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The Chrome Cast

The Chrome Cast

By Chrome Unboxed

Hosted by Joe Humphrey, Gabriel Brangers, and Robby Payne, The Chrome Cast is a tech podcast that unpacks everything from hardware to software in the world of Chrome, Chrome OS, and Google so that listeners can be more informed on all the latest updates, changes, and devices.
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The Chrome CastFeb 14, 2020

00:00
01:46:18
New Pixel Fold leaks, reality-altering AI, and Minecraft on Chromebooks

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

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.


Mar 24, 202301:09:15
We can finally talk about the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook

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

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.

Mar 17, 202301:07:05
Pixel Fold leaks, Google I/O 2023, and a black Dragonfly Pro Chromebook

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

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.

Mar 10, 202301:04:12
5 questions with Google's Jenn Chen about ChromeOS Design and UX

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.

LINKS

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.

This episode is also brought to you by NordVPN. CLICK HERE to try it out and get 2 years for $3.29 per month.

Mar 02, 202341:06
HP's Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is in the office and new tablets are inbound

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

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.

Feb 24, 202301:01:09
The Future Of ChromeOS With Google's John Maletis
Feb 17, 202325:07
ASUS Vibe CX34 impressions and why Acer needs a high-end Chromebook

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

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.

Feb 10, 202301:04:54
Will Samsung Ever Make A Galaxy Chromebook Ultra?
Feb 03, 202301:01:25
Is the consumer world ready for HP's premium Dragonfly Pro Chromebook?

Is the consumer world ready for HP's premium Dragonfly Pro Chromebook?

Jan 28, 202301:08:04
Stadia’s death gives way to new life in cloud gaming
Jan 20, 202301:02:14
Evolution of Steam gaming on Chromebooks with Google's Zach Alcorn
Jan 16, 202342:18
All about our time at CES 2023
Jan 14, 202301:11:41
Chrome Unboxed 2022 year in review
Dec 30, 202201:05:54
2022 Gear of the Year and a new need for Google's Pixelbook
Dec 16, 202201:00:31
More Pixel Fold renders, ChromeOS 108, and Fortnite on Chromebooks

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

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.

Dec 09, 202201:06:05
Picking our favorite Chromebooks of 2022
Dec 03, 202201:09:52
How VIZOR helps school districts manage thousands of Chromebooks

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

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.

Dec 02, 202238:04
MediaTek Kompanio 528 Chromebooks, Framework, and Lenovo’s Gaming Chromebook

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


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.

Nov 25, 202201:14:20
Chatting new Kompanio SoCs for entry-level Chromebooks with MediaTek's Victor Tyan

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

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.

Nov 23, 202224:09
Framework Laptop Chromebook arrives and the Pixel Fold leaks emerge
Nov 18, 202201:03:16
Surface Laptop SE makes a great Chromebook as LumaFusion finally arrives
Nov 11, 202201:05:58
ChromeOS 107 and Steam on Chromebooks hits the Beta Channel
Nov 04, 202201:07:55
Understanding the Kompanio Roadmap with MediaTek's Adam King
Nov 01, 202225:13
Pixel Watch accessories, ChromeOS Flex BTS, and Acer 516 GE review

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


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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.

Oct 28, 202201:15:06
120Hz gaming on GeForce NOW and loving the Pixel Watch

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

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.

Oct 23, 202201:07:34
Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel Watch and a new gaming Chromebook

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

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.

Oct 14, 202201:22:11
Stadia's dead as gaming Chromebooks come to life

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


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.

Oct 01, 202201:13:23
Pixel 7 pricing, Chromecast HD, and a Framework Chromebook

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


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.

Sep 23, 202201:17:30
What's next after Pixelbook for Chromebooks

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


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.

Sep 16, 202201:23:40
What we're expecting from the now-official Google fall hardware event

What we're expecting from the now-official Google fall hardware event

Sep 09, 202201:36:36
Pixel Watch prices, Pixel Notepad patents, and the Acer Spin 714

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 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.

Sep 03, 202201:11:45
T-Mobile, SpaceX, Pixel 7 and a recycled Acer Chromebook

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


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.

Aug 26, 202201:13:22
Pixel Watch excitement and a Chromebook-powered golf simulator

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


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.

Aug 19, 202201:26:17
Pixel 7 Ultra rumors and HP Dragonfly Chromebook Review

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


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.

Aug 12, 202201:21:60
Talking web-based collaborative design with Figma's Noah Levin
Aug 11, 202235:12
ChromeOS tablets, Google's fall hardware event, and the Pixel Notepad

ChromeOS tablets, Google's fall hardware event, and the Pixel Notepad

Aug 05, 202201:19:51
Pixel Buds Pro thoughts, ChromeOS 104 UI updates

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


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.

Jul 29, 202201:20:35
Pixel 6a is here and there's still life in the Pixelbook line

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


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.

Jul 23, 202201:27:45
How to enhance the Chromebook learning experience with Amy Mayer

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:

Jul 19, 202232:53
Next-generation Snapdragon Chromebooks are on the way

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

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.

Jul 15, 202201:25:15
Logitech's 'Works With Chromebook' Lineup, EDU strategy, and Logi Pen with Gaurav Bradoo
Jul 14, 202241:19
Exploring Chrome Enterprise solutions with Google's Naveen Viswanatha
Jul 12, 202241:23
New Chromebooks hitting store shelves left and right

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


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.

Jul 08, 202201:30:37
Ins-and-Outs of 'Works with Chromebook' with Google's Kevin Ngo
Jul 06, 202230:23
Snapdragon 8cx Chromebooks and new Pixel hardware gets closer

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


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.

Jul 01, 202201:17:57
Screencast and New Tools for the Classroom with Google’s Andy Russell
Jun 28, 202232:14
ChromeOS 103 features, gaming Chromebooks, and an HP Dragonfly

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


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.

Jun 24, 202201:13:43
Cursive, USI 2.0, and the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3
Jun 20, 202201:14:40
Apple’s new hardware, Lenovo Duet 3 impressions, and a Pixel Watch app

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


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.

Jun 13, 202201:23:12
Robby loves the Pixel 6 Pro and MSI joins the Chromebox "game"

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



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.

Jun 03, 202201:16:13