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Google's next I/O conference begins May 7th
If you're a fan of all things Google, you already have a date to mark on your calendar for 2019. Developer Till Kottmann has 'cheated' Google's I/O conference puzzle to reveal that this year's event will take place between May 7th and May 9th at the familiar Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View. We've since confirmed the timing with Google. While the news is likely coming sooner than Google anticipated, you might want to try solving the puzzle yourself if you're a coder -- Google is promising free tickets to those who decipher the clues as intended.
Acer's latest Chromebooks for schools include models with AMD chips
Acer is hoping to shake up its school-ready Chromebooks in the same way it did with its everyday models. The company has introduced no less than six new Chromebooks for education, including two AMD-powered models. The 11.6-inch Chromebook Spin 311 R721T convertible (above) and the more conventional Chromebook 311 C721 both use AMD A4 processors with Radeon graphics that should deliver reasonably speedy visuals for students. Logically, they're also built to handle abuse with military-grade bodies, tamper-resistant keyboards and an antimicrobial touchscreen on the Spin.
HP's latest school Chromebooks are built for exploring
It's the start of a new year, and that means new HP Chromebooks for schools -- this time, including an update to a long-in-the-tooth model. The centerpiece is the Chromebook x360 11 G2 Education Edition, (above) a refresh of the two-year-old G1 convertible tablet. The 11.6-inch system is still ready for less-than-gentle students and has options for both a Wacom pen as well as a signature 5-megapixel rear-facing camera for exploring the outside world. This time, though, there's a much newer 1.1GHz Celeron chip, up to 8GB of RAM (not so common in budget Chromebooks) and as much as 64GB of expandable storage. It'll be relatively future-proof for schools watching their budgets.
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.
Acer's Chromebook 315 is its first with AMD processors
Acer has been making Chromebooks for years, and it says that its 15.6-inch models have been among the most popular it sells. So, no surprise that Acer is releasing a new one -- at least, no surprise until we discover the new Chromebook 315 has AMD silicon on the inside. Just like HP's new Chromebook 14, the Acer Chromebook 315 includes AMD's A4 or A6 dual-core processors with integrated Radeon graphics (R4 or R5, respectively). Basically every Chromebook worth buying has included some sort of Intel processor, so we're very curious to see how the AMD models compare.
ASUS unveils its first Chrome OS tablet
ASUS has added four new devices to its Chrome OS lineup, including the brand's first tablet running the operating system. Like many other Chrome OS devices, all four are meant for use in the classroom, built with tough bodies and flexible hinges to be able to withstand abuse. The tablet (model CT100) was especially made for younger kids and has a thick rubberized chassis, as well as a 9.7-inch QXGA display that's covered in strong tempered glass. It also has 4GB of RAM, 32GB of onboard storage and is powered by Hexa-core OP1 processor made for Chromebooks.
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.
Google aims to fix laggy interface on Chrome OS tablets
Chrome OS tablets still have some problems, not the least of which is lag. Even if you buy a higher-end model like some configurations of Google's own Pixel Slate, there's a real chance you'll grapple with a sluggish, stuttery interface -- it's been bad enough to be a deal-breaker for some. Thankfully, Google feels your pain. Chrome Unboxed has discovered that Google hopes to address at least some of the lag that persists in tablet mode. As it turns out, there might be a (relatively) simple fix.
Chrome Canvas lets you doodle right in your browser
Google recently launched a new web app called Chrome Canvas that allows you to doodle and jot down notes right in your browser. The new tool, which appeared without warning, can be accessed anytime by visiting canvas.apps.chrome. Your drawings are automatically saved to your Google account so you can access them anywhere (as long as there is an internet connection) and can be downloaded as a PNG file.
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 Pixel Slate review: The burden of bad software
Google's Pixel Slate is a maddening device to review. It's the latest in a line of premium, expensive Chrome OS devices from Google -- but the first that's a tablet, meant to compete with the iPad Pro and Surface Pro. Based purely on its hardware, the Pixel Slate should be up to the task: It has a lovely display, powerful hardware, elegant design and an accessory ecosystem to extend its capabilities. It also offers some things that Apple refuses to. Most significantly, the Pixel Slate has a full, desktop-class browser and more open hardware. (It recognizes external storage, like every other computer besides the iPad Pro.) But even though Chrome OS works great on laptops and should be enough for most people's needs, the Pixel Slate's software experience is confusing at best and frustrating at worst. At these prices (the cheapest Pixel Slate costs $599; the model I'm reviewing, $999), that makes it a tough device to recommend.
Google Pixel Slate preview: Chrome OS still needs a keyboard
Google has made a couple of excellent but expensive Chromebooks over the years. The Pixel Slate is the company's first Chrome OS tablet, though. A few years ago, such a device would have been borderline useless. But Google has spent a lot of time making the OS work better with touchscreens while still keeping its desktop-style multitasking intact. Now, with the Pixel Slate, Google thinks it has a product that can compete with Apple's iPad Pro and Microsoft's Surface Pro 6. Obviously the Pixel Slate has its work cut out for it. But on the surface, it's some of the most impressive hardware Google has built. And from a pure specs perspective, the Slate should be able to keep up with the iPad Pro and Surface Pro, no problem. But as we all know, there's a lot more to a computing experience than just specs. I've spent the past few days seeing how using the Pixel Slate stacks up against the competition, including how it fits in among the many other Chromebooks on the market. The Pixel Slate might be Google's toughest Chrome device to evaluate yet -- as such, we're running a preview today, with our full review coming later this week.
Google's Pixel Slate ships in December
We knew the Pixel Slate was inbound when both Google and Best Buy opened up pre-orders last week. Updated listings on Google's store now reveal that the Chrome OS tablet will ship within two to four weeks, depending on the model you're after.
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.
Google's Pixel Slate is available to pre-order
Google has been coy about just when you could get your hands on a Pixel Slate, but it's ending that mystery today. Both Google and Best Buy have made the Chrome OS tablet available for pre-order, with the device reaching your door within two to three weeks if you 're an early adopter. You won't see the vaunted $599 entry model with a Celeron chip at Best Buy, but everything else is the same. There's a $799 model that packs a Core m3 processor and 64GB of storage, a $999 Core i5/128GB model and a flagship $1,599 Core i7/256GB version.
Latest Chrome OS update includes a redesigned tablet interface
You won't need a Pixel Slate to use a more touch-oriented version of Chrome OS. Google has released an update (version 70) that brings the Slate's interface changes to all touchscreen Chrome OS PCs and tablets. There's a more finger-friendly app shelf with contextual menus, an overhauled control panel with faster access to common features (plus a unified notifications feed) and a launcher that shows recent sites. you'll also find a Gboard-based on-screen keyboard with an option to float a small keyboard if you'd rather type with one thumb.
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.
Google is testing Android Messages integration on Chrome OS
Google has finally started testing the Chrome OS platform's Android Messages integration, which has been in the works for quite some time. According to Chrome Unboxed, some users who have access to the Chrome OS developer channel are already seeing seeing an option to activate a feature that will allow them to send and receive text messages from their Chromebooks.
Chrome OS may be the 2-in-1 solution we've been waiting for
Tech's biggest companies are all about the 2-in-1. Google's latest effort is the Pixel Slate -- a tablet that becomes a sort-of laptop when you snap on its keyboard folio. This is a formula we've seen rise in popularity since the first Surface tablet. Think of the iPad Pro, Samsung's Galaxy Tab S4, HP's Envy x2 detachables and more. These devices are doing so well they're apparently all people want to buy anymore. According to IDC data, 2-in-1 shipments will grow by almost 10 percent this year while traditional PCs are expected to decline.
Watch Google's Pixel 3 event in less than 10 minutes
Google's Pixel 3 event may have been spoiled by an abundance of leaks, but that doesn't mean it was easy to follow along -- there was a veritable deluge of news. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL were undoubtedly the highlights, with their larger screens and dual selfie cameras. However, Google also introduced its first in-house smart display, the Home Hub, and fostered Chrome OS tablets with the Pixel Slate. And that's not including some of the lower-key news, such as the Pixel Stand wireless charger. If that's a lot to take in, don't worry. We've rounded up the highlights of the event in a roughly 10-minute clip that should help you catch up.
