DJs
Aluminium OS Leak Shows Google’s Desktop Ambitions Are Getting Serious
Quick take: A new Aluminium OS leak appears to show Google building a much more desktop-focused Android experience tied to its broader GoogleBook and Gemini plans.
Google’s long-rumored desktop ambitions may finally be starting to take shape.
A new leak tied to something called Aluminium OS appears to show Google developing a far more desktop-oriented Android platform complete with windowed applications, desktop multitasking, taskbar controls, and productivity-focused features.
What Is Aluminium OS?
Based on early reports and leaked demonstrations, Aluminium OS appears to be Google’s evolving desktop-style Android environment designed for larger-screen devices and future AI-native computing platforms.
The leak suggests Google is working toward:
- Desktop-style Android multitasking
- Resizable windowed apps
- Taskbar-style navigation
- Keyboard and mouse workflows
- Improved external display support
- Developer and terminal-focused tools
The platform reportedly builds on Android 17 foundations and appears closely connected to Google’s broader AI ecosystem plans.
GoogleBook Makes More Sense Now
The timing of the leak is especially interesting following Google’s recent GoogleBook announcement.
GoogleBook is not a single laptop, but rather a Gemini-focused AI laptop initiative that hardware partners like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo are expected to build around later this year.
Aluminium OS may ultimately become part of the software foundation behind those devices.
Android and ChromeOS Continue Moving Closer Together
Google has spent years slowly narrowing the gap between Android and ChromeOS experiences.
This leak suggests Google may now be pushing even harder toward:
- Unified Android computing
- Desktop-grade Android apps
- Gemini-native laptop experiences
- Cross-device ecosystem integration
Rather than maintaining completely separate mobile and desktop platforms, Google increasingly appears focused on making Android adaptable across phones, tablets, and laptops.
Gemini Appears to Be the Centerpiece
Much like GoogleBook, the leaked desktop environment appears heavily focused on Gemini-powered workflows and contextual AI features.
Google no longer seems interested in simply adding AI tools to existing devices.
Instead, the company appears to be redesigning its entire computing ecosystem around Gemini as the primary interface layer.
Still Early — But Important
Google has not officially confirmed Aluminium OS publicly, and many details remain unclear.
Still, the leak offers one of the clearest looks yet at where Google’s desktop ambitions may be heading.
If Google successfully combines Android, Gemini, and desktop computing into a unified ecosystem, Aluminium OS could eventually become one of the company’s biggest platform shifts since ChromeOS itself.
DJs
GoogleBook Is Google’s New Vision for AI-Native Laptops
Quick take: Google has officially introduced GoogleBook, a new AI-native laptop platform designed around Gemini Intelligence and built by major OEM partners.
Google has officially unveiled GoogleBook, a new category of AI-focused laptops that could reshape the future of ChromeOS, Android, and Gemini-powered computing.
Rather than launching its own Pixel-style laptop, Google is positioning GoogleBook as a broader ecosystem initiative that hardware partners will build around later this year.
The platform was announced during Google’s Android Show and I/O coverage, with companies including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo expected to develop GoogleBook devices.
What Exactly Is GoogleBook?
GoogleBook is not a single laptop.
Instead, it appears to be a new Google-led platform initiative focused on creating premium AI-native laptops powered by Gemini Intelligence.
Google is defining:
- AI-focused software experiences
- Gemini integration standards
- Cross-device ecosystem features
- Premium hardware expectations
- Android-powered computing workflows
OEM partners will then build hardware around those experiences.
Android Appears to Be Taking Center Stage
One of the most interesting parts of the announcement is Google’s apparent shift toward Android-based laptop experiences.
While ChromeOS is still expected to continue existing, GoogleBook appears heavily focused on Android-powered computing with desktop-style functionality and deeper ecosystem integration.
The initiative could eventually blur the lines between:
- Android tablets
- Chromebooks
- Traditional laptops
- Gemini AI devices
That would represent one of Google’s biggest platform strategy shifts in years.
Gemini Intelligence Is the Main Focus
Google repeatedly describes GoogleBook devices as being “Designed for Gemini Intelligence.”
Rather than simply adding AI tools onto existing laptops, GoogleBook appears designed around Gemini from the start.
Expected features include:
- Context-aware AI assistance
- Cross-app Gemini workflows
- AI-enhanced productivity tools
- Adaptive interface experiences
- Smarter multitasking and search
Google is clearly positioning Gemini as the foundation for its future computing ecosystem.
This Is Not the End of Chromebooks
Despite some early reports suggesting otherwise, GoogleBook does not appear to completely replace Chromebooks.
Instead, GoogleBook seems positioned as a more premium and AI-focused evolution of Google’s laptop strategy while ChromeOS devices continue serving existing education and budget markets.
That distinction is important because GoogleBook feels aimed at a very different audience compared to traditional Chromebooks.
Why GoogleBook Matters
The biggest takeaway from GoogleBook is that Google no longer appears satisfied with laptops functioning primarily as simple web browsers.
Instead, the company is now pushing toward:
- AI-native computing
- Android desktop experiences
- Deep ecosystem integration
- Gemini-powered workflows
- Premium connected devices
GoogleBook could ultimately become Google’s answer to:
- Apple’s ecosystem integration
- Microsoft Copilot+ PCs
- AI-focused Windows laptops
The first GoogleBook devices are expected to arrive later this year.
Sources: Android Central, Chrome Unboxed, Droid Life, Engadget
DJs
Android Is Slowly Turning Into a Real Desktop Platform
Quick take: Google continues expanding Android’s desktop-style features as the platform moves closer to becoming a true productivity environment.
Android’s desktop ambitions are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Over the past few Android releases, Google has quietly continued improving external display support, multitasking features, window management, and productivity tools across Android devices.
More Than Just Phone Features
Android was once designed almost entirely around touchscreen smartphone experiences.
Now, Google appears to be slowly pushing Android toward a more flexible computing platform capable of adapting to:
- External monitors
- Desktop-style multitasking
- Windowed applications
- Keyboard and mouse workflows
- Tablet productivity
The changes have become increasingly noticeable in recent Android builds and Pixel-focused features.
Chromebooks and Android Are Getting Closer
Google also appears to be narrowing the gap between Android and Chrome OS experiences.
Rather than maintaining completely separate ecosystems, Google may ultimately be positioning Android as a more adaptable unified platform across phones, tablets, and lightweight desktop-style devices.
The Long-Term Goal
Google has not positioned Android as a direct Windows or macOS competitor yet.
Still, Android is gradually evolving beyond traditional smartphone usage, especially as mobile hardware becomes more powerful each year.
The bigger question now is whether users actually want their phones to become lightweight desktop computers — or whether Android’s desktop future will remain a niche enthusiast feature.
DJs
Pixel Keyboard
The Pixel Keyboard is an optional keyboard built for the Pixel Slate. It allows for a lot of versatility with your tablet and comes with a trackpad and a dedicated Google Assistant key.
Software
The Pixel Slate runs Chrome OS instead of Android, but lets you access Android apps and games from the Play Store or full Linux application or developer tools. This updated version of Chrome OS with a reimagined interface which is appealing to interact with. Chrome OS on the Pixel Slate features a split screen functionality, and has Google Assistant built in.
Important security and software updates are taken care of silently in the background without interrupting the user. The device features the Titan M chip which keeps all your data, passwords and other sensitive information secure and safely encrypted on your device.
Pricing and Availability
The Google Pixel Slate is available in several hardware configurations. The base model comes with an Intel Celeron processor 32GB of storage and 4GB of RAM, while the top model is powered by an Intel 8th Gen Core i7 processor with 256GB of storage and 16GB of RAM.
Google has also provided various promotions to go along with your new purchase, offering three months of YouTubeTV for free with your Pixel Slate purchase.
Google Pixel Slate announced
The Google Pixel Slate is a new tablet that Google announced today running Chrome OS instead of Android. The device is thin and light, featuring USB Type-C connectivity and front facing stereo speakers. You also have a fingerprint scanner embedded nito the power button located on the side.
The font of the device features a 12.3 inch "Molecular Display" with a 3000 x 2000 pixel resolution and 293 ppi pixel density. There are two USB Type-C ports, which you can use to connect to a 4K compatible display or to charge your device. The inbuilt battery promises 10 hours of use, with Fast Charging allowing you to fully charge your tablet in around 2 hours.
The Pixel Slate has an 8MP camera in the front, and a second 8MP camera on the rear. The front camera has a wide-angle lens and should provide amazing video quality during calls. It also features a portrait mode if you need to capture selfies.
Google has introduced a new Pixel Keyboard to go along with their tablet, and it is priced at an additional $199. You can also purchase the Pixelbook Pen for $99 if you want written input.
Pixel Keyboard
The Pixel Keyboard is an optional keyboard built for the Pixel Slate. It allows for a lot of versatility with your tablet and comes with a trackpad and a dedicated Google Assistant key.
Software
The Pixel Slate runs Chrome OS instead of Android, but lets you access Android apps and games from the Play Store or full Linux application or developer tools. This updated version of Chrome OS with a reimagined interface which is appealing to interact with. Chrome OS on the Pixel Slate features a split screen functionality, and has Google Assistant built in.Important security and software updates are taken care of silently in the background without interrupting the user. The device features the Titan M chip which keeps all your data, passwords and other sensitive information secure and safely encrypted on your device.
Pricing and Availability
The Google Pixel Slate is available in several hardware configurations. The base model comes with an Intel Celeron processor 32GB of storage and 4GB of RAM, while the top model is powered by an Intel 8th Gen Core i7 processor with 256GB of storage and 16GB of RAM.
Google has also provided various promotions to go along with your new purchase, offering three months of YouTubeTV for free with your Pixel Slate purchase.
DJs
The Google Pixel Slate is a ChromeOS tablet featuring a 12.3 inch display, up to 256GB of internal storage, an 8MP rear camera, an 8MP front camera, and up to 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processors with up to 16GB of RAM.
The full Google Pixel Slate specifications follow:
Google Pixel Slate
The full Google Pixel Slate specifications follow:
| Announced | October 9, 2018 | ||
| Release | October 18, 2018 | ||
| A.K.A. | - | ||
| BUY | U.S. | BUY NOW | |
| - | |||
| Size | Dimensions | 290.9 x 202.0 x 7.0 mm (11.45 x 7.95 x 0.27 in) | |
| Weight | 721 g (1.6 lbs) | ||
| Display | Type | LCD display | |
| Size | 12.3 inches | ||
| Resolution | 3000 x 2000 pixels | ||
| Features | multi touch input; 293 ppi pixel density; 6M colors; 400 nit brightness; 72% NTSC color | ||
| Protection | - | ||
| Connectivity | WLAN | Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2x2 (MIMO), dual-band (2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz) | |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | ||
| USB | Two USB-Cs for charging, 4K display output and quicker data transfer | ||
| Others | NFC | ||
| Camera | Rear | 8 megapixel, ƒ/1.8 aperture, 1.12μm pixel size | |
| Features | autofocus | ||
| Video | 1080p@30fps | ||
Front | 8 megapixel, ƒ/1.9 aperture, 1.4μm pixel size, | ||
Features | wide field of view | ||
Video | 1080p@30fps | ||
| Memory | External | No | |
| Internal | 32GB | 64GB | ||
| 64GB | |||
| 128GB | |||
| 256GB | |||
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | ||
| 8GB | |||
| 8GB | |||
| 16GB | |||
| Hardware | Processor | Intel Celeron processor | |
| 8th Gen Intel Core m3 processor | |||
| 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor | |||
| 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor | |||
| Audio | dual front-facing speakers; dedicated mic for active noise cancellation | ||
| Radio | No | ||
| Navigation | - | ||
| Sensors | 3-axis gyroscope; accelerometer; ambient light sensor; hall effect sensor | ||
| Others | Fingerprint scanner | ||
| Security |
| ||
| Design | slate form factor | ||
| Colors | Midnight Blue | ||
| Battery | 48Wh battery | ||
| - | |||
| Stand-by | - | ||
| Playback | music | - | |
| video | 10 hours | ||
| - | |||
| Software | OS | Google ChromeOS | |
| Manufacturer | - | ||
| Others | Android apps on Google Play | ||
| - | |||
Links | - | ||
DJs
You can watch the livestream right here, by heading to the Made by Google Instagram page (@madebygoogle) or by watching the livestream on Google's YouTube channel.
Made by Google - Launch Event
Today Google is set to unveil some new hardware during their #madebygoogle event, which is set to take place at 11am ET (8am PT, 15:00 GMT). During the event, the company is expected to unveil its third generation Pixel devices along with some other new hardware.
You can watch the livestream right here, by heading to the Made by Google Instagram page (@madebygoogle) or by watching the livestream on Google's YouTube channel.
DJs
If you are not looking to buy an iPad and would rather purchase the ChromeOS powered Acer Chromebook Tab 10, you can do so using one of the following links
source - Acer | ChromeUnboxed
Acer Chromebook Tab 10 now widely available in the US
The Acer Chromebook Tab 10 is the world's first Chrome OS powered tablet. The slate was first announced in March, with a commercial release in North America expected as early as April. After a few unfortunate delays, the Chromebook Tab 10 is finally widely available to US consumers.
The tablet is expected to be priced at around $330, but can be found anywhere between $337 and $462 across various authorized resellers. NewEgg appears to be offering the best deal on the Chromebook Tab 10 with their $329.99 price.
The Acer Chromebook Tab 10 features a 9.7 inch 2048 x 1536 QXGA display, 32GB of internal storage and is powered by a 2GHz hexa-core Rockchip RK3399 processor with 4GB of RAM. The tablet is capable of 9 hours of use between charges thanks to this setup and should be for the daily multi-tasking needs for a student. Acer has also included a Wacom EMR stylus boasting “natural” writing and drawing capabilities.
If you are not looking to buy an iPad and would rather purchase the ChromeOS powered Acer Chromebook Tab 10, you can do so using one of the following links
BUY NOW
source - Acer | ChromeUnboxed
DJs
The standard Pixel will cost you $999, while the LS mode has been priced at $1299. Both new Chromebook Pixel notebooks are available for purchase directly from Google.
Google Chromebook Pixel 2015 announced
Google has just announced a refreshed version of the Chrome OS powered Chromebook Pixel. While the new model resembles the original one, it offers several upgrades under its hood making it even more powerful.
With the announcement of Apple's new MacBook and the refreshed MacBook Air and MacBook Pro notebooks, Google wasted little time to show off its latest achievement in the notebook arena. At first glimpse, the new Chromebook Pixel is quite familiar, with its box-like design and Google colored light strip.
You still get the 12.8 inch touch display with its 2560 x 1700 pixel resolution and 3:2 aspect ratio. What has changed with the display, is apparently a wider color gamut support compared to how things were before. Also, Google is now offering their premium notebook in two distinct models - the standard Pixel and the LS model. Interestingly Google has left out the LTE version of the notebook.
The standard Pixel comes with an Intel Core i5 processor, 32GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, showing that there is nothing really standard about it. The LS model is even more powerful, featuring an Intel Core i7 processor, 64GB of storage and 16GB of RAM.
The new Chromebook Pixel comes with two USB Type-C ports that can be used for charging, transferring data, or connecting external devices. That said, the machine does include two standard USB 3.0 ports, along with a full-sized SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Google claims the machine will offer up to 12 hours of battery life, where a 15 minute charge could get you up and running with over 2 hours of usage.
The standard Pixel will cost you $999, while the LS mode has been priced at $1299. Both new Chromebook Pixel notebooks are available for purchase directly from Google.
DJs
When the Google Chrome OS laptop was first announced, the company seemed to have a clear vision of offering affordable alternatives to expensive Windows notebooks. Today, however, the company is taking a different approach with the introduction of the Chromebook Pixel.
Google will ship two versions of the Chromebook Pixel, one with Wi-Fi only and one with an integrated Verizon LTE modem. You'll be able to purchase a unlimited day pass, or add the Pixel to a existing Verizon shared data plan for $10 a month.
The Wi-Fi model will come with 32GB of storage, and is on sale today for $1,299 in the United States and £1,049 in the UK. It will ship next week. The LTE model will have 64GB of storage for $1,449 in early April. Google's also including a full 1TB of Google Drive storage, per user, for three years, in the Chromebook Pixel's price.
Google Chromebook Pixel announced - A premium Chrome OS laptop, shipping next week for $1299
When the Google Chrome OS laptop was first announced, the company seemed to have a clear vision of offering affordable alternatives to expensive Windows notebooks. Today, however, the company is taking a different approach with the introduction of the Chromebook Pixel.
The Chromebook Pixel is the first Chromebook designed by Google itself. It is unmistakably a premium product aimed to directly take on the Apple MacBook pro with Retina. Like Apple's notebook, the highlight of the Chromebook Pixel is in its screen: The 12.85 inch touch enabled display has a 2560 x 1700 pixel resolution and Corning Gorilla Glass protection. Google says it's the highest resolution display that's ever shipped on a laptop. In order to better fit web content, which often flows vertically down a page, the screen is nearly as tall as it is wide.
The inclusion of the touchscreen makes browsing web pages smooth and fluid. Google also sees this as an opportunity for developers to target a broader ecosystem for their apps by allowing their tablet and smartphone creations to have the same experience on the web.
While it's a hair thicker than the MacBook Air, it shares many of the design elements, including speakers built into the keyboard, vents hidden in the hinge, and a very thin yet responsive LED-backlit rack of keys custom-made for the machine.
But Google's also clearly trying to improve upon Apple machines, touting rounded edges that don't dig into your wrists, and a special dedicated microphone to cancel out keyboard noise during VoIP calls and video chats. There's also an etched glass touchpad, which is notably better than the competition.
For the first time in a Chromebook, specs have been seriously improved: with a Core i5 processor - rather than an ARM or Intel Atom chip - as well as Intel HD 4000 graphics and 4GB of RAM, this Chromebook should have a similar amount of performance to existing Windows ultrabooks. Google says it can play multiple 1080p videos simultaneously. Unfortunately, that processing power and the high-res screen means lower battery life: the company quotes a five-hour runtime. Like other Chromebooks, the Pixel still has a fairly sparse array of ports, with two USB 2.0 jacks, a Mini DisplayPort, a combo 3.5mm headset jack, and an SD card slot. There's dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, and a 720p webcam flanked by dual microphones up top.
While the Chromebook don't enjoy the immense software ecosystem as a Windows ultrabook, Google says developers are on board to bring their apps over to Chrome OS.
Google will ship two versions of the Chromebook Pixel, one with Wi-Fi only and one with an integrated Verizon LTE modem. You'll be able to purchase a unlimited day pass, or add the Pixel to a existing Verizon shared data plan for $10 a month.
The Wi-Fi model will come with 32GB of storage, and is on sale today for $1,299 in the United States and £1,049 in the UK. It will ship next week. The LTE model will have 64GB of storage for $1,449 in early April. Google's also including a full 1TB of Google Drive storage, per user, for three years, in the Chromebook Pixel's price.
DJs
Microsoft has reportedly purchased Sunrise Calendar for a sum of $100 million. This free cross platform calendar app supports Google Calendar, Exchange and iCloud. You can download Sunrise on Android and iOS for your mobiles, and even on the desktop for Chrome and Mac OS X.
Microsoft will reportedly allow Sunrise to live as a stand-alone product while using some of the underlying technology to better its own products. Given that Sunrise doesn't offer any Windows apps, we may see this as an opportunity for Microsoft to bring these apps to its own platform. This is similar to what the company did with Acompli, a powerful email client which was relaunched as a new cross platform Outlook app.
It is currently not known if Microsoft plans to release a standable Outlook Calendar app in place of Sunrise or allow the Microsoft brand to be associated with popular apps on competitors stores. In any case you can still download Sunrise for the platform of your choice using the following links:
Download Sunrise for Mac OS X using the following link:
You can also download Sunrise for Google Chrome
source - TechCrunch
Microsoft reportedly purchases Sunrise Calendar for over $100 million
Microsoft has reportedly purchased Sunrise Calendar for a sum of $100 million. This free cross platform calendar app supports Google Calendar, Exchange and iCloud. You can download Sunrise on Android and iOS for your mobiles, and even on the desktop for Chrome and Mac OS X.Microsoft will reportedly allow Sunrise to live as a stand-alone product while using some of the underlying technology to better its own products. Given that Sunrise doesn't offer any Windows apps, we may see this as an opportunity for Microsoft to bring these apps to its own platform. This is similar to what the company did with Acompli, a powerful email client which was relaunched as a new cross platform Outlook app.
It is currently not known if Microsoft plans to release a standable Outlook Calendar app in place of Sunrise or allow the Microsoft brand to be associated with popular apps on competitors stores. In any case you can still download Sunrise for the platform of your choice using the following links:
| Android | iOS | |
| Download |  |  |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Requirements | Android 4.0 or greater | iOS 8.0 or greater |
Download Sunrise for Mac OS X using the following link:
| Download |  |
| Price | Free |
| Requirements | OS X 10.9 or greater, 64-bit processor |
You can also download Sunrise for Google Chrome
source - TechCrunch
DJs
Have you recently purchased a new ChromeBook ? Are you planning to get one? If so you are in luck, as Google is offering 1TB of free Google Drive storage for your new Chromebook along with other goodies.
The Chromebook is an efficient choice for those who want to be productive on the go, and since Chromebooks are extremely affordable, the 1TB storage offer ads great value to your purchase.
So if you want to complement your Android usage with some extra cloud storage, picking up a cheap laptop running Google's operating system may now be the most affordable way to do so. Just keep in mind that the free storage will only last for two years and the offer must be redeemed before January 1st, 2015.
source - Google
Get 1TB of free Google Drive storage with a Chromebook purchase this holiday season
Have you recently purchased a new ChromeBook ? Are you planning to get one? If so you are in luck, as Google is offering 1TB of free Google Drive storage for your new Chromebook along with other goodies.We live a lot in the cloud these days with our post PC devices, and having online storage can prove extremely useful when you access your photos, documents and files on your mobile devices.
The Chromebook is an efficient choice for those who want to be productive on the go, and since Chromebooks are extremely affordable, the 1TB storage offer ads great value to your purchase.
So if you want to complement your Android usage with some extra cloud storage, picking up a cheap laptop running Google's operating system may now be the most affordable way to do so. Just keep in mind that the free storage will only last for two years and the offer must be redeemed before January 1st, 2015.
source - Google
DJs
Google has released a new Hangouts app for Google Chrome. The company already has a Hangouts Extension for the platform, which allows communicating with your Hangouts friends, but the new standalone app works much like Facebook's chatheads feature, but for your desktop.
The new Hangouts app is available for download through the Chrome webstore and can be downloaded on Windows, Mac or Chrome OS. When you install and run the app, a Hangouts bubble floats on the side of your desktop, and subsequent conversations float above that. Users can click and hold to drag the bubble around and manage/participate in chats just like on the web. New messages automatically preview in a word bubble next to their respective chat, and users can hover over each chat to see the last correspondence.
You can download the app directly on your device through the Chrome Webstore or by using the following link:
It's worth noting that - for now - the app has the same contacts and chat tabs as its Android counterpart, but no dialer tab. To dial a contact, you'll need to hit the search bar first, then select the phone icon.
Also of note is that the app is apparently not fully ready for OSX, as some users are experiencing unexpected behavior. For now, it also appears there's no easy way to switch accounts or support multiple accounts - the app will pick up whichever account is your primary on Chrome.
source - Google | Chrome Blog
[Chrome app] Hangouts
Google has released a new Hangouts app for Google Chrome. The company already has a Hangouts Extension for the platform, which allows communicating with your Hangouts friends, but the new standalone app works much like Facebook's chatheads feature, but for your desktop.The new Hangouts app is available for download through the Chrome webstore and can be downloaded on Windows, Mac or Chrome OS. When you install and run the app, a Hangouts bubble floats on the side of your desktop, and subsequent conversations float above that. Users can click and hold to drag the bubble around and manage/participate in chats just like on the web. New messages automatically preview in a word bubble next to their respective chat, and users can hover over each chat to see the last correspondence.
You can download the app directly on your device through the Chrome Webstore or by using the following link:
It's worth noting that - for now - the app has the same contacts and chat tabs as its Android counterpart, but no dialer tab. To dial a contact, you'll need to hit the search bar first, then select the phone icon.
Also of note is that the app is apparently not fully ready for OSX, as some users are experiencing unexpected behavior. For now, it also appears there's no easy way to switch accounts or support multiple accounts - the app will pick up whichever account is your primary on Chrome.
source - Google | Chrome Blog
DJs
source - Google
You can now run select Android apps on Chrome OS
Google promised that they would be bringing some useful enhancements to their Chrome OS platform, during the Google I/O in June, including the ability to run Android apps on Chromebooks. Now Google has announced the first group of apps which can run on Chrome OS.
Chromebooks are known for being relatively affordable alternatives to laptops, and they literally start up in seconds. Once started up, operation is generally fast and fluid. The project that is making this possible is called App Runtime for Chrome. It is still in Beta, but like most Google “Betas”, it will grow and feel largely mainstream. The first four apps that are now compatible with Chrome OS are
- Duolingo - a fun and free way to learn a new language before your next trip
- Evernote - write, collect and find what matters to you, with a full-size keyboard and touchscreen
- Sight Words - a delightful way for you to help improve your child's reading skills
- Vine - create short, beautiful, looping videos in a simple and fun way
Google will begin working with select groups of developers with the goal of bringing more apps to Chrome OS, and enabling a unified experience from the Android to Chrome environments. Google is also inviting users to submit their favorite apps they would like to see compatible with Chrome OS.
source - Google
DJs
source - Google
img source - The Verge
Chromebooks to receive Android apps and notifications
While Apple and Microsoft continue to bring unity between their desktop and mobile platforms, we always wondered how Google would eventually handle the differences between Android and Chrome OS. During the Google I/O 2014, Sundar Pichai talked about how the company plans to bring Android and Chromebooks together.
Pichai showed off nice features like notifications on a Chromebook to let you know when someone is calling your phone, if you receive a text, or if your battery is low. These look to be more like Motorola Connect than what we've already seen with Hangouts, but it is unclear right now. The more important update though is that Android apps are coming to Chromebooks.
Pichai says that the feature is still in the very "early days", but the demo already looks promising. Google showed off Evernote, Flipboard, and Vine apps from Android running natively on a Chromebook. Performance looked good, and the apps had full access to the camera and such. No word on when Android apps will make it to Chrome OS, but we'll be keeping an eye out.
The only question is exactly how users will control these apps, because there are only a couple touchscreen Chromebooks right now, and these apps are not designed for keyboard/mouse input. Then again Bluestacks allows Android users to install apps and games on Windows / Mac computers and enjoy your content on their larger screens, so we are sure that Google will have a similar solution in the works.
source - Google
img source - The Verge
DJs
Google's Chromecast is an amazing tool which allows you to easily stream your video files to your HDTV. Unfortunately finding the right software to stream your files is not that easy, and even when you do, it won't be easy connecting to video files on your network devices. Videostream hopes to fix this.
Videostream has released its own Chrome app, which allows you to stream almost any locally stored video file to your Chromecast without the requirement of installing any other software. You can download Videostream for Chrome directly on your device through the Chrome web store or by using the following link
How to play nearly any video on your Chromecast
Google's Chromecast is an amazing tool which allows you to easily stream your video files to your HDTV. Unfortunately finding the right software to stream your files is not that easy, and even when you do, it won't be easy connecting to video files on your network devices. Videostream hopes to fix this.
Videostream has released its own Chrome app, which allows you to stream almost any locally stored video file to your Chromecast without the requirement of installing any other software. You can download Videostream for Chrome directly on your device through the Chrome web store or by using the following link
Additionally the developers have put together an Android app, which lets you stream local videos (downloads, etc.) from your computer to your Chromecast in full 1080p!
| Download |  |
| Price | Free |
| Requirements | Android 2.3.3 or greater |
An iOS app is also reportedly being developed, but is not available at this time. While the app is free to download and use, you can support further development and get access to additional features (including exclusive) beta content by purchasing the premium version of Videostream. The premium version includes an ad free experience with features like PlayList Support and the ability to use the Android app as a remote control, if you don't like getting out of your couch to change videos.
DJs
Chrome Remote Desktop is an Android app which allows you to remotely connect to any desktop, laptop or Chromebook securely from your Android device. The early reviews on the app are mostly positive, with many users saying that the performance is smooth and easy.
You can download the app directly on your Android device through the Google Play Store or by using the following link
Once you have downloaded Chrome Remote Desktop for Android, make sure that you head over to Chrome web store and download Chrome Remote Desktop for Chrome. Once it is installed, you will be able to discover and connect to your computer from your Android device.
Chrome Remote Desktop for Android still has some limitations, especially if you have multiple monitors on your desktop, which will display as a single monitor, and Linux is still unsupported.
In any case, if you are looking for a simple remote desktop solution and you are a Chrome OS and Android user, Chrome Remote Desktop for Android should work for you. However if you are looking for an advanced solution you may have to look elsewhere.
[Android app] Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is an Android app which allows you to remotely connect to any desktop, laptop or Chromebook securely from your Android device. The early reviews on the app are mostly positive, with many users saying that the performance is smooth and easy.You can download the app directly on your Android device through the Google Play Store or by using the following link
| Download | |
| Price | Free |
| Requirements | Android 4.4 or higher |
Once you have downloaded Chrome Remote Desktop for Android, make sure that you head over to Chrome web store and download Chrome Remote Desktop for Chrome. Once it is installed, you will be able to discover and connect to your computer from your Android device.Chrome Remote Desktop for Android still has some limitations, especially if you have multiple monitors on your desktop, which will display as a single monitor, and Linux is still unsupported.
In any case, if you are looking for a simple remote desktop solution and you are a Chrome OS and Android user, Chrome Remote Desktop for Android should work for you. However if you are looking for an advanced solution you may have to look elsewhere.
DJs
Microsoft has released a major update for Office Online (available on office.com). Along with the update, Microsoft has also released their web based Office apps on the Chrome Web Store. You can now add Word Online, PowerPoint Online, and OneNote Online to your Chrome App launcher.
Microsoft updates Office Online, now available in the Chrome Web Store
Microsoft has released a major update for Office Online (available on office.com). Along with the update, Microsoft has also released their web based Office apps on the Chrome Web Store. You can now add Word Online, PowerPoint Online, and OneNote Online to your Chrome App launcher.Users of the Chrome web browser and Chrome OS will be able to launch the Office apps and create Office documents online with a single click from their desktops.
With the update to Office online, you will now notice the following new features and improvements to the online versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote:
Microsoft Word Online
Microsoft Excel Online
Microsoft PowerPoint Online
Microsoft OneNote Online
With the update to Office online, you will now notice the following new features and improvements to the online versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote:
Microsoft Word Online
- Microsoft has extended commenting to editing mode, so you can make comments and changes at the same time as others.
- Footnotes and endnotes can now be added inline
- When making a list, if you’re directly below an existing numbered list and start typing, your next line automatically becomes part of the list - just like in desktop Word.
- You now have the option to download your document as a PDF file and added improvements to make printing easier for users with PDF readers installed on Internet Explorer and Chrome.
- Improved rendering support for merged and missing cells
Microsoft Excel Online
- Microsoft has added the ability to insert new comments as well as edit and delete existing comments.
- You can now open and edit VBA-enabled spreadsheets without removing (or corrupting) the VBA contained in the file.
- Tell Me feature lets you ask Excel how to do something, and have the relevant commands presented in a simple drop-down list so you can perform your action right away.
- Added support for the most common way that users hide and unhide rows and columns, using a context menu that appears when you right-click a row or column header - just like in desktop Excel.
- Min, Max, and Numerical Count aggreregates now available and visible in the status bar configurable - just like in desktop Excel.
- Enter GoTo (Ctrl+G), a “pro” feature that allows you to quickly type in a reference and jump to that location in the spreadsheet.
Microsoft PowerPoint Online
- Re-engineered text editor so the layout when editing slides looks more like your final result.
- Microsoft has also made some performance and video playback optimizations by speeding up advancement of slides in the editor and by adding the ability to play back embedded YouTube videos.
Microsoft OneNote Online
- You can now print your notes.
- Multi-column section or page navigation has been added.
 | Download Microsoft Word Online for Chrome | |
| Create, edit and share Word documents. Work with others on shared projects, in real-time. | ||
| - | ||
 | Download Microsoft PowerPoint Online for Chrome | |
| Create, edit and share PowerPoint presentations. Work with others on shared projects in real-time | ||
| - | ||
 | Download Microsoft OneNote Online for Chrome | |
| All your notes in one place and with you, anywhere. Get things done with your friends, family, classmates, and colleagues. |
Microsoft Excel Online will be coming to the Chrome Web Store shortly, according to Microsoft.
source - Microsoft Office
DJs
source - Amazon
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Amazon FireTV vs. Apple TV vs. Google Chromecast vs. Roku 3
Amazon has released a table which compares the features of the Amazon Fire TV with the Roku 3, Apple TV and Google Chromecast. The Fire TV comes with powerful internals which gives it the ability to stream content from services like Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, Vimeo along with content from you Amazon Cloud Drive account to your HDTV screen. The Fire TV is also a great device for casual gamers.
 |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Fire TV | Roku 3 | Apple TV | Google Chromecast | |
| List Price | $99 | $99 | $99 | $35 |
| Features | ||||
| Voice Search |  | |||
| HDMI video out (up to 1080p) | | | | |
| Certified Dolby Digital Plus surround sound | | |||
| Optical audio out | | | ||
| Processor | Quad-core | Dual-core | Single-core | Single-core |
| Memory | 2 GB | 512 MB | 512 MB | 512 MB |
| Ethernet (wired connectivity) | | | | |
| Wi-Fi | Dual-band/Dual-antenna (MIMO) | Dual-band/Dual-antenna (MIMO) | Dual-band/Dual-antenna | Single-band |
| Remote with no line of sight required | | | ||
| Popular Services | ||||
| Netflix | | | | |
| Amazon Instant Video | | | ||
| Hulu Plus | | | | |
| Crackle | | | | |
| YouTube | | | | |
| HBO GO | | | | |
| Showtime Anytime | | | ||
| WatchESPN | | | | |
| Bloomberg TV | | | ||
| Vevo | | | | |
| Pandora | | | | |
| Games | ||||
| Number of Games | 100+ (thousands more coming soon) | Less than 100 | None | None |
| Optional dedicated game controller (sold separately) | |
source - Amazon
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