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As it seems, Google has been engulfing the tech community with all sorts of new releases and products to have you connected to Google: Google Desktop, Google Earth, Google Maps, Google Talk, Google Mail, iGoogle, YouTube, Blogger, Android, the list goes on. Today, Google announced their newest edition to the family, Google Chrome, an open-source web browser project. It was revealed today on Blogoscoped along with a 38 page scan of a “comic book” detailing Chrome in all of its “metallicy” goodness. As a conveyor of the news it is my duty and obligation to read all 38 pages and report back on the finer of points. However, if readers will take a moment to acknowledge who I am and the laziness I display, you all know that isn’t going to happen. Though, as mentioned above Blogoscoped gives a brief, information laden recap of the comic if you were as inclined as I was to read it.

Due to my lack of enthusiasm I don’t want to discourage readers into thinking this will be a bum release. From what I have read, I can assure you this will be big, very big. Despite all the hype, there is no word yet on when we will get to use Google Chrome.

Ever since the release of Photoshop 1.0 for the Mac in 1990, people have shelled out hundreds to Adobe for its high quality photo editing software.  That is, until now.  As of March 26, 2008, Adobe released the public beta of Photoshop Express:  A free, Flash-based tool for uploading and editing photos. I joined the beta to bring you the good, the bad, and the buggy. You can find it here. Each account clocks in at about two gigabytes of storage, with many extra features. Photoshop Express is solid as a photo host.  When you sign up, you are given a gallery, which anyone can view. Mine can be found here.

The editing was just as I expected: lacking. For your average computer user, there are plenty of options.  However, for serious users, this cannot replace Creative Suite 3, or any previous versions. I’m not surprised, I didn’t think Photoshop would be free, but it felt strange not being able to draw on my picture and unable to insert a text box.  Although this was a bit of a letdown, you should still remember you aren’t paying for it.            


Bottom line, if you bought (or stole) Photoshop, you probably won’t be needing Px any time soon. Though, if you don’t have any decent image editing software, you might as well give Photoshop Express a try, it’s free, and it has all the tools Mom and Pop will ever need. It’s still the beta, and a lot can change.  Adobe has said that they would like to add subscriptions for extra storage and features.

Who knows what we will see?