Over the years, it's no secret that Google's Tensor-powered Pixel phones have faced criticism for their modem performance. Google's phones have been plagued by unreliable connectivity and battery drain issues since making the move to Tensor. However, as now confirmed by Android Authority, the Pixel … [Read more...] about One of Pixel 9’s biggest upgrades didn’t get mentioned on stage
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Using the Pixel 9 Pro XL makes me wish it had a ChromeOS desktop mode
I've been unashamedly rocking a Samsung phone for the past few years. I first moved to the Galaxy S23 Ultra and then leveraged a killer deal to snag the Z Fold 5 as well. Between the two, I've been pretty happy - if a tad bit uninspired - with the phone in my pocket for the past 20 months or … [Read more...] about Using the Pixel 9 Pro XL makes me wish it had a ChromeOS desktop mode
Pixel Watch 3 trade-in offers are better than expected
The Pixel Watch 3 is still a few weeks from hitting store shelves, but there are plenty of users already making plans to get their hands on Google's latest watch when it arrives on September 10th. Retailers are fully aware of this, and as a result, there are some pretty competitive trade-in offers … [Read more...] about Pixel Watch 3 trade-in offers are better than expected
You can pre-order the Pixel Buds Pro 2 right now and get a $30 gift card
Google's latest earbuds, the Pixel Buds Pro 2, are generating some buzz around the Chrome Unboxed office as we wait for the official launch on September 26th. I'm hoping to get hands-on soon but the new design and AI features have me intrigued. If you've been following along, you may have noticed … [Read more...] about You can pre-order the Pixel Buds Pro 2 right now and get a $30 gift card
Gemini Live feels like magic, and I want it on my Chromebook
This week, I've been pretty blown away by Gemini Live. When I saw it debuted during the Made By Google event on Tuesday, I was very interested. But now that I've had it on my phone for a couple days, I'm far more impressed. While obviously not perfect, this new conversational ability for Gemini … [Read more...] about Gemini Live feels like magic, and I want it on my Chromebook
I’m impressed by the number of Pixel Watch 3 cases already available
I remember when the Pixel Watch - the first one - arrived on the scene. As a new product, the number of cases and watch bands was quite limited early on, and every new protective cover, screen protector or watch band that hit the market was exciting to see. Since then, the available options have … [Read more...] about I’m impressed by the number of Pixel Watch 3 cases already available
Gemini Live is already starting to arrive for Pixel and Samsung phones
Google's latest AI breakthrough is Gemini Live, and it is rolling out today on Pixel and other Android phones. Announced at Made by Google 2024 earlier this week, this feature lets you have free-flowing conversations with Gemini, making it even easier to explore complex topics, brainstorm ideas, or … [Read more...] about Gemini Live is already starting to arrive for Pixel and Samsung phones
ChromeOS 127 is rolling out with a handful of minor changes
ChromeOS 127 is rolling out to users and comes with quite a few new features, though none of them are the big, headlining changes we sometimes get with a ChromeOS update. Upgrades range from accessibility improvements to video conferencing enhancements, and it should all be arriving for users over … [Read more...] about ChromeOS 127 is rolling out with a handful of minor changes
Oddly, it seems the new Lenovo Duet won’t be Chromebook Plus
In all my excitement yesterday posting about the new, now-official Lenovo Chromebook Duet with MediaTek's Kompanio 838 inside, I didn't even register the fact that "Plus" wasn't included in the naming scheme. While definitely not a necessity, the fact that this new tablet won't be a Plus-branded … [Read more...] about Oddly, it seems the new Lenovo Duet won’t be Chromebook Plus
Google Classroom: A decade of empowering educators and students
In 2014, a group of Google employees, many with backgrounds in education, launched Google Classroom with a simple goal: create a "mission control" for teachers. A decade later, thanks to continuous collaboration with schools and educators around the world, Google Classroom has blossomed from a … [Read more...] about Google Classroom: A decade of empowering educators and students
If Gemini Live comes to smart speakers, I’ll actually use them again
Lately, it feels like the smarter AI chatbots have become, the more useless my smart speakers and smart displays are. I think it's been a double-edged sword that has caused such a sharp decline in usefulness, but it has most definitely been felt. On one hand, you simply have a resource gap. … [Read more...] about If Gemini Live comes to smart speakers, I’ll actually use them again
The one feature in Google’s Weather app update I’ve been waiting for
For years at this point, I've used the different incarnations of Google's Weather app. From widgets to the web app to the included app in Android, it's the simple, straightforward weather solution I've relied on for a long time. Recent additions like the real-time rain gauge have proven useful … [Read more...] about The one feature in Google’s Weather app update I’ve been waiting for
