If you’re a regular user of Messages for web, you’ve probably seen a new warning popping up: QR code pairing is going away soon. For years, scanning a QR code with your phone was the primary way to tether your messages to your browser. It was quick, didn't require a Google account login on the … [Read more...] about Google Messages is killing off QR code-based pairing for devices
Apps
There are multiple different channels that apps find themselves making their way onto your Chrome OS device. At one time it was via the Chrome Web Store. In that store, you can find dedicated Chrome OS apps alongside Extensions that expand the usability of Chrome. Now that Android has come on the scene, this section of the site will expand incredibly.
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Google Photos adds a search toggle to let you choose between AI and classic results
Since Ask Photos began rolling out back in 2024, Google has been tweaking the balance between AI-powered intelligence and the "classic" search experience we’ve used for years. While the goal is to make finding memories more natural, Google has heard the feedback: sometimes, users just want to be in … [Read more...] about Google Photos adds a search toggle to let you choose between AI and classic results
Google is rolling out a major icon redesign for Maps with a Gemini-inspired gradient
It looks like Google is officially rolling out a redesigned icon for Google Maps on both Android and iOS, ditching the classic flat colors for a modern, AI-inspired gradient. This isn't just a minor color swap; it’s a complete modernization of the iconic map pin that has defined the app for years … [Read more...] about Google is rolling out a major icon redesign for Maps with a Gemini-inspired gradient
The new ‘Ask’ button in Google Photos can use Gemini for more than you might expect
Google Photos is currently seeing some of the most practical applications of Google's strategy to weave in Gemini everywhere they can. While the "Ask Photos" feature has already begun transforming the way we search through years of backed-up memories, a new, more contextual "Ask" button is now … [Read more...] about The new ‘Ask’ button in Google Photos can use Gemini for more than you might expect
WhatsApp web is finally adding the one feature I missed most: Voice and video calls
For years, the WhatsApp web app has been a convenient way to manage messages on a desktop without installing a separate application. It's been my go-to way to use WhatsApp on a Chromebook. However, it always lacked one major component: the ability to actually place or receive a call. That is … [Read more...] about WhatsApp web is finally adding the one feature I missed most: Voice and video calls
I just tried YouTube Music’s new AI Playlist feature and I’m impressed
YouTube Music is rolling out a new AI-powered feature that allows Premium subscribers to generate custom playlists using simple text prompts. And after testing it out this morning, I have to say: it’s pretty impressive. While we have seen Google toy with similar ideas before—like the "AI Radio" … [Read more...] about I just tried YouTube Music’s new AI Playlist feature and I’m impressed
You can now use custom prompts to turn your Google Photos into videos
When Google first announced the Photo to Video feature for Google Photos last year, it immediately caught our attention. But you were restricted to two simple choices when generating the video: "Subtle movements" or "I'm feeling lucky." While those presets produced some mind-blowing results—like … [Read more...] about You can now use custom prompts to turn your Google Photos into videos
A few ways you can create the perfect 2025 photo recap with Google Photos
It’s that time of year again! While most of us are busy looking forward and making resolutions for 2026, it’s also the best time to look back at everything that happened over the last 12 months. If you use Google Photos, you probably have a massive collection of memories waiting to be organized. … [Read more...] about A few ways you can create the perfect 2025 photo recap with Google Photos
I have the perfect trip to try out the massive, new Google Photos video editing upgrade
We all take tons of videos, but most of them just sit in our cloud storage, unseen and unedited. Why? Because editing video on a phone is generally a tedious, clunky experience. Google Photos is looking to change that with a major update that introduces 5 new video editing tools: templates, a … [Read more...] about I have the perfect trip to try out the massive, new Google Photos video editing upgrade
Google Vids is finally ready for TikTok and YouTube Shorts with new vertical video support
In terms of current social media trends, vertical video is king. But since its launch, Google's simple and powerful video creation tool, Google Vids, has had one major limitation: it was built exclusively for traditional, widescreen (16:9) videos. This made it a non-starter for anyone looking to … [Read more...] about Google Vids is finally ready for TikTok and YouTube Shorts with new vertical video support
The new Google Home app is finally here: faster, smarter, and redesigned for Gemini
Alongside all the new hardware and the powerful new Gemini for Home intelligence, Google is rolling out the final, crucial piece of its smart home revitalization: a completely rebuilt and redesigned Google Home app. Based on user feedback, Google rebuilt the app from the ground up with three primary … [Read more...] about The new Google Home app is finally here: faster, smarter, and redesigned for Gemini
Why I still haven’t given up on getting Adobe Premiere Rush on my Chromebook
Lately, I’ve spent a lot of time editing social media videos for our other business, Proof Golf, with Adobe Premiere Rush, and I’ve been doing it almost exclusively on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The experience has been fantastic, but it’s also stirred up a familiar, long-dormant desire: I really wish the … [Read more...] about Why I still haven’t given up on getting Adobe Premiere Rush on my Chromebook
