While we all continue to speculate on the long-term convergence of ChromeOS and Android, a new piece of the puzzle has quietly appeared on the Play Store. Thanks to a cool find by 9to5 Google, we have a first look at a new app titled "Desktop Camera," and its existence points toward a growing focus … [Read more...] about Google’s new ‘Desktop Camera’ app gives us a new peek at Android on the desktop
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)
Google Maps turns Gemini into your AI tour guide and cycling copilot
Google is continuing its rapid-fire week of Gemini updates by bringing its AI assistant out of the car and onto the sidewalk. While "Gemini in navigation" has been helping drivers for a few months, Google has announced that the conversational experience is now officially rolling out for walking and … [Read more...] about Google Maps turns Gemini into your AI tour guide and cycling copilot
Premium AI becomes more affordable as Google AI Plus lands in the US
Google is making a major move to bring its most advanced AI tools to the masses. Recently, the company announced that Google AI Plus is expanding to 35 new countries, including the United States. Priced at just $7.99 per month, this new tier effectively bridges the gap between the free version of … [Read more...] about Premium AI becomes more affordable as Google AI Plus lands in the US
New upgrades to AI Mode blur the lines between Google Search and the Gemini app
Since Gemini's arrival in Google Search, there's been a lot of crossover and connection between the two (AI Overviews, AI Mode, etc.), but there's always been a pretty clear distinction there, too. You went to the search bar for quick facts and links, and you went to the Gemini app for long-form … [Read more...] about New upgrades to AI Mode blur the lines between Google Search and the Gemini app
ChromeOS 144 is here, but the headlining Gemini in Chrome feature is missing
ChromeOS 144 officially began its rollout on January 27th, and if you’re like me, you probably jumped all over that Check for updates button the second you saw the news. For Chromebook Plus owners, this version is supposed to be a milestone: the official arrival of Gemini in Chrome for Chromebook … [Read more...] about ChromeOS 144 is here, but the headlining Gemini in Chrome feature is missing
Chrome’s huge Gemini 3 upgrade looks to fundamentally change web browsing
Chrome is officially moving beyond the era of simple AI helpers and into the era of AI agents. In a massive new announcement today, Parisa Tabriz, VP of Chrome, detailed a huge wave of updates coming to the browser on MacOS, Windows, and Chromebook Plus. Powered by the new Gemini 3 model, Chrome is … [Read more...] about Chrome’s huge Gemini 3 upgrade looks to fundamentally change web browsing
We have our first real leak of Google’s “Aluminium” project running on a Chromebook
Back in September, we caught the first scent of a massive shift happening behind the scenes at Google. I found evidence that developers were testing a full Android desktop experience on "Brya" Chromebooks, and at the time, we weren't quite sure what to make of it. Fast forward to today, and the cat … [Read more...] about We have our first real leak of Google’s “Aluminium” project running on a Chromebook
Confirmed: Lenovo is also building ‘Ruby’, a flagship Intel-powered ‘Aluminium’ Chromebook
Just as the dust was beginning to settle on our confirmation that Lenovo is building the ARM-powered ‘Sapphire’ flagship detachable for the 'Aluminium' project, we have a second contender also in the works to help carry the mantle of this massive shift in laptop strategy from Google. Thanks to … [Read more...] about Confirmed: Lenovo is also building ‘Ruby’, a flagship Intel-powered ‘Aluminium’ Chromebook
Gemini becomes your free SAT tutor with full-length practice tests
Standardized testing remains a high-stakes hurdle for high school students, and the cost of quality test prep can often be a barrier to success. Google is aiming to level that playing field by launching on-demand, full-length practice exams directly within Gemini. Starting today, students can access … [Read more...] about Gemini becomes your free SAT tutor with full-length practice tests
Google Vids gets a visual boost with new animated styled captions
Google Vids, the AI-powered video creation app designed for the workplace, is getting a significant update to help users create more engaging and professional content. Google has announced the rollout of styled, animated captions, a feature designed to make video storytelling more accessible and … [Read more...] about Google Vids gets a visual boost with new animated styled captions
Google Search AI Mode gets a new Personal Intelligence upgrade
Google is continuing to evolve Search from a tool that knows the world into one that knows the world and you. In a major update to its "AI Mode," Google has announced the expansion of Personal Intelligence - a feature that allows the search engine to securely tap into your personal context from … [Read more...] about Google Search AI Mode gets a new Personal Intelligence upgrade
‘Ruby’ is a new Intel Panther Lake flagship Chromebook built for project ‘Aluminium’
For months, I’ve been tracking ‘Sapphire' - the high-end, MediaTek Kompanio Ultra-powered tablet that looks destined to be the poster child for Google’s upcoming Android/ChromeOS merger (known internally as the "Aluminium" project). But while ‘Sapphire’ has been soaking up all the spotlight, a new … [Read more...] about ‘Ruby’ is a new Intel Panther Lake flagship Chromebook built for project ‘Aluminium’
