Chromebooks Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 7, 2026

I’ve found the best antivirus software to protect your PC in 2026

The Independent and Yahoo will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Windows 11 includes Microsoft's built-in Defender, but its security measures are basic. Effective antivirus solutions provide comprehensive threat analysis, advanced malware protection, and additional privacy features such as VPNs and password managers. No antivirus can protect against every threat, so users should download applications from trusted sources and use strong, unique passwords. The best antivirus apps for 2026 include: - Bitdefender Total Security: £42.49 for the first year, rated 5/5, includes a limited VPN, offers multi-device coverage, excellent malware detection, and built-in tools for phishing and ransomware protection. - Malwarebytes Plus: £29.99 annually for the basic package, rated 4/5, includes a VPN in the 'plus' bundle costing £49.99, focuses on malware removal and identity protection features. - McAfee Premium: Rated 4/5, includes unlimited VPN, compatible with various platforms, offers a firewall, ransomware protection, and AI-powered scam detection. - F-Secure Total: Rated 4/5, includes a password manager and deep scanning capabilities, but the basic plan covers only a single device. - Sophos Home Premium: Rated 4/5, allows coverage for up to ten devices under one subscription, features real-time scanning and parental controls, but does not include a password manager. Most antivirus applications offer free trials. The testing involved installing each application on a Windows 11 PC and conducting scans, while also reviewing reports from independent security testing labs.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Why I’m so excited for the Googlebook Android app experience on a desktop

Support for independent tech journalism is emphasized, particularly for Chrome Unboxed, which offers a membership for an ad-free experience and exclusive access to a private Discord. The author expresses frustration with the limitations of Android apps on ChromeOS, specifically citing issues with PUBG Mobile's performance on Chromebooks. The introduction of Googlebook, particularly the Lenovo Googlebook ‘Sapphire’ detachable tablet, is highlighted as a potential solution, featuring an architecture built on native Android, which promises improved app compatibility, native input mapping, direct hardware acceleration, and seamless Play Store integration. The author envisions an ideal tablet experience that combines the functionality of a desktop Chrome browser with robust Android applications.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

How to sideload Android APKs on your Chromebook

A Chromebook can be used for productivity, gaming, and entertainment, and users can sideload Android apps when they are not available on the Google Play Store. Sideloading involves installing Android Package Kits (APKs) directly onto the device, but caution is advised as these apps have not been verified by Google. Users should research APKs to ensure they are legitimate and free from malware. To sideload an app, users can enable Linux on their Chromebook and use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This requires enabling ADB debugging in the Linux development environment and using the Terminal to install the APK. Alternatively, users can run APKs using an emulator in Android Studio, which involves setting up Android Studio and creating an Android Virtual Device to install the APK.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Best in Class: Stream PC Games and Study on the Same Laptop With GeForce NOW

GeForce NOW allows students to balance study and gaming by transforming everyday laptops into powerful gaming machines through cloud gaming. Members can access a library of thousands of supported PC games, including the newly added Halo: Campaign Evolved, which features high-definition visuals and enhanced gameplay. The service enables users to stream games they own from platforms like Steam and Xbox Game Pass without lengthy downloads or installations. The Ultimate membership offers advanced gaming performance with NVIDIA technologies. New titles available this week include Halo: Campaign Evolved, Mistfall Hunter, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Sudden Attack Zero Point, The Ranchers, Corsair Cove, Funnel Runners, and Pathogenic.

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Samsung’s new GAIA PC chip challenges Microsoft’s Copilot+ program — and why I can only see that as a positive for the AI PC industry

NVIDIA announced the RTX Spark at Computex 2026, prompting competition among major silicon market players, including Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm. Samsung is entering the market with its custom silicon for AI-driven PCs, named GAIA, marking its first development of PC-centric silicon since 2012. GAIA will function as a companion Neural Processing Unit (NPU) rather than a traditional System-on-Chip (SoC). It is expected to use a 4nm process and may incorporate processing-in-memory (PIM) capabilities. Lenovo China and HP USA have received samples for testing. Competitors like Snapdragon X/X2, Intel Core Ultra, and AMD Ryzen AI are integrating NPUs with at least 40 TOPS. Samsung's GAIA has not been officially confirmed, and details regarding TOPS, power consumption, and pricing are unclear. The 40 TOPS benchmark by Microsoft for integrated NPUs raises questions about how GAIA would be evaluated alongside Intel or AMD CPUs.

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Samsung’s new GAIA PC chip challenges Microsoft’s Copilot+ program — and why I can only see that as a positive for the AI PC industry

NVIDIA announced the RTX Spark at Computex 2026, prompting Samsung to develop custom silicon for AI-driven PCs, marking its return to the PC silicon market since the Exynos 5 Dual in 2012. The new silicon, named GAIA, is being created by Samsung's System LSI unit as a companion Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to enhance performance by offloading AI tasks. GAIA is expected to utilize a 4nm process and may explore processing-in-memory (PIM) capabilities with specialized DRAM. Samples of GAIA have been sent to Lenovo China and HP USA for evaluation. Many details about GAIA, including performance metrics and pricing, remain undisclosed. Microsoft has not commented on GAIA's implications for its Copilot+ program, which has a minimum threshold of 40 TOPS for integrated NPUs.

Tech Optimizer

July 15, 2026

Can Chromebooks Get Viruses? How to Protect Your Device

Chromebooks are designed with robust security features, including sandboxing, Verified Boot, automatic updates, data encryption, and Recovery Mode, which collectively reduce the risk of malware infections. However, they are still vulnerable to threats such as malicious Chrome extensions, scam Android apps from third-party stores, phishing attacks, and risks associated with using Developer Mode and cloud storage. Users can identify potential malware through signs like slow performance, unexpected pop-ups, and unusual battery drain. To remove malware, users should eliminate suspicious extensions, uninstall dubious apps, run antivirus scans, enable Google Play Protect, or perform a Powerwash to reset the device. To protect their Chromebooks, users should avoid Developer Mode, check app permissions, use two-factor authentication, verify website URLs, and use a VPN on public Wi-Fi.

Winsage

June 17, 2026

Google’s £3 upgrade for Windows is finally back in stock

Google, in collaboration with Back Market, is offering a USB memory stick that allows users to install the free ChromeOS Flex operating system on their existing PCs and Macs. This initiative aims to provide a cost-effective alternative for Windows 10 users, especially after Microsoft ceased support for the operating system in October 2022. The USB kits, designed for easy installation, have sold out quickly since their launch. ChromeOS Flex offers essential security updates and is designed to run on hardware originally intended for Windows and macOS, although it does not support Android apps or Windows virtual machines. The initiative also emphasizes environmental benefits by extending the life of existing devices and reducing e-waste.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Google VP John Maletis confirms Googlebooks will run Android apps far better than Chromebooks

Chrome Unboxed offers a membership called Chrome Unboxed Plus, which provides an ad-free experience, access to a private Discord, and additional perks. Google is developing the Googlebook category directly on the Android tech stack, allowing apps to run natively without an emulation layer, significantly improving performance. This change enables applications to utilize hardware capabilities fully, resulting in a smoother user experience. The unified foundation of Googlebooks encourages developers to optimize their apps for various devices, facilitating a "Build Once, Deploy Anywhere" approach. This shift has led to increased enthusiasm among developers, with many creating integrations specifically for Googlebooks. The success of Googlebooks will depend on effective software execution, as it aims to provide high-speed performance without the limitations of traditional operating systems.

Winsage

June 7, 2026

Windows just had an amazing week: Between silicon, devices, and OS improvements, I am excited to be a Windows user again

The Windows platform has seen a resurgence, particularly during Microsoft Build and Computex 2026, with a focus on enhancing the Windows experience. NVIDIA introduced the RTX Spark superchip, advancing Windows on Arm technology and competing with Apple's offerings. Intel's Wildcat Lake chips promise better performance and battery efficiency for laptops. Recent tests of the Dell XPS 13 and Acer Swift Air 14 showed high quality, with the Dell XPS 13 being a strong competitor to the MacBook Air. Microsoft is improving Windows 11 for devices with 8GB of RAM and launching features like Low Latency Profile. The Surface Laptop Ultra and Surface Dev Box, powered by RTX Spark, aim to support developers and position Windows as a leading platform for software and AI development. Microsoft is shifting its strategy to compete directly with Apple in the professional space, with the Surface Laptop Ultra appealing to users of the MacBook Pro. The Windows K2 initiative addresses concerns about the platform, aiming to improve its reputation. Windows now has viable alternatives to Apple's MacBook lineup, with upcoming RTX Spark laptops offering competitive pricing and quality. Qualcomm's Snapdragon C SoC targets the low-end market, competing with Chromebooks. The growing number of compelling Windows laptops makes it harder for reviewers to recommend MacBooks as the default choice for consumers, indicating a significant market shift.