Google has added seven new Android apps to the Chrome Web Store, including cooking community app Cookpad Recipes, travel app Couchsurfing, eBook and audiobook lending service OverDrive, and more.

These apps join existing Android apps that are compatible with Chrome OS, including Evernote, Duolingo, Vine, Sight Words, and more, and can be found in the “Available for Android” collection on the Chrome Web Store. The company is also encouraging users to nominate new apps that they want to be added next. Read more »

The Chromebook may have gotten a slow start but is experiencing a continued period of growth. Shipments in Q3 increased by 67% compared to the previous quarter and are on track to double year-over-year, according to analyst firm ABI Research.

The analysts draw comparisons to the short-lived explosion of netbooks but say that a cost effective laptop that’s versatile and functional is something consumers want. Read more »

Android and Chrome OS just took another step to becoming unified. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, the search giant appointed the VP of engineering for Android, Hiroshi Lockheimer to also lead the equivalent Chrome team.

According to WSJ’s sources, Mr. Lockheimer will specifically head the development of Chrome OS, not the web browser. Read more »

Samsung took the wraps off an Intel-based Chromebook 2 model. The $249.99 newcomer will sit below the already available Exynos 5 Octa variant in the Korean giant’s product range.

The latest Samsung Chromebook 2 features Intel Celeron Processor N2840, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of built-in storage. Read more »

Large smartphones and cheap tablets put the PC market in a tough spot with a number of companies jumping ship (Samsung left the European market, Sony sold off the business altogether). However, analysts at both Gartner and IDC report that the PC market is finally showing signs of stability.

Tablet penetration is reaching its peak and cheap computers (like Chromebooks) have helped breathe new life into the segment. Read more »

Photoshop is officially coming to Chrome OS. A streaming version of the popular photo editor will be the first Adobe Creative Cloud feature to arrive on Google’s platform.

Photoshop will be available to Adobe education customers with paid Creative Cloud membership. Read more »

A week ago, Google unveiled the Chrome OS support for certain Android apps. Now, thanks to a custom tool for Chrome OS, you can install any Android app you like, not just a select few.

Called chrome-apk, the tool requires a bit of tinkering to install, but is well worth it if you don’t have the intention to wait for Google to promote the the new Chrome OS App Runtime out of beta. Read more »

Google announced availability of the first set of Android apps for Chrome OS. The list of four applications includes Vine, Duolingo, Evernote, and Sight Words.

The apps’ availability is a result of project App Runtime for Chrome (Beta). Read more »

Not wanting to let other companies have all the device-launching fun these days, HP decided to introduce four new or updated products of its own. First up, we have the new Envy x2, coming to succeed the detachable tablet of the same name that was introduced back in 2012.

The new Envy x2 comes with Intel’s Core M processor, and will get both 13.3″ and 15.6″ screens. The keyboard dock has been redesigned, now coming with a fabric wrapping. Read more »

Google has been trying to get more and more students using Chromebooks, and now, as part of that initiative, they’ve released Classroom.

It’s a teaching tool that is completely free to use, and should help teachers cut down on the amount of paper that is stacked on their desks. Read more »

Chromecast, Google’s HDMI streaming dongle, has turned one year old today. And to celebrate the occasion, the search giant is giving everyone who owns a Chromecast a free 90-day subscription to Play Music All Access.

There are some caveats, though, chief among which is that the offer is only valid if you’re in the US. Furthermore, it’s not an option for anyone who has previously subscribed to All Access. And that unfortunately includes those who took advantage of the the unlimited music service’s free trial. Read more »

It looks like Chrome OS is taking a few functionality cues from Android.

Google has just added pinch-to-zoom functionality to its Chrome OS, which makes browsing the web on a touchscreen Chromebook a bit cooler now. Read more »

Although many argue about the functionality of Chrome OS, it’s hard to deny that the tab-based operating system isn’t zippy and easy to use, even if people are clamoring for added functionality.

Well it turns out that Google is thinking about making changes to Chrome, but the alterations be limited to tinkering with the look and feel of Chrome OS only, by taking some design cues from Android for a more universal approach to its software. Read more »

Chromebooks are doing well in the $200 computing arena, but it looks like Microsoft is trying to nip that in the bud.

A new line of cheap, Windows machines are going to be hitting the market, including a $199 HP laptop, called the Stream. Read more »

Acer has a launched a slightly upgraded version of its C720 Chromebook. The new model now comes with Intel’s powerful Core i3 processor.

The new Acer C720 will be up for grabs in two options – 1.7GHz Core i3 processor with 2GB of RAM or 4GB of RAM. The new versions are priced at $350 and $380 respectively. Read more »