With the rumor of Chromebooks possibly making the move to Android (versus ChromeOS as it is now), I have to admit that my emotions have been all over the place. I'm excited about a more-unified OS from Google, terrified that they'll fail to stick the landing, and hopeful that if they can actually … [Read more...] about Chromebooks running Android could finally make our phone-as-desktop dreams a reality
Google Messages is finally getting a proper backup and restore feature
I've been waiting for this feature for a long time, and it looks like a whole new system for backing up and restoring your stuff in Google Messages is finally on the way! Right now, Android relies on Google (One) at the system level to handle message backups, and if you are setting up a new device … [Read more...] about Google Messages is finally getting a proper backup and restore feature
Android 16 Developer Preview 1 is now available, 3 months early
It seems Google is wasting no time in getting Android 16 up and running quite a bit ahead of the normal schedule. With a planned launch in Q2 of 2025, we're already seeing the first Developer Preview land on Pixel devices a whole three months earlier than usual. This shift definitely aligns with … [Read more...] about Android 16 Developer Preview 1 is now available, 3 months early
ChromeOS 130 touts yet another vaporware feature with multi-calendar
Right before the absolute largest bombshell that could have dropped in the Chromebook world hit me smack-dab in the face yesterday, I was sitting here at my desk, answering questions in our Chrome Unboxed Plus community about a feature that was supposed to ship in ChromeOS 127, never showed, and was … [Read more...] about ChromeOS 130 touts yet another vaporware feature with multi-calendar
Leaked ‘Pixel Laptop’ lends credence to Chromebooks moving to Android
It's been a wild 24 hours, ladies and gentlemen; and I don't think this particular train is going to slow down anytime soon. Yesterday, we talked about the very real probability of Google transitioning Chromebooks to Android (not merging ChromeOS and Android into a new OS, but Android simply taking … [Read more...] about Leaked ‘Pixel Laptop’ lends credence to Chromebooks moving to Android
Google Weather update brings “immersive weather vibrations” to users
Google is now beginning the roll-out of a few nifty additions that make checking the weather a bit more immersive and informative on Pixel devices. If you're rocking a Pixel 8 or newer, you'll soon get introduced to "Immersive weather vibrations" to accompany those fun, new AI-generated city … [Read more...] about Google Weather update brings “immersive weather vibrations” to users
Rumor: Android may take over for ChromeOS on Chromebooks in a massive move
We've been here before, but things are a bit different this time around. Instead of "one OS to rule them all," rumors are swirling that Google is planning a major shakeup that would see ChromeOS uniformly replaced by (or merged into) Android down the road. A recent report from Android Authority … [Read more...] about Rumor: Android may take over for ChromeOS on Chromebooks in a massive move
Android’s new ‘Screen Time Reminders’ are my absolute favorite wellbeing feature
Google has been quietly rolling out a new feature to its Digital Wellbeing suite on Pixel and other Android phones called Screen Time Reminders. This feature aims to help users avoid getting sucked into their favorite apps for hours on end, and I'm already 100% on-board with this helpful, … [Read more...] about Android’s new ‘Screen Time Reminders’ are my absolute favorite wellbeing feature
Gemini-infused Google smart speakers and displays might be just around the corner
Remember back in August when Google casually dropped the news that Assistant was getting a Gemini-powered upgrade? Well, it seems like the time for that upgrade might finally be just around the corner. Folks at 9to5Google have been digging through the latest Google Home APK and uncovered some … [Read more...] about Gemini-infused Google smart speakers and displays might be just around the corner
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 drops all the way down to $349
A few days ago, the excellent Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 dropped down to its usual sale price of $369. It's a notable drop and one that - when it does appear - is worth a look. At this time of year, many of you are on the lookout for a great gift to buy that will deliver a bit more than the price … [Read more...] about The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 drops all the way down to $349
All Chromebook and ChromeOS Flex users get Gemini Advanced free for 3 months
This fall has been great for Chromebooks and ChromeOS in general. We've had new hardware arrive and tons of great updates to the OS in the past two versions. Sure, the arrival of ChromeOS 130 and a lot of the great goodies promised at the last Chromebook Showcase took a bit of time to arrive, but … [Read more...] about All Chromebook and ChromeOS Flex users get Gemini Advanced free for 3 months
Pixel Phone app real-time Scam Detection is rolling out in Beta
Remember that awesome real-time Scam Detection feature Google demoed at I/O 2024 back in May? Well, it's finally rolling out to Google's phones from Pixel 6 and newer - in the beta version of the Google Phone app, anyway. This is a pretty big-time addition to the Pixel's anti-spam arsenal, and it's … [Read more...] about Pixel Phone app real-time Scam Detection is rolling out in Beta
