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Acer C720-2848 Chromebook announced for $199

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Acer has released a slightly stripped down version of the previous Acer C720 Chromebook. Technically the C720-2848, the new model is still referred to as the C720 on Google and Acer’s website.

In terms of changes, there is just one. The new model comes with 2GB instead of 4GB of RAM, which has allowed Acer to drop the price down from $249 to $199 in the US. Read more »

Google and HP out 11-inch Chromebook 11 for $279, available in the US today

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Google has teamed up with HP to deliver the latest Chromebook, this one sporting an 11″ IPS display of 1366 x 768 pixel resolution, an Exynos 5250 (Exynos 5 Dual) with two Cortex-A15 cores inside and, naturally, Chrome OS. The notebook weighs only 1.04 kg (2.3 pounds).

The little portable computer sports two main colors – black and white – and comes with a variety of accents, emulating Google’s look – green, blue, red and yellow. The device sports a full-sized chicklet keyboard with speakers around it and no moving parts like a fan or hard drive so the device will be very quiet and, hopefully, not too hot. The device will be available in the US starting today at Google Play, Amazon and BestBuy for $279 in Wi-Fi-only flavor. There is going to be an LTE version soon, but no exact date or pricing have been provided. Read more »

ASUS and Toshiba join the Chrome OS party, Acer and HP announce new notebook additions

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Google has announced that ASUS and Toshiba have jumped on the Chrome OS bandwagon. The two companies join Samsung, Acer, HP and Lenovo to make a total of six manufacturers who have turned their attention to Google’s infant computer OS.

Additionally, new laptops boasting Haswell CPUs are out as well. ASUS has debuted on the Chrome OS scene with its own Chromebox, while Toshiba has a Chromebook. Acer and HP have updated their Chromebook and Chromebook14 laptops with Haswell chips as well. Read more »

Google introduces Chrome Apps for Chrome OS and Windows

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Google has introduced Chrome Apps for those using Chrome OS or Windows computers. Unlike the apps that you had for Chrome until now that always ran within the browser itself and in some cases were nothing but bookmarks for websites, the new Chrome apps run outside the browser and are full fledged applications.

For Windows users this may not be a big deal since you could always run native apps on the OS but for Chrome OS users this means they are no longer restricted to running apps within the browser window. You can now go to the Chrome Store and choose from a selection of new desktop apps, which are then installed in a folder on your taskbar. You can then run these independently of the browser. Read more »

iFixit takes apart Nexus 7 2 and gives it a good score, Chromecast also disassembled

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It would be a big shame if something on your brand new Nexus 7 2 broke, but as it turns out if it did, it wouldn’t be too hard to repair. iFixit took the new 7” Google tablet apart and awarded it a repairability score of 7/10.

The team also took apart a Chromecast, but mostly out of curiosity – the $35 stick is made out of a plastic enclosure and a motherboard, there’s nothing to repair there. Read more »

Chromecast is smart stick for your TV that costs just $35

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Google unveiled a smart HDMI stick for TVs – unlike most sticks we’ve seen so far, Chromecast runs a simplified version of Chrome OS rather than Android. It integrates with Google services like YouTube, Google Play Music, Google Play Video and the Chrome app (on a phone, tablet or laptop). Long story short, it’s the Nexus Q done right.

How does Chromecast work? Say you’re viewing a YouTube video on your phone (Android or iOS) and hit the Chromecast button. The device will switch on your TV if it’s off, change the input so that the TV displays that feed and start playing. Read more »

Chromebook Pixel mini review

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Quite frankly, when Google took the wraps off the $1,299 Chromebook Pixel, just about everyone got caught by surprise. After all, the newcomer costs over six times more than the cheapest Chromebook on offer, and thus goes completely against the notion that notebooks running Google’s OS embodies cheap computing.

Of course, the Pixel does have some chops to show for its price tag. Leading the way is a stunningly gorgeous body, machined from anodized aluminum. Once you crack the notebook open, a jaw-dropping 12.85” touchscreen with a resolution of 2560 x 1700 pixels greets you.

Late as we are, we got our chance to try out a review unit and we didn’t waste any time but whipped up our own mini review. For starters, read on to see the full list of talents which this Chromebook OS royalty has to offer. Read more »

Google conversational search to make its way to Chrome and Chrome OS as Knowledge Graph gets four new languages

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As hinted several times, Google’s popular voice-operated search is making its way to the Chrome browser and Chrome operating system.

The new feature comes with support for Google’s Knowledge Graph for four additional languages, bringing the total up to 13. Read more »

Eric Schmidt: Chrome OS and Android not merging for now

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Google’s Executive chairman, Eric Schmidt stated today that Chrome and Android would remain separate, as they solve different problems right now. However, he didn’t really reject the possibility of them merging later down the road.

Additionally, Schmidt, who is currently attending the Big Tent Activate Summit in India, hinted that while both OS continue their separate ways, there’ll be more “commonality” between them. Read more »

Google uses Family Guy video to advertise the Chrome browser

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Google has released a funny commercial about the Chrome web browser and its sync capabilities. It used two of the Family Guy characters to promote them.

Even though Chrome and its features are not shown but just hinted in the ad, it’s right on the spot. Read more »

Google Now will make its way to Chrome and Chrome OS

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Chromium enthusiast Francois Beaufort has pointed out a flag for the open source Chromium browser that hints at the addition of a Google Now component.

While the actual Google Now server is not yet enabled, the functionality is there and will undoubtedly be heading to the Chrome browser for Windows as well as Chrome OS, as both of those get their source code from the Chromium Project. Read more »

Google announces Chromebook Pixel, starts at $1,299

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Google has announced the new Chromebook Pixel, confirming the rumors that were circulating in the past month or so. Unlike all the previous Chromebooks, the Chromebook Pixel is made by Google themselves and is a high-end laptop with high-end specs and has a high-end price tag of $1,299 to go with them.

For starters, the Chromebook Pixel has a 12.85-inch, ultra high resolution 2,560 x 1,700 display. Google says it is the highest resolution display ever to be put in a laptop. What they mean, however, is that it has the highest pixel density of 239 ppi. The 13 and 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display in comparison have a pixel density of 227 and 220 respectively, although the latter has a higher, 2,880 x 1,800 resolution display. Read more »