After about a year of testing, Google is finally rolling out dark mode for Search on the web to save your eyes from excruciating blinding white light later in the evenings. In January, it briefly appeared for some before disappearing again in an A/B test. Yesterday, I was presented with a 'Turn on' … [Read more...] about Google Search officially introduces Dark Mode for the web
Updates
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)
Android 12 Beta 5 starts rolling out Material You redesigns for loads of Google apps
Android 12 Beta 5 just launched, and with this version of the mobile phone OS heading to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro that's completely upending its launch playbook, it's easy to see why people are excited for the entirely new direction Google is going. A complete redesign of the user interface that adapts … [Read more...] about Android 12 Beta 5 starts rolling out Material You redesigns for loads of Google apps
Google Photos now lets you get individual prints delivered straight to your doorstep
Google Photos' print subscription service never really seemed to be popular with its users. I can't find a single person within my circles that uses it, and even after it was improved and relaunched as the Premium Print series, I don't see it making much of a splash on the web. However, this could … [Read more...] about Google Photos now lets you get individual prints delivered straight to your doorstep
Amazon Luna gains Chromebook support, Couch mode, inexpensive Family channel
While we don't really cover Amazon Luna too much on Chrome Unboxed, it's primarily because most of us here use other services like Stadia, GeForce Now, and Steam Link. I did try out Luna back when it first launched, and I wasn't too impressed. Perhaps it's time I give it another chance since it's … [Read more...] about Amazon Luna gains Chromebook support, Couch mode, inexpensive Family channel
Google Chat finally picks up Hangouts most basic feature – the ability to call one person at a time
When Google began migrating everyone over to Chat from the beloved and very underappreciated Hangouts Classic, it left out one core but important feature - the ability to call people! No, I'm not talking about in groups - you can already do that, and have been able to since its inception. I'm … [Read more...] about Google Chat finally picks up Hangouts most basic feature – the ability to call one person at a time
Google Chat Rooms become discoverable ‘Spaces’ with in-line topic threading, and more
After announcing that Google's Chat 'Rooms' would be transformed into something called 'Spaces' earlier this year, the company is finally beginning to make good on that trajectory. The first thing I do when I wake up is check Chat, and I noticed that my Spaces had already been renamed. Let's take a … [Read more...] about Google Chat Rooms become discoverable ‘Spaces’ with in-line topic threading, and more
Chrome OS 93 begins rollout – offers a better Android app experience, Tote previews, and more
Chromebooks will now begin receiving an update to Chrome OS 93. there is a focus on polish and streamlining the user experience. From downloads to scanning and even user interface tweaks, this update really goes the distance to making Chromebook owners feel more confident in their choice of device. … [Read more...] about Chrome OS 93 begins rollout – offers a better Android app experience, Tote previews, and more
‘Power Bookmarks’ may bring Chrome’s Tab Groups, Shopping, and bookmarks together
The ability to save tab groups and recall them later is a feature Google has been working on for some time now, and as of right this moment, these recently closed groups appear in the Tab Search icon until they're buried. Instead of storing them in the browser's History section long term, it seems … [Read more...] about ‘Power Bookmarks’ may bring Chrome’s Tab Groups, Shopping, and bookmarks together
Grab a great deal on Google’s Nest Hub, WiFi, or Audio for Labor Day 2021 before it’s too late
Happy Labor Day! As we celebrate our workplace achievements and overall collaborative success, Google has placed several of its Nest hardware devices on sale for a limited period of time. Over on its own store and even at Best Buy, you can get a hefty discount on several configurations of the new … [Read more...] about Grab a great deal on Google’s Nest Hub, WiFi, or Audio for Labor Day 2021 before it’s too late
Chrome for Android’s desktop view may get a global ‘always on’ option
On Chrome for Android, a website may not always be laid out properly or in a way that will give you the best viewing experience where you can get all of the information you need. To resolve this, Google has always had a 'Desktop site' toggle in the three dots 'more' menu at the top of the browser. … [Read more...] about Chrome for Android’s desktop view may get a global ‘always on’ option
Google acquires Playspace in hopes of making your Workspace more fun and interactive
Playspace is an incredibly innovative digital whiteboarding web software that segments users out into 'Rooms' where they can collaborate with one another with advanced tools. It seamlessly integrates into Google Calendar and has worked well for Workspace in the past. Now, Playspace is being bought … [Read more...] about Google acquires Playspace in hopes of making your Workspace more fun and interactive
Google Collections gets a much-needed redesign in the Search app for Android
I've become a huge advocate for Google's Collections, even believing that automated user curation of content across the web is the future of the internet. We've spoken about how you can use them to inspire your 2021 goals, seen a custom Collections icon appear on hardware remotes for Google TV, and … [Read more...] about Google Collections gets a much-needed redesign in the Search app for Android
