The Chrome Cast
By Chrome Unboxed
The Chrome CastMay 31, 2019
New Pixel Fold leaks, reality-altering AI, and Minecraft on Chromebooks
This week on The Chrome Cast, we begin the show by discussing all the new leaks surrounding Google’s upcoming Pixel lineup. Between the release date of the Pixel 7a and Pixel Fold leaking to the newly-rumored, lower price tag for the Pixel Fold and interesting price point on the Pixel 7a, there are quite a few interesting things to discuss as we inch closer to a deeper understanding at Google I/O 2023 in just under 7 weeks from now.
For the second half of the show, we delve a bit into the shake-up that is happening with AI – both ChatGPT and Google’s Bard – and then shift into a discussion around the importance of a game as big as Minecraft being tailor-made for Chromebooks. It’s a fun show this week!
Links
- Unleash the trifecta: Pixel Watch, Pixel Buds, and Pixel Phone deals you can’t miss!
- These Pixel 7/7Pro deals makes it tough to even consider waiting for the Pixel 7a
- Google prepares to challenge ChatGPT with its Bard AI, sends out invites to Pixel Superfans
- New leak suggests the Pixel Fold will be way cheaper than we thought
- In case you missed it, Minecraft built specifically for ChromeOS is a really big deal
- Here’s everything you need to know about the Minecraft Trails and Tales update for Chromebooks
- Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is officially (re)launching on Chromebooks
This episode is brought to you by Cameyo, the Chrome Enterprise Recommended virtualization solution that enables you to deliver all of your apps – including Windows, Linux, SaaS, and internal apps – to Chromebooks so that your people have seamless access to everything they need to be productive. Cameyo is deeply integrated with ChromeOS and Google Admin console, providing the simplest, most secure, most cost-effective way to push apps to your users as PWAs without the complexity of legacy virtual desktops. And now, Chrome Unboxed listeners get access to a special ChromeOS + Cameyo bundle that makes it easier than ever to test for yourself. Get started at cameyo.com/unboxed.
The team at Chrome Unboxed is fueled by Fresh Roasted Coffee, the official coffee of The Chrome Cast podcast! CLICK HERE to buy the special edition Chrome Unboxed bag.
We can finally talk about the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook
This week on The Chrome Cast, the star of the show is – without doubt – the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook. And though some odd news about abysmal battery has made waves on the web, the overwhelming response to this device for everyone we’ve shown it to is massively positive, and we feel that it is the flagship Chromebook we’ve all been waiting for from Google – just from HP, instead. There’s so much good going on with this device that it takes up the entire first half of the show.
For the second half, we keep it in new ChromeOS hardware mode as we discuss the many new clues we’ve found for the upcoming detachable tablet Chromebooks that should branch off of the ‘Geralt’ baseboard. One of those looks to be a successor to the pretty-awesome Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5, and if that device gets a follow-up with a handful of improvements, we’re all in for a treat.
LINKS
- HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook review: the no-contest King of Chromebooks [VIDEO]
- HP quietly released a new Chromebook x360 with 12th Gen Intel CPU and 16:10 display
- Chromebook tablet ‘Geralt’ is being tested with at least one pretty solid camera
- It looks like a new Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 sequel is in the works
- Here’s everything you need to know about the Minecraft Trails and Tales update for Chromebooks
- Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is officially (re)launching on Chromebooks
This episode is sponsored by VIZOR - SPECIAL OFFER 20% DISCOUNT! VIZOR is a Chromebook and IT Asset management solution designed specifically for Schools and School Districts. VIZOR integrates with the Google Admin console and with your Student Information System. Know who has what Chromebook, manage 1:1 programs, and track repairs. CLICK HERE to lock in a 20% DISCOUNT and to find out how VIZOR can help your School manage Chromebooks.
Fueled by Fresh Roasted Coffee! CLICK HERE to buy the special edition Chrome Unboxed bag.
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Pixel Fold leaks, Google I/O 2023, and a black Dragonfly Pro Chromebook
This week on The Chrome Cast, we begin the show by talking about the new HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook we have in the office in the Sparkling Black colorway. Though we’re still limited in what we can say about this Chromebook for now, this black color is pretty awesome looking and gives us yet another reason to talk about this very special Chromebook.
The rest of the show largely focuses on some new leaks around the upcoming Pixel Fold, some software choices Google has made lately regarding Google Photos sharing what were previously Pixel-only features, and the latest news surrounding Google I/O 2023, set to be held on May 10th. After taking a week off last week, there’s a lot to cover, so hop in!
Links- Sneak Peek: unboxing the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook in Sparkling Black [VIDEO]
- Google I/O 2023 set for May 10th and May 10th only
- I just used Google’s Magic Eraser on my Chromebook and Galaxy S23 Ultra
- You can now adjust HDR for videos on a Chromebook with Google Photos
- Google Drive, Docs, Sheets and Slides are getting a Material You overhaul
- New battery info emerges on the upcoming Google Pixel Fold
- HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is in the office: quick sneak peek [VIDEO]
This episode is brought to you by Cameyo, the Chrome Enterprise Recommended virtualization solution that enables you to deliver all of your apps - including Windows, Linux, SaaS, and internal apps - to Chromebooks. CLICK HERE to get started today.
Fueled by Fresh Roasted Coffee! CLICK HERE to buy the special edition Chrome Unboxed bag.
5 questions with Google's Jenn Chen about ChromeOS Design and UX
This week on The Chrome Cast podcast, we're back with another interview episode, and this time around, we had the privilege of chatting with Jenn Chen, Product Designer and Head of UX Design & Research for ChromeOS at Google. Jenn has been working on ChromeOS for over a decade and has a vast understanding of the OS so needless to say, it was an honor to have her on the show.
For this episode, we decided to go with our "5 Questions" format that you might recall us using in our interview with Alex Kuscher back in March 2022. We dug into how ChromeOS design philosophies have changed over time, building for multiple form factors, cross-pollination with other Google teams, how they are thinking about pre-installed apps vs. those built by third-party developers, and how Jenn is thinking about the future of ChromeOS design. Jenn is so knowledgeable about the OS and how it has evolved so even if you aren't into UX or interested in OS design, I think you will still find this episode very fascinating.
LINKSThis episode is sponsored by VIZOR - OFFER 20% DISCOUNT! VIZOR is a Chromebook and IT Asset management solution designed specifically for Schools and School Districts. VIZOR integrates with the Google Admin console and with your Student Information System. Know who has what Chromebook, manage 1:1 programs, and track repairs. CLICK HERE to lock in a 20% DISCOUNT and to find out how VIZOR can help your School manage Chromebooks.
Fueled by Fresh Roasted Coffee! CLICK HERE to buy the special edition Chrome Unboxed bag.
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
HP's Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is in the office and new tablets are inbound
This week on The Chrome Cast, we’re talking about the new HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook – as much as we can at this point, at least – and why this new device is very important in the consumer Chromebook market. Sure, there’s an impressive spec sheet, but a fantastic Chromebook needs more than just stats, and the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook has it. While we’re a bit limited in what we can say right now, I can at least say this: the Dragonfly Pro is special, and we’ll be able to tell you more about why that is in the near future.
For the rest of the show, we discuss my recent move to Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra, the Galaxy Watch 5, and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro as my daily carry items. With so many of our audience likely carrying Samsung gadgets and the increased cohesion between Samsung and Google of late, I thought it a good time to test out the waters. We also get into the newly-found evidence for some upcoming MediaTek-powered ChromeOS tablets as well, signaling the first hope we’ve had in quite some time for some new detachable action in the Chromebook market.
LINKS
- The MediaTek-powered Chromebook tablet ‘Geralt’ is being tested with a great screen
- Exclusive: New Chromebook tablets are in the works with powerful MediaTek processors inside
- HP Dragonfly Chromebook Pro quick unboxing
- Why I’m actually ready to give the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra a try
This episode is brought to you by Cameyo, the Chrome Enterprise Recommended virtualization solution that enables you to deliver all of your apps - including Windows, Linux, SaaS, and internal apps - to Chromebooks. CLICK HERE to get started today.
Shop Penoval USI 2.0 pen here (promo code 05Unboxed).
Fueled by Fresh Roasted Coffee! CLICK HERE to buy the special edition Chrome Unboxed bag.
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
The Future Of ChromeOS With Google's John Maletis
This week, we have a very special episode of The Chrome Cast Podcast as we welcome John Maletis - VP of Product, Engineering, and UX for ChromeOS - on the show. John was in-person at HP's reviewer workshop for the upcoming Dragonfly Pro Chromebook and was kind enough to sit down and have a chat with us about where the consumer Chromebook market is headed. In light of the imminent release of the stellar Hp Dragonfly Pro Chromebook, the consumer portion of the Chromebook market is about to get very interesting, and John has some interesting perspectives on that future.
LINKSFueled by Fresh Roasted Coffee! CLICK HERE to buy the special edition Chrome Unboxed bag.
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
ASUS Vibe CX34 impressions and why Acer needs a high-end Chromebook
This week on The Chrome Cast, we begin the episode by discussing our recent move from YouTube Music over to Spotify and why that transition has been so interesting. As a music streaming service, Spotify is the best there is, and it took us all quite a while to finally move over to it. With some updates to the way casting is handled, Spotify is now the unparalleled champ in the music streaming space, and definitely worth a look if you've been holding out.
The second half of the episode focuses on the Chromebooks we saw at CES 2023 - the ASUS Vibe CX34 Flip and the HP Dragonfly Pro - and why we think its time for Acer to get in the game at the higher end of the consumer Chromebook market. Though we're still waiting on the release of the Dragonfly Pro, the ASUS Vibe CX34 is in the office, and it is an impressive device. With all this recent movement at the upper-end of the Chromebook space, Acer's Swift lineup would make a great addition.
LINKS
- Why I’m finally switching from YouTube Music over to Spotify
- Acer should make a high-end Swift Chromebook to combat HP’s Dragonfly Pro Chromebook
- ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip unboxing: this one is legit!
This episode is brought to you by Cameyo, the Chrome Enterprise Recommended virtualization solution that enables you to deliver all of your apps - including Windows, Linux, SaaS, and internal apps - to Chromebooks. CLICK HERE to get started today.
Shop Penoval USI 2.0 pen here (promo code 05Unboxed).
Fueled by Fresh Roasted Coffee! CLICK HERE to buy the special edition Chrome Unboxed bag.
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Will Samsung Ever Make A Galaxy Chromebook Ultra?
This week on The Chrome Cast, we spend quite a bit of time talking through the latest Unpacked event from Samsung. On February 1st, Samsung took the wraps off their new phones – the Galaxy S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra – and a few other interesting new products as well.
In the midst of those other products was a new Windows laptop called the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra, and that impressive device caused a bit of a stir here in the Chrome Unboxed offices. While it had little to do with any of us wanting to buy this new laptop, the introduction and attention to detail in the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra absolutely had us all wishing Samsung would get back in the high-end Chromebook game.
LINKS
- We asked, you answered: $800 is where it’s at for premium Chromebooks
- Will we ever see something like a Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Ultra?
- Where to pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S23/S23+ and S23 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Event
Shop Penoval USI 2.0 pen here (promo code 05Unboxed).
Fueled by Fresh Roasted Coffee! CLICK HERE to buy the special edition Chrome Unboxed bag.
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Is the consumer world ready for HP's premium Dragonfly Pro Chromebook?
This week on The Chrome Cast, we begin the episode by getting the elephant out of the room right off the bat: Robby bought a Tesla. The stars aligned and with a great trade-in, reduced price, and the new federal tax credit, the timing was right. The excitement is obvious, but it gives way to some new content that could come from the Chrome Unboxed crew down the road if things work out.
The rest of our show focuses on two Chromebooks: one full of potential and one that’s a bit of a letdown. Our review of the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5601 reveals a bit of a disappointment while our hopes for the upcoming HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook couldn’t be higher right now. We are still waiting for official word on the latter, but it feels like it should be soon, and this new Chromebook begs the question: is the consumer market ready for another big swing at a premium Chromebook? We sure hope so!
VIEW SHOW LINKS - (https://chromeunboxed.com/the-chrome-cast-212-hp-dragonfly-pro-chromebook/)
This episode is brought to you by Cameyo, the Chrome Enterprise Recommended virtualization solution that enables you to deliver all of your apps - including Windows, Linux, SaaS, and internal apps - to Chromebooks. CLICK HERE to get started today.
Fueled by Fresh Roasted Coffee! CLICK HERE to buy the special edition Chrome Unboxed bag.
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Stadia’s death gives way to new life in cloud gaming
This week, we felt it was only fitting to not only discuss Stadia’s final death, but also the cloud gaming revolution it looks to have started. While many of the main players in the cloud gaming space have been around for quite some time, Google’s efforts with Stadia brought the idea of streaming games to the forefront and regardless of whether or not it ever rises again from the ashes, the entire industry has them to thank for stoking those fires.
Moving forward, services like GeForce NOW are looking to pick up the slack, and with recent improvements and advancements, we’re all a bit shocked by just how good cloud gaming has become in the past year or so. Though Stadia as a platform is gone, its legacy surely lives on and the Chromebook gaming scene is better for it.
LINKS
- It looks like converted Bluetooth Stadia controllers will get firmware updates through 2023
- You can now officially unlock your Stadia controller
- The Chrome Cast 210: Evolution of Steam gaming on Chromebooks with Google’s Zach Alcorn
- Stadia says farewell with a beautiful parting gift for its players
- [U] Nvidia GeForce NOW just added an ‘Ultimate’ tier with better features and no additional cost
Fueled by Fresh Roasted Coffee! CLICK HERE to buy the special edition Chrome Unboxed bag.
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Evolution of Steam gaming on Chromebooks with Google's Zach Alcorn
Today on The Chrome Cast podcast, we're back with another interview episode and this time around we are chatting with Zach Alcorn who is a Product Manager at Google working on Gaming for ChromeOS. More specifically, Zach has been working tirelessly on a project that allows you to play Steam games on your Chromebook and has been heavily involved in the recent announcement of the beta version of Steam on ChromeOS entering the Beta channel.
In our chat, we talk through all of the details regarding the Beta announcement, expanded availability, the game library, how they are improving the user experience, what it's like to work with Valve, and so much more. If you are a gamer or game developer, this is one that you will want to check out.
LINKS
- Steam on Chromebooks is now in Beta
- The Chromium Projects – Steam on ChromeOS
- The Chrome Cast 199: ChromeOS 107 and Steam on Chromebooks hits the Beta Channel
- Supported Device List
- Game List
- Proton DB
Fueled by Fresh Roasted Coffee! CLICK HERE to buy the special edition Chrome Unboxed bag.
All about our time at CES 2023
This week on The Chrome Cast, we discussed all the things we saw and tried at CES 2023 in Las Vegas last week. It goes without saying that there were a ton of new ChromeOS devices from Chromeboxes to Chromebooks and it was our busiest CES yet. We've published videos for all of it and for this week's podcast, we talk through all of that hardware to get you caught up on all the fun stuff we experienced while out there. It was a fun trip and we're really excited to have CES back in person again this time around.
LINKS- CES 2023: HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook hands-on impressions [VIDEO]
- CES 2023: ASUS Chromebook CM14 hands-on impressions [VIDEO]
- CES 2023: Hands-on with the ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip [VIDEO]
- Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook hands-on at CES 2023 [VIDEO]
- CES 2023: Hands-on with Acer's inventive Add-in-One Chromebox [VIDEO]
- Best of CES 2023: ChromeOS steals the show
- The ASUS Chromebox 5 adds a unique and awesome new feature
- CES 2023 highlights an upturn in affordable Chromebooks
- HP’s new Dragonfly Pro Chromebook may be the Pixelbook Go sequel I’ve been waiting for
- 3 new non-Chromebook devices I saw at CES 2023 that really impressed me
- The gorgeous ASUS Chromebook Vibe Flip CX34 is available for pre-order
Fueled by Fresh Roasted Coffee! CLICK HERE to buy the special edition Chrome Unboxed bag.
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Chrome Unboxed 2022 year in review
This week on The Chrome Cast, in light of the fact that this week is the strange, low-key week at the end of the year between Christmas and New Year's Day, we thought it appropriate to take a look back over the last 12 months and talk through our best performing posts on the website and most-viewed videos over on YouTube. It's a fun episode and it made for a great way to close out 2022. Hope you enjoy and have a Happy New Year!
LINKS
- We need Chromebook tablets with MediaTek’s best Kompanio 1380 inside
- CU 2022: A look back at the top 5 articles of the year
- The Chrome Unboxed top 5 most-viewed videos on YouTube for 2022
- Why Lenovo’s new, affordable Flex 3i Chromebook is a big move in the right direction
Fueled by Fresh Roasted Coffee! CLICK HERE to buy the special edition Chrome Unboxed bag.
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
2022 Gear of the Year and a new need for Google's Pixelbook
This week on The Chrome Cast, we start the discussion by talking through some of the entries on our yearly Gear of the Year Gift Guide. There are items on the list from Chromebooks to phones to earbuds to coffee makers, so if you are scrambling for a last-minute gift idea, there could be something there to spark the imagination.
For the rest of our time, we discuss the real need that exists for Google to put out a cost-effective Pixelbook to address the general malaise that has overtaken the low-end of the Chromebook market. With Pixelbooks launched in the past to light the way for Chromebook manufacturers in all sorts of ways, it is perhaps time for Google to do the same with a Surface Laptop SE-like, affordable, considered Pixelbook to showcase what is possible in an enjoyable, affordable Chromebook.
LINKS
- Our favorite gear that we actually used in 2022
- Why Google should make an affordable Pixelbook like Microsoft’s Surface Laptop SE
- Win $250 from Chrome Unboxed and Rakuten!
- Amazon Alexa is a “colossal failure,” on pace to lose $10 billion this year
- Pixel Watch non-review: why I love Google’s wearable after a couple months
Fueled by Fresh Roasted Coffee! CLICK HERE to buy the special edition Chrome Unboxed bag.
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
More Pixel Fold renders, ChromeOS 108, and Fortnite on Chromebooks
This week on The Chrome Cast, we begin the show with discussion around the latest renders that have leaked for the upcoming Pixel Fold. Though this foldable phone from Google isn’t due until May (according to the rumors), the substantial leaks have truly begun. With these latest renders, we get a video and some specific measurements for the chassis and screen.
From there we move on to the new features that snuck into ChromeOS 108. On the surface this seemed like a tiny update, but there were some nice little features sprinkled here and there that are worth noting for sure. We close things up by talking about Fortnite’s new Season 4 graphics overhaul and how you can experience it in its full fidelity on a Chromebook.
LINKS
- New leaked Pixel Fold 3D renders showcase dimensions and confirm overall design
- Chrome Unboxed Deals Page
- Enjoying Fortnite’s graphics upgrade from a gaming Chromebook and GeForce NOW
- The Pixel Fold gets benchmarked, confirming SoC rumors for Google’s foldable
- ChromeOS gets its last update of 2022
- ChromeOS 108 gives web apps far more visibility in the URL bar
- Google Stadia begins the process of refunding your hardware and controller purchases
This episode is sponsored by VIZOR - OFFER 20% DISCOUNT! VIZOR is a Chromebook and IT Asset management solution designed specifically for Schools and School Districts. VIZOR integrates with the Google Admin console and with your Student Information System. Know who has what Chromebook, manage 1:1 programs, and track repairs. CLICK HERE to lock in a 20% DISCOUNT and to find out how VIZOR can help your School manage Chromebooks.
Fueled by Fresh Roasted Coffee! CLICK HERE to buy the special edition Chrome Unboxed bag.
Picking our favorite Chromebooks of 2022
This week on The Chrome Cast, our discussion revolves almost completely around our picks for Best Chromebooks of 2022. We just recently published a video and post rounding all these devices up, so you should definitely hit the show notes and watch that. For the podcast, we list those devices, but each of us choose two of our most favorite Chromebooks of the year and explain why they made the list. It’s a fun episode and is a great reminder that at this point in 2022, there are a ton of great devices to choose from if you are looking for a new Chromebook.
LINKS
- Our picks for Best Chromebooks in 2022 [VIDEO]
- Sunbird app to bring iMessage and unified messaging to Android
- The Chrome Cast 204: How VIZOR helps school districts manage thousands of Chromebooks
This episode is sponsored by VIZOR - OFFER 20% DISCOUNT! VIZOR is a Chromebook and IT Asset management solution designed specifically for Schools and School Districts. VIZOR integrates with the Google Admin console and with your Student Information System. Know who has what Chromebook, manage 1:1 programs, and track repairs. CLICK HERE to lock in a 20% DISCOUNT and to find out how VIZOR can help your School manage Chromebooks.
Fueled by Fresh Roasted Coffee! CLICK HERE to buy the special edition Chrome Unboxed bag.
How VIZOR helps school districts manage thousands of Chromebooks
Today on The Chrome Cast podcast, we are back with another interview episode with Dean Bates and Jeff LaLonde from VIZOR, a Chromebook and IT asset management solution designed specifically for school districts. These folks have been a great partner of Chrome Unboxed for a while now – including a sponsorship of the video where we dropped a Chromebook off a two-story building – and we love working with them because we genuinely believe they have a software solution that is valuable to school districts and those working in EdTech.
So, if VIZOR sounds familiar, you’ve probably heard about them in a previous podcast episode or in a YouTube video, but we thought it was time to have them on the podcast to chat about what they do and the solutions that they offer.
In our conversation, we really dig into some of the problems that school IT administrators face when trying to manage Chromebooks and how so many schools struggle to keep track of devices. We talk through the solutions that VIZOR provides, but Jeff and Dean also offer up some general advice for schools who are trying to manage Chromebooks. If you are an IT Admin or technologist at a school or school district, you’re going to want to listen to this one.
LINKS
- VIZOR for Chromebooks
- We Dropped A Chromebook From A Two-Story Building
- Chrome Unboxed Education
- Top Chromebook tech for teachers & students
- Logitech’s ‘Works With Chromebook’ Lineup, EDU strategy, and Logi Pen with Gaurav Bradoo
- How to enhance the Chromebook learning experience with Amy Mayer
Fueled by Fresh Roasted Coffee! CLICK HERE to buy the special edition Chrome Unboxed bag.
This episode is brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
MediaTek Kompanio 528 Chromebooks, Framework, and Lenovo’s Gaming Chromebook
This week on The Chrome Cast, we spend the first part of the show talking about the crazy deals happening all over the place this week, how you can score some of those (hint: get subscribed to our deals newsletter), and why affordable Chromebooks are getting so interesting. With the Kompanio 520/528 SoCs set to hit the market, MediaTek clearly sees the writing on the wall that the mid-range/affordable Chromebook segments are the ones on the rise, and we don’t think that will change anytime soon.
For the second half of the show, we discuss my early thoughts on the new Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition as we finally have it in the office and just recently published our unboxing and first impressions. We’ve also recently received the new Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook in the office that competes toe-to-toe with the excellent Acer Chromebook 516 GE, and now that it is fully available and on sale already, there’s an interesting battle that will begin in the ‘gaming’ Chromebook space.
LINKS
- Chrome Unboxed Deals
- Win one of 5 Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebooks
- Join Rakuten
- The Chrome Cast 202: Chatting new Kompanio SoCs for entry-level Chromebooks with MediaTek’s Victor Tyan
- Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition unboxing and first impressions [VIDEO]
- Lenovo’s Core i5 IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook is now available but…
- Lenovo Ideapad Gaming Chromebook unboxing and first impressions [VIDEO]
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code UNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Chatting new Kompanio SoCs for entry-level Chromebooks with MediaTek's Victor Tyan
Today on The Chrome Cast Podcast, we have a special in-person interview episode with Victor Tyan from MediaTek. I was recently out in Sonoma California for the MediaTek Executive Summit and Victor was kind enough to sit down with me to chat about their announcement of their next-gen Kompanio SoCs for entry-level Chromebooks: the Kompanio 520 and 528.
In our conversation, we dig into the details of the new processors but Victor also shared some thoughts on the entire Kompanio lineup, the company's focus on sustainability, the education market, and how MediaTek came up with the name Kompanio. It was so much fun to do an in-person interview and I hope that you enjoy it!
Links- MediaTek unveils next-gen Kompanio SoCs for entry-level Chromebooks
- The Chrome Cast 198: Understanding the Kompanio Roadmap with MediaTek’s Adam King
- HP launches MediaTek-powered 2-in-1 Chromebook
- Powered By MediaTek
- The Chromebook Experience Powered by MediaTek Kompanio
This episode is also brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, CLICK HERE and use the discount code UNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Framework Laptop Chromebook arrives and the Pixel Fold leaks emerge
For this week's episode of The Chrome Cast, we stick to three pretty big topics of the week: the emergence of the Pixel Fold, the arrival of the Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition, and some additional details about the Pixel 7a that make it very interesting as a mid-range contender to the flagship Pixel 7. It's a packed show and there's great excitement surrounding all these upcoming and freshly-arriving devices, so we hope you enjoy the conversation!
LINKS- Christmas comes early with full leaked renders of the upcoming Pixel Fold
- It looks like Pixel 7a will fix my biggest gripe with the Pixel 6a
- Why I want the Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition to be my next everyday carry
- Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition #short
- Laptop repair kit (Walmart)
This episode is also brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code UNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
Finally, this episode is brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Surface Laptop SE makes a great Chromebook as LumaFusion finally arrives
This week on The Chrome Cast, we talk in-depth about one of our latest videos that sees us take the Microsoft Surface Laptop SE and turn the “Chromebook Killer” into a pretty sweet Chromebook. Using ChromeOS Flex, we now have a Surface Laptop SE in the office that is quite nice to work with and we’ve proven how good Google’s ChromeOS Flex certification really is.
For the second half of the show, we discuss the arrival of LumaFusion on Chromebooks and the new era this app brings about. We’re only a couple of days into it at this point, but LumaFusion has the potential to really shake up the creative abilities of ChromeOS and you can absolutely bet we’ll be putting it through the paces in the coming weeks.
LINKS
- Turning the “Chromebook Killer” into a killer little Chromebook with ChromeOS Flex [VIDEO]
- At long last, LumaFusion Pro Video Editor arrives for Android and ChromeOS
- The new Nreal Air AR glasses could be the coolest 2nd screen for your Chromebook ever
This episode is also brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code UNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
Finally, this episode is brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
ChromeOS 107 and Steam on Chromebooks hits the Beta Channel
This week on The Chrome Cast, we start the show by talking through the handful of fun updates that came along with ChromeOS 107. In a new era where we get updates to our Chromebooks every 4 weeks, it's always a nice surprise when new user-facing features show up. ChromeOS 107 had quite a few, and we talk through all of them.
One of the other big changes to ChromeOS is the fact that Steam for Chromebooks has come to the Beta Channel with version 108. With an expanded list of supported devices, a bunch of performance improvements, and a simpler setup process, the entire Steam on Chromebooks effort is really beginning to take shape.
Links- What’s new in ChromeOS 107?
- Steam on Chromebooks is now in Beta
- The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook is back in stock and on sale
- Google launches Pixel referral program with $100 Google Store credit
- Pixel 7 sales numbers indicate another big step for Google’s in-house hardware
- The Chrome Cast 198: Understanding the Kompanio Roadmap with MediaTek’s Adam King
- Pixel Buds Pro drop to their lowest-ever price and are now worth your attention
This episode is also brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code UNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
Finally, this episode is brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Understanding the Kompanio Roadmap with MediaTek's Adam King
Today on The Chrome Cast podcast, we have an interview episode with Adam King, who is the General Manager of the Client Computing Business Unit at MediaTek. In our chat, we cover the latest HP Chromebook 13b announcement that includes the Kompanio 1200 processor, trends in the Chromebook space, detachable Chromebooks, and the Roadmap for the Kompanio series in Chromebooks moving forward.
And as part of this episode, we've partnered with MediaTek to give away one of those HP Chromebook 13b's! This device is a convertible Chromebook with a 13.3" display and is powered by the MediaTek 1200 SoC which MediaTek compares to an Intel Core i3 CPU.
LINKS
- Enter to win an HP Chromebook x360 13b powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 1200
- HP launches MediaTek-powered 2-in-1 Chromebook
- HP Chromebook x360 13b on HP Store
- Powered By MediaTek
- The Chromebook Experience Powered by MediaTek Kompanio
This episode is also brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code UNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
Pixel Watch accessories, ChromeOS Flex BTS, and Acer 516 GE review
This week on The Chrome Cast, we start the show by talking through a bunch of new accessories that have hit the market for the Pixel Watch. Though this is the tip of the iceberg and many more are likely on the way, it is great to see some truly useful additions for Google's new wearable from 3rd party companies already hitting virtual store shelves.
After that, we move on to discuss some interesting things we learned while up in NYC earlier this month. During our time at Google's offices, we were able to have a lengthy discussion about ChromeOS Flex and the methods that are used to determine what devices get the green check in Google's database of certified devices. Not only does every certified device get run through a massive battery of tests, they are also all there in Google's testing lab, and we got to look around in there a bit.
Finally, we cover some notes from the soon-to-released Acer Chromebook 514 GE review that will be out early next week. What Acer has built with this device is nothing short of awesome, and though they set out to create a great cloud gaming Chromebook, they ended up building a fantastic overall device, too.
LINKS
- We toured the ChromeOS Flex certified laptop testing lab, and it is wild
- The Pixel Watch charger can actually charge your wireless earbuds in a pinch
- The Ringke Slim Case for Pixel Watch is shipping and ours just arrived [VIDEO]
- The first legit metal link watch band for the Pixel Watch is nearly here
- We just put a 3rd-party 20mm watch band on the Pixel Watch [VIDEO]
- A new protective bumper case for the Pixel Watch emerges, looks awesome
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This episode is sponsored by VIZOR - OFFER 20% DISCOUNT! VIZOR is a Chromebook and IT Asset management solution designed specifically for Schools and School Districts. VIZOR integrates with the Google Admin console and with your Student Information System. Know who has what Chromebook, manage 1:1 programs, and track repairs. CLICK HERE to lock in a 20% DISCOUNT and to find out how VIZOR can help your School manage Chromebooks.
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code UNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
120Hz gaming on GeForce NOW and loving the Pixel Watch
This week on The Chrome Cast, our discussion mainly revolved around some real-world reactions to services and hardware that have shown up in the past couple of weeks. Between the new gaming Chromebooks, GeForce NOW providing 120Hz gaming for Chromebooks, a Pixel Buds Pro firmware update, and actually spending some time using the Pixel Watch as a daily-wear device, we all obviously have some thoughts.
For the first time ever, I’m gaming with regularity on my Chromebook, and the Acer Chromebook 514 GE has been a perfect companion for it. On that same note, the latest Pixel Buds Pro update finally fixed the horrid latency these earbuds shipped with earlier in the year, and after a solid week of actually putting the Pixel Watch on all our wrists on a daily basis, it’s clear that though this watch may have a few issues here and there, it is currently an office favorite here at Chrome Unboxed.
LINKS
- A look at the current state of GeForce NOW on gaming-focused Chromebooks [VIDEO]
- PSA: Your Pixel Watch won’t charge with a Qi wireless charger
- Pixel 7 Pro: one week later impressions after upgrading from a Pixel 6 [VIDEO]
- We just put a 3rd-party 20mm watch band on the Pixel Watch [VIDEO]
- A new protective bumper case for the Pixel Watch emerges, looks awesome
- Fear not: Pixel Watch bands are back in stock and ready to ship
- Pixel Buds Pro firmware update fixed my biggest gripe with them
This episode is sponsored by VIZOR - OFFER 20% DISCOUNT! VIZOR is a Chromebook and IT Asset management solution designed specifically for Schools and School Districts. VIZOR integrates with the Google Admin console and with your Student Information System. Know who has what Chromebook, manage 1:1 programs, and track repairs. CLICK HERE to lock in a 20% DISCOUNT and to find out how VIZOR can help your School manage Chromebooks.
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code UNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel Watch and a new gaming Chromebook
A lot has happened since the last episode of The Chrome Cast, and with us taking last week off due to the Google hardware event, there’s a ton of stuff to discuss. For this week, we stuck to Google’s latest hardware – the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and the Pixel Watch – for the majority of our time. Between new hardware, fun software, and this exciting new Pixel Watch, the Google event delivered plenty of content for a full podcast.
But we had to talk about Acer’s new Chromebook 516 GE and the gaming news that came along with it this week. There are now 3 new Chromebooks built for cloud gaming, and we already have one in the office. With its gorgeous 120Hz screen and crazy-fast internals, it has been a joy to use and early impressions are very, very favorable of these new Chromebooks and their cloud gaming chops.
Links- Lenovo’s IdeaPad 5i Gaming Chromebook is now available for only $399
- Why I’m leaving my Pixel 7 Pro on FHD+ instead of the full QHD+ resolution
- Unboxing and first impressions with Acer’s new cloud gaming-focused Chromebook 516 GE
- Pixel Watch: hands-on first impressions with Google’s highly-anticipated wearable [VIDEO]
- Pixel 7 Pro: hands-on and initial impressions with Google’s new flagship phone [VIDEO]
- Pixel 7: hands-on initial impressions with Google’s new $599 phone [VIDEO]
- Enjoy these new Pixel “Natural Elements” sounds for your ringtones, notifications, and alarms
- Top 5 cases for your Pixel 7 or 7 Pro
- Here’s everything that Google announced at its 2022 hardware event [Video]
- Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro launch with next-level camera features
- The new Google Pixel Tablet will double as your Nest Hub display, releases next year
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code UNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Stadia's dead as gaming Chromebooks come to life
This week on The Chrome Cast, our discussion is largely dominated by the official announcement by Google that Stadia as we know it will no longer continue to exist. In the next few months, the service that truly introduced cloud gaming to the world will host its last games, and as sad as it is to see, at least Google is doing right by its users and refunding both hardware and software purchases for everyone.
We also take a bit of time to discuss the recent speculation that the Pixel Watch will show up on the scene with rather large bezels. The early renders sure make it look that way, but in an updated version of the video that caused the conversation in the first place, Google seems to have trimmed down their appearance, making us all wonder what this watch will truly look like when it does arrive next week.
Links- New Unlisted Pixel 7 Ad features almost bezel-less Pixel Watch
- Stadia’s technology will go on to do greater things, but no one really cares anymore
- Say hello to the world’s first “Gaming” Chromebook
- Everything we’re expecting from Google’s upcoming Pixel 7 hardware event [VIDEO]
- Just like that, Google pulls the plug on Stadia
- The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro fall to their lowest-ever prices ahead of Pixel 7 launch
- The Pixel Watch bezels might not be as chunky as earlier renders made them look
- The Pixel Watch could come with thick bezels, but it shouldn’t matter that much
- Early leak of the Pixel Watch retail box shows prominent Fitbit integration
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code CHROMEUNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Pixel 7 pricing, Chromecast HD, and a Framework Chromebook
This week on The Chrome Cast, we spend the show talking about some new leaks that came from a Target store regarding Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro pricing. With a simple photo of the internal inventory system, we now know that the new phones from Google will not bump the prices up from last year, keeping the Pixel 7 at $599 and the Pixel 7 Pro at $899.
Right before we recorded, the new Chromecast with Google TV HD was also released, making for some interesting conversation around Google’s new, affordable streaming dongle. We’ve not yet tested it out, but we have one in the office and will be putting it through the paces for sure.
Finally, we also discussed a new Chromebook announced this week as Framework and Google teamed up to create the first truly modular ChromeOS device: the Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition. There’s so much fun stuff coming with this laptop and we discuss all of it in the show.
Links- Win a Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 or one of 5 Lenovo Smart Clock Essentials
- Google and Framework partner up to launch a fully-modular Chromebook
- Your Chromecast with Google TV will soon be updated to Android 12, but don’t expect much
- New leak confirms aggressive Pixel 7 pricing to keep pace with last year’s phones
- Google’s Chromecast with Google TV HD is officially available today
- The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro will be sold in India via Flipkart
- Pre-orders for Pixel 7, 7 Pro, and Pixel Watch will open on October 6. Delivery dates leaked.
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code CHROMEUNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
What's next after Pixelbook for Chromebooks
In what is a bit of a sad episode, we spend most of our time this week discussing the recent news that Google has chosen to shut down the team responsible for the Pixelbook. It seems there was one on the way, but Google has done what Google does and changed trajectory a bit in the midst of labor cuts and reassignments all around.
There's hope, however, that strategic partnerships and new life can come from this move as Google's first-party Chromebooks have never been constant staples in the ChromeOS market over the years. Generally, the Pixelbooks have existed to urge the market in a particular direction, and with OEMs finding their Chromebook-building stride in 2022, there's just no need for a Pixelbook right now. Even if we all really want one.
LINKS
- I was wrong: a Pixelbook with Tensor inside never actually made any sense
- Bye, bye Pixelbook. We will always love you
- With Pixelbook in the rear view mirror, here’s the replacement I’m hoping for
- My first impressions of the 16-inch ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5601 [VIDEO]
- Rumor: a smaller, high-end flagship Pixel phone from Google is in the works
- Google downsizes Area 120, cutting its projects and jobs in half in the process
- HP Chromebook 11 Unboxing Video
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code CHROMEUNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
What we're expecting from the now-official Google fall hardware event
This week on The Chrome Cast, we discuss the upcoming Google hardware event slated for Thursday, October 6th 2022. While we all expect the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel Watch, there are other hardware questions that could get answered there as well. With the Pixel Tablet having quite a few new pieces to the puzzle revealed recently and the Pixel Notepad continuing to see development action, perhaps the event will shed some light on those devices, too.
We also discuss the recent iPhone event from Apple that saw the unveiling of the entire new line of iPhone 14s, a few new Apple Watches, and the new Airpods Pro 2. Though we like to poke fun at Apple any time we have the chance, there’s also a few things in their keynotes that are pretty awesome, too.
LINKS
- Google announces in-person hardware event for October 6th
- Android 13 Beta confirms dockable Pixel Tablet
- The Pixel Tablet will likely be a mid-range device, but a ‘Pro’ version could be on the way, too
- New report says Google’s folding Pixel Notepad may arrive in Q1 2023
- Leak all but confirms a new HD Chromecast is on the way
- We beat up a rugged EDU Chromebook and then dropped it off the roof [VIDEO]
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code CHROMEUNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Pixel Watch prices, Pixel Notepad patents, and the Acer Spin 714
This week on The Chrome Cast, we begin the show by discussing the recent news that the Pixel Watch should retail for $399 with LTE on board. Without knowing how good the build quality will be or how intuitive and useful the software experience will be, it’s tough to decide whether or not $399 is a good price for the new watch from Google, but we all feel like there’s a good chance it will be.
We also discuss the recent patent published for the Pixel Notepad – Google’s long-rumored folding phone. While the patent doesn’t really tell us anything new, it solidifies the fact that the Pixel Notepad is on the way and gives us a bit of assurance in the earlier leaks and rumors regarding it’s size and form factor.
Finally, we discuss the excellent Acer Chromebook Spin 714 and how this Chromebook took the beloved Spin 713 formula and boldly changed things like the screen size and aspect ratio while at the same time adding more-premium pieces to craft a really fantastic Chromebook.
LINKS
- This 12th Gen 2-in-1 Chromebook is hands-down the best deal around
- Acer Chromebook Spin 714 Review: a new spin on a fan favorite
- What we can learn from the recently revealed folding Pixel Notepad patents
- Here’s how much the Pixel Watch will likely cost you when it launches
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code CHROMEUNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
T-Mobile, SpaceX, Pixel 7 and a recycled Acer Chromebook
This week on The Chrome Cast, we open the show by discussing the latest effort from T-Mobile and Elon Musk’s SpaceX that plans to use satellite-driven communications to fully flesh out T-Mobile’s wireless network. The early stages won’t happen until later next year, but the application could be a massive step towards getting basic communications like text messages into the most remote areas in the United States without the need of additional equipment on the user’s end.
From there, we chat a bit about the new Acer Chromebook Vero 514 and how this mostly-recycled Chromebook isn’t just a one-trick pony: it is a pleasure to use and comes equipped with most of the stuff you want in a higher-end Chromebook. We all love the look, feel, and sustainability that comes with the Vero 514 and can’t wait to see it hit the market in the coming weeks for $499 at Best Buy.
Finally, we talk through the recent leak of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro that showed up in the hands of Lew over at Unbox Therapy. Though we don’t know too much more about the phones even after this chance run-in, it is cool to see both devices in real hands and from viewpoints that aren’t simply press or marketing renders.
LINKS
- T-Mobile and SpaceX bring us one step closer to an always-connected world
- Why Acer’s Chromebook Vero 514 is a pretty big deal for ChromeOS
- Hands-on with Acer’s new environmentally-friendly Chromebook Vero 514 [VIDEO]
- You can buy the Pixel 6a for as little as $199
- Pixel 7 and 7 Pro early hands-on reveals differences with the Pixel 6 line
- Smoke Insider website
- Smoke Insider Instagram
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code CHROMEUNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Pixel Watch excitement and a Chromebook-powered golf simulator
This week on The Chrome Cast, we begin the show talking a bit about the coming Pixel Watch and how the features, look and feel of that watch could be a huge uptick for Wear OS as a whole. With Fitbit integration, a great look, and a focus on glanceable information, we all are excited to see this wearable show up at Google's annual fall hardware event.
For the second half of the show, we focus in on a recent video we published this week: using a Chromebook to power a golf simulator bay. As you likely know by this point, we all love golf and getting to run the simulator software right from a Chromebook is an unexpected treat, proving that our favorite OS is continually becoming more capable by the day.
LINKS
- I have a golf simulator running on a Chromebook, and it’s awesome [VIDEO]
- Google is working on at least 7 Pixel Watch bands to accessorize your wrist with
- Pixel Watch will have a dedicated app and feature Android Smart Unlock
- Pixel Watch to have 2 processors and more storage/RAM than any other Wear OS watch
- Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro pass through FCC, Pixel 7 Ultra and Pixel Notepad absent
- Pixel Buds Pro vs. $40 and $70 ANC earbuds: are Google’s earbuds worth it? [VIDEO]
- Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro get massive discounts as the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro loom large
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code CHROMEUNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Pixel 7 Ultra rumors and HP Dragonfly Chromebook Review
This week on The Chrome Cast, we begin the show by discussing the newest rumors swirling ahead of Google’s rapidly-approaching fall hardware event. With the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro already announced at Google I/O 2022, we thought we knew all there was to know about the fall’s phone lineup, but there could be more lurking behind the scenes that may not be revealed until October.
For the second half of the show, we go deep into our review of the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook, discussing all the reasons why this Chromebook is the best there is on the market and why we all feel that, despite its steep asking price, the Dragonfly is worth it in the end. Is it for everyone? Of course not, but there are many of you out there that should really give it a look if you are in the market for a Chromebook with no compromises.
Links- HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook review: the best you can get
- Once again, the Pixel 7 Ultra is making headlines and is questionable at best
- With the Pixel Notepad rumors swirling, Gboard’s split keyboard feels even more timely
Sponsored by VIZOR - Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. CLICK HERE to find out how VIZOR can help your School manage Chromebooks.
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code CHROMEUNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Talking web-based collaborative design with Figma's Noah Levin
Today on The Chrome Cast podcast, we are back with another interview episode, chatting with Noah Levin, the Director of Design at Figma. If you aren’t familiar with Figma, it’s a powerful design and prototyping tool that was built from the ground up to be run in the browser. Because of that fact, you can leverage powerful collaborative tools so you don’t have to worry about local files or coordinating whether or not your team is working from the most updated version of a project. It’s like the Google Docs of design and prototyping.
LINKS- Figma Collaborative Design Platform
- FigJam Online Whiteboard for Teams
- Google partners up with Figma to bring the popular design tool to Chromebooks
- Figma for Education
- Commons Conference by Figma for Edu
This episode is sponsored by VIZOR - Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. CLICK HERE to find out how VIZOR can help your School manage Chromebooks.
ChromeOS tablets, Google's fall hardware event, and the Pixel Notepad
This week on The Chrome Cast, we were a bit all over the place. Our primary discussion in the first half revolves around the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook, ChromeOS tablets, and whether the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 or Duet 5 is the better tablet experience.
In the second half of the show, we delve into the recent news surrounding Google's upcoming fall hardware event and the fact that it looks very likely that we'll see it happen in the first week of October this time around. At that event, we know the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will make an appearance alongside the Pixel Watch, but what about the Pixel Notepad? With new Pixel Camera features coming just for the Pixel Notepad, maybe its arrival is sooner than we expect.
LINKS
- Win a Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 or one of 5 Lenovo Smart Clock Essentials
- Google looks to be moving back to an early October hardware event this fall
- Snapdragon Insiders can score a Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 for only $279
- There’s still life in the foldable Pixel Notepad as a new camera feature emerges
Sponsored by VIZOR - Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. CLICK HERE to find out how VIZOR can help your School manage Chromebooks.
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code CHROMEUNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Pixel Buds Pro thoughts, ChromeOS 104 UI updates
This week on The Chrome Cast, we stay pretty focused on two things: the arrival of the Pixel Buds Pro and the big updates on the way for ChromeOS. For the Pixel Buds Pro, we have a full video with initial impressions and thoughts on Google’s new earbuds, and the early reactions are very positive. With an absolute slew of great features and the correction of previous Pixel Buds mistakes, these new earbuds are a fantastic addition to the Pixel Portfolio.
For the second half of the show, we focus in on the upcoming changes to ChromeOS that Google highlighted on The Keyword, including better customizations, dark/light themes (finally) and a new video editor for Google Photos slated to hit Chromebooks first. The new features are sweet looking and the small tweaks to things like the app launcher and notifications area are starting to make ChromeOS feel more cohesive and polished all around.
LINKS
- Initial impressions and hands-on with the Pixel Buds Pro [VIDEO]
- 3 big changes coming soon to Chromebooks that add cohesion to the interface [VIDEO]
- Get a $50 gift card when you buy a Pixel 6a
- ChromeOS personalization and productivity features announced
- Google Photos is getting a movie maker and upgraded video editor
- Pixel Super Fans can take $20 off when you pre-order Google’s Pixel Buds Pro
Sponsored by VIZOR - Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. CLICK HERE to find out how VIZOR can help your School manage Chromebooks.
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code CHROMEUNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Pixel 6a is here and there's still life in the Pixelbook line
This week on The Chrome Cast, we begin by chatting about the arrival of the Pixel 6a and the Pixel Buds Pro on the scene. We’ve known the launch would be on July 21st since the initial announcement, but the arrival of the pre-order date means our impressions video and countless others are now out in the wild. We stack up the Pixel 6a against its bigger, more-expensive siblings and talk about why this is such an important device for the Google hardware team.
We also chat about the Pixel Buds Pro, the expectations we have of them, and the reasons they could be an absolute home run for Google if things align properly. From there, we transition to talking about the resurgence of hope in the Pixelbook lineup stemming from a missed admission by Google’s Rick Osterloh during Google I/O 2022 that future Pixelbooks were on the roadmap. It’s a packed episode and we hope you enjoy all of it!
Links- Google will sell you a Pixel 6a for $150
- Pixel 6a first impressions: the Pixel 6 experience on a budget [VIDEO]
- New Pixelbooks were confirmed at Google I/O 2022, and we all missed it
- Pixel Buds Pro will let you automatically switch between two devices
- Select carriers are already offering free Pixel 6a phones
- Wrap your Pixel in a half shell: Pixel Power!Pixel Buds Pro preorders are live
- Where to preorder the Google Pixel 6a today and get a free Pixel Buds A-Series
Join our Patreon community and get extras, early access to videos, private Discord server access, an ad-free experience on site, and more. CLICK HERE to be a part of our community.
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code CHROMEUNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
How to enhance the Chromebook learning experience with Amy Mayer
Today on The Chrome Cast podcast, we have an interview episode with Amy Mayer, CEO and Founder of FriED Technology, an organization that offers EdTech-focused professional development and training services. FriEd Tech is a Google for Education Partner that offers a wide range of services for educators around Workspace for Education, Google Certifications, Blended Learning, and more, so Amy clearly knows her stuff and was the perfect guest to wrap up our EdTech series that we are doing in partnership Logitech.
This episode is presented by Logitech, who we’ve partnered with for this 3-part podcast series and for our biggest giveaway yet! Educators & Schools, we're giving away 30 ChromePacks to outfit an entire classroom! CLICK HERE to learn more and enter to win!
This giveaway is open to all currently employed K-12 school or district-level faculty, IT staff, and leadership. Ends July 31, 2022.
Show Links:
Next-generation Snapdragon Chromebooks are on the way
This week on The Chrome Cast, we begin the show by discussing multiple new commits that have shown up in the Snapdragon-powered Chromebook space. We now have eyes on development boards with the Snapdragon 8cx, 8cx Gen 2, and 7c+ Gen 3 inside, meaning there’s a lot of interesting ARM-powered Chromebook news in the works over the next few months.
For the second part of the show, we explore the recent developments with ChromeOS Flex coming out of the early stages and becoming generally available for all users. With this move, we now have 400 certified laptops that work with ChromeOS Flex and the list keeps growing. Along with this, we also discuss the fact that Steam games are now working (in Alpha, still) on 12th-gen Intel Chromebooks.
Links- The Chrome Cast 180: Logitech’s ‘Works With Chromebook’ Lineup, EDU strategy, and Logi Pen with Gaurav Bradoo
- Acer looks to be working on a new Snapdragon-powered Chromebook
- ChromeOS Flex now generally available to more PCs and Macs
- Newer Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 now in the works for upcoming Chromebooks
- The powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx could be on the way for future Chromebooks
Join our Patreon community and get extras, early access to videos, private Discord server access, an ad-free experience on site, and more. CLICK HERE to be a part of our community.
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code CHROMEUNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Logitech's 'Works With Chromebook' Lineup, EDU strategy, and Logi Pen with Gaurav Bradoo
For this episode of The Chrome Cast podcast, we have an interview with Gaurav Bradoo, Product Lead for Education at Logitech. More specifically, Gaurav is responsible for the product management and portfolio strategy for the team at Logitech, looking at education and how they can help learners and educators ignite their full potential through technology.
This episode is presented by Logitech, who we’ve partnered with for this 3-part podcast series and for our biggest giveaway yet! Educators & Schools, we're giving away 30 ChromePacks to outfit an entire classroom! CLICK HERE to learn more and enter to win!
This giveaway is open to all currently employed K-12 school or district-level faculty, IT staff, and leadership. Ends July 31, 2022.
LINKS
Exploring Chrome Enterprise solutions with Google's Naveen Viswanatha
Today on the Chrome Cast podcast, we have an interview with Naveen Viswanatha, Chrome OS Product Lead for the Commercial Team at Google. Naveen started with the Chrome OS education team but has been focused on enterprise solutions for a few years now, so he had some great insights on how Chrome OS can be leveraged in areas outside of the consumer market.
We had a great chat about digital signage, kiosks, virtualization, and how the enterprise team is creating end-to-end solutions for businesses that want to move to Chrome OS. We wrap up the conversation by talking about Google's move into contact centers and how Chrome OS can provide a streamlined and secure solution for these operations.
Links
- Chrome OS Kiosk and Digital Signage Solutions
- Chrome Enterprise
- The next time you call a contact center for support, they could be using Chrome OS too
Sponsored by VIZOR - Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. CLICK HERE to find out how VIZOR can help your School manage Chromebooks.
New Chromebooks hitting store shelves left and right
This week on The Chrome Cast, it’s an episode all about hardware. From the review of the excellent, new Acer Chromebook Spin 513 to the Acer Chromebook Spin 714, ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5601, and Lenovo ThinkPad C14 Chromebook all showing up for sale this week, there’s a lot going on in the mid-high-end ChromeOS space right now. While the Acer Chromebook Spin 513 has absolutely impressed everyone in the office, it faces stiff competition from these other devices that have shown up on store shelves in the past few days.
Additionally, we discuss the new arrival of AMD’s Mendocino APUs in the Chromium Repositories. These new chips were officially announced back at Computex in May and bring a combo of decent performance, fanless designs, and great battery life with more than 10 hours on a charge.
Links- The new AMD Mendocino APUs are on the way for Chromebooks to battle ARM
- Acer Chromebook Spin 513 Review: ARM-powered mobile productivity
- You can now buy premium 12th Gen Acer Chromebook Spin 714
- The Chrome Cast 177: Ins-and-outs of ‘Works with Chromebook’ with Google’s Kevin Ngo
- You can snag the impressive HP Dragonfly Chromebook for under $1000 right now
- You can now buy the 12th Gen Core i5 Lenovo ThinkPad C14 Chromebook
Join our Patreon community and get extras, early access to videos, private Discord server access, an ad-free experience on site, and more. CLICK HERE to be a part of our community.
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code CHROMEUNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Ins-and-Outs of 'Works with Chromebook' with Google's Kevin Ngo
For this episode of The Chrome Cast podcast, we have an interview with Kevin Ngo – Product Lead for the Works with Chromebook certification program at Google. Kevin was kind enough to chat with us on short notice and, of course, we are always happy to chat with anyone from Google. We had a great conversation about the ins-and-outs of Google’s Works with Chromebook certification and why schools should choose Works with Chromebook-certified solutions. We dig deep into the certification, discussing how they test products, the mission of the certification, and what users should expect when they choose a Works with Chromebook-certified solution.
This episode is presented by Logitech, who we’ve partnered with for this 3-part podcast series and for our biggest giveaway yet! Educators & Schools, we're giving away 30 ChromePacks to outfit an entire classroom! CLICK HERE to learn more and enter to win!
This giveaway is open to all currently employed K-12 school or district-level faculty, IT staff, and leadership. Ends July 31, 2022.
LINKS
Snapdragon 8cx Chromebooks and new Pixel hardware gets closer
This week on The Chrome Cast, we begin the show by first announcing our latest - and largest ever - giveaway: 30 Logitech ChromePacks that are full of great accessories for the Chromebook-equipped classroom. These backpacks come loaded with a keyboard, mouse, Blue microphone, headset, and webcam - and one winner will be lucky enough to get them all in order to outfit an entire classroom of students. We're so excited to partner with Logitech for this giveway that runs throughout the month of July. More details can be found in the link in the show notes.
Conversations for this week revolved around new features on the way for Snapdragon 8cx Chromebooks in development, new leaks about the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, and how much we're all looking forward to the imminent release and arrival of the Pixel 6a and Pixel Buds Pro. With the Pixel Buds Pro specifically, we all think Google has the chance to deliver a truly fantastic experience if all the features they highlighted all work as expected. With only a few weeks left to wait, we'll know soon enough.
LINKS
- Win 30 Logitech ChromePacks to outfit an entire classroom
- Snapdragon 8cx Chromebook development moves forward, adding 5G and more
- Latest Pixel 7 Pro hands-on proves Google completely tamed leak culture
- My AirPods Pro are great, but here’s why I’m seriously ready for Pixel Buds Pro
- Google officially went with a new fingerprint scanner for Pixel 6a
Join our Patreon community and get extras, early access to videos, private Discord server access, an ad-free experience on site, and more. CLICK HERE to be a part of our community.
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code CHROMEUNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Screencast and New Tools for the Classroom with Google’s Andy Russell
This week on The Chrome Cast podcast, we have an interview episode with Andy Russell. Andy is a Group Product Manager for Education and Family on Chrome OS at Google and has been working on some fun projects that we have been tracking for a while - mainly the new Screencast app that will be available starting with Chrome OS version 103. We also about Cast Moderator and Google's partnership with Figma for Education.
Links- Hands-on with the awesome new Chromebook Screencast feature [VIDEO]
- Google partners up with Figma to bring the popular design tool to Chromebooks
- The Anywhere School School 2022: Event overview and announcements for education
- Cast Moderator Form
- Figma for Education Beta Signup
Sponsored by VIZOR - Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. CLICK HERE to find out how VIZOR can help your School manage Chromebooks.
Join our Patreon community and get extras, early access to videos, private Discord server access, an ad-free experience on our site, and more. CLICK HERE to be a part of our community.
ChromeOS 103 features, gaming Chromebooks, and an HP Dragonfly
This week on The Chrome Cast, we begin the show by talking about gaming performance on the Steam Deck and how that can inform us a bit on what we should expect in the future from gaming-focused Chromebooks and Steam. On that note, we also found evidence of an Nvidia GPU-powered Chromebook in development, officially moving us into the era of expecting the first, true gaming Chromebook.
The second half of the show is dominated by the new features arriving with the latest ChromeOS 103 update. With recent photos from your Android phone in Phone Hub, Fast Pair for accessories, Nearby Share for Wi-Fi access, and the new Screencast feature, there’s a lot to unpack as we discuss the biggest update to ChromeOS in the past few months.
Links- ChromeOS 103 will introduce several new features for a better cross-device user experience
- Chrome on iOS to gain new features in upcoming version 103
- Steam Deck game performance is very good news for Chromebooks in the future [VIDEO]
- Chrome version 103 is here
- Chromebooks have become the Swiss Army Knife of computing
- An Nvidia GPU-enabled Chromebook is on the way for some serious Steam gaming
- Google prods Apple to support RCS using Drake’s “Texts go Green” song lyrics
- HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook unboxing and impressions [VIDEO]
Join our Patreon community and get extras, early access to videos, private Discord server access, an ad-free experience on site, and more. CLICK HERE to be a part of our community.
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code CHROMEUNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Cursive, USI 2.0, and the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3
This week on The Chrome Cast, we spend the first part of the show discussing Google’s Cursive handwriting PWA and the improvements that have come along with ChromeOS 102. With the full introduction of Cursive to the wider Chromebook audience, we’re seeing some solid usability for the first time with Cursive on quite a few Chromebooks.
In that same vein, we discuss the updates to USI 2.0 and how some of those more-subtle changes have caused a few issues with devices like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet and its in-cell display. While the USI 2.0 spec brings about many upgrades and is mostly backward-compatible, there are some wrinkles that make the move less simple than we’d hoped.
Links- Google’s Cursive handwriting web app is finally becoming truly useful [VIDEO]
- The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is USI 2.0: why that’s a good and a bad thing
- Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 pre-review sneak peek: remote working from a tablet
Join our Patreon community and get extras, early access to videos, private Discord server access, an ad-free experience on site, and more. CLICK HERE to be a part of our community.
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code CHROMEUNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Apple’s new hardware, Lenovo Duet 3 impressions, and a Pixel Watch app
This week on The Chrome Cast, we begin the show by talking about Apple’s latest announcements from WWDC 2022. With a new ARM-based M2 chip, a new Macbook Air, a confusing Macbook Pro with the M2 chip, and an interesting new multitasking tool in Stage Manager, there was a fair bit to discuss on the Apple front this week. While we generally stick to Chromebooks around here, there’s no denying that many of the things Apple chooses to do set the precedents in tech as we move forward, so it’s worth getting into their new announcements when they happen.
Additionally this week, we touch on the new Pixel Watch app that was discovered and the fact that this will not only serve as a connection point to Google’s new wearable, but should also pave the way for Android Smart Unlock as well. Finally, we get into some of our thoughts on the recently-launched Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 as we now have a production-level model in the office for review.
LINKS
- Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 pre-review sneak peek: remote working from a tablet
- Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 unboxing and impressions [VIDEO]
- Pixel Watch will have a dedicated app and feature Android Smart Unlock
- Google needs to steal this new macOS webcam feature for ChromeOS right away
Join our Patreon community and get extras, early access to videos, private Discord server access, an ad-free experience on site, and more. CLICK HERE to be a part of our community.
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code CHROMEUNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.
Robby loves the Pixel 6 Pro and MSI joins the Chromebox "game"
This week on The Chrome Cast, we dive into why Robby has come full circle and fallen in love with the Pixel 6 Pro. Despite the many high-end options on the market, the Pixel line has an intangible appeal and the 6 Pro is simply the best overall phone that Google has ever made.
From there, we dive into some interesting new hardware from the ChromeOS front. ARM appears to be making a move to break free from the budget-minded segment of Chromebooks and soon, we may see ARM-powered Chromebases that rival the current devices like the HP Chromebase 22 All-In-One. Last but not least, it looks like a PC gaming giant may have just joined the ChromeOS playground. Little details are available but MSI appears to be working on a 12th Gen Intel Chromebox and that's exciting news for ChromeOS power users and gamers alike.
LINKS
- I was wrong: the Pixel 6 Pro is by far the superior Pixel experience [VIDEO]
- New ARM-powered Chromebases are in the works with the MediaTek Kompanio 1380 inside
- It looks like MSI may be joining the ChromeOS fray, starting with a Chromebox
- Two more 12th-gen Intel Alder Lake Chromeboxes are in development
- An additional high-end Pixel may be coming to join the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
Join our Patreon community and get access to things like behind-the-scenes footage, early access to videos, private Discord server access, an ad-free experience on the mobile and desktop versions of the website, and more. CLICK HERE to be a part of our community.
This episode is brought to you by Fresh Roasted Coffee. To check it out, go to https://chromeunboxed.com/coffee/ and use the discount code CHROMEUNBOXED for 15% off your initial purchase!
This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.