Gadget Lab: A Review of Windows 8 Release Preview, Chromebook, and NuForce Speaker

Summary

In this article, we review the release preview of Windows 8, including the two interfaces and native apps, touch pad gestures, and charms menu. We also discuss the Chromebook, a laptop that operates solely through the browser, and its offline capabilities. Lastly, we take a look at the NuForce speaker, a small black box from a mobile and home audio company.

Windows 8 Release Preview
Chromebook: A Web-Based Laptop
NuForce Speaker

Windows 8 Release Preview

Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows 8, has two interfaces: the Metro UI and the desktop mode. The Metro UI is optimized for touch screens and features three new native apps: News, Sports, and Travel. The News app aggregates news from various sources, including Bing, Facebook, and Twitter, and users can customize their news search. The touch pad gestures and charms menu also provide a new way to navigate the system.

Chromebook: A Web-Based Laptop

The Chromebook, a laptop running Chrome OS, is entirely web-based and runs the Google Chrome browser. It is ideal for users who rely on Gmail and Google Drive for their documents, as it requires an internet connection to function. However, a version with Verizon Wireless Broadband is available for $55, which includes 100 MB of free broadband per month for two years. Currently, there is no offline mode for Google Docs, but Google has announced that offline syncing will be available in June. The Chromebook has improved hardware, including a better trackpad and keyboard, but lacked offline productivity.

NuForce Speaker

The NuForce speaker is a small black box from a mobile and home audio company known for making DAC boxes. It has a sleek design and produces high-quality sound, making it an ideal choice for those who want to enhance their audio experience. The speaker is easy to set up and use, and it is compatible with a variety of devices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Windows 8 release preview offers a new and improved interface for touch screens, while the Chromebook provides a web-based alternative to traditional laptops. The NuForce speaker is a great option for those looking to enhance their audio experience. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative products in the future.