Google introduced Chrome Enterprise today to allow businesses more control over their Chromebooks. With Chrome Enterprise, businesses will have access to a collection of features not available on the standard version of Chrome OS. With this subscription service, Google aims to bring businesses a more secure and consistent user experience for all computer-using workers.
Later this month, thousands of students will return to college, and thousands more will be heading out for their first semester. Just as necessary as dorm room mini-fridges and a comfortable backpack is a laptop, the tool through which you will complete seemingly endless course work and Netflix binging. Whether you're in the market for a top-tier laptop that'll last you four plus years or just something cheap to get you through your first semester, this list has got you covered.
Acer has announced its new Chromebook 11 C771 laptop, a model that will be available in both touch and non-touch iterations for schools and companies. According to the company, this is the first Chromebook to sport Intel's 6th-generation processors; on top of that, it is ultra-durable with MIL-SPEC standards, and it has a long battery life of 13 hours per charge. The Chromebook is primarily targeted at schools that need a portable, durable, and relatively powerful laptop that won't break the bank.
The Chromebook is in for a big makeover, at least per leaks we've seen in recent months, and chief among the changes will be the inclusion of Google Assistant. Signs of Google Assistant for Chromebook began appearing in developers' notes about a rumored Chromebook codenamed 'Eve,' and the biggest confirmation of the plans surfaced only a handful of days ago. Joining that is a new screenshot which confirms the rumor that Google Assistant will have its own dedicated key.
Google Assistant is almost in every notable Google product, from the Google Home, Android phones, Android Wear smartwatches, and at least one Android TV. Well, almost. The one remaining holdout is, unsurprisingly, Chrome OS, Google's desktop-like platform. Worry not, Chrome OS fans, you too will soon get your well-deserved AI assistant. And, no, it won't be coming via a still in beta Google Play integration but a feature in its own right, displacing the less used and even unknown "OK Google" hotword.
It seems a new feature is inbound for Chromebooks, and it'll involve being able to take notes from the lock screen. The feature was spotted recently in the Chromium repository, and it indicates the feature will be arriving soon as a new tool for the laptop's primary account holder. The feature itself, though, is part of a larger effort that brings apps to the lock screen.
![Chrome OS touch controls now available [in this Beta update]](https://c.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/touchchromeos.jpg)
Touch controls and a new UI have been introduced in the most recent release of Canary, the Beta-like state of Google Chrome OS. Google Chrome OS is in a constant state of flux, partially because of the manufacturers that've pushed for functionality that's not been a major part of the software in the past. Google, too, released their first higher-end Chromebook with a touchscreen on it - the first Google Chromebook Pixel.
Google is rumored to be developing a new breed of Chromebook, one that will include a model that is supposedly going by the codename 'Eve.' This model, if online tidbits of info are to be believed, will sport a bunch of welcomed features, not the least of which is a fingerprint sensor and a key dedicated solely to Google Assistant. The company creating 'Eve' is still a big mystery, but some of its other features -- including a very-high-resolution display -- aren't.
Mark your calendars if you're anything of a Chromebook fan. Even better if you're a fan of both Chrome OS and Android. Samsung has formally confirmed what has been leaked by Amazon. The Chromebook Pro, perhaps the Chromebook flagship of 2017, is finally landing in stores on Sunday. And if the latest round of rumors do come to pass, it's going to be the Chromebook to beat this year. Or a huge letdown.
Today we're having our first look at the project code-named Google Fuchsia - a mobile OS that departs from Android and Chrome. While Google's Chrome OS and Android OS were both based on Linux, Fuchsia is not. Fuchsia OS is based on Google's own "Magenta" microkernel, not to be confused with the Google AI music project of the same name. Fuchsia is all about speed, performance, and beauty.
It is nearly a year since Google promised the invasion of Android apps on Chromebooks. It is also nearly half a year since Samsung and Google flaunted the Chromebook Plus 2-in-1, promised to have full Android app support. Neither have yet come to fruition in any substantial, let alone final way. Although is lesser sibling, the Chomebook Plus, has long launched in the market, the Samsung Chromebook Pro remains unlisted. And, according to The Verge, it could very well be due to that Android app support.
Android apps on Chrome OS is a long time coming. Probably too long. It has been months since Google officially announced the arrival of Google Play Store on Chrome devices but it has yet to make any significant headway into that promise. Performance has not been rated well and its rollout is still pretty dismal. To better reflect that disappointing state of affair, Google has updated its list of Chrome OS devices eligible for Play Store support. And it's not all good news.
