Chromebook
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HP Chromebook 14 hands-on: AMD's first dance with Chrome OS
HP dropped a ton of news late last year -- like a laptop crafted from leather and a slew of updates to its premium Spectre line. So it's no surprise that the company doesn't have much to unveil at CES 2019. But that doesn't mean it has nothing intriguing to share. HP is launching the "world's first AMD Chromebook" with integrated Radeon graphics, and it costs just $269.
Chrome OS will block the USB ports on locked Chromebooks
Even when your Chromebook is locked, bad actors can access it using a "Rubber Ducky," or malicious USB drive that mimics a keyboard. Chrome OS will soon put a stop to those attacks with a feature called USBGuard, seen in a Canary Chrome build by Chrome Story. It stops the operating system from reading code or executing commands from USB devices when your Chromebook is locked. The feature is similar to what Apple introduced in a recent build of IOS 11 that stops USB activity if a device has been locked for more than an hour.
Chrome OS beta brings Google Assistant to more devices
To date, native access to Google Assistant on a Chrome OS device has meant splurging on Google-made hardware like the Pixelbook or Pixel Slate. You won't have to be quite so picky for much longer, though. Google has started testing Chrome OS 72 in beta form, and the new release brings Assistant to third-party Chromebooks for the first time. It works in the same way as you'd expect on the Slate, with support for both voice and written commands through a pop-up at the bottom.
Google adds screen time management to Chromebooks
When Google brought its Family Link parental controls to Chromebook, they weren't all that useful because there were limited options available. Now, Google is offering parents more tools to supervise how their offspring use their laptops.
Google's fast Bluetooth pairing feature works across multiple devices
Google is updating its Fast Pair feature on Android and Chromebooks to let you simultaneously pair compatible Bluetooth devices with phones, tablets and laptops that share the same Google account. When you link your headphones (for instance) with one product, all the devices you've connected to that account will automatically pair with your cans.
The best laptops to give as gifts
Even at the cheaper end, laptops make for expensive gifts, and with tons of options out there, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Let us help simplify things for you. If you check out our 2018 holiday gift guide, you'll see we narrowed our shortlist to just half a dozen machines. Dell's latest XPS 13 is a terrific all-rounder if you're looking to buy someone a Windows laptop. AGigabyte's lightweight Aero 15X, meanwhile, is a solid choice for those who want to play games on the go. Our picks also include Microsoft's Surface Go, the ASUS Chromebook Flip and the updated MacBook Air, which is so new it hasn't even begun shipping yet. Whether you're buying for a gamer, a person with basic needs, or someone overdue for a new ultraportable, we think we've found someone for nearly everyone.
ASUS' latest low-cost Chromebooks are available now
Just because there's been a slew of premium Chrome OS devices in recent weeks doesn't mean you'll have to go without modern, budget-friendly options. ASUS has launched its latest Chromebook designs in the US, and they're tempting if you want some basic computing with a little bit of flair. The 11.6-inch Chromebook C223, 14-inch C423 and 15.6-inch C523 all sport narrow-bezel displays, up to 10 hours of battery life and a mixture of both USB-A and USB-C ports (plus microSD slots) to accommodate all your peripherals. The two larger systems also have 180-degree hinges and options for both 1080p and touch.
Samsung added LTE to the Chromebook Plus V2
Back in June, Samsung launched a follow-up to the Chromebook Plus, replacing the original's ARM processor with a faster Intel chip and equipping it with a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera. Now, the tech giant has introduced an upgraded version of that upgraded version, giving it the ability to connect to the internet on its own even in the absence of WiFi or a device with hotspot. Called the Chromebook Plus V2 (LTE), it's still the same premium device released a few months ago, except it comes with LTE connectivity.
The Asus C423 is an ultra-thin mid-range Chromebook
After HP launched its thinnest convertible Chromebook yet, Asus has also announced a super-thin Chromebook of its own. With a height of 16.1 mm, the C423 is only 0.1 mm thicker than HP's and the one you'd probably go for if you have a tight budget. While Asus hasn't released its pricing yet, it has some components that scream mid-range unlike HP's premium contender.
HP's x360 14 is its thinnest Chromebook convertible yet
HP has announced a new contender in the growing premium Chromebook market, and it's like a bendy MacBook Air with a 360-degree hinge that you can use in four different configurations. The device, officially called the X360 14, is the brand's thinnest convertible Chromebook yet. It's a follow-up to the original x360 released in 2017, except it's 14 inches instead of 11, with a more expensive-looking design and better specs.
Chrome OS revamp delivers a new look and Linux app support
Now that the Chrome browser has received a makeover, it's Chrome OS' turn... and it's about more than just feature parity. Google has released a Chrome OS 69 update that introduces the updated Material Design visuals alongside a few features that could make your Chromebook decidedly more enticing. Most notably, there's now support for running Linux apps. You'll need a supported machine (a handful of machines from Acer, ASUS, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and Google itself). Still, this could be more than a little helpful if you want to run a conventional desktop app or command line terminal without switching to another PC or a virtual environment.
Lenovo's refocused Yoga line centers on premium laptops and Chromebooks
Lenovo makes a massive array of stuff. It's produced smart speakers, VR headsets, a Google Assistant display, tablets and phones, among other things. Within its laptops range alone, the company has five separate sub-brands: ThinkPad, IdeaPad, Yoga, Lenovo and Legion. And each of these brands forks even further, like the ThinkPad X, T, P, A, E, L and V series. Oh, and don't forget the ThinkPad Yoga series, which is technically under the ThinkPad sub-brand, but not in the Yoga. It's insanely confusing, but it seems like Lenovo might finally be simplifying things.
Square finally has a Lightning card reader for newer iPhones
If you have a newer iPhone, it's been a pain to take payments from magstripe cards using a Square reader -- without a native headphone jack, you've had to plug in a dongle and hold it steady while you serve a customer. Isn't Square overdue for a more iPhone-friendly version? Thankfully, it's here. You now have the option of a magstripe reader with a Lightning connection instead of the usual 3.5mm plug. There's nothing new apart from the port compatibility, but the identical $10 price makes it an easy choice if you run an iPhone-centric shop.
Acer's Chromebook 514 touts metal-and-glass design for $350
If you want a Chromebook made with premium materials and design instead of creaky plastic, that usually means spending extra on performance you don't necessarily need. Acer, at least, is trying to offer better quality without inflating the cost. Its new Chromebook 514 melds an aluminum chassis, a Gorilla Glass-covered trackpad and a thin-bezel (on the sides) 14-inch 1080p display for a $350 (€349) starting price. Acer is coy about the processor inside, but it is promising a healthy 12-hour battery, USB-C ports, an "HDR" webcam and an optional touchscreen.
Dell gives its Inspiron 2-in-1 laptops a meaningful refresh
Dell is refreshing its Inspiron line of notebooks for the holiday season, and instead of simply updating them with the latest eighth-generation Intel processors, the company is adding functional features. The new Inspirons come with narrower bezels, redesigned heat dissipation with vents carved into their hinges, USB-C DisplayPort compatibility and Alexa. It might not seem like the most riveting set of updates, but overall, they make the Inspiron lineup feel more modern and sophisticated.
Google may bring Windows 10 support to multiple Chromebooks
You might not have to splurge on a Pixelbook if you're pining after a Chromebook with Windows 10 support. XDA-Developers has learned through source code that Campfire, the feature that would let Chrome OS dual-boot Windows 10, would be available in multiple "variants" -- that is, on more than one Chrome OS device. This wouldn't mean that any and all Google-powered PCs would have the option. Hardware makers would have to verify that Windows worked properly, and it'd be out of the question for the many Chrome machines that only have a small amount of flash storage. Recent code comments suggest you'd need at least 40GB of space, and many Chromebooks have 32GB or less.
Chrome OS update makes installing Linux apps easier
With the power of tools like Crouton, anyone so inclined can already run Linux on a Chromebook. The process is a bit fiddly, however, and requires that you enable developer mode -- which carries potential security risks. Now, thanks to a recent Chrome OS update, you'll be able to launch .deb (Debian) packages minus such hassles.
Acer's business-focused Chromebooks arrive in September
Acer's entry into the premium Chromebook space is nearly here. The company has announced that both the conventional Chromebook 13 and convertible Chromebook Spin 13 (above) will come to North America in September at respective starting prices of $650 and $750. Splurge on these laptops and you'll get both a higher-quality aluminum chassis, a tall 3:2 ratio 2,256 x 1,504 screen (plus a Wacom stylus with the Spin) as well as the performance you don't always get with Chrome OS machines.
Chrome OS on a tablet doesn't make a lot of sense
Google and a wide variety of hardware makers tried for years to get Android tablets to catch on, but they were never able to match the success Apple found with the iPad. At the same time, though, Google's Chrome OS was gaining new features and finding traction with both individuals and in the education market. The latter has been particularly important -- and with Apple and Microsoft both pushing tablets for education, Google has decided it's time for Chrome OS to arrive on tablets as well. Enter Acer's awkwardly named Chromebook Tab 10, the first tablet to run Chrome OS. It costs $330 and is focused squarely on the education market. Acer built the device specifically for classrooms; the company has stressed that this isn't a tablet meant for the average consumer. As such, this device doesn't come close to matching the fit and finish you'll find on an iPad or Microsoft's new Surface Go. Still, it's the only Chrome tablet out there, so it's the only way right now to see if Google's OS works as well on a keyboard-less machine as it does on a laptop.
Snapdragon-based Chromebook could rival always-connected PCs
You don't have great choices for non-Intel processors on Chromebooks at the moment -- the Rockchip-made parts you often see in low-end systems keep costs down, but they struggle with intensive tasks. That might not be an issue in the future. About Chromebooks has discovered multiple code submissions hinting at "Cheza," a 2-in-1 detachable Chromebook that would use a Snapdragon 845 processor. While there are only so many clues you can obtain from code, this wouldn't be an entry-level device. The unit in testing is using a 2,560 x 1,440 display, and it's expected to have two USB-C ports. And since it's a Snapdragon 845, that would mean having a built-in gigabit-class LTE modem that could offer always-on access (rather important for an internet-centric device like a Chromebook, we'd say).
