Chromebooks

AppWizard
March 20, 2025
Google has introduced a Linux Terminal app for Android, allowing users to run a Debian instance within a virtual machine. This app aims to integrate more Linux applications, tools, and games into the Android ecosystem, rather than providing an additional desktop environment. The Linux Terminal app features a text-based command line interface and does not include a graphical desktop environment by default, although users can install desktop environments like XFCE or GNOME. Google is enhancing the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) to support this development, with plans for future updates to improve functionality, including tab support and GPU acceleration. Currently, launching Linux apps outside of the Terminal is limited, but Google envisions a future where Linux applications work seamlessly alongside native Android apps in desktop mode.
Winsage
March 16, 2025
An upcoming Xbox gaming handheld, known as "Project Kennan," is being developed through a collaboration between ASUS and Microsoft. This device will run PC games but will not support exclusive Xbox console titles. Users will have access to a wide range of games through services like Xbox Play Anywhere, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. As Windows 11 enforces strict hardware requirements, many PCs will remain on Windows 10, prompting Google to enhance ChromeOS for Microsoft 365 compatibility, potentially attracting users to Chromebooks or allowing them to convert their existing Windows PCs to ChromeOS. Microsoft has integrated Copilot into GroupMe to enhance the messaging experience, aiming to revitalize the app among college students. This announcement coincides with Microsoft's plans to phase out Skype. Microsoft's 50th anniversary event is scheduled for April 4, 2025, where new AI and Copilot announcements are expected, although significant product launches may be unlikely. Epic Games and Qualcomm are collaborating to enhance the Easy Anti-Cheat system for Snapdragon X PCs, improving gaming experiences on these devices. The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 has been reviewed and described as the "Surface Pro on steroids." Windows Central has identified deals, including a bundle with a free Meta Quest 3S and discounts on WWE 2K25 Deadman Edition.
Winsage
February 27, 2025
Microsoft Windows and Google Chrome OS are the most widely adopted desktop operating systems. Windows 11 has stringent hardware requirements, such as TPM 2.0, but offers greater flexibility and compatibility with a wide array of devices. In contrast, Chrome OS is tied to its hardware, making transitions to Windows typically require a new device. Chrome OS supports Android applications and includes a built-in Linux virtual machine, allowing for some offline functionality and development tools, while also featuring Google Assistant. Windows 11 supports a vast range of software, offers browser choice, excels in gaming performance, and provides seamless compatibility with applications, including Linux GUI applications through the Windows Subsystem for Linux.
AppWizard
February 27, 2025
A user repurposed an aging Android tablet as a portable monitor using an application called Super Display. This app connects Android devices to a Windows PC or laptop via USB or Wi-Fi, enhancing productivity by allowing the tablet to function as a third display. Super Display is noted for its ease of use, speed, and ability to support touch inputs, including stylus functionality, making it useful for artists. The app requires the installation of a Windows driver and an Android app, and it offers a three-day trial period, with a one-time purchase of .99 for lifetime access.
AppWizard
February 3, 2025
Google is enhancing the Android Linux Terminal app to allow users to run graphical Linux applications on Android devices, similar to Chrome OS. The app enables the download and operation of a Debian distribution within a virtual machine, facilitated by the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF). Initially introduced in the Android 15 QPR2 beta, the Terminal app is currently a developer option with limited accessibility. Updates have improved the installation process and user interface, but key features like hardware acceleration and a complete graphical environment are not yet publicly available. A recent demonstration on a Pixel 9 Pro showed the ability to access a graphical environment using the 'weston' command. The team successfully ran Chocolate Doom within the Linux Terminal, although attempts to run more complex applications like GIMP were unsuccessful. This development indicates progress toward Android's capability to run Linux applications, aligning with Google's strategy to integrate Chrome OS with Android.
Winsage
December 20, 2024
Microsoft introduced a hardware compatibility requirement for Windows 11 in 2021, mandating the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 standard. A TPM is a secure cryptoprocessor designed to manage security-related tasks and encryption keys, enhancing system security by encrypting data, generating random numbers, and validating digital signatures. The TPM architecture is defined by the ISO/IEC 11889 standard. TPM can be integrated as a chip on a motherboard or within firmware, with major companies like Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm adopting this technology. TPM 2.0 is essential for Windows security features, working with Secure Boot to ensure only trusted code is executed at startup and facilitating biometric authentication through Windows Hello. It also secures BitLocker keys, making unauthorized data access difficult. Most PCs manufactured from 2016 onwards include TPM 2.0 by default, while older systems may have limited TPM capabilities or adhere to the unsupported TPM 1.2 standard. Users can check their TPM status using the System Information tool. TPM functionality is not exclusive to Windows; it is also utilized in Linux PCs and IoT devices, while Apple devices use a different architecture called Secure Enclave. Windows 10 and 11 automatically initialize the TPM during installation, and users can upgrade to Windows 11 with any version of TPM through a registry modification.
Winsage
December 7, 2024
Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. It once had over a billion users and still holds over half of the market share. Users face vulnerabilities without security updates post-deadline, and about one in five laptops may not be compatible with Windows 11. Alternatives to Windows 11 include open-source operating systems like Linux and Google's OS Flex. Remanufacturing as a Service (RaaS) offers a sustainable option for extending IT infrastructure lifespan, with remanufactured laptops being up to 70% less expensive and reducing carbon emissions by approximately 316 kg per laptop. Microsoft has announced a one-year security update extension for Windows 10 users at a cost of £23. The end of Windows 10 coincides with International E-waste Day, presenting an opportunity for businesses to adopt more sustainable practices.
AppWizard
December 4, 2024
Google is enhancing its Recorder app with a new "clear voice" feature to minimize background noise and improve voice clarity. The app has also introduced a "summarize" function on the Pixel 8, allowing users to obtain concise summaries of audio recordings. The Recorder app debuted on Chromebooks in November, offering functionalities like speech-to-text generation and title suggestions. It utilizes Google's advanced large language model (LLM) for improved user experience. Pixel devices now have a "Transcribe again" tool for re-transcribing recordings in 42 languages, with cloud processing for quick transcription results.
BetaBeacon
November 18, 2024
In 2024, Google Play improved discoverability, expanded gaming options, and boosted rewards. The best app of the year is 'Partiful', an event planning platform with an intuitive design. The best game is 'AFK Journey', a fantasy RPG with an expansive roster of characters. 'Max' was named the best multi-device app with a vast library of content. 'Clash of Clans' was highlighted as the best multi-device game.
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