Stories by Jeff Bertolucci

Forget Apple iPad 2: Reports say iPad 3 is one to watch

As the tech world awaits the expected unveiling of Apple's next-generation iPad on Wednesday, a new report suggests the upcoming iPad 2 will be a minor upgrade. However, its future replacement -- let's call it the iPad 3 -- will be a super-duper slate that rocks the tablet world.

Apple planning major product launch next week

A refreshed lineup of MacBook Pro laptops may debut next week, according to a Friday report by AppleInsider. Citing the ever-chatty "people familiar with the matter," the Apple-oriented blog says that Cupertino is mulling whether to launch the updated notebooks before the end of February. If so, Apple is running out of time to issue party invites.

Quick tour of Google Chrome 9: Instant search, 3D, apps

Google has launched version 9 of its Chrome browser, which features Chrome Instant search, a speed enhancer that loads Web pages as you type a URL. Other notable upgrades include WebGL support for hardware-accelerated 3D graphics, as well as access to Google's new Chrome Web Store.

Android rocks, Windows Phone 7 rolls (slowly)

The Android mobile operating system thoroughly dominates the U.S. consumer smartphone market, while Microsoft's new Windows Phone 7 OS is off to a slow start, according to a new survey by market researcher The NPD Group. And while Apple's share of the consumer market is falling, the iPhone will likely get a boost once Verizon Wireless starts offering the top-selling handset in February.

Analyst: Verizon iPhone Sales Could Hit 25M This Year

There's little doubt that Verizon Wireless has an instant hit on its hands with the Apple iPhone 4, which the U.S. carrier starts selling on February 10. But how many millions of iPhones will Verizon sell in 2011? According to one analyst, sales could approach a jaw-dropping 25 million.

Google Translate mobile app

Sometime in the not-to-distant future, smartphones may help humans bridge those pesky linguistic and cultural barriers that always seem to cause so much trouble. At least that's Google's goal with Translate for Android, a free app that can help travelers better communicate with the locals, and vice versa. A new version of Translate debuted Wednesday, one with several interface tweaks designed to improve usability.

New Sony laptops take on MacBook Air

Sony launched a duo of thin laptops at the Consumer Electronics Show on Wednesday that offer a more affordable alternative to Apple's MacBook Air. The new Vaio S and Y portables start at $900 and $550, respectively. And although they cost less than Apple's ultra-slim Airs, which start at $US1,000 (11-inch) and $1,300 (13-inch), they're a tad thicker and heavier too.

Google fiber: Not yet, but soon

Which American city will receive Google's experimental fiber network? We'll have to wait a while longer to find out, it seems.

Is Mobile Broadband Ready for Chrome OS?

Chrome OS is grabbing headlines this week, as Google reveals more details about its cloud-based operating system for mobile devices. Netbooks running Chrome OS won't ship until mid-2011, however, which allows us plenty of time to speculate on potential shortcomings.

The tech brands you can trust

Device manufacturers spend billions each year on designing, marketing, and advertising their products. That's what they need to do to get you to the counter to buy.

Lenovo’s LePad tablet due in US in 2011

It's no secret Lenovo has its eye on the tablet market, and now China's biggest PC manufacturer appears ready to challenge Apple's iPad in the U.S. The company's LePad, an Android-based slate announced in July, will arrive stateside next year.

Is Windows Phone 7 really a huge success?

Consumers can't get enough of Windows Phone 7, according to reports of strong customer demand Tuesday. T-Mobile, one of two U.S. wireless carriers currently offering Win Phone 7 devices, can't keep the Win Phone 7-based HTC DH7 in stock (it sold out soon after its debut), according to TG Daily.

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