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Google has finally brought extensions out of beta and stabilized them for the newly released update of Chrome. Bookmark syncing is packaged in there as well — automatically synchronize your Chrome bookmarks on different computers. Keep in mind that this update only applies to the Windows version of the web browser. No word yet on when Mac and Linux versions will release these same (stable channel) updates…

After news of the official release filtered through my Google Reader feeds, I pulled up the Chrome extensions gallery and started browsing through. There are currently just over 1,800 extensions available for Chrome; I probably surfed through half of them, if that… Since I’m not the true techie geek that I should be, I can’t say that I was super excited about too many. Here are the few that appealed to my simple and practical tastes.  I’d say most of them contribute to an easier blogging experience or everyday web surfing…

CoolIris
I use this app on Firefox and love it. It’s a great, flashy way of looking for images. It’s fast, efficient -much better than browsing page after page on Google Images or Facebook!

Wikipedia Chromium Edition
Fantastic for those that Wiki often. Just search Wikipedia right within the webpage you are viewing.

Google Voice
Make a phone call from within your browser using Google Voice. Also gives you a quick display of your Google Voice inbox and what not.

Google Dictionary
Look up definitions with a simple double-click.

AniWeather
Animated weather, because I like cartoons. And I need to know upcoming weather to plan for my motorcyclin’.

Lazarus Form Recovery
Recovers what you’ve filled out on a form after one of those “oh $*#@” moment happens. Be forewarned, this extension is still in beta…

Add to Amazon Wish List
Perfect for the online shopaholic who can never keep track of what to buy next (yep, that’s me…)!

Which extensions have you tried out? Which do you recommend? Share your experiences by hitting that comment link!

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Continue reading »]]> As rumors and suspicions prove true, the Google Nexus One phone was announced today at the Android event. Already available sans service or with T-Mobile (but both seemingly unlocked), it will also soon be available for CDMA carriers (Verizon Wireless in the United States and Vodafone in Europe) in Spring 2010. AT&T users are able to use the unlocked Nexus One phone, but will not be able to use the radio feature trhough AT&T’s 3G network.

The Nexus One, closely designed in partnership with HTC, resembles an iPhone. Okay, maybe it looks a lot more like the DROID ERIS by HTC…

The Nexus One is 4.68″ (119mm) in height, 2.35″ (60mm) wide, no thicker than a No. 2 pencil (11.5mm) and weighs under 5 ounces (130 grams), or approximately 53 pennies. It features a high-resolution 3.7 inch 480×800 pixel AMOLED touchscreen. And it’s built with a second microphone for active noise cancellation, 3.5mm stereo headphone jack (eliminating the need for an adapter, as such with my LG), compass, Micro SD slot, light and proximity sensor, 5 megapixel camera with LED flash and it’s Teflon coated (interesting). TechCrunch praises that this “is the best mobile phone display on the market today, blowing away the iPhone’s 480 x 320 display.” On top of being pretty, it’s also fast — the Nexus One, which runs the new Android 2.1 platform, is powered by a 1GHz snapdragon processor. This updated processor allows upped capabilities to handle 3D graphics and ability to run multiple applications simultaneously — less lag time and what not. Amped for more? Read more fancy tech spec stuff at Google.

Wait! There’s more cool stuff…

Google Maps Navigation, voice recognition, Facebook sync/widget, one-click YouTube upload, quick contacts, live wallpaper (there’s a wallpaper that pumps to your MP3s!), weather and a very cool new gallery app also come on the Nexus One. So that makes the phone… a weatherman, Rolodex, media library, GPS and social life manager all rolled into one, eh. And that wasn’t even a full list of everything the Nexus One has to offer! The new gallery app, a team-up with Cooliris, sounds will be awesome. Scroll and tip the phone to show a 3D layout of images? Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Then it syncs to Picasa! Awesome Bad ass! Get a taste for Cooliris by downloading their browser extension for FireFox or Chrome. I already use it and feel like I’m pulled into another dimension each time I search images through the 3D portal.

Mashable has a quick comparison chart if you want to make a more informed smartphone choice. But, I am psyched! Aren’t you? Verizon. Spring 2010. I’m ready.

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