Google CEO Sundar Pichai dishes out new promotions, Hiroshi Lockheimer now SVP of Android
Former Google CEO Larry Page and Sergey Brin left the search giant to form parent holding company Alphabet, leaving Sundar Pichai as the new CEO at Google. And now, Pichai has just made his first big move at Google, promoting Hiroshi Lockheimer from VP of Android to SVP of Android, Chrome OS, and Chromecast.
Pichai had some other promotions to give out, making Neal Mohan the SVP of display and video advertising, where he was formerly just a VP. Phillip Schindler was also given a new promotion, and will now be the new SVP of Global Sales and Operations for Google.
You may have heard about Hiroshi Lockheimer from various presentations. He’s actually been at Google since 2006, and recently had a big part to play in the launch of the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, which was his biggest appearance as of late.
Either way, there’s been quite a reorganization at Google, as Pichai also handed out a bunch of promotions for its new VPs as well. These promotions were announced via a company-wide email on Friday.
source: Re/Code
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The Google Pixel C is a 10.2-inch tablet that runs Android Marshmallow, not Chrome OS
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The Chromebook Pixel is coming back, except this time with less Chromebook. According to a new report, there will be a new Pixel device called the Google Pixel C, except that it won’t be running Chrome OS – it will be running Android Marshmallow whenever it is released. And unlike the original Pixel, which was a Chromebook only, the Pixel C is going to be a tablet first, with detachable keyboard options that will give it an overall appearance (and build quality) not dissimilar to the Chromebook Pixel.
The report goes on to detail the specs of the device – you’ll be expecting a Tegra X1 processor, 3GB RAM, and a 10.2-inch display with a pixel count of 308ppi – naturally, it will still have a USB Type-C port like the original Pixel. The keyboard options mentioned earlier will be available in leather and aluminium. Although the Pixel C is technically a tablet, it won’t bear the Nexus label, simply because this is being made by Google and not in collaboration with any other manufacturer. This is all very exciting, and whether or not this move has any implicit meaning for the future of Chrome OS, we’re excited to see a new chapter for the Pixel line running Android instead.
What do you think about the Google Pixel C? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Android Police
The post The Google Pixel C is a 10.2-inch tablet that runs Android Marshmallow, not Chrome OS appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
New Dell Chromebook 13: a gorgeous laptop that won’t cost a fortune
Those currently looking for a Chromebook may have a bit of trouble finding the right one. There is really only one premium Chromebook right now, and it costs a fortune (yes, it’s the Pixel). Almost every other laptop running Google’s svelte OS is affordable, which is great, but most come with significant sacrifices. Where are the Chromebooks that offer both quality and value?
Enter the new Dell Chromebook 13, a laptop with a reasonable price point, powerful specs, great performance and a design worthy of envy. This little business-focused laptop seems to have it all (if you are fond of Google’s operating system).
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Packed inside the Dell Chromebook 13 you will find a 13.3-inch Full HD 1080p IPS touchscreen display, a 5th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, a back-lit keyboard, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage. It also manages to take you through a whole work day with its impressive 12-hour battery life. Furthermore, it touts premium materials like glass (trackpad), magnesium alloy and carbon fiber.
Google goes on to mention the possibilities Chrome OS brings to enterprise and education organizations. Because these laptops run on the cloud and are amazingly light, they also offer simplified installation and easy management. Chromebooks are secure, fast and convenient.
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Without a doubt, this is set to be the best Chromebook after the Pixel series, and it will come at a much more affordable price point. The Dell Chromebook 13 is to launch this September 17th at $399. Are you getting one?
Asus launches the Chromebook Flip C100, featuring a 1.8GHz processor and 4GB of RAM
Asus has launched a new hybrid machine, the Chromebook Flip C100. It features a 10-inch IPS display, and can comfortably be flipped around to transform it into a tablet. The device runs Chrome OS, however, it can run Android applications as well.
The Chromebook Flip C100 comes in at at just under 2lbs and is 0.6-inches thick. It features a Rockchip 3288-C quad-core 1.8GHz CPU, 2GB or 4GB of RAM configurations, 16GB of internal storage, 2 USB 2.0 ports, a micro HDMI port, and a integrated SD card reader.
Users will also find the device lasting up to 9 hours on battery. Additionally, you’ll get 100GB of Google Drive storage for two years upon the date you redeem the offer.
It costs $249 or $399, depending on your RAM configuration, and is available through Asus’ own online store, Newegg, or Amazon.
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Tegra X1 Chromebook might be happening, codenamed “Smaug”
If you’ve kept up with Chromebooks over the past few years, you’ve probably noticed how different manufacturers have been testing out different processors for their ultra-portable laptops. Most Chromebooks tend to use Intel’s low-power chips, but we’ve seen some experimentation from other companies, such as Samsung using their own ARM Exynos processors and Asus using Nvidia’s Tegra K1 chips. However, ARM processor usage has been pretty limited up to this point, mostly because ARM processors just haven’t completely matched up to Intel’s offerings in the performance category.
The Asus Chromebook that used the K1 processor fared better than any other ARM-based Chromebook, offering fantastic battery life with very little compromise in terms of performance. It looks like we might see Nvidia’s chips make their way into more Chromebooks in the future, too, if some new software commits from Google are any indicator.
Google’s Chromium team engineers have added support for Nvidia’s high-powered Tegra X1 processor into Coreboot, which is what Google uses instead of the BIOS firmware you’ll typically find on Windows laptops. That hints pretty heavily that someone is working on a Chromebook with an X1 processor, which is even more likely since another commit was added for an X1-board for Chrome OS. This board was codenamed Smaug, and it would mark the first ever 64-bit ARM Chromebook. It’s also a pretty good indicator that someone at Google is a Tolkien fan.
Nvidia’s Tegra X1 is currently used in their Shield devices, and it offers some pretty fantastic performance, especially since it’s using Nvidia’s highly efficient and powerful Maxwell architecture, which is the same architecture that you’ll find in their laptop and desktop graphics cards. Hopefully this translates into a beefy Chromebook with fantastic battery life.
source: Tom’s Hardware
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Google uses a robot to check for lag on Android and Chrome OS devices
Testing for input lag on a smart device seems like something only a human would be able to do, but Google apparently uses a giant robot to handle the task. Is there anything we can’t develop a giant robot to do?
The machine is called TouchBot and it tests Android and Chrome OS devices by tapping the screen in different places, then recording what’s going on. It’s a pretty cool automated concept, and apparently works well for Google. Hit the video below to see it in action.
source: François Beaufort (Google+)
Click here to view the embedded video.
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Chrome TouchBot: Google’s badass automated way to test touchscreen lag
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As an engineer, my version of pornography is a well-oiled automation system that performs its tasks with precision and efficiency. This put me in a very compromising position when I first read about Google’s Chrome TouchBot today, an automation system created by automation specialists OptoFidelity, that Google is using to quantify and improve their touchscreen accuracy and response times (or screen latency, as many will know it) on Android and Chrome OS devices. If you think your touchscreen gets pretty much instant input from your finger when you touch your screen, think again – check out this video of the system in action, testing several Nexus devices:
As you can see from the slow-mo parts of the video, the response of the display relative to the simulated finger is actually slow, noticeable so at this frame rate. Obviously we don’t notice much in real-time, but it does show that if improvements are made (and Chrome TouchBot makes it entirely possible), then we’ll be getting that much closer to instant input and response on our smart devices – you can even try out the TouchBot code yourself as Google has made it available on Chromium. Exciting times we live it.
What do you think about Google’s Chrome TouchBot automation system? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Acer Chromebase all-in-one offers solid specs, low price and touch options
Acer continues pushing forward in the Chrome OS market, with their latest addition truly being a first of a kind. The computer manufacturer announced the Acer Chromebase all-in-one (otherwise known as the DC221HQ) in April, but we were left with many doubts then. Today we are getting all the details, including pricing and availability, which is what we really wanted to know.
It is actually one hell of a Chrome OS computer, so let’s dive right into the details and show you what this gadget is all about.
Acer Chromebase all-in-one specs
- Chrome OS
- 21.5-inch 1080p display
- NVIDIA Tegra K1 quad-core processor
- 4 GB of RAM
- 16 GB of internal storage
- 2 x 3W audio speakers
- HDMI out, USB 3.0, USB 2.0.
- WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0
It may not have an Intel Core i5 on board, but the NVIDIA Tegra K1 and Kepler graphics should handle Chrome OS pretty well. It is a super light-weight and fast platform, after all. The real kicker here is something that wasn’t mentioned in the specs above. This PC can be had with an optional touchscreen!
We are still wondering if this is a form factor people really want, though. Is there really a demand for Chrome OS desktop computers, especially considering one could just dock any Chromebook to a monitor to get the larger screen experience. This is why Chromeboxes and Chromebases haven’t exactly grown at the same rate as Chromebooks.
Will the addition of a touchscreen change this computer’s fate? We can’t say for sure yet, but we did mention price would be a huge factor in this complex equation. To be honest, Acer did strike some rather awesome price points here.
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The non-touch version will go for just $329.99, while the multi-touch iteration will cost $100 more at $429.99. Sadly, you can only get the non-touch version this month (June). You will have to wait until July if you want to really get your fingers all over this all-in-one’s screen.
Really – how many of these will sell? I could see them being great for education, libraries and the occasional casual user, but that’s about it. What we can tell you is that it’s definitely the best of its kind right now, so those looking for a solid Chromebase really should look no further.
Who is buying?!
Acer’s new Chromebase comes with a 21.5-inch Full HD display
The new Acer Chromebase DC221HQ series could be the device that makes all-in-one desktops with Chrome OS popular. It has a large, sharp display and a processor that keeps the operating system moving along. The Acer Chromebase’s display measures 21.5 inches and has Full HD (1920×1080) resolution. Perhaps more valuable than image quality for the Acer Chromebase is the device’s versatility from the adjustable stand, which tilts from 15 to 75 degrees, and ability to mount it to a wall. The latter setup becomes useful when paired with the touch-ready model that costs $429 compared to the base model’s $329. Along with 4GB of RAM, NVIDIA’s Tegra K1 processor will likely perform well given its history with other Chrome OS devices.
Acer will begin selling its new Chromebase this month in white and black color options.
Hit the break for images and the full press release.
Industry’s First Chromebase All-in-One Desktop With a Touch Display is Now Available for Customers in the United States
Acer Chromebase all-in-one desktops – simple, secure, space-saving
Editor’s Summary:
- Acer Chromebase DC221HQ all-in-one (AIO) desktops feature two options; one with 10-point touch technology
- NVIDIA Tegra K1 quad-core processor provides ample power for multi-tasking, even when running heavy workloads
- The 21.5-inch 1080p Full HD display delivers beautiful image quality and wide viewing angles up to 178 degrees
- Tiltable stand is adjustable from 15 to 75 degrees and an optional VESA-compatible stand, bracket, arm- or wall-mount makes these systems suitable for use in public areas
- Fast booting OS, automatic system updates and multiple layers of security support a simple, low maintenance computing experience
SAN JOSE, Calif. (June 22, 2015) – Acer America has announced the expansion of its Chrome OS line in the United States to include the Acer Chromebase DC221HQ series. Featuring two models, one with touch and another without, both Acer Chromebase configurations are ideal for customers wanting simplicity, security and speed in an affordable and space-saving form factor.
These all-in-one desktops with a 21.5-inch display round out Acer’s Chrome OS offering, which already includes Chromebooks and Chromebox compact desktops. Furthering Acer’s leadership in
the Chrome OS market, the touch-enabled model is the industry’s first all-in-one Chrome OS desktop with a touch display.(1) Acer launched the first 15.6-inch display Chromebook earlier this year and also offers the fastest-performing commercial Chromebook.(2) According to Gartner, Acer is the world’s leading Chromebook brand with more than 36% market share in 2014.(3)
Space Saving
The Acer Chromebase was designed for space-constrained areas such as call centers, financial bullpens, libraries, reception areas, kiosks and homes that need to leverage the ease and security of the Chrome OS ecosystem and want the benefits of the extra viewing area provided by the 21.5-inch display. This form factor provides multiple viewing options when mounted to a VESA-compatible stand, bracket, arm or wall mount suitable for search and navigation use in public areas.
“The Acer Chromebase is ideal for customers wanting to leverage the speed and simplicity of the Chrome OS,” said Simon Chen, Acer America senior business manager. “We’re confident customers will also appreciate the automatic updates and layers of security that make this platform easy to use and hassle-free and at an affordable price.”
Speedy
The Acer Chromebase is available with a 10-point multi-touch screen for $429.99 or a non-touch screen for $329.99. Outfitted with an NVIDIA® Tegra® K1 quad-core processor and a 16GB(4) Solid State Drive, both Acer Chromebase configurations are fast, booting up in about 10 seconds and resuming nearly instantly from sleep mode. The models also come with a complimentary 100 gigabytes of Google Drive storage for two years, so users have plenty of space for storing documents, music, movies and photos.
The Chrome OS supports multiple users and accounts, so multiple users can maintain privacy while sharing the same account. In addition, photos, videos, music and documents are synchronized and backed up with the user’s Google account. These AIOs come with 4GB of DDR3 1600Mhz memory and NVIDIA Kepler™ graphics for clear imagery. A built-in HD webcam enables customers to chat face-to-face with co-workers, family and friends on Google Hangouts with superb video quality on the 21.5-inch 1080p Full HD display.
Two 3W audio speakers deliver clear sound and ample connectivity is provided via HDMI out, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports as well as 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless. The systems are quiet even when operating heavy workloads. They’re powered by a 65W AC adapter and come bundled with a white USB keyboard and mouse.
Simple
The Acer Chromebase series is easy to use. After the user signs into Chrome with a Google account, they’re automatically signed into Google services. These devices are outfitted with pre-installed apps, while over 30,000 additional apps, themes and extensions are available on the Chrome Web Store.
Secure
Featuring data encryption and verified boot, layers of security safeguard the Acer Chromebase against online threats, malware and viruses. User and system files are stored on separate partitions that secure data and simplify restoration from a backup. The Chromebase’s TPM 1.2 chip encrypts and protects individual user’s data by generating and storing secure cryptographic keys. In addition, individual accounts keep data safe when the device is used by multiple users.
Pricing, Availability and Warranty
The Acer Chromebase non-touch model is available this month at leading online retailers for a MSRP of $329.99 with the multi-touch version following in July for a MSRP of $429.99.
The Acer Chromebase line is backed by professional, high-quality technical support and a standard one-year parts and labor warranty,(5) which can be extended to three years with Acer Advantage service. Acer’s online community at community.acer.com provides customers discussion forums, answers to frequently asked questions and the opportunity to share ideas for new and enhanced services and products.
About Acer
Established in 1976, Acer is a hardware + software + services company dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale, and support of innovative products that enhance people’s lives. Acer’s product offerings include PCs, displays, projectors, servers, tablets, smartphones, and wearables. The company is also developing cloud solutions to bring together the Internet of Things. Acer employs 7,000 people and ranks No. 4 for total PCs globally.(6) Revenues for 2014 reached US$10.39 billion. Please visit www.acer.com for more information.
© 2015 Acer America Corp. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices listed are manufacturer suggested retail prices and may vary by location. Applicable sales tax extra.
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Announced on April 1, 2015
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Valid as of March 7th, 2015 for the CoreTM i5 SKUs of Acer Chromebook 15 (consumer model name: CB5-571, commercial/EDU model name: C910). In direct comparison to competing Chromebooks, the CoreTM i5 SKUs of Acer Chromebook 15 (CB5-571 and C910) scored the best result on the following five benchmark tests which are commonly used in the Chromebook segment of the industry for measuring JavaScript engine performance: PeaceKeeper, Octane, Kraken-1.1, RobohornetPro, and SunSpider-1.0. Specification and availability vary depending on model, SKU, and region.
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Gartner “Market Share: Devices, All Countries, 4Q14 Update” 13 February 2015
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Accessible capacity varies: (MB = 1 million bytes; GB = 1 billion bytes)
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Limited warranty agreement applies. For a copy, write to Acer Customer Service, P.S. Box 6137, Temple, TX 76503.
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IDC FY2014
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Chrome OS update brings physical keyboard autocorrection and more
In a world made simple by computers, it is only unfair to expect people to type fully accurate sentences without the help of technologies such as spell-check and auto correct. However, a new stable channel update for Chrome OS will never let you make spelling mistakes again.
The update includes new features such as physical keyboard auto correction and autofill for credit card information stored in Google Wallet. Google has fixed a number of bugs in Chrome OS version 43.0.2357.81 in addition to a host of new features and some security updates. Here is what is new in the latest update.
- Autofill settings for credit cards from Google Wallet
- Enable always-on “OK Google” from anywhere when screen is unlocked on new Chromebook Pixel
- Physical keyboard auto correction
- Material design for Virtual keyboard UI
Google will begin rolling the update to Chrome OS devices over the next few days.
Source: Google
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