Android is finally getting its own version of Apple's AirDrop, with Google rolling out Nearby Share from today. Compatible with Android 6.0+ devices, Nearby Share promises much smoother file, link, and content exchanges between phones and tablets, just as long as the two devices are in fairly close proximity.
Google has just introduced another perk for Chromebook owners, this one involving its Stadia cloud gaming service. This new perk differs from the existing Stadia offering made available to Chromebook owners, the one offering a Premiere Edition discount to certain model owners. This time around, Google is giving Chromebook owners free access to Stadia Pro for three months -- but only some Chromebook purchases are eligible.
Google offers various perks in exchange for buying one of its Chromebooks, something that adds a bit of incentive for those who may be on the fence about these small, fairly limited devices. The available perks are updated semi-regularly to add new opportunities, something that recently happened and involves cloud storage company Dropbox. As of now, Chromebook users have the opportunity to get 100GB of cloud storage for free.
Samsung is likely working on a new Chromebook model that goes by the codename 'Nightfury,' and a new leak claims this upcoming model will feature a QLED display. The new model -- assuming the leak pans out -- will join the existing Samsung Galaxy Chromebook model, which features an impressive but pricey 4K AMOLED screen.
It is increasingly becoming evident that Google is grooming Chrome OS to be something like a dumping ground for anything and everything it can cram into what was originally a glorified Chrome web browser. From that modest beginning, Chromebooks have grown up to support not just Android and Linux apps but also triple-A gaming via Stadia. It seems that Google isn't done yet and may even be working on getting Steam games to run on future Chromebooks, further transforming their image from educational toys to serious work computers.
Acer has revealed its latest Chromebooks, with the Chromebook Spin 713 tapping Intel's Project Athena for maximum performance from Google's OS. Promising a premium twist on Chrome OS, the notebook pairs a tough reinforced aluminum chassis with a 360-degree hinge and 10th Gen Intel Core processors.
It may not be Google's OS but Chrome OS is truly shaping up to be the one OS to rule them all. It can already run software from Android and Linux in addition to its own native web-based Chrome apps and soon it will add what may be the most important set of apps for users. Full Windows applications are coming to some Chromebooks but those will be running via a third-party solution and only to a very select few Chrome OS users.
Despite the many updates and new features that have been pushed out in the past few months, it sometimes feels that Chrome OS is still Google's proverbial red-headed stepchild. Google has opened up the OS to both Android and Linux apps but, aside from an educational focus, some might still find it hard to fathom what Chrome OS and Chromebooks are really good at. Now it seems that Google is adding yet another spin to Chromebooks and turning them into viable gaming computers, at least depending on what games you like playing.
HP has announced two new Chrome OS notebooks, with the HP Chromebook x360 14c targeting the premium market while the HP Chromebook 11a plays at the value end. On sale this month, the Chromebook x360 14c will be HP's fanciest consumer Chromebook so far, the company says, complete with style and detailing from its x360 Windows notebooks.
A week after rolling out the larger variant, Lenovo is back with a smaller, cheaper version of its new Chromebook 3. This model features an 11.6-inch display, making it smaller and more portable than its larger 14-inch sibling. With the smaller size comes a smaller price tag, as well, making this an interesting model for buyers in need of a simple, cheap notebook.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet has been making rounds over the Internet as one of the best deals you could get for Chromebooks these days. That's not because of its list of features but because of what you're getting for a sub-$300 tablet with a keyboard cover included. Lenovo might not want to distract consumers from that which is probably why it isn't making much noise about another affordable Chromebook that seems designed to appeal to a different group of users.
Google has long offered perks for Chromebook owners, the big one being a certain amount of free cloud storage for the data they probably can't save on the Chrome OS laptop itself. The company recently added a couple of new perks for Chromebook owners -- the ability to download the original DOOM and DOOM II games for free. Here's how to claim them.