LED flash, 5x digital zoom and tap autofocus. That means we can capture sharper pictures in low light environment from the iPhone 4. Apple has also solved a constant gripe by adding the ability to record 720p HD video at 30fps. Coupled with the new iMovie, the iPhone 4 is almost a wet dream for amateur video makers.

The iPhone 4 also has a front facing camera. With a feature called “FaceTime,” you will be able to make video calls! However, you must be on WiFi and it only supports iPhone 4 to iPhone 4.

There has been no news of the pricing but iPhone 4 will come in white or black and 16Gb and 32Gb models.

Will you guys be getting the iPhone 4? If you have a 3GS, I think upgrading may be too costly (unless you are a real gadget fanatic) but if you are stuck with a first generation iPhone, then it is time to join the queue.

[Engadget]

More TV viewers are demanding DVR to On-Demand to watch their favorite programs. If you have an Xbox, you no longer need to worry about getting content like Netflix and Hulu to your screen.

According to certain sources, Hulu is coming to the Xbox Live service on the Xbox 360 platform. There is no word about pricing yet. Perhaps Microsoft will release more details at the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo in mid-June.

The Hulu integration is a great idea and it will surely drive up the demand for Xbox 360. I love Hulu, all the latest movie titles are available and video quality is excellent. Hopefully, the entire catalog gets released, unlike Netflix’s limited release.

I will definitely want to access Hulu on my Xbox but the subscription fee should not be too costly.

[Mashable]

Apple fans may wish to consider boarding Jetstar the next time they fly to Australia. This is because Jetstar has come up with an innovative idea of offering iPad (on trial basis) as their in-flight entertainment devices on selected domestic routes.

Customers would able to rent the device for only AUD 10 and enjoy all the pre-loaded contents inside it such as music, videos, e-book and also, games throughout their journey.

The allure of Apple products is really impressive. iPhone has now replaced Blackberry for corporate gifts and now airlines are using iPad for their in-flight entertainment. In fact, Apple iPad has sold 2 million iPads in under 2 months. No wonder Steve Jobs is smiling all the way to the bank.

[The Age, Slashdot]

Skype 2.0 is finally available on iPhone. It works over 3G, something many phone users have been clamoring for. You got to move fast for any Skype action though as there could be a “small monthly fee” for Skype-to-Skype calls after August.

Here’s the full rundown of what’s new:

Upgrades / improvements include:
- Call using your 3G connection. Skype-to-Skype calls on 3G are free until at least end of August 2010, after which there will be a small monthly fee (operator charges for data will still apply).
- Near CD-quality sound for Skype-to-Skype calls using wideband audio (SILK codec) on iPhone 3GS and 2nd generation iPod touch.
- Enhanced call quality indicator.
- Improved start-up time.
- Fast access to the dial pad from iPhone home screen.

For the heavy users, Skype may help you save on the overseas calls. But paying a monthly fee really turn me off. I don’t use Skype frequently and additional charges negate the advantages of downloading the Skype app.

[Gizmodo]

Automakers are adopting new technology in the design of vehicles. No longer are blueprints necessary with virtual reality development tools as seen in Ford’s Virttex.

The Virttex is a 20-foot ultra-high resolution displays with real world testing done in a virtual world. Designers can visualize and experience a future vehicle before any physical piece is constructed.

Besides the design stage, Ford also employs virtual tools for the manufacturing phase to maximize efficiency. Much of a vehicle’s testing is now done virtually, a processes that helps streamline development while keeping cost down. Nearly everything from seating position to steering wheel position to blind spots can be evaluated and worked out.

Using new technology is all well and good but the recent safety issues in Toyota vehicles has me thinking that high tech stuff cannot compensate for good old fashioned road testing and management’s attitude towards consumers’ feedback on safety.

[CrunchGear]