So, do you remember last month when we thought Google was going to finally reveal its own smartwatch - the "Pixel Watch" - created by its newly acquired Fitbit team? Do you recall them skipping over it entirely and then hearing nothing of it in the time following? We do. I can't tell you how … [Read more...] about New details for Google’s Pixel Watch surface, point to a potential Spring 2022 release date
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)
Only 6 years late, YouTube Music finally enables native cast support in the web player
This goes beyond a feature being "a long time coming." Since November of 2015, YouTube Music has existed, had a web component, and has been without proper cast support. While this wasn't terrible in the early days, it clearly became a more invasive problem the day Google chose to shut down Google … [Read more...] about Only 6 years late, YouTube Music finally enables native cast support in the web player
This Chrome extension adds the dislike count back into your Youtube viewing experience
Last month, Google removed the public dislike count from Youtube videos in an effort to safeguard against the feature's abuse, and in doing so, angered millions of people. I wrote about how it could be viewed as a positive thing, and while I stand by my convictions, I also believe that many points … [Read more...] about This Chrome extension adds the dislike count back into your Youtube viewing experience
Smart Deal: Gen 2 Lenovo Smart Clock w/free Smart Bulb for $25!
Some of my favorite Google Assistant smart displays don't actually come from the creator of the Assistant platform. Instead, I am a huge fan of Lenovo's growing variety of smart home devices. From the 7" display I keep on my kitchen counter to the second generation smart clock that adorns my … [Read more...] about Smart Deal: Gen 2 Lenovo Smart Clock w/free Smart Bulb for $25!
Android Auto gaining smart replies, digital car keys, and always-on play button for music
In an effort to make driving safer this holiday season, Google is adding a few updates to Android Auto, and as usual, these are most features you would have expected it to have all along. Whether you're traveling across the country or just going down the road to pick a few things up, these should … [Read more...] about Android Auto gaining smart replies, digital car keys, and always-on play button for music
Steam support for Chromebooks could surface this week
After months and months and even more months of waiting, it appears that we may finally get our first look at native Steam gaming on Chrome OS in the very near future. Affectionately known as project 'Borealis', the containerized version of Steam has been in the works for nearly two years and it was … [Read more...] about Steam support for Chromebooks could surface this week
Win one of 5 Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 tablets
Robby and Joe just wrapped up filming the full review of the Snapdragon-powered Lenovo Chromebook Duet. I'll do them a solid and forgo any spoilers while we wait for Joe to finish his editing magic but I will say, this is the first time that Robby has ever walked away from a Chrome OS tablet without … [Read more...] about Win one of 5 Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 tablets
Google Play Books receiving redesigned widget, will include audiobook progress indicator
I can't tell you how much I absolutely hate the current Android widget for Google Play Books. It gets you quick access to books by showing you a cover flow of the titles you've most recently accessed, so by that standard, it's functional enough and isn't really bothering anyone by existing, but man, … [Read more...] about Google Play Books receiving redesigned widget, will include audiobook progress indicator
Google Messages wants you to stop ignoring your friends and family
A new "Nudges" feature is appearing in Google Messages for some users, and seems to be rolling out on a wider scale than it was a few months back when it was first discovered by Android Police. In an effort to help you follow up on conversations that you either forgot to reply to, or weren't … [Read more...] about Google Messages wants you to stop ignoring your friends and family
Costco members can take $200 off this monster Core i5 HP Chromebook
Costco is quickly becoming one of my top recommendations for shoppers looking to score a solid deal on a new Chromebook. While the wholesale buying club doesn't have quite the selection that retailers such as Best Buy offer, the past couple of years have seen Costco's Chrome OS inventory expand … [Read more...] about Costco members can take $200 off this monster Core i5 HP Chromebook
How to Download and Install iTunes on Your Chromebook: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ah, the age-old question. You got a Chromebook but you are also an Apple user and you want to access your iTunes library on your shiny, new Chrome OS devices. Unfortunately, Apple has yet to - and likely never will - release an Android version of iTunes. Many users have made the move to Apple Music … [Read more...] about How to Download and Install iTunes on Your Chromebook: A Step-by-Step Guide
Why I think Google may ultimately share Tensor with other Chromebook makers
We aren't even to the point where Google has officially announced plans to bring their Tensor SoC to Chromebooks, but between leaked info, common sense, and gut feelings, I'd say a desktop version of Tensor is a foregone conclusion at this point. Reports put the arrival of Google's custom … [Read more...] about Why I think Google may ultimately share Tensor with other Chromebook makers











