Posted on

Apache quits Java Executive Committee over Java 7

Apache Software Foundation withdrew its members from the Java Executive Committee which decides the future versions and course of action for Java.  ASF (Apache Software Foundation) had earlier gave an ultimatum last week, that if Java 7 Specification was approved in its current form , ASF will quit the Java EC.

The concern was regarding licensing terms in the Specification which prevents Open Source Implementation of Java and also in mobile device. Many members including Google,Eclipse , IBM and SAP had opposed it but most of them voted in favor the Spec with comments, only Google abstained from voting.

ASF has come out hard saying that Oracle is keeping its commercial interests in front of the Java Platform and Oracle has too much Control over Java Community Process and has withdrew its membership, meanwhile Oracle has requested ASF to reconsider its decision.

Few days back Java EC had approved specs for both Java 7 and Java 8. Apache is a key player in the Web server market with its popular Tomcat.

Posted on

Free iPhone 3GS on contract @ Best Buy

Best Buy is going to offer free iPhone 3GS on a new two years contract and for an eligible upgrade . It is a one day offer on friday (December 10).

Apple iPhone 3GS is currently selling for $99, but for the first time Apple 3GS is going on sale tomorrow. Best Buy has limited stocks for the iPhone 3GS 8GB version and it is trying to clear it in favour of  iPhone 4. This also adds fuel to the rumour that new iPhone is to be launched from Verizon.

Posted on

Google gives away its CR-48 Chrome OS laptops

After its announcement of  Chrome OS, Google started sending out free CR-48 unbranded 12 inch laptops loaded with Google Chrome OS. PCWorld was one of the first to report the CR-48 shipping.   It is estimated by some sources Google had ordered 60000 of these laptops from inventec for the purpose of Beta Testing.

The lot of  free shipments is randomly selected when applied as individuals, but specific websites and media organisations have been handpicked to receive one.

The laptop looks like a plain slim version of Lenovo X series or Macbook 12 inch laptops, comes in a full black with no labels whatsoever, it is 12 inch with LCD display with wifi and 3G inbuilt. The laptop has webcam and a large keyboard without function keys and new search key. The trackpad is much bigger in size and  doesnt have a separte clicker as the entire trackpad is clickable. So the right click is achieved by two clicks.

The Laptop is powered by Intel Atom processor and supplied with Verizon Wireless 3G plan 100 MB per month for two years free of cost.

But the most significant factor about the device is not the hardware ofcourse, the Notebook boots up in less than 10 seconds, and the OS  comes with no bells and whistles attached. You  can install apps from the Chrome Appstore ranging from GMAIL  Pandora etc. But the best feature of the device obviously its browsing, which is accomplished with Chrome.

The initial reports indicate the Laptop is sluggish when running Flash and even crashes at times. But HTML5 seems to be much better.