Google I/O 2026 is officially set for May 19th and 20th, but some juicy consumer-facing news is going to drop a little earlier than expected. For the second year in a row, Google is scheduling a dedicated podcast before the actual start of I/O 2026, and they are setting expectations incredibly … [Read more...] about Google is kicking off I/O 2026 with The Android Show and maybe some answers about ‘Project Aluminium’
Android
Support our independent tech coverage. Chrome Unboxed is written by real people, for real people—not search algorithms. Join Chrome Unboxed Plus for just $2 a month to get an ad-free experience, access to our private Discord, and more. Learn more about membership here.
START FREE TRIAL (MONTHLY)START FREE TRIAL (ANNUAL)
Why Google needs to keep Linux support in the new Android-based ‘Aluminium’ project
When we talk about ChromeOS being re-baselined to the Android kernel—known internally as Project "Aluminium"—the conversation almost always revolves around AI. But for a core group of ChromeOS enthusiasts, there is a lingering fear right now: what happens to Linux support? For years, the ability … [Read more...] about Why Google needs to keep Linux support in the new Android-based ‘Aluminium’ project
Lenovo executive teases a larger version of the Legion Tab Gen 5
We've spent some time recently talking about the upcoming Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5. The compact, 8.8-inch Android gaming tablet was officially unveiled at MWC last month and brings a massive 9,000 mAh battery alongside the new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. But that highly anticipated $849 tablet … [Read more...] about Lenovo executive teases a larger version of the Legion Tab Gen 5
Lenovo just dropped a landing page for the upcoming Legion Tab Gen 5 gaming tablet
Lenovo officially unveiled the upcoming Legion Tab Gen 5 at MWC in Barcelona last month, but the company has now posted a dedicated landing page for their next compact Android gaming tablet. While we've known some of the basic specs since that initial announcement, this new landing page fully … [Read more...] about Lenovo just dropped a landing page for the upcoming Legion Tab Gen 5 gaming tablet
Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 drops to $399, ahead of the much pricier Gen 5 release
Lenovo’s compact and powerful Legion Tab Gen 3 is currently marked down to $399 directly on their website. This is a huge discount from its original retail price and makes it one of the most compelling small Android tablets on the market right now. But with a new model on the horizon, is it still … [Read more...] about Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 drops to $399, ahead of the much pricier Gen 5 release
Samsung just bumped up the prices on the Galaxy Z Flip 7, S25 FE, and more
Samsung is quietly increasing the US prices across a wide range of its smartphones and tablets. If you were planning to pick up a Galaxy Z Flip 7, an S25 FE, or basically any of their current tablets, you are going to be paying more than you would have just a few weeks ago. For smartphones, the … [Read more...] about Samsung just bumped up the prices on the Galaxy Z Flip 7, S25 FE, and more
The ‘Wide’ Foldable Era is upon us, and it’s the most excited about phones I’ve been in years
I’ll be the first to admit it: I’m bored with smartphones lately. I’ve been eligible for a phone upgrade for months, but every time I look at the current crop of flagships, I find myself questioning what I would even buy if I were to actually go through with it. Even the Galaxy Z Fold 7, as refined … [Read more...] about The ‘Wide’ Foldable Era is upon us, and it’s the most excited about phones I’ve been in years
Get ready: Samsung is restocking the $2,899 Galaxy Z TriFold this week
Samsung has officially announced that the Galaxy Z TriFold is getting a restock later this week. On Friday, April 10 at 10 a.m. ET, the $2,899 triple-folding device will be back in stock and available for purchase directly through the official Samsung website. The last time we saw a restock for … [Read more...] about Get ready: Samsung is restocking the $2,899 Galaxy Z TriFold this week
Google just dropped a new AI dictation app on iOS, and it looks like Android is coming soon
Google just released a brand new offline-first dictation app called Google AI Edge Eloquent. It is currently available on iOS and is designed to take on the growing market of AI-powered transcription services like Wispr Flow. It offers a surprisingly robust set of features completely for free and it … [Read more...] about Google just dropped a new AI dictation app on iOS, and it looks like Android is coming soon
Google is officially rolling out desktop mode for the Pixel 8 and newer
Google is officially bringing desktop mode to Pixel phones as part of the new March Pixel Drop. For those with a Pixel 8 or newer, the device can now be plugged directly into an external monitor via USB-C to deliver a PC-like, multi-window experience right out of the box. We actually tested an … [Read more...] about Google is officially rolling out desktop mode for the Pixel 8 and newer
I still love the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and they are $60 off right now
I really love the Pixel Buds Pro 2, and they are still the earbuds that I carry with me every day. And right now, you can snag Google's flagship earbuds for just $169. That is a full $60 off the retail price, and after using these a lot lately for calls and workouts, I can confidently say they are … [Read more...] about I still love the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and they are $60 off right now
Android 17 Beta 2 borrows a major ChromeOS security trick for Thunderbolt and USB4
As we continue to watch the development of Aluminium OS and the "desktop-ification" of Android, Google is taking clear steps to ensure that this new high-end hardware doesn't compromise system security. The latest deep dive into Android 17 Beta 2 by Android Authority has revealed that Google is … [Read more...] about Android 17 Beta 2 borrows a major ChromeOS security trick for Thunderbolt and USB4
