Following the success of their partnership last year, Google has announced that it has acquired Cameyo, thereby enabling virtualised Windows apps to be integrated into ChromeOS.

Why?

Google says that its research (such as a new Forrester study) has highlighted a “fundamental shift in how businesses operate”. Google says that businesses are now turning to “web-based applications” to unlock significant advantages over their competitors, such as “security, reduced costs, and enhanced user experiences”. The Forrester study referenced by Google shows for example that “90 per cent of IT respondents envision a world where applications reside in the cloud, not on the desktop” and that “seventy-eight percent of respondents indicated that companies that don’t embrace the web will be left behind”.

Cameyo? 

Cameyo, a US-based company, formed in 2018, specialises in virtual application delivery, i.e. they create software solutions that enable users to access Windows and internal web applications securely from the cloud, from any device, to help facilitate remote work and enhance productivity. For example, their technology means that Windows apps can be virtualised so that they can run on non-Windows machines and within web browsers. Cameyo essentially virtualises apps (such as popular Windows apps) and then serves them from a public cloud (like AWS), or a private cloud, alternatively an on-premises data-centre, or perhaps a hybrid cloud environment.

Last Year’s Partnership Leads To Acquisition This Year 

Last year’s partnership between Cameyo and Google led to the launch of a “seamless virtual application delivery experience fully integrated with ChromeOS”. This means that Cameyo’s technology has enabled virtual Windows apps to be integrated within (and run within) Google’s ChromeOS. This enabled local file system integration and the ability to deliver virtual apps as progressive web apps (PWAs) and enhanced clipboard support, providing improved functionality for copying and pasting text, images, or other data between different applications or environments (between virtual or remote desktop environments).

Google said the partnership was “incredibly successful” and has now announced that as a result, it has acquired Cameyo.

How This Helps Businesses 

For Business users of the ChromeOS, the acquisition of Cameyo and the integration of its technology with ChromeOS could help them accelerate their adoption of web-based technology by:

– Simplifying application deployment. Virtualised apps can, for example, be easily deployed and accessed across the business, regardless of device or location. This means ChromeOS users can get greater access to Windows apps without the hassle of complex installations or updates. It also gets around the issue of half of apps still suffering the limitations of being client-based (Forrester).

– Enhancing security. Google says both ChromeOS and Cameyo provide “zero trust security”, and together deliver deep protection of data and systems from vulnerabilities.

– Improving productivity. By using virtual cloud-based apps, employees can access the apps they need quickly and easily as a PWA directly from the ChromeOS shelf (a taskbar at the bottom of the ChromeOS screen), without the frustration of compatibility issues, slow performance, or virtual desktops to navigate.

– Reducing IT costs. The streamlining of application management, support processes, and the removing infrastructure requirements may translate to significant cost savings over time.

What Will The Move Do For Google?

The move by Google to gain control of the integration of Cameyo’s technology (by acquiring Cameyo) is likely to help Google make its ChromeOS more attractive to the lucrative business and education markets by simplifying access to their most used apps, whether they work with Windows and ChromeOS, or they move away from Windows. It will also mean that Google owning Cameyo will keep its technology out of the hands of competitors, thereby giving Google a competitive advantage.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

Google’s acquisition of Cameyo could bring substantial benefits to both companies and their users. For Google, integrating Cameyo’s virtual application delivery technology into ChromeOS could strengthen its position in the business and education markets. By enabling seamless access to Windows applications on ChromeOS, Google will make its platform more versatile and appealing to organisations that rely on a mix of web-based and legacy applications. This move may not only enhance ChromeOS’s functionality but also align with the growing trend towards cloud-based applications, reinforcing Google’s commitment to innovation and flexibility in the workplace.

For Cameyo, becoming part of Google will mean an expanded reach and the resources to further develop and enhance its technology. The integration into Google’s ecosystem will provide Cameyo with a broader platform to demonstrate the value of its virtual application delivery solutions, potentially reaching millions of new users. This acquisition will likely accelerate Cameyo’s growth and innovation, allowing them to leverage Google’s extensive infrastructure and market presence.

Business users of ChromeOS are likely to experience significant advantages from this acquisition. The ability to access virtualised Windows applications directly from ChromeOS simplifies application deployment and management. This means businesses can avoid the complexities of traditional software installations and updates, leading to smoother operations and reduced IT overheads. Enhanced security through zero-trust frameworks ensures that data and systems are better protected, addressing one of the primary concerns of modern enterprises.

Also, the improved productivity facilitated by Cameyo’s technology allows employees to work more efficiently. They can access necessary applications quickly, without compatibility issues or performance slowdowns. This ease of access is further supported by features like enhanced clipboard support and integration with the ChromeOS shelf, making everyday tasks perhaps more seamless and intuitive.

Ultimately, the acquisition appears to be a potential strategic win for Google, Cameyo, and business users alike. It represents a step towards a more integrated, secure, and productive work environment, leveraging the strengths of both cloud-based and legacy applications. As businesses continue to evolve and embrace digital transformation, the combined capabilities of Google and Cameyo could help provide another way to boost future growth and innovation.

At Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC24), the company announced the launch of its new, standalone, homegrown, password manager app for iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro, Mac and Windows.

The free app, simply called ‘Passwords’, an extension of Apple’s iCloud Keychain feature, is set to debut with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15, and is designed to streamline and enhance password management for Apple users.

The ‘Passwords’ app can store and sync passwords, passkeys, and two-factor authentication codes across Apple devices and Windows PCs, organise logins into categories, autofill usernames and passwords, and generate new passwords. Apple’s new ‘Passwords’ app is already being hailed as a rival to password managers like 1Password, LastPass, and Dashlane.

Google has announced that Google Maps Timeline (formerly known as Location History) data will be stored locally on users’ devices instead of their Google account (in the Cloud) from December 1, 2024. Timeline helps users track routes, trips, and places they have been to over time if Location History and Web & App Activity settings are enabled.

The change, first announced in December 2023, is understood to be a move to help with user privacy and control of their data, e.g. following allegations that Google misled consumers and illegally tracked their movements despite turning off Location History, and to reduce the risk of unauthorised access and data breaches.

Also, the move may help Google to comply with increasing data protection regulations. Google says, however, that since the data shown on a user’s Timeline comes directly from their device, Timeline won’t be available on Maps on the user’s computer after their data is moved to their phone but there is the option for users to back up Timeline data to the cloud with end-to-end encryption.

New research from the International Energy Agency (IEA) has revealed that even though Europe may outspend the US on clean energy this year, China’s clean energy spending plans will massively surpass that of Europe and the US combined.

China In First Place 

The ‘World Energy Investment 2024’ report from the IEA, which tracks capital flows in the energy sector, shows that clean energy investments are set to be up by more than 50 per cent from 2020.

The report shows that whereas Europe is expected to be spending an estimated $370 billion on clean energy, while the United States spends $315 billion (about $970 per person), China is expected to lead in clean energy investment this year with approximately $675 billion (about $2,100 per person) – nearly twice as much as the combined investments of Europe and the US!

Investment In What And Why? 

The report shows that the focus of China’s investment is primarily on solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, driven by falling module prices and strong domestic manufacturing capabilities. Solar PV investments alone are projected to exceed $500 billion globally, with China contributing a substantial portion.

Also, China’s investments are being bolstered by rapid growth in three new clean energy industries – solar cells, lithium battery production, and EV manufacturing.

Why Are Europe and The US Not Investing As Much? 

The lag in clean energy investment by Europe and the United States compared to China highlighted by the report, can be attributed to factors such as:

– Scale and speed. China’s aggressive scaling and rapid deployment of renewable technologies outpace Europe and the US. However, this is partly down to China benefitting from substantial state funding and low manufacturing costs, enabling quicker and more extensive deployment of solar PV and other technologies.

– China’s manufacturing dominance. China’s dominance in manufacturing solar panels, batteries, and EVs at lower costs due to economies of scale and cheaper labour allows it to invest more heavily in these areas. This competitive edge in production costs gives China a significant advantage over the US and Europe.

– Government policies. Chinese government policies provide strong incentives and subsidies for clean energy projects, fostering growth in the sector. In contrast, the US and Europe have more fragmented policies, with varying levels of support across states and countries, which slows investment.

– The cost of capital. Higher financing costs in Europe and the US hinder clean energy investments. In China, favourable financing terms from state-owned banks lower the cost of capital, encouraging more investment.

– Infrastructure challenges. Europe and the US face significant challenges in upgrading their grid infrastructure and energy storage systems to support renewable energy. China, however, appears to have been more proactive in modernising its grid infrastructure, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources.

– Strategic policy. China’s industrial policy focuses heavily on becoming a global leader in clean energy, emphasising both domestic production and export dominance. Europe and the US are still developing comprehensive strategies to match China’s aggressive approach.

– The different regulatory environments. Stricter environmental regulations and longer approval times for new projects in Europe and the US can delay investment and project implementation. In China, regulatory processes are often more streamlined, allowing for faster progress.

Isn’t China The Biggest Greenhouse Gas Producing Country? 

In short, yes. China is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world. For example, in 2021, China accounted for about 27 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions, making it the single largest contributor to climate change. This is largely due to China’s heavy reliance on coal for energy and its rapid industrialisation and urbanisation over the past few decades. However, as highlighted by the ‘World Energy Investment 2024’ report, there now appears to be a strong commitment by China to transitioning towards cleaner energy sources. Its clean energy investments will be crucial for reducing its carbon footprint and addressing the global climate crisis.

Global Disparity 

The ‘World Energy Investment 2024’ report highlights not just the fact that China’s clean energy investment will far outstrip that of that of the US and Europe this year, but also that there is an uneven distribution of clean energy investments globally. For example, other regions, particularly developing economies, struggle to keep pace. Clean energy investment in emerging and developing economies remains low, accounting for only about 15 per cent of global spending. High financing costs and lack of supportive policies are major barriers in these regions.

Fossil Fuel Investment Still Strong 

Another key point outlined in the report, however, is that investment in fossil fuels remains strong, with upstream oil and gas investments projected to increase by 7 per cent in 2024 to $570 billion, following a 9 per cent rise in 2023. Coal investments have also been rising, with more than 50 GW of unabated coal-fired power generation approved in 2023 (predominantly in China). Despite this, clean energy investments are growing faster – for every dollar invested in fossil fuels, nearly two dollars are now directed towards clean energy technologies.

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation? 

The disparity in clean energy investment revealed by the IEA’s ‘World Energy Investment 2024’ report carries significant implications for businesses in the UK and across Europe. For new clean energy industries, the rapid advancement and substantial investment seen in China underscores the urgency for Europe and the UK to bolster their efforts. The heavy investment in solar PV, lithium batteries, and EV manufacturing in China sets a high benchmark, illustrating the benefits of aggressive state support and strategic industrial policies.

For UK businesses, this disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge lies in competing with China’s scale and speed of deployment. However, this also opens opportunities for innovation and collaboration in clean energy technologies. UK companies can leverage their expertise in renewable energy and look to form partnerships that tap into global supply chains. Also, businesses can advocate for more robust government policies that provide clear incentives and reduce financing costs, making clean energy projects more viable.

To increase investment in clean energy, Europe and the UK must address several key areas. First, there is a need for comprehensive and cohesive policies that provide consistent support across all regions. This includes streamlining regulatory processes to reduce approval times for new projects and ensuring that environmental regulations are balanced with the need for swift project implementation. Also, improving access to affordable capital through state-backed financial incentives or low-interest loans could help make a significant difference.

Enhancing infrastructure is another critical area. Upgrading grid infrastructure and expanding energy storage capabilities are essential to support the integration of renewable energy sources. Investments in these areas not only facilitate the transition to clean energy but also create new business opportunities in infrastructure development and maintenance.

Strategic industrial policies that focus on building domestic capabilities while engaging in international cooperation may also help to position Europe and the UK as leaders in the global clean energy market. By fostering innovation and supporting emerging technologies, the UK could develop a competitive edge and create sustainable economic growth.

Addressing these challenges, therefore, through targeted investments and supportive policies will not only help the UK and Europe catch up with China’s clean energy spending but also drive long-term benefits for businesses. Increased clean energy investment will enhance energy security, create jobs, and help position the UK as a key player in the global transition to sustainable energy.

This video-update explains how to customise your LinkedIn URL to something more relevant for you …

Quick Access in Windows File Explorer allows you to pin frequently used folders and files, making them easily accessible. Customising Quick Access can save you time when navigating to commonly used locations. Here’s how to do it :

– Open File Explorer.

– Navigate to the folder you want to pin.

– Right-click on the folder and select ‘Pin to Quick Access’.

– To remove an item from Quick Access, right-click on it and select ‘Unpin from Quick Access’.