Parallels is launching a new test version of its Parallels Desktop virtualization software that, among other features, supports the iPhone. Also, a new report suggests that Google's first cellphone is well underway.
Parallels beta supports Expose, iPhone in Windows
Significantly, the test update for version 3.0 adds full recognition of the iPhone in Windows XP or Vista virtual machines, allowing the device to sync with iTunes. The unusual change is necessary for those who may run Microsoft Outlook for work purposes and need its data on the Apple device, according to Parallels.
"Yes, I realize the irony of syncing an Apple device with Windows running on a Mac, but lots of people need [this]," said company PR chief Ben Rudolph. "Try not to judge."
The refresh also further blends Windows apps into Coherence Mode, integrating them with the Mac OS X Expose task switcher and adding drop shadow effects.
Other changes included restoring the Image Tool's features to let the user change the size and state of disk images, and the ability to browse a virtual machine's file system while the environment is in suspend mode.
The update is currently free and open to any public user already running Parallels Desktop 3.
Google funneling money into cellphone project
Reuters' investment guidance firm Anian has revealed in a recent report that Google's often-rumored cellphone project is not only real but has received a large infusion of cash on the road to completion.
While short on details, the report said that Google was taking the concept of its own cellphone seriously and had spent "hundreds of millions" of dollars designing and preparing for the device. Taiwan's HTC, which regularly produces and then rebrands phones for American and European markets, was purportedly designing a Linux phone on behalf of the Mountain View, Calif.-based search engine giant. T-Mobile would be the primary carrier for the phone in the US in early 2008 while Orange would service France and other areas, Anian said.
Google had also allegedly discussed deals with AT&T and Verizon for integrating Google service into their cellphone lines but had been turned down by at least Verizon, which objected to splitting ad revenue with the potential partner. All three American carriers said to be involved in the deal declined to comment.
The move by Google to create its own phone would complicate its relationship with Apple and other phone designers such as LG, many of whom already have installed custom Google map and search tools in recent models. The iPhone to date relies on Google's Maps utility and its search engine in the mobile version of Safari, but is expected to gain more apps over time.
34 Comments
Good luck attracting customers with T-Mo's atrocious coverage map...
WTF would Google gain by getting into manufacturing and hardware? This report about Google is likely untrue or will have limited impact. It doesn't fit with their company's goals.
Here's the article.
I hope it aint similar to the iPhone.
WTF would Google gain by getting into manufacturing and hardware? This report about Google is likely untrue, and it doesn't fit with their company's goals.
I think it is a smart move and one that can well fit into their goals, anyway they are not talking about manufacturing a device themselves, they are essentially OEM'ing a handset from HTC. Google have already got some great applications for mobile use and this sounds like they have got many more on the cards. They need to make some money out of these apps and if the carriers are not prepared to deal then Google may be left with no choice but to launch their own handset as way of getting their apps out there.
And before anyone talks about the iPhone they would really need a bigger slice of the market than they can get from the iphone, the iphone is very niche and probably will be so for some time yet. If HTC make a 'normal' smartphone and it is sold in the usual way it could end up being a popular phone at a fraction of the cost as the iPhone.
Of course this could always be a bluff on Googles part just to muddy the waters while they negotiate with network operators and mobile manufacturers but i thnk their is probably some truth in it.
Imagine a 3G smartphone with integrated GPS running google maps, a linux based OS that is open to 3rd party applications, in fact everything the iPhone should have been!! Of course we do not know what the specs will be but if i were to release a phone that would be built around google apps today it would without a doubt include GPS and 3G support.
Null.