Google has now released an early version of Chrome for Mac and Linux users. However, it’s not quite ready for consumers yet and is more aimed for web developers to play with and improve. A Google spokesperson said: “This week we released an early version of Chrome for the Macintosh and Linux operating systems for developers. The software isn't ready for consumers yet, but we're working hard on getting Chrome ready for them as quickly as possible, and the feedback we get from developers will help us on the way.” If consumers do use the early Chrome version, they are unlikely to be able to play videos on such sites as YouTube and should expect websites to crash more frequently. Since the initial burst of publicity, Google Chrome has failed to provide serious competition to rival browsers, such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla’s Firefox. Chrome is used by just 1.4 per cent of internet users compared to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, used by 66 per cent of users, according to Net Applications market share statistics. Mozilla’s Firefox comes in second place, as the browser choice of 22 per cent of web users and Apple’s Safari program comes in third, with 8 per cent. Google will expect these numbers to rise once Chrome is compatible for several operating systems. ( www.telegraph.co.uk )

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Recently General Motors presented its brand new battery-powered two-wheel vehicle, dubbed Project P.U.M.A. and developed in cooperation with Segway. It was developed with the goal of making it easier for people to move through agglomerated city streets. The name of the vehicle is an abbreviation of Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility. In fact the vehicle is an enclosed scooter that can achieve a maximum speed of around 35mph, for a maximum distance of approximately 35 miles on a single charge. The technology behind the new GM vehicle is used by Segway, a scooter company, for its personal vehicle, which was initially designed by Dean Kamen. It allows P.U.M.A. to use only two wheels when moving. The vehicle features training wheels that are very useful when stopping. Both, GM and Segway look forward to find partners among cities and/or colleges, to establish P.U.M.A. travel lanes. These will be used to carry out tests of the ecofriendly vehicle. In addition, the on-board wireless communicator will be able to operate the vehicle by itself while the driver relaxes or does other tasks.

It is worth mentioning that GM entered a partnership with Segway 18 months ago. In their new creation GM is responsible for making the electronic wireless systems that will allow a safe, autonomous operation and Segway develops the self-balancing, electric, two-wheel chassis. The vehicle is powered by lithium-ion batteries. The presentation took place in New York but the companies hope P.U.M.A. will be widely used in densely populated cities worldwide, including the cities of India and China. ( www.infoniac.com )

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A loudspeaker, which is less than 0.25mm thick, is the latest invention in technology presented by engineers from University of Warwick. The device is flexible and can be easily hung up a wall in an apartment or, due to its specific technique of producing sound, it can be used as a way of making clear public announcements in different places, such as, for example passenger terminals. Besides being extremely lightweight, this latest technological invention does not require huge investments. Slim and flexible, such speakers can be installed in ceiling tiles or inside vehicles. Warwick Audio Technologies, is a spin-out company that says its device generates planar directional sound waves in public places. These waves project further than sound produced by usual speakers. Engineers dubbed their latest invention Flat, Flexible Loudspeaker (FFL). According to the company's CEO, Steve Couchman, the revolutionary speaker could completely replace the conventional speakers that are nowadays used in homes, cars and public places such as passenger terminals and shopping centers.

The flexible speaker works by transforming an electric signal into sound. In conventional speakers the signal is used to produce a varying magnetic field that vibrates a mechanical cone, thus making the sound. However, the technology behind the flexible speaker connects thin, conducting and insulating, materials that create a flexible laminate. When an electrical signal excites the laminate, it vibrates, so generating sound. Commenting on the use of the company's latest invention, Mr. Couchman said: "The sound produced by FFLs can be directed straight at its intended audience." He mentioned that the sound is not distorted like in the case of conventional speakers, making the announcement in public places more comprehensible, reported PhysOrg.com. Dr Duncan Billson and Professor David Hutchins created the Flat, Flexible Loudspeaker. Both graduated the University of Warwick. In their early tests they used two sheets of tinfoil along with an insulating layer of baking paper to generate sound. Now the device features a new design and was developed using improved technologies, making it a perfect commercial product. ( www.infoniac.com )

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The payments system, which is in its early stages, will allow users to purchase Facebook "credits", then use those credits to buy virtual goods from the third-party applications that run on the site, or from Facebook itself. Facebook, which has over 300 million registered users, hopes that by offering a site-wide currency it could become a "shopping portal" by encouraging commerce on the website and make money by taking a percentage of every transaction. Though the payments system is being tested on just three applications at the moment, it is expected to be rolled out more widely in the coming weeks. Joe Sullivan, Facebook's lead counsel for product, said: "Facebook is and will continue to be a free service. These payments terms only govern any purchases you may make on the site.

"We drafted new terms in order to simplify all of our payments-related terms by bringing them together in one place and to give us the flexibility to try new features. Currently, payments are available for all users in two ways on the site. One is through the Facebook Gift Shop, where you can purchase credits to buy gifts for your friends. The second is to purchase advertising through the online Facebook Ads system. You also may see credits appear in other ways on the site." Users are increasingly spending real money buying virtual goods and credits on the applications that run on Facebook's platform. Bruce Cundiff, director of payments research and consulting at Javelin Strategy and Research, said the payments platform could position Facebook to become a significant e-commerce player. "Potentially you're looking at Facebook as a shopping portal and a source for music downloads," he told the Financial Times. Recent estimates suggest that Facebook's platform developers – like Zynga – are expected to make more than $500m this year, which is potentially more than Facebook itself. Experts such as Ray Valdes, an analyst with Gartner Research, say that revenue from its payments system could soon represent one-third of Facebook's income. "Social networking sites have suffered with monetising [their services], but this leverages [the fact that] users are there on Facebook," he said. ( www.telegraph.co.uk )

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The red-haired electro star supported Allen on her recent UK tour, and disclosed that she had an aggressive competitive streak when it came to keeping fit by playing games on the console. "I didn't partake in the Wii sports that she did because it just always got too aggressive because she's so competitive, which I am, but not in like sports or computer games because I don't really care," said Jackson, speaking to Manchester radio station Key 103. "But she gets so into it, it got actually a bit terrifying. "After a while it was just like every time she got the Wii thing into her hand everyone was like 'oh my god, disperse' – like stand back – because she hit Micky in the face about three times. "She'd really get into tennis, but she'd do it when there was no space, she doesn't care, she'd like hit people and be like I don't care, I'm winning! So that was just stay out of the way, I think she was playing the computer. "But it's a good way to do exercise, she was using it as a kind of exercise I think because I know she's been on kind of a health trip recently and I think that was kind of a good way of keeping fit on tour." Jackson, 20, is the daughter of actress Trudie Goodwin who plays Sgt June Ackland in ITV's The Bill. ( www.telegraph.co.uk )

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