A few weeks ago, we discussed how Google was preparing to migrate Hangouts users with standard Google accounts to the new and improved Google Chat via a "consumer beta". The idea has always been to slowly migrate users and then eventually to phase out ye old faithful Hangouts entirely. Well, some … [Read more...] about Google Chat migration begins for some Hangouts users, but it’s got work to do
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3 common misconceptions about Chromebooks
One of the members of our awesome Patreon community shared an article with us this morning and it has inspired us to fire up a new segment about the general use cases for Chrome OS. I'll be honest, when I first skimmed over the article, I freely assumed that the post must have been two or three … [Read more...] about 3 common misconceptions about Chromebooks
The Nest website now redirects you to the Google Store
Last year, the Nest website began redirecting users to Google's official store in order to buy new devices. Now, Nest.com will automatically take you to a Nest category landing page on the Google Store. Ever since its team became a part of Google again, they've had a roadmap for dissolving the … [Read more...] about The Nest website now redirects you to the Google Store
Youtube becomes a safer place for tweens and teens with new supervised experience beta
Youtube Kids is great decent okay and all, but as many children who grow to be a bit older will openly tell you, it feels super restrictive. Between the ages of 9 and 12, kids are more than ready to move on and explore some new and exciting content on the platform, but Youtube Kids is limited to … [Read more...] about Youtube becomes a safer place for tweens and teens with new supervised experience beta
Simplify Gmail v2 is here, it’s beautiful, and you should be using it right now
Does anyone actually like being in their inbox? I know I don't. Email is a necessary evil and something we all deal with because, frankly, we must. Over the years, services and email clients have come and gone that try a different take on email or try to help you sort through the daily chaos that … [Read more...] about Simplify Gmail v2 is here, it’s beautiful, and you should be using it right now
How to switch between users on your Chromebook with a keyboard shortcut [VIDEO]
When I first started using Chromebooks after years of working on macOS, there was one part of my workflow that was missing: the ability to log into multiple Chrome browsers with separate Google accounts. On macOS, this allowed me to keep things like bookmarks, saved passwords, payment methods, and … [Read more...] about How to switch between users on your Chromebook with a keyboard shortcut [VIDEO]
Google Celebrates Black History Month with New Chrome Themes
It's Black History Month and Google is using its platform to educate, inspire, and promote diversity. Earlier this month, Google launched a Voices and Stories Collection, a Black History Culture Project, supported Black-owned businesses, and featured the artwork of a Black artist every Monday on the … [Read more...] about Google Celebrates Black History Month with New Chrome Themes
How to disable your Chromebook’s super annoying auto-brightness feature
Ever since Google introduced the new Adaptive Auto-Brightness feature to Chromebooks, I have detested it. The screen will automatically dim based on machine learning models and even ambient light for devices with an ambient sensor built-in. Unfortunately, for many people I've spoken to (myself … [Read more...] about How to disable your Chromebook’s super annoying auto-brightness feature
Chrome OS desperately needs a unified App Store
So, here were are heading into the third month of 2021, and Chrome OS has exponentially solidified its place in the world of the "new normal." Thanks, in part, to the global pandemic that caused a massive explosion of work from home employees and remote-learning students, Chrome OS overtook macOS as … [Read more...] about Chrome OS desperately needs a unified App Store
The Google Store makes more refurbished products available, but there’s a catch
The Google Store began selling refurbished Nest products in the US a while back, but now, they're expanding those offerings to provide hardware to consumers at affordable prices. Joining the Nest Protect (wired and battery), and the Nest Cam Indoor, you'll now find the Nest Hello video doorbell, the … [Read more...] about The Google Store makes more refurbished products available, but there’s a catch
Google SVP Hiroshi Lockheimer’s tweet has us very excited for 2021 Chromebooks
When it comes to Hiroshi Lockheimer making bold tweets regarding software or hardware from Google, the SVP of Android, Chrome, Chrome OS, Play, and Photos usually shows up with some very compelling content. After all, he knows a lot about what is going on behind the scenes at Google and has his … [Read more...] about Google SVP Hiroshi Lockheimer’s tweet has us very excited for 2021 Chromebooks
Google Docs is adding a ‘new’ badge for unread comments so they’re easier to locate
Google is adding a new badge to unread comments in Docs on the web that will be marked with a blue dot. Upon hovering over them, they will expand to show the word 'new' (see below). Once you click on a comment to indicate that it's been addressed, the badge will then disappear. In the history … [Read more...] about Google Docs is adding a ‘new’ badge for unread comments so they’re easier to locate













