Google has launched a beta version of Chrome for Android smartphones and tablets. . "Our goal was to get all of Chrome onto Android,"said Sundar Pichai, senior vice president of Google Chrome. The computer browser was launched in 2008, when Google decided to take on Microsoft, Mozilla by launching its own internet browser. Since then, Chrome has increased its browser market share. It recently surpassed Firefox and has become a popular alternative to the dominant Internet Explorer.

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According to ComScore, online retail spending in the US reached $49.7 billion in the fourth quarter. This figure has increased by 14% year-over-year, and marks a ninth consecutive quarter of positive year-over-year growth. “The fourth quarter of 2011 capped off what was yet another strong year for online retail, one in which every quarter achieved double-digit increases versus the prior year,” said comScore chairman Gian Fulgoni.

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According to a study by the Pew American & Internet Life Project, 52% of adult cell phone owners use their devices while in a store to get help with purchasing decisions. Additionally, 38% use their phone to call a friend for advice while in a store, 24% look up product reviews online in-store, and one-quarter check pricing online to see if they can get a better deal elsewhere.

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Research in Motion has introduced a group of superhero characters called 'The Bold Team' as part of their new advertising campaign. The characters are Gogo Girl (the Achiever), Max Stone (the Adventurer), Justin Steele (the Advocate) and Trudy Foreal (the Authentic), all of whom appeared on the company's BlackBerry Blog last week. The campaign is all part of Blackberry's plan to 'reposition and fortify the image of the company in the minds of the users'.  

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According to Strategy Analytics, Android secured a 39% share of the global tablet market during the fourth quarter. Although Apple still holds the lead with 58%, Android has gained a considerable share of the market. Microsoft only managed to hit 1.5%, as it only shipped around 400,000 units. Strategy Analytics has also revealed that global tablet shipments reached an all-time high of 26.8 million units in the fourth quarter, increasing by over 150% from the previous year.