francoisbeaufort
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This Chromium experiment takes the URL out of the address bar, because why not?
Chromium, Google's open-source Chrome project, isn't for the average Joe (or Jane); it's for open-source fanatics. So today's two Chromium experiments, announced by Product Evangelist François Beaufort, should give that subset of users something curious and something useful to play with, in that order. First up is a Chrome OS experiment that mixes up the traditional URL-in-omnibox setup by removing the host URL altogether and placing it within the toolbar, just off to the right side (as pictured above). You can still click on that "origin chip" to display the full URL, as well as permissions data, if you'd like, but the the omnibox will remain empty for -- we're not sure -- a cleaner search experience, perhaps? Again, the reasoning behind this odd switch up is unclear, but knowing Google, it likely has to do with reducing clutter in the user interface as much as possible. The other, much more sensible experiment involves a bit of code that allows you to make any site of your choosing (presumably a favorite) into a Chrome App. The option, once enabled, will appear under Tools in Chrome's dropdown menu. All it requires is one click and you're done. And no, you wouldn't be wrong for thinking of this as a new way to bookmark sites... it is and it's simple to do. Just hit up the source below to get cracking on this Chrome customization and that other, weird one if you're so inclined.
Soon you'll be able to launch Chrome apps by saying 'OK Google'
Those who've gotten used to saying "OK Google" to their Moto X and KitKat-endowed handsets might wish that every device they have could be so obedient. Well, it appears that soon your Chromebook will be able to respond to that same voice command as well, if a new experimental App Launcher in Chrome's Dev Channel is any indication. According to Google insider François Beaufort, all you'll have to say is "Ok Google" followed by a search command. There's even the possibility of adding instructions such as "open Gmail" or "chat with" followed by a friend's name. It'll likely be awhile before the feature trickles out to standard-issued Chromebooks, but if you've got the necessary chops, you can check out an early preview by hitting the Chromium source link below.
Google changelog reveals upcoming Chrome devices with Star Fox-inspired codenames
Though we know virtually nothing about any Chrome OS-based devices in development at Google, we at least know what their engineers are calling them. Google insider François Beaufort revealed that developers working on such projects might be Star Fox fans, as several possible x86 devices seem to bear the Fox, Falco, Peppy and Slippy monikers, according to a recent changelog. None of this is proof of any future products, of course, but Fox and Slippy seem to be Haswell-equipped, according to Beaufort -- which would be a nice step up from their 1993-era Nintendo graphics power.
Google Now seen in Chrome Browser code, hints at impending arrival
Google Now seems another step closer to arriving to the Chrome browser on Windows and Chrome platforms, thanks to yet another code spot by Chromium savant François Beaufort. He previously noticed hints that such a feature might arrive, and this time he espied it in a full-fledged Chrome beta release -- sadly, sans the server address necessary to run it. Despite that omission, it looks ready to eerily track your life anew on non-Android devices, so if you're in the mood to look at (but not touch) the new add-in, grab it at the more coverage link after the break.