TechBytes: Google Targets Travel
OnStar gets Google Maps, Droid X Review, Robot Butler.
July 2, 2010— -- Google is aiming to become a bigger player in online travel. The search giant has agreed to buy travel technology company ITA Software for $700 million. Google says it plans to create new flight search tools, mounting a challenge to Microsoft's Bing Travel and other fare-comparison sites. But the deal will likely take months to close as federal antitrust regulators review it.
Subscribers to General Motors' OnStar service can now beam Google maps to their cars. Users can search for directions on their computer or phone before a trip, and send them to their car. OnStar will then provide hands-free turn-by-turn directions to their destination.
The iPhone is the standard by which all other smartphones are measured. But there are several so-called Google phones giving it a run for its money. Verizon's Droid X is the latest. A couple of features that set it apart are its large, high-resolution screen and the ability to display your photos and videos on a big screen TV. USA Today's Ed Baig. says it's well worth considering."There are a lot of Android phones that have or will soon hit the market," Baig said, "Droid X is probably at the top of that list right now. It sets a very high bar against other Android phones and against the other smartphones that it's competing with. I like it a lot, it deserves its place in the spotlight."The Droid X will be available July 15 for $200 with a two-year contract.
Do you hate getting off the couch to grab a cold one during the big game? Meet HERB, or Home Exploring Robotic Butler. He's a robot developed by Intel that can fetch drinks, chips, and even puts dishes in the dishwasher. HERB can be controlled by an iPhone or voice commands, but don't expect him to be delivering drinks to you in time for football season.
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