The Chrome Cast

This week on The Chrome Cast podcast, we talk through Amazon Prime Day, the cancellation of the LaCros browser, and if we think ChromeOS Flex is going away now that ChromeOS is moving to the Android kernel. The first part of the show is dedicated to Prime Day, Amazon's massive online sales event that, unfortunately, doesn't have any notable Chromebook deals but does, surprisingly, have a ton of fantastic deals on Pixel hardware. We also discuss how Prime Day affects other retailers, driving down prices on solid Chromebooks that are still great deals - even though they aren't part of Prime Day. Let us know in the comments below if you've scored a great Chromebook deal! For the second part of the show, we catch up on the news that work on the ChromeOS detached browser, codenamed LaCros, is being canceled. And speaking of things getting canceled, the last part of the show is all about the rumors that ChromeOS Flex is going way. These speculations, which we've confirmed not to be true, started circulating after ChromeOS announced the move to the Android Linux kernel so we talk through what we've heard from Google and why we think ChromeOS Flex isn't going anywhere. SHOW LINKS * Prime Day means great Chromebook deals everywhere but Amazon [https://chromeunboxed.com/prime-day-means-great-chromebook-deals-everywhere-but-amazon/] * The best Chromebook deals today: the Prime Day effect [https://chromeunboxed.com/the-best-chromebook-deals-today-updated/] * Huge Prime Day savings on Google Pixel hardware [https://chromeunboxed.com/huge-prime-day-savings-on-google-pixel-hardware/] * Google is shutting down LaCros – the standalone browser for Chromebooks [https://chromeunboxed.com/google-is-shutting-down-lacros-the-standalone-browser-for-chromebooks/] * Google might abandon ChromeOS Flex. Here’s why – and what you can do about it [https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-might-abandon-chromeos-flex-next-heres-why/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

This week on The Chrome Cast podcast, we discuss some new hardware, including a monster new Chromebook, that just showed up at the office and some exciting new budget-friendly gadgets that should be arriving soon. In the first part of the show, we talk through our unboxing of the new Logitech Keys-To-Go 2 and why we wanted to do a video on this ultra-thin portable keyboard. On the Chromebook side of things, we’re talking about none other than the ASUS ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus – a device that might be the new King of Chromebooks. If you’ve been following along with our videos on YouTube, you know this device is not the standard $699 version though, so listen in to hear all of Robby’s thoughts on this monster version of the CX54. In the latter part of the show, we talk through some very interesting, extremely affordable new tech from CMF, a sub-brand from Nothing. As you’ll hear, Robby is fired up about the watch and earbuds that both have solid specs at a price that doesn’t even seem possible. And yes, Robby is already trying to convince CMF to make a Chromebook! Show Links * Unboxing and hands-on with Logitech’s ultra-light Keys-to-Go 2 [VIDEO] [https://chromeunboxed.com/unboxing-and-hands-on-with-logitechs-ultra-light-keys-to-go-2-video/] * ASUS ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus unboxing [VIDEO] [https://chromeunboxed.com/asus-expertbook-cx54-chromebook-plus-unboxing-video/] * Snag the monster ASUS ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus for just $882 [https://chromeunboxed.com/snag-the-monster-asus-expertbook-cx54-chromebook-plus-for-just-882/] * Where to buy the monster ASUS ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus [updated] [https://chromeunboxed.com/where-to-buy-the-monster-asus-expertbook-cx54-chromebook-plus/] * ASUS sent us a monster version of the ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus [https://chromeunboxed.com/asus-sent-us-a-monster-version-of-the-expertbook-cx54-chromebook-plus/] * With their latest Buds Pro 2, CMF by Nothing is changing the game [https://chromeunboxed.com/with-their-latest-buds-pro-2-cmf-by-nothing-is-changing-the-game/] * Why CMF (by Nothing) would make a fantastic Chromebook OEM [https://chromeunboxed.com/why-cmf-by-nothing-would-make-a-fantastic-chromebook-oem/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

This week on The Chrome Cast podcast we chat about hosting our very first members-only AMA and then dive deep into Google’s surprise hardware event that was just announced. [https://chromeunboxed.com/google-pixel-hardware-event-is-coming-in-august-this-time-around/] In our discussions about the new Pixel 9 lineup, we also talk through how phone processors are made and how the next TSMC-fabbed Tensor chip [https://chromeunboxed.com/why-you-might-want-to-skip-pixel-9-and-wait-for-pixel-10/] could be a game changer. As for the AMA, this is something new we are doing for our Chrome Unboxed Plus community [https://chromeunboxed.com/join/] where we host folks from the ChromeOS team at Google (or from other interesting companies) to answer questions from our community in a private live stream on Discord. Since we recorded this show yesterday and did the AMA with Stella Shannon last night, you’ve unfortunately missed this first one but there will be more! We’re really happy with this revamped community and have expanded our existing benefits to now include AMAs, exclusive giveaways, and even an ad-free podcast feed. So, if you’re not a member already, you can easily check it out with our 7-day free trial [https://chromeunboxed.com/join/] and I hope that you stick around! The remainder of the show is all about the Made By Google event RSVPs that went out to the press yesterday! [https://chromeunboxed.com/google-pixel-hardware-event-is-coming-in-august-this-time-around/] Since there wasn’t any mention of hardware at Google I/O, we’re expecting a packed keynote this year with new Pixel phones, a new Pixel Fold, an updated Pixel Watch with two sizes, and a refresh to the Pixel Buds Pro. So yeah, there was a lot to talk through. I hope you enjoy the show, cheers! SHOW LINKS * Start your 7-day free trial of Chrome Unboxed Plus [https://chromeunboxed.com/join/] * Google Pixel Hardware event is coming in August this time around [https://chromeunboxed.com/google-pixel-hardware-event-is-coming-in-august-this-time-around/] * Google Pixel 9 Pro leak confirms iPhone clone design [https://chromeunboxed.com/google-pixel-9-pro-leak-confirms-iphone-clone-design/] * Renders of the larger 45mm Pixel Watch 3 make me so happy [https://chromeunboxed.com/renders-of-the-larger-45mm-pixel-watch-3-make-me-so-happy/] * Why you might want to skip Pixel 9 and wait for Pixel 10 [https://chromeunboxed.com/why-you-might-want-to-skip-pixel-9-and-wait-for-pixel-10/] * Google Pixel Fold: My thoughts after actually using it [VIDEO] [https://chromeunboxed.com/google-pixel-fold-thoughts-after-actually-using-it/] * Gemini Advanced AI: what it is, what it costs, and how to try it for free [https://chromeunboxed.com/gemini-advanced-ai-explained-costs-how-to-try-for-free/] * Gemini takes over more Assistant duties with routines integration [https://chromeunboxed.com/gemini-takes-over-more-assistant-duties-with-routines-integration/] * Gemini for Android finally gets my most-missed feature [https://chromeunboxed.com/gemini-on-android-finally-adding-reminders/] * Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (Intel) Review [VIDEO] [https://chromeunboxed.com/acer-chromebook-plus-514-intel-review-video/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

On this week’s episode of The Chrome Cast podcast, we give an update on the Chrome Unboxed studio and then dive deep into the “Ferrochrome” project which allows ChromeOS to run in a VM on Android. The bulk of the discussion revolves around the Ferrochrome project but we did want to take some time to give a studio update since we will be filming a video and shooting more content in the newly rearranged space. Keep an eye out in the next video, things might look a little different. As for the Ferrochrome project, news of its existence first popped up about a month ago and after getting quite excited, we were told by Google that this was just a test and that there were no real plans to pursue ChromeOS on Android. But that doesn’t seem to be the case since we now have reports that Google is developing a one-click “Ferrochrome Launcher” that will download, configure, and fully launch ChrommiumOS using the Android VM app launcher. While this development is still very early, it’s exciting to see some work still being done on this project. So, as you can imagine, we have lots of ideas and speculation about what this could look like down the road if it were to become a real thing. Maybe ChromeOS on your phone with a set of XR glasses? We’ll just have to wait and see! SHOW LINKS * My dreams of ChromeOS running on a phone are nearing reality [https://chromeunboxed.com/my-dreams-of-chromeos-running-on-a-phone-are-nearing-reality/] * My ChromeOS on a phone dreams are shattered…for now [https://chromeunboxed.com/chromeos-on-a-phone-dreams-shattered-for-now/] * ChromeOS running on Android phones is still in the cards, it seems [https://chromeunboxed.com/chromeos-running-on-android-phones-is-still-in-the-cards-it-seems/] * Andromeda May Be Dead [https://chromeunboxed.com/andromeda-may-be-dead/] * Why I’m considering a dual-screen USB Type-C portable monitor [https://chromeunboxed.com/why-im-considering-a-dual-screen-usb-type-c-portable-monitor/] * XREAL AR glasses [https://www.xreal.com/air/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

This week on The Chrome Cast podcast, we dive into a big announcement from Google regarding the backend framework of ChromeOS and all of the new software features for Chromebook Plus that were announced at the Chromebook Showcase a few weeks ago in NYC. We had planned for the latter to be the main discussion this week, but an emergency press conference was in order after Google announced on Wednesday that the foundation of ChromeOS is moving to the Android Linux kernel. [https://chromeunboxed.com/the-chromeos-foundation-is-shifting-to-the-android-kernel/] We talk through what this might mean for ChromeOS moving forward, how it will affect users and the timeline for this change. This is a big move so it was nice to talk through the details and I hope it provides some clarity. If you are well-versed in the world of kernels and have additional insight, please leave us a comment below. As promised, the remainder of the show is dedicated to all the new features now available on Chromebook Plus. [https://chromeunboxed.com/2024-chromebook-showcase-google-announces-a-flood-of-awesome-new-features/] We talk through a few of our favorites, how they are currently working, and some tweaks we would like to see in the future. We’ve been waiting for these features to roll out since they were first teased back in October at the first Chromebook event so it’s great to see them finally available! What’s your favorite new feature? Let us know! SHOW LINKS * The ChromeOS foundation is shifting to the Android kernel [https://chromeunboxed.com/the-chromeos-foundation-is-shifting-to-the-android-kernel/] * Google announces a flood of awesome new features [https://chromeunboxed.com/2024-chromebook-showcase-google-announces-a-flood-of-awesome-new-features/] * Understanding how and when to use ‘Help me write’ on a Chromebook [VIDEO] [https://chromeunboxed.com/understanding-how-and-when-to-use-help-me-write-on-a-chromebook/] * How to get 12 months of Gemini Advanced with older Chromebook Plus models [https://chromeunboxed.com/how-to-get-perk-12-months-of-gemini-advanced-with-older-chromebook-plus-models/] * ChromeOS 125 is rolling out with tons of new Chromebook features [https://chromeunboxed.com/chromeos-125-is-rolling-out-with-tons-of-new-chromebook-features/] * Chromebook AI wallpapers are fun as long as you don’t have a QHD or 4K screen [https://chromeunboxed.com/chromebook-ai-wallpapers-are-fun-as-long-as-you-dont-have-a-qhd-or-4k-screen/] * ChromeOS 125 enables multiple calendars in Quick Settings [https://chromeunboxed.com/chromeos-125-enables-multiple-calendars-in-quick-settings/] * New ChromeOS 125 OOBE highlights AI features right out of the box [https://chromeunboxed.com/new-chromeos-125-oobe-highlights-ai-features-right-out-of-the-box/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]