Facebook Live now lets you hide comments, stream for longer
If you’ve been waiting for Facebook Live to offer bigger, longer broadcasts, this is your week. The social network just announced updates for its broadccasting platform that will allow longer, full screen videos with less distractions. Soon, the company says that all users will be able to broadcast for as long as four hours per session, more than doubling the length they could stream without sacrificing VOD archives.
Facebook is also enabling a “video-only” mode that hides viewer comments and reactions. Swiping right will clear the screen for a distraction-free broadcast, temporarily removing viewer interaction from the equation. Finally, the update will enable broadcasters to go live in full screen — but this feature varies by OS: iOS will be able to broadcast in ful lscreen from both portrait and landscape mode, but Android users will have to wait for an update for the latter orientation.
These features will be rolling out to select users soon, and general users over the coming weeks.
Gorilla Glass 5 will save your phone from even bigger falls
It’s been about two years since version four of Corning’s ubiquitous protective glass rolled out, and Gorilla Glass now protects some 4.5 billion devices across the planet. So, you can probably thank Corning if your phone has ever survived a tumble onto the sidewalk. This fall, Corning will start protecting new devices with its toughest version of Gorilla Glass yet. According to the company’s own lab tests, a Gorilla Glass 5 smartphone screen will survive a 1.6-meter drop (about 5 feet, 4 inches) on its face around 80 percent of the time.
“We recently did a survey, and it’s fairly obvious that everyone drops their phone. We find that the average height is over a meter high,” Corning’s Senior VP Jim Steiner explained to TechCrunch. “Based on our internal data on drop events, our data shows that Gorilla Glass 5 outperforms 4 by 1.8-times.”
On the other hand, the latest version is about on-par with version four in terms of scratch resistance. (Which the company tests by putting the phone in a purse, and then tossing the purse in a tumbler barrel.) The new glass is already commercially available and the company expects it to start showing up on retail devices later this quarter.
Finally, for the masochists out there, Corning has put together a cringe-inducing sizzle reel of scratches and drop tests. Be warned, the video is not safe for klutzes:
Plex streams your music collection to Sonos speakers
If you’re using Plex to store your music and video files, there’s a new option for listening to those tracks around the house. The company announced today that access to your audio collection is now available inside the Sonos app. This means that you’ll be able to browse and control playback of any stored music on Sonos’ line of speakers. Plex says users can also expect access to their libraries away from home as well thanks to the Sonos mobile software. You know, in case your pals have one of the company’s audio setups, too.
Just like a streaming service, Plex will show up inside the Sonos app once you link your account. The tie-in is in beta right now, so you’ll need to look for it in the Sonos Labs section of the application. Speaking of which, joining the public beta is a requirement to opt in, as is enabling remote access to your Plex server files inside the storage option’s web app. For a step-by-step on how to get it up and running, a how-to is provided right here.
Source: Plex
Firefox will leave Flash off by default in 2017
Add Mozilla to the ranks of web browser developers giving Flash the boot. While it previously blocked Flash over security issues, it’s phasing out regular use of Adobe’s often-criticized plugin, starting with one of its next major releases. As of August, Firefox will block some Flash content that’s “not essential to the user experience.” And in 2017, it’ll leave Flash off by default — much like what other companies are doing, you’ll have to click to activate any Flash-only material.
You’ve heard the reasons before. Mozilla explains that shutting off Flash will not only offer “enhanced security,” but improve the overall experience by getting rid of a crash-prone performance and battery hog. Web standards like HTML5 now handle media playback, 3D graphics and video chats — there’s just not much reason to rely on Flash these days.
While Mozilla says it works “closely” with Adobe to optimize for Flash when it’s running, there’s no denying that the plugin is out of favor. With Apple, Google and Microsoft also switching off Flash (Opera wasn’t big on it to start with), there will be very little incentive to keep Flash on by default. Who’s going to use it for not-so-vital tasks when the rest of the big browsers won’t handle it either? In many ways, this is one of the last nails in the coffin for Flash as a regular sight on the internet.
Via: VentureBeat
Source: Mozilla Future Releases
Apple Facing Class Action Lawsuit for Offering Refurbished Replacement Devices Under AppleCare+
Apple is facing a new class action lawsuit, levied today by customers in California who are unhappy that their iPhones and iPads were replaced with refurbished devices under Apple’s AppleCare or AppleCare+ warranty plan.
Filed by Vicky Maldonado and Joanne McRight, the lawsuit, first shared by Cult of Mac, accuses Apple of failing to provide replacement devices that are “equivalent to new in performance and reliability” as stated in the company’s terms and conditions.
Both plaintiffs purchased replacement devices under AppleCare protection plans and were given refurbished devices rather than new devices, which they claim is a violation of the aforementioned line in the AppleCare Terms and Conditions.
The Apple Plans purport to provide consumers with Devices that are “equivalent to new in performance and reliability.” What that phrase means is ‘new’ as refurbished devices can never be the equivalent to new in performance and reliability. Plaintiffs allege that it means refurbished. Refurbished is synonymous with the term “reconditioned,” that is, a secondhand unit that has been modified to appear to be new for all purposes relevant to this litigation.
“New” means a Device that has never been utilized or previously sold and consists of all new parts. The word “refurbished” appears only once in the AppleCare+ terms and conditions even though the printed booklet is 33 pages long.
The plaintiffs claim they were deprived of the “use and value” of their original devices when Apple replaced them with refurbished devices, suffering an economic loss in the amount of the cost of the AppleCare plans, the loss of value of their original non-refurbished devices, and the purchase cost and replacement cost paid to Apple.
Apple is being accused of breach of contract, breach of warranty, concealing information from the public, deceptive marketing, violating labeling requirements, and unfair competitive practices. The lawsuit covers all customers who purchased an AppleCare or AppleCare+ plan for an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch after July 11, 2011.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages, attorneys fees, an order that would prevent Apple from replacing damaged or defective iOS devices with refurbished devices in the future, updated AppleCare+ terms and conditions, and an option to get a refund for a broken device instead of a repair.
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Sony XBRZ9D series Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET
Sony’s 100-inch Z series TV unveiled by company execs.
Lexy Savvides/CNET
For people who can afford it, Sony’s latest high-end TVs could actually outperform the current kings of picture quality, LG’s OLEDs. If nothing else, they’re certainly brighter.
Unveiled at an event in Los Angeles today, the Sony Z series is available for preorder from Sony now and will ship by the end of summer. The price of entry for the 65-inch size is $7,000US, and it will also be available in the UK and Europe, where it’s called the Bravia ZD9 and costs 5,000 EUR (about £4177). Australian pricing and availability was not announced. The Z series also includes a 75 inch size ($10,000US, about £6682) and a crazy 100-inch model (pricing not available).
By comparison, LG’s 65-inch E6 OLED TV costs $6,000, and Samsung’s best 65-inch set, the 65KS9800, is $4500. I wouldn’t be surprised if the new Sonys performed better than the Samsung, but to justify their prices, the Sonys need to deliver a better picture than OLED.
Given Sony’s excellent track record with picture quality, and the mouthwatering Z series specifications company reps shared with me, that might actually be possible.
Sony’s Z Series TVs go big and bright
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LED backlight dimming goes even more local
So how could an LED backlit LCD TV like the Z series hope to beat an OLED-based TV? Its dimming is more local.
The best current LCD TVs use a technology called local dimming, where the groups of LEDs that comprise the TV’s backlight can be brightened, dimmed or turned off independently of one another. Generally the more of these dimming zones a TV has, the better its image quality.
The Z series takes local dimming to its logical conclusion: every LED in its backlight can be dimmed individually, discrete from its neighbors. Doing so should further reduce the amount of blooming, or stray illumination, that plagues local dimming TVs that rely on groups.
Sony’s rep declined to specify how many LEDs the Z series uses, beyond telling me that it’s “a lot more than is normally utilized, so blooming on axis is minimal.” The press release also talks up a “calibrated beam LED design” that focuses the light emitted by the LEDs more narrowly, to further combat blooming.
OLED is immune to blooming because every one of its 8 million-odd pixels (in its 4K screen) is basically its own zone that can be brightened or dimmed individually. The Z series certainly has much fewer LEDs than that–LEDs are not pixels, they’re basically the light bulbs that illuminate the pixels–so it will likely still suffer some blooming compared to OLED. To see exactly how much, we’ll have to wait to review one.
A prototype TV demonstrates Sony’s Backlight Master Drive local dimming technology at CES 2016.
Sarah Tew/CNET
At CES in January during a closed-door demo, I did get the chance to see an 85-inch prototype that uses the same so-called Backlight Master Drive as Z series. I remember being impressed by the black levels and color of the demo, but mostly I remember how blindingly bright the picture felt. Indeed, Sony claimed the prototype could reach 4,000 nits, between three or four times as bright as the brightest current LED LCDs, while the best OLEDs are significantly dimmer.
Sony again didn’t specify how many nits the shipping Z series can achieve, beyond assuring me its brightness is “unprecedented.” Raw light output is an important component in making next-generation high dynamic range (HDR) content look impactful, but in my tests comparing OLEDs to LCD TVs with HDR, OLED’s superior contrast was more important than light output. On paper, the Z series’ combination of precise dimming (deep black levels) and high light output seems like a stiff challenge for OLED, at least from on-angle.
Sony also discusses the Z series’ improved processing, including noise reduction said to better differentiate between details and film grain, a system that makes standard dynamic range content look more like HDR with object-based remastering, and 14-bit mapping to combat banding with both high-def (8-bit) and 4K (10-bit) sources.
Sony’s rep assured me most processing options can be turned off, in case you don’t like the effects, and confirmed that like other Sony TVs, this one only handles HDR10, not Dolby Vision HDR content. I also asked what percentage of the DCI/P3 color gamut the Z series would cover, but the rep declined to specify. For reference, the superb Sony XBR-X930D I reviewed earlier measured 91 percent, a bit short of the Samsung SUHD set I measured.
Like the X930D and other recent Sony sets, the Z series uses the Android TV operating system, with 4K and HDR-compatible Netflix and Amazon apps. It also includes Sony’s exclusive Ultra app with Sony Pictures films in 4K and HDR available for purchase.
We look forward to seeing how the Z series actually performs against today’s best TVs in our full review.
Alienware 13 (OLED) review – CNET
The Good The OLED screen on this 13-inch gaming laptop looks amazing. Gaming performance is very good for a mainstream gaming laptop, and there’s even an (expensive) option for adding VR-ready desktop graphics.
The Bad The display is not as finely tuned as high-end OLED televisions, the graphics options don’t go past mainstream, and battery life while gaming is short.
The Bottom Line For something truly different and eye-catching, the OLED display on this “limited edition” Alienware 13 gives it great visual punch, but keep in mind this is not a top-end gaming rig.
There are thinner gaming laptops out there. There are more powerful gaming laptops out there. But, this updated version of the Alienware 13 has something almost no one else has, at least not yet.
The headline here is an OLED screen, which is the super-bright, super-clear display technology now found in only the highest-end big-screen televisions. Why is that important? As we said in our OLED TV explainer: “OLEDs work by putting electricity through certain materials that glow in specific colors. No other TV technology creates light directly like this…OLED TVs will be thinner, lighter, more efficient, and better-performing than any current television technology. Each pixel can be shut off, for an absolute black (no other tech can do this, save CRT), meaning an actual infinite contrast ratio, not just marketing hype.”
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And just like on big OLED TVs, the effect here is pretty stunning, as OLED gives you bright colors and deep, nearly invisible blacks. If I were buying a new TV today, there’s no way I wouldn’t make the extra investment in an OLED model. For a laptop, even a gaming one, the benefit is not as clear-cut, but it’s still a great extra feature to have.
While it would be great to have an OLED display as at least an option in a totally top-of-the-line gaming PC, it’s currently only available in a single version of the 13-inch Alienware 13 (with a handful of configuration options) the company labels a “limited edition.” The components inside, including a U-series low-voltage Intel Core i7 CPU and Nvidia’s GeForce 965M GPU, make this a mainstream gaming machine, so you’ll be playing newer games on medium, rather than ultra, settings on the 2,560×1,440 screen.
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Fortunately, even though an OLED television will set you back anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000, the OLED version of the Alienware 13 is reasonably priced, even with its high-end screen. Starting at $1,299 in the US, it’s a bit of a premium over other laptops with Intel GeForce 960-series GPUs (the 965M is a newer variant, and this is the first time we’re testing it), but it costs less than I initially expected.
The configuration we tested, with an Intel core i7-6500U processor, 256GB SSD, the OLED display and the Nvidia GeForce 965M, works out to $1,799. The OLED display version of the Alienware 13 isn’t currently available in the UK or Australia, but similar non-OLED configurations run £1,498 or AU$2,816.
Alienware 13 (OLED)
| $1,799 |
| 13-inch, 2560 x 1440 OLED touchscreen |
| 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-6500U |
| 12GB DDR3 SDRAM 1600MHz |
| Nvidia GeForce GTX 965M |
| 256GB SSD |
| 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-bit) |
OLED display aside, this looks and feels like the same Alienware 13 that’s been around for past couple of years. It’s thinner and lighter than gaming laptops of years past, but it’s also not on the bleeding edge of gaming laptop design. Razer, MSI and others do slimmer, more modern-looking gaming laptops.
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Like every other Alienware laptop in recent memory, a programmable backlit keyboard offers plenty of color customization and the closely spaced, tapered keys feel more like a traditional gaming desktop keyboard than the standard island-style keys found on most other laptops, gaming or otherwise.
Eyes on with OLED
The big deal here is that 2,560×1,440 OLED display. I took the system to our in-house television testing lab, manned by TV testing expert David Katzmaier, and we viewed a variety of video and game content on the screen. What we saw was performance that’s very visually appealing, but not as dead-on as a great OLED television.
‘Dots & Co.’ is a meditative puzzle game that should be on your phone
Mobile puzzle game Two Dots (from developer Dots) did a ton of things right when it was released in 2014. The game took a simple mechanic — matching two or more dots of the same color — and added a bunch of great power-ups, varying goals, constant content updates, new mechanics as you progress and a great visual style. It was a huge improvement over the original Dots and was one of the best examples of a free-to-play game that doesn’t nickel-and-dime you to death. It’s easy to play and succeed in the game without ever spending a dollar, if that’s what you want to do.
After releasing more than 700 Two Dots levels, the game’s developer is ready to unveil the next evolution in the series: Dots & Co. is out today for iOS and Android. If you’ve played earlier Dots games, the new one will feel pleasantly familiar: Your job is still to connect same-colored dots, and making a square will clear all of that color off the board. Each level has an objective to be accomplished in limited moves (clear a certain number of specific colored dots, or break all of the “ice” on the board, for example), and you’ll still get up to three stars based on how many points you get. The new game is not the radical change that we saw between the initial Dots and Two Dots. But Dots & Co. is still a fresh and refined experience that introduces a bunch of new gameplay features, and that is definitely a good thing.
The most noticeable change is the new “companions” that help you in each level. Fortunately, these helpers are very subtle. You’ll see them at the top of your screen as you play through a level — a big penguin or eskimo smiling down on you as you play through the level. Throughout the playing field are companion dots; clearing those helps fill up an energy bar at the top of the screen. When it’s full, your companion drops a special move in the screen to help you progress.
This changes the way you play the game in pretty significant ways. In Two Dots, my main focus was on making color-clearing squares to jump-start my progress if I was having a tough time with a level. Now, you can either try and make squares or link together companion dots to get a boost. I’ve only unlocked two companions in the time I’ve played thus far, but I’m looking forward to finding more to see their different abilities.
Probably the other biggest change is to the game’s economy. Instead of starting with five lives that slowly regenerate after you’ve lost them, you use “energy” to start a level. Your meter goes to 15, and each level drops your level by three points. Finishing a level regenerates energy — but you’ll only get all three energy points back if you “ace” the level and get three stars. So even if you keep successfully finishing levels, you’ll run out of energy unless you consistently get three stars, something that could be tough as the difficulty ramps up.
If you want, you can replenish your energy using tokens, but those tokens need to be bought using real-life money unfortunately. The game starts you with 25, and you can use them to replenish your energy fully, give your companion a power-up at the beginning of a level or get some extra moves if you fail to complete a level. Two Dots similarly charged real money for power-ups, but the game also introduced ways to get freebies from time to time; I’m hoping that Dots & Co. does the same at some point. But the company did confirm that, at least for now, you’ll need cash to buy those tokens.
Fortunately, the new companions and their ever-present special moves help keep the game feeling balanced and fair. I haven’t played for long, but the levels haven’t gotten unfair or cruel thus far — if anything, I’m hungering for a bit more of a challenge. Based on Two Dots, I’m sure the game will get much harder as the levels pass. But the Dots team has lots of experience designing fair and fun free-to-play experiences, and that appears to be the case with Dots & Co. as well.
Crucially, Dots & Co. retails the excellent, unique atmosphere and mood of the previous game. It’s one of the least stressful puzzle games out there, with gorgeous graphics and an extremely chill soundtrack. It looks unique and feels like it’s been put together with more care and love than just about any other mobile game out there. Given the entry price (free, if you haven’t been paying attention), it’s absolutely worth a download. And given the many updates Two Dots received (and will continue to receive), you should get plenty of play time out of its sequel. Dots & Co. is out today for iOS and Android — you can download it now from the App Store or Google Play.
Source: iTunes Store, Google Play
How to use a Microsoft account in Windows 10 – CNET
There are advantages to using a Microsoft account in Windows.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/CNET
Starting with Windows 8 and continuing with Windows 10, Microsoft has offered you the ability to set up either a local account or a Microsoft account. There are some pros and cons to each. And Windows 10 is less dependent on a Microsoft account than was Windows 8.
But a Microsoft account is the way to go if you want a single login for all of your Windows 10 devices and wish to keep your visual themes and colors, browser settings, certain passwords and other key settings in-sync across each device.
Following the misfortune of the much-scorned Windows 8, Microsoft has been striving to coax people to jump to Windows 10, which is currently free for users of Windows 7 or 8.1. That freebie, though, is scheduled to end on July 29, after which people will have to pay to upgrade. And at that point, they’ll have even less incentive to do so if it means shelling out $119 for the regular edition of Windows 10 and $199 for the Pro flavor.
Sign in with or set up a Microsoft accountYour first chance to set up a Microsoft account occurs during the Windows 10 setup. At some point in that process, Microsoft displays a “Make it yours” page asking if you want to log in with a Microsoft account. If you already have one, no problem, just enter your username and password and click the Sign-in button. What if you don’t have a Microsoft account? Here’s what you have to do.
- Next to the words No account?, click on the link to Create one.
- A “Let’s create your account” page pops up prompting you to enter your name, an existing email account, a password, your country and date of birth. You can use an existing email account or click on the link to create a new one. Click Next.
- Enter your current Windows password and then click Next.
- At the next screen, you’re given the option to create a PIN, which can be easier to remember than a password. Choose the option to Set a PIN if you wish. In that case, you’ll be asked to enter a PIN and then confirm it. Click OK. If you prefer not to use a PIN, simply click the link to Skip this step. Your Microsoft account is now in charge.
- If you don’t have a Microsoft account, click on the link to Create one at the “Let’s create your account” page and follow the screens to set one up.
Change a local account to a Microsoft accountWhat if you’ve already set up Windows 10 with a local account? No problem. You can change it to a Microsoft account by following virtually the same steps as above.
- Click on the Start button in Windows 10 and then click on the Settings command. From the Settings screen, click on the setting for Accounts.
- In the “Your account” pane, Microsoft offers you the option to Sign in with a Microsoft account instead. Click on the link to that option.
- The “Sign in with Microsoft” page pops up asking for your Microsoft account. If you already have one, just enter the username and password and click the Sign-in button. Enter your current Windows password and then click Next.
- At the next screen, you’re given the option to create a PIN. Choose that option if you wish. You’ll be asked to enter a PIN and then confirm it. Click OK. If you prefer not to use a PIN, simply click the link to Skip this step. Your Microsoft account is now active.
- If you don’t have a Microsoft account, click on the link to Create one at the “Sign in with Microsoft” page.
- The “Let’s create your account” page pops up prompting you to enter your name, an existing email account, a password, your country, and date of birth. You can use an existing email account or click on the link to create a new one. Click Next.
- At the next screen to Add security info, enter your mobile phone number. Click Next. Turn off the check boxes in the next screen and then click Enter.
- At the screen that asks for your current password, enter your existing Windows password. Go through the next few screens until your Windows account is set up and ready for action.
Best browser themes for Chromebooks
What are the best themes for Chromebooks?
Since your Chromebook uses the Chrome browser, you can customize the look and feel of it to suit your mood and interests. The Chrome Web Store is packed with myriad themes, so we went in a pulled out a few of the best, just in case you didn’t feel like slogging through.
These themes won’t change your Chromebook’s background or layout, but they’ll definitely make your Chrome browsing experience more enjoyable or more functional, depending on your preference.
Remember: You don’t have to use the same theme on all of your devices that have Chrome! You can have a different theme to suit every experience and every purpose.
- Space themes
- Minimalist themes
- Nature themes
- Comic book themes
- Pokémon themes
Space themes
Sometimes you just need to space out and enjoy the heavens while you’re cruising your Chromebook.
Universe: Alison Goldsmith
This is a beautiful theme that extends beyond the home screen up onto the address bar. If you enjoy a serene spacescape, this is the theme for you.
Resolution: 1920×1080
Download: Universe (free)
Space Planet: Thee Pupil
This is a very serene theme to get you in a mellow mode whilst using your Chromebook. Take a trip by Saturn (or what looks like Saturn, anyway) and enjoy the calmness of the cosmos.
Resolution: 1920×1080
Download: Space Planet (free)
A Crack in Time and Space: Greg Cordover
Get a little wibbly wobbly with A Crack in Time and Space by Greg Cordover. This is a Dr. Who-inspired theme for your Chromebook that’s vague enough to be enjoyed by all, but specific enough to please the Whovian within.
Resolution: 1920×1080
Download: A Crack in Time and Space (free)
Earth: Thee Pupil
Earth’s a beautiful place when you stop and look around. Now you can stop and look around from space with Three Pupil’s Earth theme for your Chromebook. Your tabs flip between green and blue, making this a theme that extends beyond your home screen, taking a piece of Earth with you to every web page you visit!
Resolution: 1920×1080
Download: Earth (free)
Minimalist themes
Some themes can be altogether distracting. If you want to personalize your Chromebook but want to keep things simple and refined, a minimalist theme is the way to go.
Slinky Elegant- slinky.me
Slinky Elegant is the little black dress of Chrome themes. It’s simple, jet black, and entirely unobtrusive.
Download: Slinkey Elegant (free)
Black carbon + silver metal: bitofcode.net
Black carbon + silver metal is about as simple as it gets for Chrome themes, given that it only affects the address bar and tabs. It’s highly effective, though, if you’re looking to jump between tabs and apps quickly, since each tab stands out nicely from the background.
Download: Black carbon + silver metal (free)
Dark Vibe: Bjarki Jónasson
This gorgeous theme is a dark gradient that goes from black to a deep, deep blue. If you’re trying to focus on the task at hand and want nothing in your background to stand out, then Bjarki Jónasson’s Dark Vibe theme is the perfect solution.
Download: Dark Vibe (free)
Classic blue theme: bitofcode.net
If you want an unobtrusive theme but would perhaps like something a bit more cheerful than black, the Classic blue theme will suit your needs nicely. This theme only affects your address bar and tabs with a lovely two-tone blue that hearkens back to Windows XP.
Download: Classic blue theme (free)
Nature themes
Just because you’re inside enjoying your Chromebook doesn’t mean you can’t indirectly enjoy nature.
Beautiful Landscape: http://www.chromeposter.com
This is an awesome full theme that affects all aspect of Chrome, which is great for those who want their theme to affect every aspect of their Chromebook experience. Two-tone tabs let you know which tab you’re presently on by turning it a lovely grassy green. If you’d like your Chromebook to be a functional Bob Ross painting, then Beautiful Landscape is where it’s at.
Resolution: 1920×1080
Download: Beautiful Landscape (free)
The Simple Life: Jallacy
Do you dream of the simple life and want be reminded of that dream every time you open a new tab or look at your background? The Simple Life theme by Jallacy features a lovely little cabin nestled in the mountains, presumably on a farm where happy little crops grow.
Resolution: 1920×1080
Download: The Simple Life (free)
Indescribable: atavi.com
If you’re tired of the rat race and dream of a vacation destination with crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, then download the Indescribable theme. It’ll soothe your workaday woes and perhaps provide a bit of inspiration as you slog through work in search of the weekend. (Inb4 “Why’d you describe Indescribable?”)
Resolution: 1920×1080
Download: Indescribable (free)
Palau HD: t22sai
Now and then we all need some jellyfish. Whether they’re for racing through like Marlin and Dory, or for making peanut butter and jellyfish jelly sandwiches, they’re just lovely to look at. Palau HD is another escapist theme for your Chromebook that’ll allow you to take a breath now and then and take you out of your immediate surroundings and toss you in the ocean.
Resolution: 1920×1080
Download: Palau HD (free)
Comic book themes:
Who doesn’t love a great comic book theme?
Deadpool [FVD]: coolchromethemes.com
Time to make the chimi-f**in’-changas and grab this sweet Deadpool theme for your Chromebook. If your common sense is tingling at all, then you’ll download it. No you won’t. Yes you will. No you won’t. OK, of course you will. Get the Merc with a Mouth on your Chromebook now!
Resolution: 1920×1080
Download: Deadpool [FVD] (free)
Iron Man-Material Design-: JamesB
If you like a blend of comic book and minimalist themes, this Iron Man theme is your bag, baby. The colors are muted and mellow and Iron Man floats in the center, a sentry guarding your Chromebook.
Resolution: 1920×1080
Download: Iron Man-Material Design- (free)
Flash [FVD]: coolchromethemes.com
Fan of the CW’s Flash? Why not wear your fandom loudly and proudly on your Chromebook? Central City’s Scarlet Speedster makes for a great Chromebook theme with the muted red of his suit being just as easy on the eyes as Grant Gustin.
Download: Flash [FVD] (free)
Batman: SpliffMobile.com
If you’re a fan of the Arkham games and Batman in general, this theme is right up your Crime Alley. It features an image of the Dark Knight from Arkham City, along with the Bat Symbol front and center, just in case you didn’t know this was a Batman theme.
Resolution: 1920×1080
Download: Batman (free)
Pokémon themes
Pokémon is where it’s at right now, so why wouldn’t you be playing Pokémon in the streets and then come home to Pokémon on your Chromebook? POKÉMON!!!
Ghost Pokémon: Suchy
Everyone’s favorite creepy, purple family, Gastly, Haunter, and Gengar take their place on your Chromebook and then take their place in your dreams (where they eat them). I’m not sure of this theme’s resolution, but I’m working on a 5k Mac and it’s the first one to stretch to fit my browser, which is almost full screen. This is an excellent theme for any Pokémon fan.
Download: Ghost Pokémon (free)
Wobbuffet: lincolnstoel
WOOOOOOOBBUFFET! Come on. The perennial Team Rocket jokester, let Wobbuffet onto your Chromebook and into your heart. This theme will stretch to fit any screen and the Wobbuffet-blue background is gorgeous and easy on the eyes. You can see the jagged edges where the Wobbuffet and Poké Ball tab images were cut out a little bit, but it’s easy to get past.
Download: Wobbuffet (free)
Pokemon: Legendary pokemons theme: zigrass
How great would it be if someone rendered the Legendary Bird Pokémon as realistic Chinese art-style animals? Boom! Legendary pokemons theme by zigrass! Yes, the title is a bit off, but the imagery is allll legendary.
Download: Legendary pokemons theme (99 cents)
Pokemon Red: RatchetV
Do you dream of riding a Charizard into the fiery crucible of battle? Well, you can’t, but your Chromebook can with the Pokemon Red theme by Ratchet V. Allow gorgeously rendered fan art to grace your Chromebook in muted colors that are gorgeous when viewing the full image but unobtrusive when you’re not.
Download: Pokemon Red (free)
What’s your theme?
Everybody’s gotta have a theme. What theme are you using on your Chromebook? Sound off in the comments below!
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