Introducing the Google Chrome OS

Google's announcement that it was creating a cloud-based operating system raised eyebrows and confirmed that Silicon Valley's once-scrappy do-gooder had shifted focus from web search to total device domination. Chrome was an arrow aimed directly at Microsoft's heart -- its Windows operating system -- and a flag-planting arrival of Google onto the desktop.

Courier: First Details of Microsoft's Secret Tablet

The September leak of Microsoft's "late prototype" tablet, er, "booklet" computer made a splash that has had surprisingly few ripples since. The device, named "Courier" (perhaps after the font you used to pad your college term papers?), has yet to be announced.

Satellite navigation comes to the mobile phone

Apple have strict controls on turn-by-turn navigation apps, limiting iPhone users to expensive options form TomTom or CoPilot, but Android users need never be lost again. The latest version of Google's mobile OS includes the same functionality as the GPS unit you got for Christmas a couple of years ago which can now be safely consigned to the obsolete gadgets drawer, never to be seen again. ID

Dr. Eric Shmidt Resgns from Apple's Board of Directors

Dr. Eric Schmidt Resigns from Apple's Board of Directors

Google CEO Eric Schmidt started 2009 as a member of Apple's Board of Directors, but the Mountain View company's creeping incursion onto Apple territory made his departure inevitable.

Rise of VOD

The UK video-on-demand market has exploded this year – with every British broadcaster, BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five all upping their own web TV game as well beginning to sign aggregation deals. Channel 4 became the first broadcaster around the world to sign full-length content deal with YouTube, and a similar deal then ensued with Five. A UK version of Hulu is still rumoured to launch, with an ITV deal in the offing, and will face increased competition from MSN Video, Arqiva’s SeeSaw and Blinkbox.