As Chromebooks continue to grow in popularity, we’ll likely continue to see plenty of changes heading to Chrome OS as it continues to evolve into a true and worthy alternative to traditional operating systems like Windows, Linux and Mac OS. Most of these changes are subtle under-the-hood ones, but every once in a while Google throws Chrome OS an update that brings noticeable improvements with it. Today is such as day.
Update 35.0.1915.116 offers several new UI improvements, including the support for folders within the Chrome OS Launcher. In short, you can now better organize your apps, which has become important as more offline and online apps show up each day. There’s also some changes to window controls, bringing back the minimize button and the left/right tiling of windows can now be done via a long-press on teh maximize button.
That’s not all, here’s some of the other changes highlighted by the Google Chrome blog:
As for when your particular Chromebook (or box) model will see the update? The update should start pushing out now to all Chrome devices with the exception of the Samsung Series 3 Chromebox and the Asus Chromebox.
According to Digitimes, Qualcomm has officially announced its plans to begin volume production of its eight-core Snapdragon 615 at a special event held in Shenzhen, China.
In addition to announcing its plans for the Snapdragon 615, Qualcomm also reportedly will fully unveil its 64-bit 6-core 808 and 8-core 810 by the year’s end. Keep in mind that “revealing” them doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be available in any commercial products this year, though one can certainly hope.
While there was a time when the Snapdragon 600 found itself in flagship devices like the Galaxy S4, the Snapdragon 615 is aimed at the mid-range market and as an alternative to processors made by competitors like MediaTek and even Samsung.
The Snapdragon 615 will be produced on a 28-nm manufacturing process at TSMC and will offer eight Cortex A53 cores. Additionally, the Snapdragon 615 has LTE Category 4 connectivity via a Gobi 9×25 modem.
Although the Snapdragon 615 is a meaningful step forward and could certainly be a welcome offering at the mid-range, what really has us excited are Qualcomm’s 64-bit 808 and 810 series.
Announced last month, both processors will be manufactured at TSMC on a 20-nm manufactuering process and will feature LTE Category 6/7 via a Gobi 9×35 modem. The Snapdragon 808 hexa-core variant will have two Cortex A57 cores and four Cortex-A53 cores. Meanwhile, the eight-core 810 will have four A57 cores and four A53 cores. Both SoCs will utilize all cores through ARM’s big.LITTLE architecture.
Of course, before 64-bit processors can really make a big dent, Android will need to be updated to better take advantage of the technology. While we can’t say for sure, odds are that the next major version of Android will make some necessary moves in that direction.
What do you think, excited for the next-generation of Qualcomm or perfectly happy with your Android experience as it is and in no rush to get the next big thing? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Last week we learned a few new details about the long-rumored Oppo N1 Mini, including the fact that “mini” can apparently mean a 5-inch display when you’re talking Oppo devices. Curious to learn even more about the world’s most gigantic ‘mini’ handset? Thanks to the FCC, we can grant your wish.
Phone Arena stumbled upon an FCC listing for the Oppo N5116 earlier today (aka the N1 Mini), where they not only managed to get the first photographic evidence of the N1 Mini, but they also learned a few more details about its specs.
We might have already known that the phone will offer a 5-inch display, but the FCC reveals the resolution won’t be 1080p. Instead, the handset will offer a 720 x 1280 resolution. The battery is also jumping down to 2140 mAh over massive 3610 Li-Ion battery found in the much bigger (and more power hungry) Oppo N1. Combining these new details with last week’s revelation that the handset will offer either a MediaTek MT6592 CPU or Samsung Exynos 5422, it’s becoming pretty clear that the N1 Mini won’t offer killer specs. On the bright side, the FCC notes indicate that the phone will still offer the same 13MP rotating camera as the original N1.
While the N1 Mini still could be a popular choice for those looking for a unique camera experience, we feel that it would have had a greater chance of success in the western markets had it offered higher-end specs.
As for when we’ll see this not-so-mini N1 Mini? While we don’t have an exact timeframe just yet, our sources indicate that it will arrive sometime in June, and with the continued leaks piling up, it’s pretty clear that the wait is almost over.
Google just released a substantial update to the Google Plus Android app, bringing a fresh new user interface, improvements, and new features.
Google Plus 4.4.0.67576161 is now rolling out to the first users, but you can grab the download from below. The first thing you will notice when installing the update is the completely revamped user interface, which may be an indication of the direction other Google apps are heading to. The left sliding side menu is gone, there’s a nice red header, there’s a brand new post creation interface, and the entire interface is fresh and smoothly animated.
In a post on Google Plus, Dave Besbris (who took over Plus leadership from Vic Gundotra), detailed nine new features included in the new Android app. The biggest is probably the new Stories feature, which is also coming to the web and iOS apps soon. Stories are travelogues that Google Plus automatically creates for your using your pics, videos, and location information. Think of it as a nice slideshow you put together for your family trip, complete with captions. Here’s an example.
Another new feature is Auto Awesome Movies, which Plus automatically generate from your videos, combining them and adding soundtracks and transitions.
The new Google Plus is now better at handling large photo libraries, and offers the ability to browse your entire library by date. It also displays profile views, just like the web app, though you can turn it off from the settings.
Finally, the update puts some of the Auto Awesome magic to your fingertips, allowing you to create animated GIFs and photobooth-style collages manually.
Download the APK of the updated Google Plus here, or head over to the Play Store to install the app.
When it comes to battery packs, some of the first brands that likely pop into your head are Mugen, Anker, Mophie and perhaps a few others. You also probably consider bigger manufacturers like Samsung as well.
It’s true that some of these bigger brands are known to have quality charging capabilities that might not degrade as quickly as some of the budget brands out there, but the reality is that there are plenty of solid battery packs available that will provide a lasting experience without having to pay a premium. One of these is the Breett 10000 mAh Power Bank, which is currently being offered on Amazon for just $14.99.
For 70% off the list price, the Breett battery pack might not be from an extremely well-known brand, but it’s low price still makes it worth your consideration. The device offers high-speed 2.1A and 1.0A USB ports allowing you to charge two devices at a time. The battery pack weighs in at 12.8 ounces and is 7.6 x 4.8 x 1.7-inches.
Now it’s important to note that this offer may be listed on Amazon, but it’s actually being sold through FengMao, a seller that maintains a 4.3 star rating. If you’re at all interested in picking this one up, you should act quickly, as this is a limited time sale.
Breett 10000 mAh battery pack on Amazon
Android Wear took the wearable market by storm with its unexpected March announcement. It was, simply put, insane. One wearable platform to rule them all. The hype has settled as Google I/O nears, but Google is now ready to take off again.
Of course, Android Wear will be a main topic at Google I/O, and the company wants to make sure they have apps to show. Google is calling all developers, asking them to show off their awesome apps. And of course, there is a benefit to being one of the first to develop for the new platform.
These developers may get extra exposure at the Play Store, as well as at the company’s yearly developer conference.
“Early participants can gain direct design and product feedback from our team, and possibly, higher visibility from exposure at I/O, our collections and in the Google Play store. Send us an email with a link to your APK and, optionally, open source code to wear-apps@android.com.” -Louis Gray
We are hoping to see a major Android Wear launch at Google IO. This is not announced or confirmed, but what event would be more fit than Google I/O to launch the Moto 360 and/or LG G Watch? And Google trying to hear from more developers is only proof that they may be getting ready. You do know what this means, right?
Those who go to Google I/O are likely getting an Android Wear device. I am no psychic, but I would be willing to bet on it. The devices should become available to the general public soon afterwards!
I am especially excited about Android Wear. It seems as though Google has created a common platform that will bring uniformity to the wearable industry. Android wear is simple, helpful and uncluttered. It doesn’t try to be something it’s not. And it may very well be Google’s way of taking over this market.
