Google Chrome

You want to get these for every member of your Google-paranoid family for the holidays. Oh, Microsoft. [$8 Microsoft Store]

Don’t want a mug? Microsoft has some propaganda apparel for you:

Click to enlarge

Acer launches less expensive C7 Chromebook for $199

Jordan Kahn Nov 15 2013 - 11:14 am PT

4 Comments

Acer today announced the launch of a new Chromebook, although those familiar with the company’s current C7 Chromebook will already be familiar with the new model. Apart from a drop from 4GB of RAM to 2GB, the only difference between the old C7 Chromebook and the new Chromebook C720-2848 is the price. Dropping down from 2GB of RAM also brings the price down to $199, down from the $249 Acer charges for the old 4GB model.

Otherwise specs remain the same: an 11.6-nich 1366 x 768 display, dual-core Intel® Celeron® processor, 16GB SDD, and three USB ports. The old model is still for sale, but now Acer officially has one of the most affordable Chromebooks on the market with its new $199 option. It’s already available on BestBuy and should hit other outlets shortly.
Expand
Expanding
Close

(Updated) Best Buy internal memo informs stores to stop HP Chromebook 11 sales

David Beren Nov 13 2013 - 8:21 am PT

4 Comments

Update: HP has attributed the stopped sales of the Chromebook 11 to overheating chargers and has provided a brief statement on the matter available at the end of the post.

Whoa, some big news on the Chromebook front this morning as Best Buy has halted all sales of the HP Chromebook 11. According to The Verge, Best Buy retail stores are receiving internal memos alerting managers to “Stop selling the HP Chromebook 11 effective immediately…partner with sales support to pull the product off the sales floor to a secure location in the warehouse.”

Google releases Chrome 32 beta, includes ability to quickly find tabs playing sound

Chance Miller Nov 11 2013 - 1:29 pm PT

Google today has released Chrome 32 beta for Windows, Mac, and PC. The update includes several new features. Arguably the biggest, however, is the ability to track down which tab is the one playing a video and/or making sound. This feature was rumored way back in February, but only now is it making its way to the Chrome beta channel. In Chrome 32, tabs that are playing sound will now show a small speaker icon. Chrome has been doing this for YouTube videos since August, but it will now work with any site. Tabs that are using a webcam or microphone will also now display icons, as will tabs that are being cast to a TV with a Chromecast.

Also new in Chrome 32 beta is a new design for Windows 8 Metro, the automatic blocking of malware files, and a plethora of stability and performance improvements.

Tab indicators for sound, webcam and casting
A different look for Win8 Metro mode
Automatically blocking malware files
A number of new apps/extension APIs
Lots of under the hood changes for stability and performance

You can download Chrome beta to give these features a try. The update should be released in the main channel early next year.

Rather: The best Chrome extension you’ll ever need to block unwanted social annoyances

David Beren Nov 11 2013 - 12:03 pm PT

ZOMG, Rather, a brand new Chrome extension is the last best tool you’ll ever need to block unwanted annoyances in your Facebook and Twitter feeds. Did you miss last night’s episode of Walking Dead and you’re tired of seeing spoilers in your feeds? Good news, Rather will let you replace any mention of the Walking Dead with images of puppies!

You should be on notice that Rather replaces based on keywords and can’t block out unwanted images of Miley Cyrus if she isn’t mentioned by name. The replacement photos are also grabbed via Instagram, so if some crazy teenager tags her Instagram image with “cats” you might see it appear in your feed as well. The bottom line is that the service, while awesome in its design, isn’t foolproof.

[Review] HP Chromebook 11: a month later and the glow hasn’t worn off

Seth Weintraub Nov 3 2013 - 2:35 pm PT

5 Comments

HP and Google combined to create two new Chromebooks which were launched early last month: The $299 Intel Haswell-powered Chromebook 14 and the smaller Samsung Exynos ARM-powered Chromebook 11. Both machines mark new territory for Google and HP. The Silicon Valley neighbors have been getting closer and closer since Meg Whitman took over as CEO, including an expanding array of Android tablets as well. The initial HP Chromebooks were clearly re-purposed Windows laptops. These clearly are something entirely different…
Expand
Expanding
Close

Google added automatic malware blocking to latest ‘Canary’ build of Chrome

Ben Lovejoy Oct 31 2013 - 6:58 am PT

1 Comment

Google has added automatic blocking of malware from the latest ‘Canary‘ build of its Chrome browser.

Bad guys trick you into installing and running this kind of software by bundling it with something you might want, like a free screensaver, a video plugin or—ironically—a supposed security update. These malicious programs disguise themselves so you won’t know they’re there and they may change your homepage or inject ads into the sites you browse […]

In the current Canary build of Chrome, we’ll automatically block downloads of malware that we detect.

Confusingly, Google has four versions of its Chrome browser available at any one time: the official, public release; a developer version; a beta version, for those who want early access to new features; and Canary. Canary is essentially a beta version that installs as a second browser, so you can use that most of the time and fall back to the official version if something doesn’t work.

While not all Canary features make it into the official build, this one seems likely to – and would make Chrome the ideal browser to recommend to any of your less-techy family and friends who cheerfully download anything and everything, usually identifiable by the fact that the top half of their browser window comprises half a dozen different toolbars …

Google Chrome

New LG trademarks point to possible upcoming ChromeOS devices

Mike Beasley Oct 21 2013 - 3:26 pm PT

LG recently filed a few new trademarks in Australia that could indicate that the company plans to launch ChromeOS devices in the near future. The terms being trademarked include “ChromeOne,” “ChromeDesk.” and “ChromeStation.” All three trademarks were filed last week, though they seem to be moving through the approval process much faster than other trademarks filed the same day, which could mean we’ll be seeing these names soon. Google has scheduled a Google Play event for October 24th, but it’s not expected that any new hardware will be announced at that time.

LG has worked with Google on hardware in the past, including on the upcoming Nexus 5, so the idea of LG collaborating with Google on new ChromeOS hardware doesn’t seem that far-fetched.

Google Chrome

Hulu Plus iOS app updated w/ Chromecast streaming on iPhone

Jordan Kahn Oct 21 2013 - 10:48 am PT

Earlier this month Google announced that Hulu had updated its Hulu Plus mobile apps with support for Chromecast feature, something that it promised was on the way back in July when it first announced the $35 HDMI streaming stick. The iOS version of the Hulu Plus app previously only supported Chromecast streaming from iPad, but today the app was updated with the ability to stream TV shows and movies to Chromecast from iPhones running iOS 6 and up:

The Hulu Plus integration with Chromecast will convert your app into a custom remote letting you control video on your Chromecast connected TVs, while allowing you to browse the Hulu Plus app directly from your iPhone.

What’s New in Version 3.3.1

Start casting your favorite TV shows and Movies on Chromecast from Hulu Plus, now from your iPhone (iOS6 and above)

Google extends Chrome support for Windows XP users until April 2015

Jordan Kahn Oct 16 2013 - 7:34 am PT

Microsoft might be officially ending support for Windows XP on April 8, 2014, but Google announced today that it plans to support the operating system for much longer than Microsoft for its Chrome users. While Google notes that the majority of desktop applications will no longer be supported for XP, it will continue to issue regular updates and security patches for Chrome on XP “until at least April 20, 2015”:

We recognize that hundreds of millions of users, including a good chunk of current Chrome users, still rely on XP. Moreover, many organizations still run dozens or even hundreds of applications on XP and may have trouble migrating. Our goal is to support Chrome for XP users during this transition process. Most importantly, Chrome on XP will still be automatically updated with the latest security fixes to protect against malware and phishing attacks.

Acer ups the ante with Haswell-powered Chromebook for $249 – but only pre-order for now

Ben Lovejoy Oct 10 2013 - 4:46 am PT

4 Comments

Just a day after Google announced a new HP-made ARM-powered Chromebook for $279, Acer has upped the ante with a Haswell-powered one for $249.

The Acer C720 offers the same 1366×768 resolution screen as the HP. The Acer screen is anti-glare, which offers easier viewing when used outside at the expense of slightly poorer contrast. The machine has 4GB RAM against the 2GB of the HP, and the Haswell processor gives it a claimed 8.5 hours battery life, against 6 hours for the HP …
Expand
Expanding
Close

Google Chrome

HP Chromebook 11 now available through Google Play

Chance Miller Oct 9 2013 - 2:30 pm PT

Yesterday, Google officially announced a new 11-inch HP-made Chromebook, and now the laptop is available on Google Play for $279. The device is available in White/Blue, Black, White/Green, White/Red, and White/Yellow. Google touts that the design was inspired by the Chromebook Pixel, but with an affordable price-point in mind.

Inside, the HP Chromebook 11 Samsung Exynos 5250 ARM processor and six hours of battery life. You also get all the goodies from other Chromebooks, including 100GB of Google Drive space, a 60-day free trial of Google Play All Access, and 12 free sessions of GoGo Inflight internet.

The laptop is currently listed as shipping by October 11th.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Google Chrome

Google announces new 11-inch HP Chromebook starting at $269

Jordan Kahn Oct 8 2013 - 6:36 am PT

Google has just made things official on its blog for a new Chromebook model from HP that will be hitting stores later today both online and in brick-and-mortar retail stores in select locations. The HP Chromebook 11 will sell for $279 (although it’s listed for $269 through HP), which puts it somewhere between Samsung’s 11-inch $249 Chromebook and HP’s recently announced Chromebook 14. It doesn’t, however, sport a touchscreen like the Pixel or incoming Chromebooks from Acer.

As for the design, HP says it worked with Google to come with a design inspired by the Chromebook Pixel but at a more affordable price point. It’s including a variety of colors as pictured above, but its specs are similar to other Chromebooks including a Samsung Exynos 5250 ARM processor.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOyIA8EK2R0]

The new HP Chromebook 11 focuses on a super light and portable design, according to Google. It comes in at just over two pounds, making it one of the lightest laptops available, and also powers up using a micro-USB charger opposed to your traditional power cable. That makes it even more ideal for people that are on the go or traveling. The Chromebook includes an Samsung Exynos 5250 ARM processor, full-sized keyboard and trackpad, optional LTE connectivity, two USB ports, and features an 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 resolution IPS display. You’ll also get 16GB of onboard storage (+100GB Drive storage) and 2GB of RAM. HP ran down some of the specs on its website:
Expand
Expanding
Close

Google Chrome

More Chromebooks will get touchy-feely starting with Acer C720

Mike Beasley Oct 6 2013 - 10:30 pm PT

In February Google launched the Chromebook Pixel, a touchcsreen laptop powered by the company’s Chrome OS. At a whopping $1,299 for what was essentially a glorified netbook, the Pixel’s price tag was a big turn-off for many. Now it seems Acer is poised to release a new Chrome OS-powered machine sporting a touchscreen and a much lower price point.

According to a Google+ post spotted by GigaOM, Acer’s upcoming C720 Chromebook will be available in several configurations, including one with a touchscreen. The laptop will also be available with a variety of hard drive and RAM options, up to 4 GB of RAM with a 32 GB solid-state drive. The computer’s internals won’t be user-modifiable, so whichever model you buy is the one you’ll be stuck with.

The C720 is set to go into production later this month. More photos are available after the break.

Google Chrome

Upcoming Google Chrome release to bring Chrome OS design and features to Windows 8

Mike Beasley Oct 5 2013 - 1:41 pm PT

An OS within an OS? We have to go deeper!

The latest developer builds of Google Chrome for Windows 8 feature a completely redesigned experience when running in Microsoft’s “Metro” view, according to a report by The Verge. The upcoming release features a design very similar to that of Google’s Chrome OS, a free operating system geared toward netbooks.

Chrome 31 Beta released with shortcuts for web apps on Android & more

Jordan Kahn Oct 3 2013 - 10:44 am PT

1 Comment

Google today announced the release of Chrome Beta 31 for Android and desktop that includes new web app shortcuts on Android, an improved auto complete experience for payments, and much more.

The new application shortcuts for Chrome for Android allows you to add a shortcut to a webpage to your Android home screen. While you could already save a similar type of shortcut on Android, Google is now giving the sites an option to open in a special fullscreen mode without all the browser controls:

Sites launched in this way will open in a normal Chrome for Android window, unless they include themobile-web-app-capable meta tag. Those sites will instead open in a special fullscreen Chrome for Android window that doesn’t display tabs, buttons, menus, or the Omnibox. Try adding a shortcut to weight.aerotwist.com to see this in action.

Chrome 31 also includes a smoother experience for autocomplete on Android, Windows, and Chrome OS (soon on Mac) that makes it easier to fill out forms online starting first with payments:

requestAutocomplete() makes it easier for users to fill out online forms by offering web developers programmatic access to the browser’s autocomplete information (with the user’s explicit permission). For this first release, we’ve made it work for web payments. On sites with requestAutocomplete(), users will be able to either use their existing payment data stored with the browser or enter new details through a browser-provided interface. As a developer, you can continue processing payments with your existing payment processor.

The release has a ton of other new features and improvements including new Chrome Apps APIs, the ability for developers to execute native code with Portable Native Client (PNaCl), Speech recognition with the JavaScript Web Speech API, and much more. A full list of what’s new is available on the Chromium blog.

Chrome for Android updated with new gestures for quick tab switching & more

Jordan Kahn Oct 1 2013 - 2:47 pm PT

Google announced some updates for Chrome today on its blog that bring new features for both desktop and Android users. Over the next week users on the desktop will now be able to search Google for images when right-clicking an image in Chrome, but the most notable update comes in the form of new gestures for the Chrome for Android app (pictured above):

The new gestures include:

Swipe horizontally across the top toolbar to quickly switch tabs.
Drag vertically down from the toolbar to enter into the tab switcher view.
Drag down from the menu to open the menu and select the item you want without having to lift your finger.

Google said the updates for Chrome on the desktop and Android will be rolling out in the next few days.

Google testing new homepage design, shows off flatter logo, removes black bar

Benjamin Mayo Sep 13 2013 - 6:06 am PT

10 Comments

Google is currently split-testing a new Google homepage layout. The redesign is not drastically different to tradition, but Google seems to be testing a different look for its persistent top-bar. As shown, the black strip as well as most of the shortcuts to other Google properties have been removed. In this version, the only shortcuts in the top navigation are links to Google+, Gmail and Google Images.

Notably, this design uses the flatter logo previously seen in the new Chrome for Android beta. At the time, The Verge said a source refuted claims that this is a new logo, saying that the flatter look was only meant for places where the traditional logo would not display well, such as when printed onto banners. However, this homepage redesign shows that Google is at least considering to use this new logo as their main branding in the future.

Haswell Chromebooks announced, promises 2x battery life

Scott Buscemi Sep 11 2013 - 11:05 am PT

At Intel’s Developer Forum today, Google and Intel announced three new Chrome OS devices running on the latest Haswell processors. On the Google Chrome blog, Google says the new processors “sip less power to improve battery life by more than 2X over previous generations, while offering increased performance.”

Sadly, no prices or dates were announced for these devices, but these will probably be hitting the shelves shortly to join the touch-screen Pixel.

Via The Verge

On the 5th birthday of Chrome, Google plans to take on Windows with ‘Chrome Apps’

Seth Weintraub Sep 5 2013 - 12:34 pm PT

Chrome has offered ‘Apps’ – bookmarks to web pages – to Mac and PC users for a long time. There is even a Chrome App store that gets little fanfare. But today Chrome is getting serious about desktop apps. In a post on the company’s blog, Google says that improved access to the computer, including USB/Bluetooth, full screen mode, desktop notifications, less ‘chrome’ (Tabs, bookmarks, browser bar, etc) and power off features will make the Chrome apps act more like real apps. So real, in fact, that most people won’t be able to tell the difference.

Today we’re unveiling a new kind of Chrome App, which brings together the speed, security and flexibility of the modern web with the powerful functionality previously only available with software installed on your devices. (Think apps designed for your desktop or laptop, just like the ones for your phone and tablet.) These apps are more powerful than before, and can help you get work done, play games in full-screen and create cool content all from the web. If you’re using Windows or a Chromebook, you can check them out in the “For your desktop” collection in the Chrome Web Store (Mac & Linux coming soon).

Here’s what you can expect with new Chrome Apps:
Expand
Expanding
Close

Pocket releases ChromeOS app with offline reading, streaming video, and more

Mike Beasley Sep 5 2013 - 11:31 am PT

Pocket, the bookmarking service formerly known as Read It Later, announced their new ChromeOS application today. The app supports many of the same features as the native apps available on other platforms.

The new app brings everything you love about our iOS and Android apps—offline access, distraction-free reading, streaming video, and more—into a beautiful app that’s optimized for your desktop. Pocket runs as a standalone app that will automatically download your saved web content to view offline, and it’s easily accessible on your Windows or Chrome OS taskbar and Start screen.

The app is available on the Google Chrome store now. The app can also be used in Google Chrome for Windows.

Google launches app for iOS to setup Chromecast, manage settings

Mark Gurman Aug 27 2013 - 6:28 am PT

Google has released a new application for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch to make it easier for users to setup and manage the Chromecast TV device.

• Set up your Chromecast to work with your Wi-Fi network
• Manage your Chromecast settings (such as changing your device name, Wi-Fi password, etc.)

The application is free on the App Store. The Google Chromecast is a device that plugs into a TV set via an HDMI port. The Chromecast allows users to stream content, such as YouTube and Netflix, from devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Google reportedly blocking Android app for streaming local files to Chromecast

Jordan Kahn Aug 26 2013 - 10:01 am PT

Developer of the third-party AllCast Android app, Koushik Dutta, says that Google’s latest software update for Chromecast blocks the app’s ability to stream local files to Google’s new $35 streaming device. The app had not yet made its way to Google Play, but Dutta claims (via TheVerge) that Google intentionally disabled support for AllCast in the latest Chromecast software update:

Heads up. Google’s latest Chromecast update intentionally breaks AllCast. They disabled ‘video_playback’ support from the ChromeCast application.Given that this is the second time they’ve purposefully removed/disabled[1] the ability to play media from external sources, it confirms some of my suspicions that I have had about the Chromecast developer program:

The policy seems to be a heavy handed approach, where only approved content will be played through the device. The Chromecast will probably not be indie developer friendly. The Google TV team will likely only whitelist media companies.

So far Google’s Chromecast only officially supports YouTube, Netflix, and content from Google Play, and to help it make deals with other big media companies it looks like it might have to limit access to streaming capabilities for third-party apps. The other side to that of course is that Chromecast allows users to stream a tab from the Chrome browser, which allows users to stream local content from their own devices anyway. Google hasn’t commented on the AllCast situation, but we’ll update you if we hear anything.

Chrome 30 beta makes search-by-image just a right-click away

Scott Buscemi Aug 22 2013 - 10:23 am PT