No Chrome or Firefox for upcoming Windows RT

Image from pricerunner.co.uk

Read the original article on GigaOM. I also heard about this buzz on Tech News Today's episode 499 on TWiT.tv.

Windows 8, as you might know now, will debut the Metro user interface on non-smartphone computing devices. Windows RT though, formerly known as Windows 8 for ARM-based touch tablets (whereas the normal desktop-capable Windows 8 is intended for both Intel-based traditional PCs or tablets), is not going to be running desktop apps. But even so, it is also said to be limiting 3rd party web browsers such as Chrome and Firefox from running on it, whereas it will only run Microsoft's own Internet Explorer and generally allow only limited functionality to 3rd party browsers. For Windows 8 (Intel-based), this is not an issue. The question is, what are Microsoft's reasons? Are they evil?

On rumors of a 7-inch iPad

There have been rumors about Apple releasing a 7-inch iPad, the latest article I've read being one on Cult of Mac. It has been rumored to be called an "iPad mini" as well, and more specifically could have a 7.85-inch diagonal display and look exactly like the Mini Me of today's current 10-inch (actually 9.7-inch), 3rd generation iPad. John Gruber, thru his Daring Fireball blog, mentioned an AppAdvice article about how a 7.85-inch size makes sense.