IE9 goes on beta, looks Chrome-y

We had a short briefing with Microsoft Philippines this afternoon discussing some of the new features of Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) which just reached beta release today.

Some of the features that were introduced were already available in other browsers (especially Chrome) while others were really focused on engine performance and developers.

The new IE9 feels faster, looks cleaner and more integrated (design-wise) to Windows 7. So far, I’m a somewhat impressed with the additional bells and whistles. It’s like Chrome + ActiveX = IE9. The address bar also serves as search box.

It’s got a smaller footprint too and event he installation file is just 18MB (though Firefox is only around 8MB and Flock is 13MB). I was pretty interested with the HTML5/CSS3 support and the web app approach which is something I’m planning to include in the upcoming re-design of this blog.

And just like what Chrome does, each tab of IE9 runs as a separate process so even if a windows freezes up or crashes, you can close it and the other windows will remain open and running just fine.

I think one has to try it out first to really see the improvements. IE9 requires you have Windows 7 or Vista before you can install it (they say it’s due to the GPU-acceleration support).

*via: YugaTech

Gmail’s “Undo Send” gets better

Early in 2009 Gmail added a feauture via their Labs called “Undo Send”, which allows a user to have a few seconds to mull over what he sent before it actually goes to his Sent Items box.  But users were disappointed because they are given only 5 seconds to think about what they just did.

Recently, Google modified the “Undo Send” feature giving you options to set the timer. Here’s how you go about it:

First, you have to enable the feature by clicking your Settings menu and enable Undo Send feature.

Next, you need to define the delay of the “Undo” feature. Right now,  the sending can wait for up to 30 seconds but you can choose whether you want a 5, 10, 20 or 30 seconds delay. Hooray for options!

You have to take note that when you enable the 30 seconds delay, your email will not be sent immediately but will stay in limbo. Quite annoying for emails that you want sent immediately. Wish there’s a quick button to enable/disable the “Undo Send” without going to Settings. Or just choose 10 or 20 seconds.

*via: PinoyTechBlog

Free calls to US, Canada via GMail Voice

Google has finally rolled our free international voice calls via GMail. The calls are free when made for Canada and the US while the offering minimal fees to other countries.

You will need to download and install the voice and video chat software here.

Rates for other countries vary from 2 cents per minute to 15 cents per minute depending on the location and whether you’re call a landline or a mobile phone. This service directly competes with Skype.

*via: YugaTech