Despite Google enabling Instant Search for most users, there is still the option of turning it off should you want to entertain yourself with autocomplete suggestions, like the one above. Click here to see them all.
[via Failblog]
Similar to these geeky Microsoft Excel drawings, this incredible animation was created entirely with Google Docs. For those doubting its authenticity, “see the presentation (and wait for it to load – the file is heavy!) here — 3 animators. 3 days (sort of). 3 Locations. 1 Google Doc.” Continue reading for a video preview.
Animator Patrick Boivin has teamed up with Google once again to bring you another ninja unboxing for the Nexus S, which you can watch here. That’s not all, the crew over at iFixit have already completely dissected the handset, and provided us with a comprehensive tear down gallery. Click here for more pictures.
After the main animation has finished, don’t forget to scroll down and pick up the nunchuck near the bottom of the page, too; we spend several gleeful minutes hurling it at the various comments.
Android device owners rejoice! Google has just released a Maps 5.0 update that lets you explore the world in 3D. In other words, “you can tilt, rotate, zoom smoothly, and enter compass mode to orient yourself in the world with Google Maps.” Continue reading for a short preview.
You’ll need at least Motorola Droid-level hardware for some of the crazier features like 3D though — 3D buildings for 100 cities; 3D compass; Two new gestures: two-finger swipe to tilt the map and twist to rotate.
[via Gizmodo]
To celebrate the Nexus S’s official launch tomorrow, Google launched several of the handsets towards the edge of space. That’s right, “each phone was attached facing out through a window cut into the side of a styrofoam beer cooler, and was set to shoot video and pictures while running SkyMaps.” Video after the break.
Once launched, the weather balloon would lift it to around 100,000 feet, at which point the balloon bursts, and the cooler tumbles back to Earth slowed by a parachute.
[via Dvice]
Unlike traditional cross-country races with real cars, these geeks decided to use Google Street View for the task. That’s right, “at a pace of 90 hours and 104,619 clicks, it turns out driving across the country in real life is faster than making a coast-to-coast click trip on Google Street View.” Video after the break.
[via Jalopnik]
For those who missed out on the first Google Zurich office tour, here’s an even closer look at the wonderland, complete with videos explaining the design in-depth. Yes, the giant slide you see isn’t just for show, employees are actually encouraged to use it for sliding down to the eating area. Videos after the break. Click here for more pictures.
Here it is, an official look at a Google Cr-48 prototype. This Chrome OS-powered netbook measures just 0.9-inches thick and weighs in at 3.6-pounds. Unfortunately, there’s no word yet on pricing or availability. Video of it being destroyed after the break. Click here for more pictures.
While the OS is pretty much all that matters here right now, and the internals are nothing special, our favorite part of the Cr-48 probably happens to be the one true inessential element: the design.
As most internet users already know, Google has several breathtaking offices around the world, and this new one in Moscow is definitely no slouch. You’ll find game rooms, popcorn / cotton candy machines, forest-inspired relaxation room, fully stocked kitchen, and more. Click here for a rare inside look.
Photo credit: Engadget.com
Currently, Google reports that there are 300,000 Android activations per day, and with the Nexus S set for release next week, it could exceed that number. Video preview after the break. Click here for Nexus S hands-on images.
We were told by Google that the front of the device is meant to convey a continuous, unbroken surface from the status bar to the bottom buttons, and that’s definitely the case.
[via CrunchGear – Engadget]