I have to apologise for my delay in reporting the latest software release on this site. Now that I am back, I hope to write up more reports here. Google Chrome 4.0.223.16 Beta is now released.

It is probably not a surprise to you when most of Google’s applications are labelled “beta“, but not for Google Chrome. Its stable version is at version 3.x, whereas this release is the next version of 4.x.

This new beta comes with many speed improvements. Google Chrome is becoming dynamic, with the ability to construct and change elements on web pages as fast as possible. Performance scores have improved by 30% since our current stable release, measured by Mozilla’s Dromeao DOM Core Tests!

Download Application
Google Chrome 4 Beta

Ubuntu 9.10 will be released in 4 days’ time. So, be patient! The Release Candidate versions are, however, currently available for download if you wish to test them out. In this version, there is a host of new features.

Firstly, in terms of boot up, the performance has shown in some tests, that it took much shorter time. Thanks for the enhanced Upstart script written by Scott James Remnant.

With UbuntuOne integration, Ubuntu users can use the service as a storage server and share files with fellow Ubuntu users. 2GB of storage is given as a default. The service allows synchronisation of files, contacts and Tomboy notes across all Ubuntu computers and the Ubuntu Cloud. If you require more space, additional storage is available at a monthly subscription charge.

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As usual, WordPress developers have released the next version of WordPress 2.8.5, in an attempt to improve security on the 2.8.x family releases.

There is no new features released in this version, but bug fixes are included in this release.

Some of the changes include:
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The next release of CPU-Z, developed by CPUID, has raised some eyebrows. One of the most noticeable change is the revised dialog size to fit the new Intel logos.

In addition, a new validation button is added to the application, as well as a new tab named “Graphics”, which is intended to provide reports on some basic information about the graphic devices. Furthermore, CPU-Z will also be available in a native x64 version.

New Changes

• * New design with “Graphics” tab.
• * New 64-bit version.
• * NVIDIA nForce 980a chipset support.
• * Intel Core i5 and Core i3 processors.
• * Intel Atom Z530, Pentium DC E6300 (2.8GHz) and Core 2 Solo processors.
• * Intel P55 and US15W chipsets preliminary support.
• * AMD Phenom TWKR support.
• * AMD Phenom X2 “Callisto” and Athlon X2 “Regor” processors.
• * AMD Opteron 6-core “Istanbul” processor.
• * Improved support for Windows 7.
• * New Intel logos.

Download File
CPU-Z 1.52 with installer (setup)
CPU-Z 1.52 32-bit (.zip, no install)
CPU-Z 1.52 64-bit (.zip, no install)

CPUID has just rolled out a new product – TMonitor 1.01 Beta. This application is aimed to display the active clock of each individual thread of a multi-core, multi-threaded processor.

The software has a very high refresh rate (~20Hz) that allows users to visualize the smallest clock variation in real time. TMonitor is able to detect mechanism such as Intel Turbo boost, and therefore allows to clearly visualize its effect as the processor is working.

Check out the image on the right to view the effect of Turbo Technology on an Intel Core i7 870 based on a Lynnfield core. Unfortunately, it only works on Intel Core 2 and Core i3/i5/i7 processors.

Download File
TMonitor 1.01 Beta

When I was using Pidgin a couple of weeks back, I realised that it was almost impossible to log on to Yahoo! account. The first thing that came into my mind was, has my account been hacked? I checked, it seems okay. I did not bother to rectify this connectivity issue with Yahoo! as most of my contacts are from MSN. Only a few days back did I checked the update from Pidgin website that Yahoo! has changed its security protocol that disallowed previous versions of Pidgin to connect; therefore, Pidgin 2.5.8 has been released to rectify this issue.

Amongst the changes were fixes to ICQ crash, MSN crash for users with long buddy lists, Yahoo crash, as well as receiging messages from the web version of MySpace IM and signing on to MySpace IM if users have empty buddy list.

The strong recommendation from the Pidgin developers is: Upgrade to this 2.5.8 version if you have not done so.

Download Link
Pidgin 2.5.8

A few days ago, WordPress releases the next version of WordPress 2.8.1, in which this version fixes several bugs and strengthen the security for plugin administration pages. One of the flaws was discovered by Core Security Technologies, who informed WordPress that admin pages added by some plugins can be viewed by unprivileged users, resulting in leakages of secured information.

There are also a couple of changes in this version:
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After several weeks of development, WordPress 2.8 Release Candidate (RC) 1 is now available for public to download. This will be the release version if no further bugs are found.

The official WordPress 2.8 release is expected to be out in the public on Wednesday. So, keep an eye on it.

Download File
WordPress 2.8 RC 1

The next version of Mozilla Firefox 3.0.10 has just been released. It wasn’t even that long since the previous 3.0.9 version was announced.

In this release, there are basically 2 fixes; firstly, a security issue and secondly, a major stability issue. These are documented in the release note. Available in Windows and Linux, users can access the link above to download the application for your operating system.

Download Web Browser
Mozilla Firefox 3.0.10

Not yet gone, but soon, are going to be the days where expensive Word Processor, are required to type professional documents. Introducing Zoho Writer, the most comprehensive web-based application for small businesses. Because of its integration with Google Gears, it allows the application to be run offline, even without connection to the Internet.

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