Twitter Intros Official Android App

Twitter has launched its official application for accessing the microblogging site through smartphones running Google's Android operating system.

Twitter for Android makes it possible to share links or photos on the site by clicking the share button in an application and choosing Twitter. In addition, the smartphone app makes it possible to read tweets, the short messages Twitter users broadcast on the site to friends and followers, on a number of different places on an Android phone.

For example, the Twitter timeline can be viewed through the phone's home screen widget and a tweet location can be seen on a map. In addition, tweets can be accessed through the phone's phonebook, on Google Talk, or through any other application that uses Android's QuickContact bar.

Twitter introduced the application Friday and posted screenshots of it on the Twitter blog. The social network said Google would open-source the code used in the application in the near future, making it possible for developers to use the Twitter application programming interfaces in their Android apps.

The Twitter for Android app is available for phones running Android 2.1 or later, which would include Google's Nexus One and the new HTC Droid Incredible. However, the requirement means older phones, and even some new phones, won't be able to use the new application.

The fact that Twitter's app won't run on all Android phones is an indication of the fragmentation that could become a problem for users. Android phones each run the OS differently, whether due to screen size, keyboard configuration, or the version of Android being used.

There are currently four different versions available and it's up to the handset maker and carrier which to choose. Depending on the phone chosen, the user can get Android 1.5, 1.6, 2.0, or 2.1.

Part of the problem is due to Google releasing new core versions of the platform faster than its partners can keep up with their own tweaks and customization. Google is reportedly hoping the problem will eventually go away as the platform matures and fewer updates to the core become necessary.

Our editors take Apple's new platform through its paces, in the office and on the road. Here are their (differing) assessments of what works well and what doesn't. Download the report here (registration required).

Google Chrome: Fastest growing web browser

WHATEVER GOOGLE does it turns out to be a success. The Chrome, Google's browser, outpaced the growth of its rivals. Latest data from Net applications says that Chrome's market share is growing by 0.6% in April. In last 12 months Chrome is the fastet growing browser, in this time period its market share rose from 5 points to 6.7%.

However, market giant, Microsoft's Internet Explorer reported decline in its market share to 59.95%. Same is the case of Firefox, which reported minimal growth, reaching to 23.84%.

Google, in just one and half year, took Chrome to the people, delivering a marketing onslaught in Europe to coincide with the new browser menu. Lately, Chrome's growth is showing some consistency, previously seen in Firefox until Chrome's arrival.

What factor lad to this consistency, whether major technological difference or just aggressive marketing campaign is tough to guess at this point.

If we go by the latest figures, we can easily guess that the Google's Chrome campaign is paying dividends in terms of market share. Chrome is likely to eat into every market players pie, Explorer, which is at the top will definitely loose some share, but biggest threat seems to be looming over Firefox because of lack of any aggressive marketing strategy at tis point.

In this time period, Google is improving Chrome technically, such as extension and book mark sync, which are know available in Windows, Mac and Linux version of web browser.

In other features, the one click access to favorite web application and information sources. Quick scroll function will definitely give some advantage to Chrome.

Google acquires 3D software pioneer to take on Apple

TORONTO: Google on Monday snapped up a top Canadian startup which pioneered a 3D interface technology for Mac and Windows PCs.

Called Canada's hottest software startup, Toronto-based BumpTop has been acquired by the search engine for reportedly between $30 and $45 million, according to reports. However, there were no details of the deal by the two sides.

Set up just three years ago, BumpTop has pioneered touch-screen software that allows use of multiple fingers at a time on a multiple touch screen.

Called 'desktop workspace,' the software allows users to organise pictures, documents and videos much more intuitively. Users can perform many functions with their fingers, including dragging of items into docks, and playing around with photos on desktop.

Though Google has not specified how its will use this pioneering technology, it is certain that it will use touch-screen software in its smart phones based on its Android operating system.

Since its Android operating system is basically geared for touch-screen technology, rather than keyboard technology, Google's mobile market strategy is aimed at taking on Apple's iPhone and iPad that use touch screen technology.

The acquired Toronto company will no longer sell its software independently after May 7.

In a statement on its website Monday, it said, "Today, we have a big announcement to make: we're excited to announce that we've been acquired by Google! This means that BumpTop (for both Windows and Mac) will no longer be available for sale. Additionally, no updates to the products are planned."

The acquisition of BumpTop is the fifth such deal by the Mountain View-based Google within a month as part of its strategy to take on Apple.

Just last week, it had acquired Labpixies that develops social games for mobile services and Facebook. Agnilux, Plink, and Episodic are the other three acquisitions made by Google within a month.