First of all, Happy 2009!

It’s just the second week of 2009, Google is already giving us surprises.
Things that I’ve noticed so far are Google Pagerank update, change of their favicon (as you can see below) and the release of pre-beta version of Google Chrome 2.0.

Google Latest Favicon In 2009

Google Chrome 2.0

The speed of Google Chrome development is awesome, this is only the fourth month since it’s first release of Chrome 1.0. The version I just upgraded mine is pre-beta (Alpha release) Chrome 2.0, which is not available for public download.

A peak at pre-beta Google Chrome 2.0

This version is a developer preview version where latest features will be included for testing purposes. It could be very unstable at times and might require manual configuration too, but I just can’t stop myself from getting a peak at the features in its next release. On top of my own curiosity, I also feel like sharing this latest news with my readers as well.

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Get Ready For Google Chrome 2.0!

This time Microsoft is fast to release the security patch for a critical vulnerability recently found in Internet Explorer (IE). The patch was released early this morning so you should patch your IE now!

Who needs to patch?

Any user of Internet Explorer from IE 5 to IE 8 Beta 2. Basically, you’ll need to install the security patch if you are using WinXP or above.

Check the version of your IE : In IE > Click Help > About Internet Explorer

Why patch?

Without applying the patch, an attacker might take advantage of this IE vulnerability to gain control of your system when you visit a specially crafted web page using IE. The attacker could gain Administrative right to your system if you are logged on as Administrator, so it’s lethal.

How to patch?

Go to this Microsoft Security Bulletin page, click the link of your IE version and the download will start. Run the downloaded file and restart the PC after installing. That’s it.

What to do next?

Well, of course I would recommend you to use other web browsers, such as Firefox , Opera or Google Chrome.

Cheers!

Google is counting down to 2009 with us in its own way : by showing us tips of how to use various Google services on each day in this month.

Today’s tips is to keep an eye on your stocks by searching for its Stock Symbol using Google.
Well, not like there will be any sharp hike in price soon. Haha… :p

Anyway, head over to Google Countdown To 2009 page and check out all 15 tips so far.

In fact, instead of showing us tips for existing services I would love to see them revealing information on new services that they’ll release next year. It’ll be more interesting then, don’t you think so?

I’m now writing in WordPress 2.7 (codenamed Coltrane). Yes, it’s another round of upgrade just 2 weeks after the previous version WordPress 2.6.5 was released.

This version is a major upgrade with various changes and enhancements feature and security wise.
So, it’s recommended to upgrade to the latest WordPress 2.7.
Since it is a major upgrade, you’ll need to do database backup before upgrading because it involves database upgrade as well.

Below are some improvements that I really like :-

• Keyboard shortcuts for comment moderation
• Sticky Posts! (now we don’t need a plugin to make sticky post. Yeay!)
• Dashboard interface rearranging (arrange the Administration Panel as you like)
• One-click plugin installs
• Reply to comments from admin
• WordPress Upgrader!* (download, install, and upgrade all inside the Administration Panel)

*Not all web hosts support this feature.

I’ve checked WordPress Upgrader on our server at IXIY Hosting, it’s running perfectly. So now we can upgrade our blogs with just 1 click! Check out the screen capture I took.

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WordPress 2.7 Upgrade And Some Updates

I love GMail, no doubt about it.
Now I love their cutely designed stickers!!!

The GMail team is so generous as they will be giving you the stickers as Xmas gift! Just send a self-addressed stamped envelope to their headquarter at :-

P.O. Box 391420
Mountain View, CA 94039-1420

The sticker pack is less than one ounce, so make sure to include enough postage to return a sticker pack via U.S. mail.

For people in the U.S., a standard $0.42 stamp will do.
As for people outside of the U.S., consult the post office for sufficient postage and use EXPRESS mail because the stickers will only be available while supplies last.

Cheers!

In fact, I’m not surprise to see such complaint from iPhone users when they are using the latest Google Voice Seach. User Kevin left a comment in Google Mobile blog saying :-

first 10-minute test and it works really well. awesome job google. only problem is every time I say the word “fish” it registers as “sex“…

Some other users complained that British accents are not recognized correctly too. Well, personally I think that’s kinda predictable because even handwriting recognition is still improving its technology after so many years since the first generation of Palm PDA was released.

Besides, Google Mobile blog also anticipated such issue, as they did mentioned :-

Note that voice search will be enabled by default for U.S. English users only.

Anyway, I think we can count on Google Mobile to improve its voice recognition and support more languages in the future as well.