Google unveiled its cloud-based storage service, Google Drive. — AFP picSAN FRANCISCO, April 28 — Hot topics in the tech blogs for the week ending April 27 include the unveiling of Google’s Drive cloud-based storage service, Apple’s record second-quarter results, designs for the original “Google Phone,” Microsoft’s rumored music service, and Apple WWDC dates.

Google unveils cloud-based storage service Google Drive

Google finally took the wraps off its much-rumored cloud-based storage service, Google Drive — “a place where you can create, share, collaborate, and keep all of your stuff.” Google Drive lets users access their documents, videos, photos and files from anywhere. Users can store up to 5GB in the cloud for free or upgrade to paid accounts for additional storage. While praise for the service has been widespread, bloggers and users voiced their concerns over the company’s confusing privacy and content handling policies.

http://drive.google.com/start

Apple reports record second quarter results

Apple revealed that it had yet another record quarter. The company topped analyst estimates and reported it had more than US$110 billion (RM334.4 billion) in cash reserves. iPhone sales topped 35 million for the quarter while iPad sales came in at close to 12 million units. Bloggers said that “it appears that things are going exceedingly well in Cupertino” while Apple CEO Tim Cook was reported to have said “It is mind-boggling that we can do this well” during the earnings call.

http://apple.com

The original “Google Phone” designs surface in Oracle case

Technology blog The Verge featured plans and conceptual images of Google’s original “Google Phone,” which had surfaced during a court case against Oracle. The prototype Android device dates back to 2006 and features a QWERTY keyboard and “integrated services.”

http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/25/2974676/this-was-the-original-google-phone-presented-in-2006

Microsoft Woodstock Xbox music service at E3

Technology blog The Verge claims that Microsoft has plans to show off a new cross-platform music service, dubbed “Woodstock,” during the E3 Gaming Expo in June. Woodstock is said to be a replacement for the company’s Zune music service and will be available to Windows 8, Android, iOS, and Xbox users.

http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/25/2973682/microsoft-xbox-live-music-service-codename-woodstock-e3-2012

Apple announces WWDC dates

Apple announced that its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) would be held from June 11-15 in San Francisco. The WWDC has been home to many big iPhone announcements in the past and people are already speculating on the possibility of an iPhone 5. New rumors, however, point to an October release date. Apple is expected to discuss iOS 6, iCloud and Mac OS X Mountain Lion (and possibly new Mac hardware) at WWDC. Tickets to the coveted event sold out in just two hours but most of the sessions will be available to watch online post-show.

https://developer.apple.com/wwdc/. — AFP-Relaxnews