Leaked: Samsung’s First Chrome OS Netbook, “Alex”.

The long road towards Chrome OS hath been traveled and the sweet feel of victory is near. That truth is even more true tonight as details surrounding Samsung’s first Chrome OS netbook, “Alex” have leaked via a leaky Google code repository. So what are they packin’ for Google’s cloud OS?

For starters, Alex will run off of an Intel Atom N550 running at 1.5GHz. RAM sits at 2GB while a SanDisk SSD of unknown size takes care of longer-term storage. The display on the Alex is reportedly 1200 x 800. Wireless options include WiFi as well as 3G with ethernet built in as well. Also joining the party is a Synaptics TouchPad.

Sounds pretty intriguing, no? Google’s I/O developer conference takes place a few weeks from now. We’d certainly enjoy this tasty little treat showing up to wow us all.

From Bad To Worse: PSN Hackers Now Selling Stolen Databases With Consumers’ Information.

Sony’s image is going to go from steaming pile of you know what to the fly eating said pile after tonight’s latest update in the ongoing PSN hack saga — the hackers are now selling the stolen information from Sony’s servers according to Independent security blogger, Brian Krebs. Krebs managed to grab a few screenshots of the actual chat sessions in which the hackers are discussing the sale of PSN subscribers’ information.

Krebs claims that while he witnessed the discussion above, he never actually saw any database or file consisting of user information. Add in the fact that Sony shouldn’t have or require passwords to third-party email accounts and this new revelation sounds a lot less likely.

Supposedly Sony was offered to buy back the stolen database(s) but declined. At this point, that claim cannot be verified and is but another rumor tossed into the quickly growing stream swirling around Sony and the PSN.

In all (for now), 2.2 million PSN users have their full account information including: irst name, last name, address, postal code, country, telephone number, email address, email password, date of birth, and credit card number exposed to the highest bidder. One perplexing claim, however, is that the hackers claim to also have the CCV numbers to the stolen credit card numbers meaning you better be on the phone now canceling your credit card. This is directly the opposite of what Sony claims — that the CCV numbers aren’t stored on their servers and therefore unable to be stolen. Somebody’s lying. We hope it’s the hackers, but given Sony’s long track record of dishonesty, we’re not feeling all that great right now.

In the meantime, Sony is remaining quiet on the matter while their PR department pumps out the same useless message. Awesome.

Motorola Only Shipped 250,000 XOOM Tablets Since Launch.

The XOOM hasn’t been quite the saving grace Motorola thought it would be — at least not in one quarter. Motorola announced (PDF) XOOM sales figures today with an amount that may stun you…250,000. In reality, that’s not really all that bad. However, due to a massive advertising budget for the “DROID Does” mantra took it’s toll in the form of an $81 million net loss. Of course, considering we were looking at a $212 million loss but one short year ago twists today’s news in a much fairer light.

Nevertheless, we still really like the XOOM. If only Motorola were quicker with updates and a bit less adventurous with the price.

Android 2.3.4 Bringing Video Chat To Google Talk.

Android users looking jealously over their shoulders at their iOS counterparts and the platform’s native video chat feature have a new tool in the shed. Google announced today that Android 2.3.4 will bring native video chat to Google Talk. The feature has long been requested, with Apple ultimately beating the search giant in shipping FaceTime in iOS 4.x.

Some interesting things need to be mentioned. For starters, text will be overlaid atop the the video feed allowing users to stay focused on the task at hand instead of jumping back and forth between windows — handy. However, slightly worrisome verbiage is mentioned in regards to 3G/4G video chat. Google explicitly says “if your carrier supports it”. Basically, AT&T users, expect AT&T to cut the cellular video chat party short if the iOS story is any indication of the near future.

Google plans to roll out Android 2.3.4 to the Nexus S in the coming weeks. Video of Video Chat in Google Talk after the break…

Redbox Launching Video Game Rentals At Over 21,000 Locations On June 17th.

Nearly two years after Redbox began experimenting with video game rentals in a few select locations, the company is finally ready to step things up to more than 21,000+ locations. Starting June 17th, Redbox will stock top releases and family-friendly titles for $2/day. Compare that to Blockbuster’s $8.99 for 5-day rentals and GameFly’s $22.95/month for main-in rentals and things start to look a lot less exhilarating. We still won’t deny we’ll probably hit up a Redbox or two for some late night gaming during midnight food runs. You know how it is…

RIM Slashes Q1 Outlook On Weak Smartphone Sales.

The constant banging of the drum by RIM on how they’re dominating the competition got an abrupt slap in the face today as the company announced a rather drastic cut in their Q1 outlook, going from $1.47-$1.55/share down to $1.30-$1.37/share. The cause for the bleak outlook is reportedly weaker than expected sales of smartphones. According to RIM, sales will be on the “lower end” of their initial 13.5-14.5 million sales forecast. Further putting a damper on the situation is that RIM’s best money making sector is going to be the low to mid-range segment. (Read: High-end Android devices and the iPhone are winning.)

For now, RIM has left the PlayBook out of all conversation. Though, the company is planning a conference call tonight at 5:30 to delve into such matters. Based on the unanimous mediocre reviews floating around the web, we’re not holding our breath for anything worth writing home about. Check back soon…

Curveball: Spotify Announces Plans To Stream Movies. Various Movie Studios Already On Board.

Spotify has been in the news on and off again over the last couple years in regards to their U.S. music streaming debut. While that aspect of their business is still very much in progress, a newer development recently revealed has the European streaming service launching a movie streaming service sometime this fall. The company as reportedly already acquired the necessary licensing/deals from several movie studios paving the way for a very compelling service — consumers will be able to stream movies much sooner than they would be able to on Netflix and other similar services, and as such, will cost more. We know a few people who would rather spend more money up front to see a movie once than wait for a lesser fee.

As stated before, the believed launch date is sometime this fall (with perhaps a simultaneous launch of the music streaming service), though no specific date has been officially announced. TechCrunch is reporting that the movie deals are global meaning no staggered launches — a good thing for consumers. Maybe just maybe if Spotify can get their foot in the U.S. market’s door with movies they’ll be able to push their music streaming endeavors along. We can hope…