Are you looking for a capable Chromebook? The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 was just released, and it is looking like a very nice alternative for those who want a worthy casual laptop. It’s too new for any actual discounts, but Acer is sweetening the deal by including a free year of Google One AI Premium. This subscription would usually cost $19.99 per month, so you’re pretty much saving $239.88.

Buy the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 for $479 and get a free year of Google One AI Premium ($239.88 in savings)

Windows and Mac computers have gained powerful AI silicon in the last few years, but what about Chromebooks? Fortunately, MediaTek has announced a new Chromebook chip with impressive AI capabilities and general performance.

MediaTek revealed its new Kompanio Ultra chip today, and it’s effectively the Dimensity 9400 mobile chipset with a few small tweaks. Perhaps the most notable shared feature is the NPU 890 silicon for AI tasks, with the company saying it offers 50 TOPs of performance. The firm claimed that the AI performance is five times better than that of the Intel Core Ultra 5 125U (Meteor Lake) processor.

How to pick the right Chromebook emulator

There are multiple things to consider when picking the right emulators for Chromebook. Let’s go through some of the main ones.

• Does the emulator support the consoles you want to play?: Some emulators for Chromebook only emulate a single console. Others support a couple or a few. Meanwhile, some options have support for many consoles. It is essential to determine which games you want to play and for which console they are available.
• Where do you want to get the emulator from?: You can get Chromebook emulators from multiple sources. Some of you prefer the safety of the Google Play Store, and there are many options in there. Some emulators run from a browser. If you want something more complete, some emulators come in the form of Linux apps, which you can use if your Chromebook supports Linux apps. Here’s a list of the Chromebooks that support Linux. We also have a guide on installing Linux apps on Chrome OS.
• Controller support: Some emulators have better support for more controllers, while others are limited in these terms. If you’ll be playing with a gamepad, look into support before picking an emulator. And if you don’t have one yet, we have a list of the best controllers. Or, if you prefer, you can also look into our list of the best keyboards, which most emulators support.
• Is it paid or free?: While most emulators are free, some come at a price. This is more often the case if you’re getting one of the best emulators straight from the Google Play Store. However, they tend to compensate for the price with added features and more support.
• Can your Chromebook handle an emulator?: Many Chromebooks are very affordable, which means their specs may not be up to par to run more resource-intensive emulators. You can likely run NES games on any cheap Chromebook, for example, but you’ll need a higher-end or gaming Chromebook to emulate PlayStation 2 games.

Eclipse: The best for most people

Google has released a number of features powered by its Gemini AI model, but perhaps one of its most widely praised Gemini-powered products is NotebookLM. NotebookLM is a powerful tool that uses AI to summarize, analyze, and answer questions about whatever documents, articles, videos, or audio content you throw at it. It’s incredibly useful for students, researchers, or anyone who needs to analyze large volumes of information. In order to bring this incredibly useful tool to more people, Google will soon preinstall NotebookLM on Chromebooks.

To use NotebookLM, you simply have to navigate to notebooklm.google.com in your web browser. That makes it quite accessible since everyone uses a web browser, but the problem is that many people who might benefit from the service don’t know it even exists. That’s why Google wants to put NotebookLM in the app drawer on Chromebooks, as it’ll get some users who haven’t heard of it before to check it out.

Managing battery health for our gadgets has become more important than ever, especially as they become a crucial part of our daily lives. With Android 15, Google introduced a battery charge limit feature for Pixel phones that allows users to cap charging at 80% to slow down battery degradation. Now, it looks like Chromebooks are next in line to receive a similar upgrade.

Users on the Chrome OS subreddit recently spotted an interesting detail in Google’s latest Chrome Enterprise and Education release notes. The notes for version 133 mention a new battery charge limit feature arriving with Chrome OS 134. The update is expected to drop sometime this month, though Google hasn’t provided an exact date yet.

Chromebooks are simple, fast, and very functional. They are also usually pretty affordable, but there are some exceptions. Gaming Chromebooks like the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE are pricier. This one usually costs $649, but you can get it today for just $399!

Buy the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE for $399 ($250 off)

Gaming and Chromebooks aren’t usually bedfellows, but Acer managed to build a device that marries the two together effectively, and you can save big on it today. Best Buy has the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE on sale for just $449 right now — $200 off the retail price.

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2024) for $449 ($200 off)

Google has launched a new accessibility feature called Face Control, allowing Chromebook users to control their cursor and perform various tasks using head movements and facial gestures. Rolling out as part of the Chrome OS M132 update, the feature is designed to make technology more inclusive, particularly for individuals with motor impairments.

Face Control uses AI to map 478 facial points in real time, enabling gestures to control the cursor and execute actions without a keyboard or mouse. Google says the feature supports up to 18 gestures, offering flexibility for a range of uses. It joins other Chromebook accessibility tools like ChromeVox and Dictation, aiming to provide more options for users with motor impairments.

As everyone starts to feel that seasonal cheer, there’s a welcome early gift for Chromebook users. In a blog post on the official Chromebook support page, Google officially launched the Chrome OS M131 update, bringing a mix of new features and system improvements. One aspect of this release is the new Back to Safety feature, designed to simplify device recovery without the drastic step of performing a full reset.

Previously, restoring a Chromebook to a stable state often required a powerwash, wiping everything in the process. In the new version of Chrome OS, users can select ‘Safety reset’ as a non-destructive way to troubleshoot. The feature resets the Chrome settings and shortcuts, disables extensions, and clears cookies and temporary data — all while keeping your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords intact.

To this point, I’ve been a pretty loyal laptop guy. No matter my needs, I’ve reached for my spacious 15-inch MacBook Air with its M2 chip, knowing that it had me covered. And it’s true — I haven’t encountered a spot where Apple’s light, thin laptop has struggled. The only problem is that it can be a pain to travel with, as the sizable footprint takes all of the flexibility out of my backpack. So, with a few fall trips lined up, I thought I’d try something more portable: A Chromebook. I left my trusty MacBook at home in favor of Lenovo’s new Chromebook Duet Gen 9 (seriously, we’re on the ninth version of this little two-in-one), and I’ve found my new travel companion.

Portability over powerhouse

I never thought the day would come, but Chrome OS has an expiration date. It’s not right around the corner — it’ll probably take a couple of years, but one day, all Chromebooks will run Android over Chrome OS so that Google can better compete with Apple.

While I can understand why Google streamlining its operating systems is probably a good thing in the long run, losing Chrome OS will come with some growing, or rather, shrinking pains. It will force Google to choose between Android and Chrome OS for the future of several useful features, and I’m nervous that some of my favorites will disappear. Here’s what I think I’ll miss when Chrome OS becomes Android.

The news that Google is working on transforming Chrome OS into Android dropped yesterday, not even two minutes after I had tried to add a dinner calendar event with my Nest Hub, only for Google Assistant to tell me that it can’t access my personal results, point me to my phone to change the setting, which was already enabled and had been for years.

How are the two stories even related, I hear you ask? Well, my exhaustion is the link, my friend. And my diminishing patience. And my unwillingness to accept another one of Google’s changing whims and plans.

Google announced earlier this year that it would be bringing the Recorder app to Chromebooks as part of the Chrome OS 130 update. The update is being pushed out this week, and it looks like the feature is indeed available.

Google confirmed the release of Chrome OS 130 in a support post this week (h/t: 9to5Google) while also revealing a comprehensive list of features to expect. The most notable addition is the Recorder app, taking its cues from Pixel phones.

About a year ago, Google announced a new subsection in the world of Chromebooks: Chromebook Plus. The “Plus” moniker lets consumers know that those machines meet certain spec and feature criteria, guaranteeing a premium experience. This solved the long-running problem of companies creating Chromebooks that looked really nice (and cost a pretty penny) but lacked essential specs that would actually make the Chrome OS experience a good one. Now consumers know that if they want something that really makes the operating system shine, all they need to do is look for that Plus wording.

Since the launch of the Chromebook Plus line, one significant brand has been absent from the family: Samsung. That changed at the beginning of October when we saw the debut of the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, which is not only the company’s first “Plus” model, but also its first Galaxy Chromebook in about three years. So what’s this new device like? I got the chance to take it for a spin for a few days and have some thoughts, particularly on the ongoing debate between top-quality specs and top-quality design.

Back in 2020, Google announced Chromebooks would be able to run Android and Windows apps side by side through a partnership with Parallels. Fast forward to today, it appears the tech giant may be ready to call it quits on the Parallels Desktop experiment.

If you’re not familiar with Parallels Desktop, it’s tech that virtualizes machines within an existing operating system. This system is what macOS users rely on to use Windows apps on Apple’s platform.

The release of Chrome OS 130 is approaching, with a rollout expected to happen at the end of October. When that update launches, it will bring a new audio recording app. Although we were aware of this incoming app, it appears it won’t be limited to Chromebook Plus devices.

Chromebook users will soon gain access to a Recorder app. According to 9to5Google, the app will be available for both Chromebook and Chromebook Plus models, but the version destined for Plus devices will have a few extra goodies.

Today’s a big day for Chromebooks at Google, with the company sharing both Samsung’s new super-thin Galaxy Chromebook Plus and Lenovo’s latest budget-friendly Chromebook Duet. That news isn’t just landing on the hardware front, though, and Google’s also got a whole mess of announcements to make about features landing across the Chromebook lineup — and wouldn’t you guess it, but there’s a heaping load of AI involved.

For starters, Google tells us, you can now chat with Gemini right from the shelf of any Chromebook model, Plus or not. You’ll also find a new Welcome Recap screen greeting you when you first open up your laptop, reminding you of what you were working on earlier and giving you some tips for what to start with now. And for stuff you’re frequently working with, and don’t want to lose track of, you can easily pin files to your Chromebook’s shelf.

It’s been a few years since we saw a new high-end Galaxy Chromebook, but Samsung often makes the wait worthwhile. Despite its striking size and 15.6-inch OLED display, the new Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is the thinnest and lightest model yet. Google unveiled it today alongside a convertible and affordable new Lenovo Chromebook Duet.

Beneath the premium build, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus offers an Intel Core 3 100U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The slim profile and lightweight design — just 11.8mm thick and 2.58lb — make it an ultra-portable option. It’s also the first Chromebook Plus to feature the new Quick Insert key, which allows instant access to helpful tools and Gemini AI features directly from the keyboard.

Last year, Google announced a new “Plus” brand for Chromebooks. Any machine that comes with the word “Plus” in it now assures buyers that they are getting a Chrome OS device that meets certain criteria, such as high-end processors, high-resolution webcams, and minimum system requirements. So far, we’ve seen lots of Chromebook Plus models from brands such as ASUS, Acer, Lenovo, and more.

One brand conspicuously missing has been Samsung. Sammy hasn’t launched a premium Chromebook in years, with the Galaxy Chromebook 2 — shown above — launching way back in 2021. However, according to industry listings spotted by Chrome Unboxed, we could see a Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus launch as soon as next week. This would be the first Galaxy-branded Chromebook in years and Samsung’s first “Plus” model.

Are you looking for a great Chromebook? We have a list of the best Chromebooks, and the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is on there. Right now, you can save $100 on it, bringing the price down to $549. That’s a pretty good deal for a relatively new cloud gaming Chromebook of this caliber!

Get the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE for just $549

Are you looking to get a good Chromebook? The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is a great option, but at $500, it may be a bit too expensive for some. It’s your lucky day, though! Best Buy’s Deal of the Day offers are slashing the cost down to just $329, saving you 34%.

Get the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 for just $329

Notifications are a key tool that apps can use to inform you about any new messages or alerts. While some notifications don’t need to be read immediately, others might need to be read as soon as possible. Most operating systems use both auditory and visual cues to alert users when there’s a new notification, but not everyone is able to hear those audio alerts, making visual cues even more important for them. Android last year added a feature that flashes the screen when a new notification has been received, and soon, Chrome OS will be getting a similar version of this accessibility feature.

With last year’s Android 14 update, Google introduced a new “flash notifications” feature. This feature “flash[es] the camera light or the screen when you receive notifications or when alarms sound.” There are separate toggles to enable a camera flash or a screen flash, which is useful because it means you can put your phone face down or face up and still see flashes for new notifications.

In late 2022, I had the opportunity to try out the Acer Chromebook 516 GE. At the time, I felt that gaming Chromebooks had a lot of potential but needed more development time if they wanted to truly stand out from other Chromebooks. Roughly a year and a half later, the new Chromebook Plus 516 GE has arrived.

Does the new model — now meeting the Chromebook Plus spec and feature threshold — finally deliver on this promise? At first glance, it might be easy to say no, but that wouldn’t be entirely fair. Like most Chromebook Plus models, this is a good laptop with plenty of power; it just hasn’t reinvented the wheel much as far as Chrome OS gaming is concerned.

A couple of months ago, as I was getting ready to attend MWC, it dawned on me that my trusty seven-year-old Google Pixelbook was no longer the powerhouse I wanted to believe it was. It was getting slow and a little frustrating sometimes, especially when browsing dozens of pages at the same time; using web services and Chrome extensions instead of proper apps was getting old; and the battery life was in the unusable 1-2 hour range.

With a big sadness in my heart, I decided it was time to move on if I planned to do any serious on-the-go work. I’ve been a Mac user since 2008, and I use an iMac as my desk machine, so I naturally gravitated to the MacBook Air lineup. The M3 model wasn’t announced yet, so I got a temporary M2 unit to tide me over, then upgraded to the M3 MacBook Air once it became available. And although there are a few things I miss from my Pixelbook experience, I have zero regrets about this move.

A recent announcement from Google indicated that Chrome OS would begin using more of the Android stack going forward. While this will take time to implement fully, one change that Google has already made is ending development work on its experimental browser, Lacros.

Google started working on the Lacros browser in 2020, and it was made available for testing in 2023. While Chromebooks have always featured a Chrome browser, Lacros was meant to split the browser from the underlying OS to ensure quicker updates. The Mountain View tech giant also hoped the Lacros would help improve the overall performance and stability of Chromebooks.

The Chrome OS you know today is about to go through a major change. In the future, the software that powers Chromebooks will be much more like Android.

Google announced in a new blog post that Chrome OS is about to go through a transformation. Specifically, the tech giant says that the OS will soon start “embracing portions of the Android stack, like the Android Linux kernel and Android frameworks.”

Google has acquired Cameyo, a software virtualization company, in an effort to integrate advanced virtualized Windows app support directly into ChromeOS. Chromebooks, which run on ChromeOS, primarily utilize Android and web-based applications, but many users still need to run traditional Windows applications. This is where Cameyo’s expertise comes into play.

Chromebooks offer impressive versatility, with the ability to run PWAs (Progressive Web Apps), Android apps, and even Linux apps. Until now, there was no single source to browse through and install all these various kinds of apps for Chromebooks, but that’s about to change. Currently in the preview stage, the new App Mall promises a centralized location featuring the best apps and games for Chromebooks.

The folks at Chrome Unboxed discovered that the App Mall is currently available for preview, even if you’re not on a Chromebook. Chromebook users wishing to access the App Mall will need to enable the chrome://flags/#cros-mall flag within the Canary channel of ChromeOS 126. This should add the App Mall icon to their shelf and app launcher.

Those in the market for a new Chromebook that won’t break the bank are in a bit of luck today. Amazon just slashed $230 off the ASUS Chromebook Flip CM5, matching its previous lowest price from Black Friday last year. The versatile device is down to just $299.99 in the sale.

ASUS Chromebook Flip CM5 for $299.99 ($230 off)

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 made out best Chromebooks list as the best-looking entry, but it has the performance to match its stunning design. Amazon just slashed 50% off the price for the first time ever, giving you the chance to pick it up for just $349.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 (128GB/8GB)

You wouldn’t often associate Chromebooks with gaming, but Acer is dispelling that notion with the Chromebook 516 GE Cloud Gaming Laptop. It was already affordable for a gaming machine at $649, and now’s your first chance to pick it up at a 26% discount. It’s down to just $479 in the Best Buy President’s Day Sale.

Acer Chromebook 516 GE Cloud Gaming Laptop for $479 ($170 off)

Your productivity goals for 2024 might be easier to hit if you have the latest Chromebook in your backpack, and Best Buy has come up with a festive deal for the ages. The new HP Chromebook Plus usually retails for almost $500, but you can currently get it from the online retailer for just $249.

HP Chromebook Plus for $249 ($250 off)

The core promise of Chromebooks is that they’re less complicated than a Mac or a Windows PC, and for the most part, that’s true. But they’re still prone to basic computer problems sometimes, and that includes freezes. If your Chromebook is frozen for whatever reason, here’s how you can try to fix it.

How to fix a frozen Chromebook

Chromebooks frequently make appearances during Black Friday sales, and the 2023 running is no different. This time, a selection of Acer, ASUS, Lenovo, and Samsung Chromebooks have received price cuts via Amazon.

Amazon is listing a variety of discounted Chromebooks today, ranging from a mere 9% discount for the Acer Chromebook Plus CX34 all the way to a 39% price cut for the ASUS Chromebook CM14.

Chromebooks are perfect laptops to serve as a gateway to the internet, as their entire existence is built around an internet connection and browser-based workflow powered by Chrome OS. This reliance on the cloud also allows Chromebooks to be built with more modest specifications, as the local machine isn’t doing a lot of heavy lifting on its own. If you want to give someone a device that brings them online and lets them get basic tasks done, then a Chromebook is perfect. The state of Maryland in the US has done precisely that, distributing a whole lot of Chromebooks to people in need.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced that the state has provisioned more than 133,000 Chromebooks to be distributed through 27 local governments to underserved households in the state. The report (spotted by Android Central) highlights the initiative as part of a $27.2 million investment to give Marylanders accessible, reliable technology alongside high-speed internet.

A Chromebook is already an affordable way to stay on top of your work or study commitments, so a huge deal on a respectable model always catches our eye. The Acer Chromebook Spin 314 has our attention today, with a $170 price drop reducing the cost to its lowest point since late 2022.

Acer Chromebook Spin 314 for $309.99 ($170 off)

I hadn’t intended to buy a Google Pixelbook in 2017. I was more or less managing with my sluggish Toshiba Chromebook 2, and paying $999 for a glorified Chrome browser seemed utterly wasteful to me, no matter how refined the hardware looked. But a fantastic deal changed my mind, and so I found myself unboxing Google’s wonderful first-party Chromebook after having it shipped halfway across the globe from the US to Lebanon.

At the time, few people knew what a Chromebook was. To me, an online writer who spent 95% of my working day inside Chrome and WordPress, a Chromebook was the cheapest machine for the job. But the Pixelbook was an exorbitant Chromebook: 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, two USB-C ports, an Intel Core i5 processor, and a 3:2 high-resolution display. It was overpowered for the job and overpowered for Chrome OS, but perfect for someone who wanted a future-proof investment.

Your Chromebook is going to look very different soon. Google is rolling out the Chrome OS 117 update to Chromebooks and it introduces a variety of changes to the operating system.

One of the updates you’ll notice right away is the adoption of Material You. This redesign is probably the most prominent in Quick Settings. The menu now features rounded rectangles in a grid-style layout, instead of the small circles from before, according to Google. It looks a lot closer to what you see on Pixel phones. As a result, it’s a lot easier to read and select settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Night Light, and more.

If you want to keep using your Chromebook for as long as possible, Google has some news you’ll want to hear. The company is making a few changes that will help your Chromebook last a little longer.

Today, Google’s Chrome OS team announced it is upping Chrome OS commitments. Currently, Chromebooks get regular automatic updates every four weeks for eight years. These updates include security and stability improvements as well as new features. But starting in 2024, any Chromebook released after 2021 will now get ten years of regular automatic updates.

Chromebooks have grown to exert considerable influence over the education sector. Thanks to their low cost, which comes from running the cloud-centric Chrome OS, they have become quite popular in schools. You can get some great Chromebook options for less money than you would need to spend on a Windows laptop or a MacBook. Apple has apparently taken note of this market reality, as a new report suggests that the company could release a new MacBook line to compete with Chromebooks.

According to a report from Digitimes citing industry sources, Apple is working on a new low-cost MacBook series aimed at the education sector and primarily targets Chromebooks as its rivals. This laptop will be launched as a separate lineup from the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro.

It’s relatively easy to find a good Chromebook on a budget. After all, the whole idea behind Chrome OS devices is that they serve as a cheaper alternative to Windows laptops or MacBooks. We’ve rounded up some of the best Chromebook deals on the internet, so you won’t have to search too hard for a good price.

If you’re in the market for a new affordable laptop, scroll on to find a host of the best Chromebook deals available this month.

Although ultra-wideband (UWB) has been around for a while, it’s just now starting to be used in more devices. In fact, the Pixel Watch 2 is rumored to be getting a UWB module. And that might not be the only new Google gadget getting the technology. The company may be planning to start putting UWB in Chromebooks as well.

As discovered by Chrome Unboxed, references to UWB have been found in Chromium Gerrit — an open-source, web-based code collaboration tool where developers can review modifications on source code. It appears that Google is currently testing the technology on Chromebooks.

Chromebooks are great for what they are: inexpensive laptops that rely on cloud-oriented Chrome OS to get the job done. So if you spot a Chromebook on sale, you should definitely buy it, right? Wrong. It turns out, some old Chromebooks are still on sale on various platforms without necessary disclaimers on their end-of-life status, making you pay money for what is practically e-waste.

The US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) (via ArsTechnica) pointed out how end-of-life Chromebooks are still sold on various marketplace platforms, like Amazon, Walmart, and possibly others, in new and unused conditions. These include devices like the ASUS Chromebook Flip C302, which was launched in 2018 and reached its Automatic Update Expiration (AUE) date on June 1, 2023. This means the laptop will no longer receive any security or platform updates for its Chrome OS from Google.

We’ve known for the past few years now that Google was working to decouple the Chrome web browser from Chrome OS itself. This project, dubbed Lacros, would see Google ditch the integrated Chrome browser in favor of a standalone Linux-based Chrome browser.

Now, About Chromebooks (h/t: Chrome Unboxed) reports that this process could get underway for users soon. The outlet spotted several code changes suggesting that you won’t have to manually enable the standalone Lacros browser in Chrome OS 116. The outlet also noted that they could no longer manually enable the standalone browser on a device running the Chrome OS 116 beta.

Google is revamping the Play Store for large-screen devices like foldable phones, Android tablets, and Chromebooks. The company first discussed these changes at Google I/O last year. It is now introducing four major updates to help users find good large-screen apps and improve the overall experience of the Play Store on big devices.

Google has made an effort over the years to tout higher-end Chromebooks, offering Plus and Premium tags on some models. Now, it looks like the company is working on a new program for more capable Chromebooks.

9to5Google uncovered the existence of a so-called Chromebook X program. The outlet revealed that Chromebooks falling under this program would get Chromebook X branding on the hardware itself, as well as a special boot screen.

For those shopping for a new all-purpose laptop that won’t break the bank, Best Buy has a great offer on the ASUS gaming Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip right now. The deal drops the asking price of this allrounder machine to just $549 ($150) — the best price we’ve tracked to date.

The Vibe CX55 really bucks the Chromebook trend. The affordable laptops offer ChromeOS and sometimes a touchscreen, but usually not a lot more in an effort to keep costs low. That’s fine if it’s just for your schoolwork or streaming, but some people like to dabble in some casual gaming in their downtime too. While not a powerhouse, this Chromebook is built for gaming and offers those folks a bit of everything.

Earlier this year, Google and several partners made a big to-do about gaming Chromebooks. These laptops were designed with gaming specifically in mind, right down to RGB lighting and WASD keys that stand out from the rest. However, they were only focused on cloud gaming, as they still didn’t have a dedicated graphics card.

Now, it looks like that could change. According to information seen by 9to5Google, Google is working on a Chromebook with a discrete GPU. Specifically, the GPU appears to be an NVIDIA RTX 4050 card. Interestingly, NVIDIA hasn’t announced this card series yet. The most recently launched series from the company is the 4060 series. Theoretically, the 4050 series would be less expensive and slightly less powerful. For reference, the 3050 series — which would be last year’s analogous counterpart — appeared in sub-$1,000 budget-oriented gaming laptops.

Steam finally came to Chromebooks last year as part of a beta program, allowing you to install the gaming storefront on your Chrome OS laptop. The app was limited to Chromebooks running recent processors though, namely AMD Ryzen 3 or better and Intel Core i3 or higher.

Now, Chrome Unboxed has uncovered evidence that Google is testing or will start testing Steam on low-end Chromebooks. The outlet found references to Steam being enabled for testing on Chromebooks powered by Intel Alder Lake N and AMD Mendocino processors.

One of the biggest problems with webcams and microphones is it can be difficult to tell when they’re on or off. On the lighter side, this has resulted in plenty of embarrassing but funny video-meeting moments over the years. But on a more serious note, it could easily turn into a privacy issue if you’re not careful. Thankfully, Chromebook owners are getting a new Chrome OS feature that should make it easier to turn off the camera and microphone completely.

Today, Google announced a slew of new data protection and privacy features coming to Chromebooks. While most of the features are more related to business, there’s one change that everyone should find useful. That update will introduce enhanced camera and microphone privacy controls in the form of a toggle.

Chromebooks have become synonymous with cheap computers, largely in a positive way. They are inexpensive laptops that run Chrome OS and are perfect for browser-based use cases, such as online learning. You can spend about $200-400 and get a decent machine, providing a better experience than a similar-priced Windows laptop. However, this low price tag comes with some hidden costs, as schools in the US are just finding out about their Chromebooks.

According to a new report titled “Chromebook Churn” by the US Public Interest Research Group Education Fund (via TheVerge), schools that bulk purchased Chromebooks in 2020 when the pandemic hit are now seeing these laptops starting to break. That is a small problem by itself, but the bigger problem is that these Chromebooks are relatively harder to upgrade and repair when compared to their Windows counterpart.

Last year in July, Google teased that it was giving Chromebooks new movie editing tools through Google Photos. Those features are finally starting to arrive.

In a post on the Google Photos community page, the company announced that new video editing features are “starting to roll out” for Google Photos on Chromebooks. These features would allow you to “seamlessly use images and videos from your Chromebook and edit in Google Photos.”

ASUS has a strong influence in the gaming market. Its computers are loved by gamers, often offering great value, performance, and lovely designs. The company also offers many accessories, PC components, and other products catering to the gaming community. Now it’s trying to dominate the nascent gaming Chromebook market with products like the ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip.

Does this new gaming-focused Chromebook have what it takes to win the hearts of gamers? Let’s dissect the concept and decipher who this Chromebook is for in our ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip review.

CES 2023 has kicked off and HP has wasted no time in showing off a slew of new products. Among all the items it brought to this year’s show, one of the highlights is the company’s new Dragonfly Pro series.

During CES 2023, HP announced the latest addition to its Dragonfly brand — the Dragonfly Pro. Similar to the rest of its Dragonfly lineup, the Pro is designed to cater to business professionals. However, this model is said to be specifically aimed at freelancers.

Google’s Chrome OS has been available for roughly a decade now, carving out a niche in the enterprise and education space. But it still pales in comparison to Windows and Mac OS when it comes to global market share.

Rita El-Khoury recently waxed lyrical about her experience with Chrome OS in 2022, posting a poll to ask whether you’ve used the platform in the last year. Here’s how you answered that question.

Chrome OS has been around for over a decade now, opening the door for a slew of affordable laptops. But Google is still playing catch-up to Apple and Microsoft’s platforms in some ways. Now, it turns out that Google is finally bringing a decades-old feature to the platform.

Chrome OS 108 introduces a trash can in the Files app (h/t: 9to5Google), acting much like the Recycle Bin in Windows 95 and later versions of the desktop platform. That means deleted files are moved to a trash folder where they’ll be fully deleted after 30 days, or you can manually empty your trash can.

Black Friday is still raging on, with deals on a variety of tech products like smartphones, earbuds, tablets, and more. But if you’re looking for a laptop, you may be interested in some of the latest deals on Chromebooks.

At the moment, there are great deals to be found on Chromebooks from a range of brands including ASUS, Lenovo, HP, and Acer. But you don’t have to go looking for them by yourself, because we already did the work for you. So if you’re in the market for a new laptop, check this list of the best deals out there right now.

The Chrome OS gaming team and Valve have been hard at work bringing Steam to Chromebooks since the initiative was first announced earlier this year. Now the two teams are ready to move forward and push Steam on Chrome OS into its beta phase.

Steam for Chrome OS was initially released on the Chrome OS Dev channel as an early alpha build back in April. At the time of the launch, the alpha only supported a small group of Chromebooks and demanded Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 11th Gen Core i5 or i7 processors, and at least 8GB of RAM. Additionally, the platform only supported a list of around 50 games.

The Amazon Prime Early Access Sale is great for people who want to plan their holiday shopping well ahead of time. If your family or friends need a new Chromebook, this sale for Prime members is a perfect chance to get one for a lot less money than normal.  You can still sign up for Prime to get these discounts, and it comes with a 30-day free trial.

See also: The best Chromebooks you can buy

Despite being in the process of shutting its own game streaming service down, it seems Google is not yet fully done with the prospect of cloud gaming. The company has announced a lineup of new Chromebooks that will be optimized for playing in the cloud.

Google has unveiled not one, not two, but three new Chromebooks along with partners Lenovo, Acer, and ASUS. These notebooks have been dubbed the Acer Chromebook 516 GE, the ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip, and the Ideapad Gaming Chromebook from Lenovo. According to Google, these three computers will be known as the world’s first laptops built specifically for cloud gaming.

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Calvin Wankhede

Much to my continued disappointment, Chrome OS hardware hasn’t drastically evolved since the operating system’s early days. While we get yearly processor revisions and the odd spec bump or two, most Chromebooks still resemble thin clients — a computer designed around a singular task (web browsing) and not much else.

This was once a chicken and egg problem, where the software needed to mature before the hardware could. But now? There’s more reason than ever to enter the Chrome OS ecosystem, with support for software development via Linux, Android apps, and even PC gaming.

Framework released its first modular, repair-friendly laptop in the summer of 2021. Now the American-based computer manufacturer is back with a new modular Chromebook.

Dubbed the Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition, this latest product from Framework takes the company’s philosophy of upgradability and repairability and applies it to a Chromebook.

Update, September 9, 2022 (11:30 AM ET): In the original article below, we mention that the Acer Chromebook Vero 514 uses a fan made of recycled materials. However, Acer provided us with incorrect information on that topic. The fan is actually not recycled. We have modified the original text below to reflect this update.

Original article, August 23, 2022 (09:00 PM ET): Acer has a line of eco-friendly products it puts into a line called Vero. So far, we’ve seen Windows laptops, all-in-one desktops, and more in this line. What we haven’t seen is a Chromebook, but that is about to change.

It’s hard to believe, but we are getting close to a new school season for both primary and college students. Many of them will be taking a new Chromebook to use in class, or at home. Today, Google announced a number of upcoming new apps and features that will be coming to Chromebooks and ChromeOS in the next few months. Perhaps the biggest new feature is the revamped Google Photos movie editor that will debut first on Chromebooks sometime this fall.

Read more: How to edit photos and videos on Chromebooks

Chromebooks dominate the education market all around the world. The machines are simple, inexpensive, and more secure than most Windows-based systems, making them ideal for schools.

However, Google could be facing some serious trouble in Denmark as far as Chromebooks go. According to TechCrunch, Chromebooks are banned in at least one Danish school district, and the security researchers responsible for the ban are confident it will spread across the entire country.

Are you taking advantage of Amazon Prime Day 2022? We hope you are because we’ve seen some amazing deals so far. Case in point, we’ve got an amazing roundup of Chromebook Prime Day deals right here!

Whether you need something that will give you all the power and beauty you could want or something that will just deliver the basics, there’s a deal here for you. Top-of-the-line Samsung models and bottom-of-the-barrel Lenovo models are all here and all discounted by sometimes hundreds of dollars.

• The latest ChromeOS update allows Chromebooks easy access to your phone’s pictures.
• You can also use your phone to securely connect a Chromebook to Wi-Fi networks.
• Finally, a way to connect Chromebooks quickly to Bluetooth headphones is coming soon.

Chromebooks are becoming more and more useful alternatives to normal Windows and Mac PCs, thanks to improvements in Google’s ChromeOS, Today, Google announced some more new features it is adding to Chromebooks with the latest ChromeOS version. They concentrate on making Chromebooks work better with Android phones.

High-end PC gaming on laptop devices has been mostly restricted to Windows, though a smaller following exists for Linux and Mac as well. However, there is now growing evidence that the first wave of gaming Chromebooks are being developed.

9to5Google reports, via unnamed sources, that gaming Chromebooks from makers like HP and Lenovo are in the works, complete with RGB keyboard support. While many Chromebooks already have the Google Stadia game streaming application pre-loaded, this new report says the upcoming gaming Chromebooks will have a Cloud Gaming Partner Platform app as well. This app is to access the NVIDIA GeForce Now gaming streaming service, which has hundreds of PC games available to stream.

Chrome OS gets bigger every year. The platform has tons of devices both cheap and expensive, with varying degrees of performance. However, Google made a smart move with Chrome OS by letting people use Google Play. It opened up the platform to millions of apps and games. The Play Store is also way better than the Chrome app store. It immediately made the platform a good option for most people.

There are tons of apps that work with Chrome OS. However, we focused primarily on ones that take advantage of a Chromebook’s larger screen and keyboard.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is one of many products announced by the company at its “next@Acer” event. This convertible Chromebook is aimed squarely at tech lovers who desire a machine that both works hard and plays hard. With a 14-inch screen, the latest 12th gen Intel processors, and high-grade video call capabilities, it can easily bridge the work and home divide. Find out what the machine is like in our early Acer Chromebook Spin 714 preview.

Pick your power

Taking a screenshot is a necessary functionality on computers and phones today. However, taking a screenshot on a computer can be a bit more complicated than on a phone. To help you out with that, we’ve made this guide to take a screenshot on Windows, Linux, Chrome OS, and Mac computers.

Read more: How to take screenshots on Android

Chromebooks are like any other modern computers, and you can change things like the cursor and language on them if you please. Have you just got a Chromebook, but it’s not set to use your preferred language? No problem, you can easily change the language without resetting your Chromebook.

Read more: The best Chromebooks you can buy

Google is bringing the power of search to video games, making it easier for Chromebook users to find and play games.

Chromebooks are solid PC replacements for many folks, but they may not have all the features you’re looking for. Multitasking is crucial, so the task manager is an important feature for someone switching to a Chrome OS device from a PC. Here’s how to open and use the task manager on a Chromebook.

Read more: What is Chrome OS, and who is it for?

Chromebooks are a popular choice of computers today, and they come with the standard assortment of accessibility features. These include the ability to invert the colors on your Chromebook, which is useful if you’re sensitive to bright colors and light. You can also change your Chromebook’s cursor to suit, but this guide will focus on the colors themsevles.

Read more: What is Chrome OS and who is it for?

Chromebooks have become a popular choice of computers for a lot of folks. One of their main selling points has been the ease of mass deployment and management, making them great for educational and corporate institutions. One feature that helps this aspect is verified access. But what is verified access on Chromebooks?

Read more: What is Chrome OS and who is it for?

Chromebooks and Chrome OS-powered machines are terrific for certain things. Browsing the web, watching YouTube videos, word processing, and even some light Android gaming are all great. However, one of their huge limitations is a lack of “real” gaming.

For the first time, Google has officially confirmed it is working on a solution to this (via 9to5Google). Steam on Chrome OS — a long-rumored feature codenamed “Borealis” — is officially on the way as an alpha test. Google confirmed the news in a pretty off-the-cuff way by casually putting the announcement into a slide during a Games Developer Summit presentation (see the slide below).

Chromebooks run on Google’s Chrome OS, making them a little different in some aspects. A Chromebook centers around your Google account, so it doesn’t have a dedicated password. Thus, the login password for your Chromebook is the same as the password for your Google account. So changing your password on a Chromebook can be a bit tricky.

Read more: The best Chromebooks you can buy

Emojis have become an essential part of our conversations, and as such, it’s great to have easy access to them on all your internet devices. It can be a little trickier to use emojis on computers, including Chromebooks, than on phones. Here’s how to get emojis on a Chromebook.

Read more: What is a Chromebook, and what can and can’t it do?

Chromebooks come in all shapes and sizes and have many different screen resolutions. As such, the default text size, window size, and zoom may not be the best fit for everyone. Do you want to change the zoom on your Chromebook? Here’s how to zoom in and out on a Chromebook.

Read more: The best Chromebooks you can buy