Buy an old Windows laptop and you’ll probably be able to keep installing Windows updates until you decide that your system doesn’t have enough RAM or a fast enough processor to meet your needs anymore. Buy a Chromebook and the clock has already started ticking on software updates. Google guarantees to deliver OS updates for […]
Tag: chromebooks
CrossOver lets you run Windows apps on Chromebooks (now out of beta)
The first Chromebooks were designed to run web apps only. But a few years back Google added support for running Android apps, and then Linux apps. Now you can also run Windows applications on a Chromebook… although it requires installing a third-party tool that sells for $40 and up. CodeWeavers has announced that CrossOver 20 […]
AMD introduces Ryzen and Athlon chips for Chromebooks
Last year AMD introduced its first chips designed for Chromebooks, and within a few months a handful of PC makers began selling Chrome OS laptops powered by the inexpensive, low-power processors. Now AMD is taking aim at higher-performance Chromebooks. The company has introduced a new line of Ryzen and Athlon chips for Chromebooks. And unlike […]
Lilbits: Access Linux files in Windows, sync your Steam games with Chromebooks (in the cloud)
Last month NVIDIA announced that its GeForce Now game streaming service was adding support for Chromebooks, allowing you to stream PC games through a web app, even if you’re using low-end hardware. Now NVIDIA is making it easier to access games you already own, by allowing Chromebook users to sync their Steam game libraries. Meanwhile […]
Lilbits: Hackable handhelds
Another day, another Raspberry Pi-based handheld computer. This time the developer of the YAHR.IO MK1 has created a system with a 5 inch, 800 x 480 pixel resistive touchscreen display, a tiny keyboard and touchpad, a 5,000 mAh battery, and a 3D printed case. But the device features a modular design, which means you can […]
Running Windows on Chromebooks is going to get easier (for some users and devices)
Chromebooks are, by definition, laptops that run Google’s Chrome OS operating system. But that doesn’t mean you’re limited to running web apps on a Chromebook. In recent years Google has added support for running Android apps and Linux apps. And soon you may be able to run Windows software as well. Heck, you’ll be able […]
Lilbits: Dark Sky goes dark, Pixel 5a, PowerToys v0.20 and game & video streaming updates
The end is here for the Dark Sky app for Android. There’s a new version of Microsoft’s PowerToys app for Windows. Google is already working on the Pixel 5a, even though the Pixel 4a hasn’t officially been announced yet. Microsoft may be in talks to buy TikTok. And Netflix is finally building functionality into its […]
Chrome OS 84 brings new features for tablets, Linux users (and everyone else)
Google is rolling out a new version of its operating system for Chromebooks and Chromeboxes. Among other things, Chrome OS 84 brings new features for arranging windows, a new way to snap photos using your device’s camera, and support for saving video recordings as MP4 files so they’re easier to share with other apps or […]
Check Google’s Auto Update policy before buying older Chromebooks
It’s been nine years since the first Chromebook went on sale. And it’s been four years since Google released any software updates for that device. When Chrome OS was brand new, Google promised to deliver operating systems for at least 4 years from the release date of each Chromebook. Eventually the company extended that to […]
Google could bring Steam gaming to Chromebooks (via Linux)
There’s mounting evidence that Google is preparing to make Chromebooks a viable platform for gamers. Earlier this year a member of the Chrome OS team told Android Police that the company was working on bringing the Steam game client to Chromebooks. Now 9to5Google has found code that hints at how Google will do that. Chrome […]