For the past year, the conversation around Rich Communication Services (RCS) has been dominated by one thing: interoperability between Android and iOS. Now that end-to-end encryption is actively being tested between the two ecosystems, the GSMA is turning its attention to making the actual messaging … [Read more...] about RCS Universal Profile 4.0 arrives with native video calls to benefit all smartphone users
News
We talk about a ton of stuff here at Chrome Unboxed. From Chromebooks to Chromecast to Google Assistant, the world of Chrome OS is pretty far-reaching. We save our News section for the things that are breaking news to our readers.
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ChromeOS 146 is rolling out, but Google is clearly eyeing a much bigger prize
If you’ve checked your settings menu this week and seen the prompt to restart for ChromeOS 146, you might be wondering where the "What’s New" splash screen went. In an update that follows the now-understood trend of ChromeOS updates over the past year or so, we are looking at an one that is pretty … [Read more...] about ChromeOS 146 is rolling out, but Google is clearly eyeing a much bigger prize
Google just fixed the biggest issue I’ve had with Gemini Live conversations
Google is officially upgrading its real-time voice AI today with the launch of Gemini 3.1 Flash Live. This new model is built specifically to handle the speed and natural rhythm of human speech, and it is rolling out right now to Gemini Live and Search Live for everyone. If you use Gemini Live … [Read more...] about Google just fixed the biggest issue I’ve had with Gemini Live conversations
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
Google’s ‘Personal Intelligence’ for free Gemini and Chrome users in the U.S. is a game changer
When Google first introduced Personal Intelligence earlier this year, it was the ultimate "pro" feature. It allowed the AI to securely "connect the dots" across your Gmail, Google Photos, and other apps to give you answers that were actually about your life. But until now, you had to be a paid … [Read more...] about Google’s ‘Personal Intelligence’ for free Gemini and Chrome users in the U.S. is a game changer
Google Messages is killing off QR code-based pairing for devices
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
NotebookLM gets a massive upgrade with Cinematic Video Overviews, infographics, and more
If you’ve been following any coverage of NotebookLM, you know most users are big fans of how it turns a pile of messy research into something useful. It's initial claim to fame was the viral "Audio Overviews" that sound like a real podcasts. Then came Data Tables and Slide Decks. Now, Google is … [Read more...] about NotebookLM gets a massive upgrade with Cinematic Video Overviews, infographics, and more
The MacBook Neo proves Apple is leaving a door wide open for Google’s ‘Aluminium OS’
Apple recently did something that, on paper, seems to make no sense. They launched the MacBook Neo; a $599 laptop powered by the A18 Pro chip that, in a previous life, powered the iPhone 16 series. Yep, it’s the same silicon that powers the phone in your hand, yet here it is, driving a full-blown … [Read more...] about The MacBook Neo proves Apple is leaving a door wide open for Google’s ‘Aluminium OS’
Lenovo’s ‘Sapphire’ Chromebook tablet is getting a high-res display to match its premium specs
If you’ve been following our coverage of the upcoming 'Sapphire' Chromebook tablet, you know we are incredibly excited about it and think you should be too. For years, we’ve been waiting for a true, no-compromises flagship ChromeOS tablet that can go toe-to-toe with something like the iPad Pro. … [Read more...] about Lenovo’s ‘Sapphire’ Chromebook tablet is getting a high-res display to match its premium specs
The upcoming ‘Sapphire’ Detachable Chromebook is getting iPad Pro-like quad-speakers
When it comes to premium tablets and high-end convertibles, a great screen and a fast processor are only part of the equation. If you want a device that truly excels at media consumption, you need great audio, too. For years, devices like the iPad Pro have set the gold standard with their immersive … [Read more...] about The upcoming ‘Sapphire’ Detachable Chromebook is getting iPad Pro-like quad-speakers
I’m convinced the Samsung ‘Galaxy Glasses’ will have a display after this battery leak
We’ve been hearing rumors about Samsung’s upcoming Android XR smart glasses for a while now, but the actual hardware details have been pretty scarce. But thanks to a new report from SamMobile, we finally have some specifics on the battery capacity for the upcoming 'Galaxy Glasses,' and the numbers … [Read more...] about I’m convinced the Samsung ‘Galaxy Glasses’ will have a display after this battery leak
Make sure your Chrome browser is up to date to patch a major Gemini security flaw
If, like me, you’ve been enjoying the convenience of having Google’s Gemini AI tucked into your Chrome side panel, you need to take a moment to check your installation of Chrome for the latest update. A recently disclosed vulnerability, labeled CVE-2026-0628, revealed that the Gemini panel … [Read more...] about Make sure your Chrome browser is up to date to patch a major Gemini security flaw
