After about a year of testing, Google is finally rolling out dark mode for Search on the web to save your eyes from excruciating blinding white light later in the evenings. In January, it briefly appeared for some before disappearing again in an A/B test. Yesterday, I was presented with a ‘Turn on’ option at […]
Continue ReadingGoogle Meet adding new effects panel so you can quickly blur your background and more
Google Meet is introducing a new side panel to give you quick access to effects like background blur, background images, and styles. This will be accessible to you during and before a call. If you choose to tweak these options prior to your meeting, you’ll do so from the green room self-check. Trying them out […]
Continue ReadingAndroid 12 Beta 5 starts rolling out Material You redesigns for loads of Google apps
Android 12 Beta 5 just launched, and with this version of the mobile phone OS heading to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro that’s completely upending its launch playbook, it’s easy to see why people are excited for the entirely new direction Google is going. A complete redesign of the user interface that adapts to […]
Continue ReadingGoogle Photos now lets you get individual prints delivered straight to your doorstep
Google Photos’ print subscription service never really seemed to be popular with its users. I can’t find a single person within my circles that uses it, and even after it was improved and relaunched as the Premium Print series, I don’t see it making much of a splash on the web. However, this could simply […]
Continue ReadingAmazon Luna gains Chromebook support, Couch mode, inexpensive Family channel
While we don’t really cover Amazon Luna too much on Chrome Unboxed, it’s primarily because most of us here use other services like Stadia, GeForce Now, and Steam Link. I did try out Luna back when it first launched, and I wasn’t too impressed. Perhaps it’s time I give it another chance since it’s now […]
Continue ReadingGoogle Chat finally picks up Hangouts most basic feature – the ability to call one person at a time
When Google began migrating everyone over to Chat from the beloved and very underappreciated Hangouts Classic, it left out one core but important feature – the ability to call people! No, I’m not talking about in groups – you can already do that, and have been able to since its inception. I’m referring to the […]
Continue ReadingGoogle Chat Rooms become discoverable ‘Spaces’ with in-line topic threading, and more
After announcing that Google’s Chat ‘Rooms’ would be transformed into something called ‘Spaces’ earlier this year, the company is finally beginning to make good on that trajectory. The first thing I do when I wake up is check Chat, and I noticed that my Spaces had already been renamed. Let’s take a look at the […]
Continue ReadingChrome OS 93 begins rollout – offers a better Android app experience, Tote previews, and more
Chromebooks will now begin receiving an update to Chrome OS 93. there is a focus on polish and streamlining the user experience. From downloads to scanning and even user interface tweaks, this update really goes the distance to making Chromebook owners feel more confident in their choice of device. Let’s break down some of the […]
Continue ReadingPeople are using the most ridiculous devices to play Stadia games, and it’s glorious
Google Stadia truly is the game console you can play anywhere. If anyone can prove something, it’s the wonderful and sometimes ridiculously resourceful community over at Reddit, and they’ve been on a journey to play Google’s gaming platform on some of the most ridiculous and unexpected pieces of hardware. Today, I wanted to honor some […]
Continue ReadingChrome OS still has its generic, ugly web app icon issue, but there could be an easy fix
Alright, today, I’m going to complain about something again – I seem to be good at that. Truly though, I’m complaining about something that many of my customers did when I used to work with Chromebooks in big box stores, and I think it really does need to be addressed. After setting up a new […]
Continue Reading‘Power Bookmarks’ may bring Chrome’s Tab Groups, Shopping, and bookmarks together
The ability to save tab groups and recall them later is a feature Google has been working on for some time now, and as of right this moment, these recently closed groups appear in the Tab Search icon until they’re buried. Instead of storing them in the browser’s History section long term, it seems that […]
Continue ReadingGrab a great deal on Google’s Nest Hub, WiFi, or Audio for Labor Day 2021 before it’s too late
Happy Labor Day! As we celebrate our workplace achievements and overall collaborative success, Google has placed several of its Nest hardware devices on sale for a limited period of time. Over on its own store and even at Best Buy, you can get a hefty discount on several configurations of the new Nest Wifi router […]
Continue ReadingThe clamshell to tablet Chromebook experience is a hot mess, but I have a solution
Over the years, I’ve used a lot of Chromebooks, and often, I’ve used both clamshell and tablet devices simultaneously for a variety of reasons. For example, clamshell Chromebooks are great for hammering out some writing, while tablet Chrome OS is great for reading Google Play Books, watching Youtube, and handwriting notes with Keep or Cursive. […]
Continue ReadingPlay 28 mini-games on your Chromebook with no download thanks to Gamesnacks
Are you rocking a Chromebook with lower-end specs, or just have some time to kill in between tasks? Do you have restricted free space available on your device for any number of reasons? Well, I’ve got just the solution for you! (okay, I’ll end the infomercial tone now) Gamesnacks, bite-sized HTML5 games published by Google’s […]
Continue ReadingChrome for Android’s desktop view may get a global ‘always on’ option
On Chrome for Android, a website may not always be laid out properly or in a way that will give you the best viewing experience where you can get all of the information you need. To resolve this, Google has always had a ‘Desktop site’ toggle in the three dots ‘more’ menu at the top […]
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