After a Google executive let slip what seemed to be a definitive confirmation yesterday that Google is “combining Chrome OS and Android into a single platform,” the story has taken what I'd call a predictable turn. Sameer Samat, the President of Android ecosystem at Google, took to X (formerly … [Read more...] about Google exec clarifies his ChromeOS and Android merger statements
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)
The other shoe drops: Google exec seemingly confirms ChromeOS, Android merger
For years, we’ve been talking about the slow, methodical dance between ChromeOS and Android. We’ve seen news of kernel changes of late - with an official announcement last year that declared ChromeOS will be moving over to the Android Kernel - and we've tried our best to figure out Google’s ultimate … [Read more...] about The other shoe drops: Google exec seemingly confirms ChromeOS, Android merger
I just tried Gemini’s new photo-to-video feature, and I’m blown away
Every so often, a new AI feature comes along that doesn't just feel like an incremental update; it feels like a genuine leap into the future. It’s that "wow" moment where you see the technology do something you didn't think was quite possible yet. I just had one of those moments. I just finished … [Read more...] about I just tried Gemini’s new photo-to-video feature, and I’m blown away
New fear unlocked: the YouTube Premium device authorization limit you likely didn’t know about
I’m a huge fan of YouTube Premium. For our family, the combination of ad-free YouTube and the included YouTube Music subscription is a fantastic value. One of the best perks, of course, is the ability to download videos for offline viewing, which is perfect for flights, road trips, or just saving on … [Read more...] about New fear unlocked: the YouTube Premium device authorization limit you likely didn’t know about
Circle to Search gets a major upgrade with deep-dive AI Mode and in-game help
Since its introduction last year, Circle to Search has quickly become one of the most genuinely useful features on Android. The ability to quickly circle, highlight, or tap on anything on your screen to get more information without switching apps is a game-changer for daily use. And it's clearly … [Read more...] about Circle to Search gets a major upgrade with deep-dive AI Mode and in-game help
One of my favorite Chromebooks ever is an incredible $300 off right now
There are a handful of Chromebooks that I will recommend without hesitation whenever a good deal comes along, and the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is right at the very top of that list. It's one of my favorite Chromebooks of all time, so when I see a price drop this massive, I have to make sure as … [Read more...] about One of my favorite Chromebooks ever is an incredible $300 off right now
Wear OS is getting a big AI upgrade as Gemini support is rolling out now
We've seen Gemini roll out across our phones, the web, and our Chromebooks, becoming a more powerful and capable AI assistant with each update. Today, that intelligence is making its way to the next logical place: your wrist. In a new blog post, Google has announced that Gemini is starting to roll … [Read more...] about Wear OS is getting a big AI upgrade as Gemini support is rolling out now
Gmail’s new ‘Manage subscriptions’ feature is the ultimate inbox declutter tool
We all have email subscription problems; the daily deal alerts you signed up for once, the weekly newsletters from blogs you haven't read in months, and the promotional emails from retailers you bought from years ago can quickly turn a clean inbox into a cluttered mess. While Gmail has always been … [Read more...] about Gmail’s new ‘Manage subscriptions’ feature is the ultimate inbox declutter tool
I can’t get over how much I love using the new Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14
Yesterday, during a quick lunch break, I did something I've not done in a very, very long time: I reached first for my current Chromebook before any other media device to use for content consumption. Now that's not to say I haven't used Chromebooks for kicked-back YouTube viewing before - that … [Read more...] about I can’t get over how much I love using the new Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14
Google Meet’s AI note-taking gets smarter with summaries and new host controls
The "Take notes for me" feature in Google Meet is already a fantastic AI-powered tool for capturing the essence of a meeting without having to manually type everything out. But Google is now rolling out two significant improvements that make the feature even more helpful and give hosts more control … [Read more...] about Google Meet’s AI note-taking gets smarter with summaries and new host controls
Organize your Google Drive faster: Gemini can now move files with natural language
Google's integration of Gemini into the Workspace apps continues to get smarter and more practical. A few months ago, Google introduced the ability to create new files and folders using Gemini in the Google Drive side panel. Today, they are rolling out the logical and very welcome next step: you can … [Read more...] about Organize your Google Drive faster: Gemini can now move files with natural language
Hands-on with Android 16’s new desktop mode: why ChromeOS isn’t going anywhere
By now, you've probably seen the news that the latest beta version of Android 16 includes the first iteration of a true desktop mode. The ability to plug your phone into a monitor and get a PC-like experience has been a dream for many Android users for years - including myself. While there are a … [Read more...] about Hands-on with Android 16’s new desktop mode: why ChromeOS isn’t going anywhere













