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MRU

macrumors Penryn
Aug 23, 2005
25,370
8,952
a better place
Chromebooks only sell in the US right? Or are they available in Europe also? Haven't seen them anywhere.

They're here. Just not overly popular being that they do fundamentally require Internet access. They would be useless in schools here where internet is patchy.

But most of big PC and Electronics retailers do sell them but retail stores maybe a single solitary model tucked away behind everything else.
 
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gotluck

macrumors 603
Dec 8, 2011
5,717
1,260
East Central Florida
I'm jonesing for a google device, I need some nexus 7 rumors! I think thatll be the one for me this year

unless they do some crazy chromeos tablet, if I can get full chrome extension desktop support w/ flash like a chromebook (w/ android app support) - I'd be all over that. I really dont have a need for a full chromebook though, I want a portable tablet.
 
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Wildo6882

macrumors 6502a
Sep 12, 2015
522
561
Illinois
I'm jonesing for a google device, I need some nexus 7 rumors! I think thatll be the one for me this year

unless they do some crazy chromeos tablet, if I can get full chrome extension desktop support w/ flash like a chromebook (w/ android app support) - I'd be all over that. I really dont have a need for a full chromebook though, I want a portable tablet.

If they do a Surface-like Chromebook/tablet I would be on that like a fly on poop. That would be absolutely incredible.
 

jamesrick80

macrumors 68030
Sep 12, 2014
2,665
2,218
I haven't tried it on my Huawei yet as I just assumed that apps wouldn't yet be taking advantage of the changes.

I have to admit that I'm chomping at the bit to see so much of the new stuff announced at Google I/O. One of the strongest components that keep me firmly immersed in Apple gear is the strength of the ecosystem--Google lacking a strong 'desktop' presence has been a weak link for me but with the announcement regarding Google Play and Android apps on Chrome OS I find quite intriguing. That coupled with Allo/Duo, Google Assistant/Google Home mean a better overall Google ecosystem (software has been very good). If someone (I'd prefer Google) could put out a high quality Chromebooks in the vane of the 12.9 iPad Pro or Surface 4 style design (highly portable and convertible), I could honestly see myself exploring a move away from such a heavy Apple presence with my gear. I'd likely still keep one foot in the Apple pool (at least one Mac ;)) for my occasional heavy lifting computing but I could honestly see myself living in a mostly Android/Chrome/Google world. :eek:


Agree on releasing a surface style chromebook. Chromebook with android will have all I need to really be productive including mouse support, file manager, and keyboard. Also, I would like stylus support to put the icing on the cake although not really necessary. I just ordered me one of the more current chromebooks with 4 gb ram to start testing the chrome OS out. It's on the list for android Apps and I would like to get use to it due to expectations for future hybrid tablet chromebook releases hopefully by Samsung.
 
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jeremiah256

macrumors 65816
Aug 2, 2008
1,444
1,169
Southern California
I'm jonesing for a google device, I need some nexus 7 rumors! I think thatll be the one for me this year

unless they do some crazy chromeos tablet, if I can get full chrome extension desktop support w/ flash like a chromebook (w/ android app support) - I'd be all over that. I really dont have a need for a full chromebook though, I want a portable tablet.
They need to re-issue the Pixel-C as it was originally rumored, a chrome book.
 

Wildo6882

macrumors 6502a
Sep 12, 2015
522
561
Illinois
I like the hardware but I'd persoanlly want a 12-13" version and the keyboard really needs a track pad to best take advantage of Chrome OS.

Thats exactly what I want. I'd say 12" would be my preference. I can almost guarantee that we'll see something like that in the near future. Pretty sure this is a major game changer for Chronebooks and Android.
 

epicrayban

macrumors 604
Nov 7, 2014
6,517
5,353
I like the hardware but I'd persoanlly want a 12-13" version and the keyboard really needs a track pad to best take advantage of Chrome OS.

Great point.

One of my favorite things about my MacBooks is the reliable and intuitive trackpad.
 

Savor

Suspended
Jun 18, 2010
3,742
918
Wait in 2017 when most of the Android N devices get released. Because 2014 when KitKat started becoming more available is still the best year for Android devices for me. Then Lollipop arrived in late-2014 on Nexus 6 and during most of 2015. If KitKat is like Windows 7, Lollipop is like Windows 8. Lollipop basically became one of the most maligned Android versions ever.

Android N marks another season to squash all the bugs that Lollipop brought out in the early beta stages of Material Design and when most app delevopers had to catch up to the new design language for a year. Another year of refinements and under the hood fixes that can make all the difference in the longer-term. Next year is going to kick butt fof most Android devices if N is to Material Design what KitKat was to Holo...

2011 - Ice Cream Sandwich
2012 - Jelly Bean
2013 - KitKat
2014 - Lollipop
2015 - Marshmallow
2016 - Nutella? NERDS? Nestlé?
2017 - Oreo?
2018 - Pie?

2017 will mark the best year for Android since 2014 when S5, One M8, OPO, G3, Note 4, and many others were knocking heads and when most being released had the most stable Android version out of the box in KitKat. An Android smartphone can only be as good as the software version it carries...

I expect big things with the 2016 Nexus and the many other 2017 Android devices that will have follow suit with N out of the box.
 

hallux

macrumors 68040
Apr 25, 2012
3,443
1,005
I'm not holding my breath but I'm anxiously awaiting a new 10" size range Nexus tablet to be released so I can retire my 2014 Galaxy Note 10.1. I don't really want a smaller device, for what I use it for a 10" is optimal size.
 

tbayrgs

macrumors 604
Jul 5, 2009
7,467
5,097
I'm not holding my breath but I'm anxiously awaiting a new 10" size range Nexus tablet to be released so I can retire my 2014 Galaxy Note 10.1. I don't really want a smaller device, for what I use it for a 10" is optimal size.

I don't think the Pixel C is going anywhere so I highly doubt Google is also going to release a new Nexus tablet of that size--maybe a smaller 8" version but not likely a 10" version.
 

hallux

macrumors 68040
Apr 25, 2012
3,443
1,005
I don't think the Pixel C is going anywhere so I highly doubt Google is also going to release a new Nexus tablet of that size--maybe a smaller 8" version but not likely a 10" version.

Which is concerning for me since we're already almost halfway through the essentially 2 years of assured major OS updates for the device.
 

tbayrgs

macrumors 604
Jul 5, 2009
7,467
5,097
Which is concerning for me since we're already almost halfway through the essentially 2 years of assured major OS updates for the device.

:confused: It's been less than 6 months since the Pixel C was release (early December IIRC). If you need a replacement 10" Nexus-style device, what's stopping you from getting the Pixel C? If it's cost, I believe it can still be purchased for 25% off directly from Google--my 25% off code is good until July 15.

If I could get one running Chrome OS (with newly announced access to Android apps via Google Play store), I'd probably seriously consider passing on my iPad Air 2 and picking one up.
 

hallux

macrumors 68040
Apr 25, 2012
3,443
1,005
Justification. I can't really justify the expense right now (though the touch screen seems to go "dead" in places within certain apps). Shoot, if I had a 25% discount I'd actually consider it, though it's still a large chunk of change.
 

gotluck

macrumors 603
Dec 8, 2011
5,717
1,260
East Central Florida
the pixel c running chromeos would really perk my interest too.

the nvidia chip in it holds me back a little though, nexus 9 seemed to struggle and the chip seemed to get alot of the blame. Then you have the nvidia shield which is largely positive and has been getting updates pretty well, so I dont know what to think. 3gb ram is probably more than enough, but can you blame me for wanting more? especially if it does get chromeos with all the desktop features in chrome browser
 

lowendlinux

macrumors 603
Sep 24, 2014
5,460
6,788
Germany
This might be a stupid question, but do Chrome OS laptops get viruses like Windows?

What I'm really asking is... do I need to run virus scanners and software like I used to on Windows?

Or is Chrome OS anything like OSX, where I basically have to do nothing to defend against viruses other than the standard no-brainer stuff (like not giving permission to unknown installs, etc.)?

Because until it's exactly like OSX when it comes to viruses, I don't think I would dare move from OSX.

Chome OS is a google spin of Gentoo. Linux has a big advantages over OS X in security not the least of which is browser plugins stay in userland where in OS X the get dropped in S/L/E. Google is a bit more proactive in security than Apple is and they're a bit more transparent. ChomeOS like Chrome has an FOSS counterpart so not only do you have google paying bounties on security issues you have the community doing the same.
[doublepost=1464787250][/doublepost]
Chromebooks only sell in the US right? Or are they available in Europe also? Haven't seen them anywhere.

Amazon.de and MediaMarkt (at least my local one) have them
 
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epicrayban

macrumors 604
Nov 7, 2014
6,517
5,353
Started using Google now cards recently (cause I guess, you know, the AI revolution is imminent) and it's actually really impressive. I love that you can sort it out to see just the things you want. And it knowing my common routes or upcoming travel plans does feel like AI. I'm all for privacy controls so if they just provide an opt out feature, you're fine. And those that are fine with having their info scanned can opt in and benefit from the convenient features. Nothing wrong with that. Choice. Inform, then let your user decide. (Again, I'm all for privacy so let the user have the power, but I fear Apple's ardent stance on privacy might prove a challenge in the AI future for them. How will they keep up with Google?)

Anyway, very impressive so far. Is having Google now cards and notifications a drain on battery??? That's my only concern.

And I've started using "ok Google" more lately to really see what it can do, and that too is really impressive. I used to only use it occasionally to make a call or navigation request while driving, but now I'm trying other commands and OK Google keeps coming through. It's impressive.

I'm becoming more and more understanding and appreciative of what Google's trying to do here with AI. I'm starting to see why this is pretty cool. Can't wait for them to expand it so that it feels more conversational.
 

MRU

macrumors Penryn
Aug 23, 2005
25,370
8,952
a better place
Anyway, very impressive so far. Is having Google now cards and notifications a drain on battery??? That's my only concern.
.


Yes they are, but it's a compromise. If you like having them and find you can still get through a day, then use them.

With Google Cards (location based) you have to have Google Location History turned on. This will 'push to' Google your location throughout the day, for which then Google adapts card info and pushes it back to your device when you go into Google Now.

Google Location History is quite a big drain on the battery comparatively. You essentially are setting up a google service to be running in background continuously whether your using the now cards or not and dependent on factors such as GPS settings / WiFi settings / carrier network etc.. the way it polls (detects) your location can vary power wise.

I never use it because of the impact it has on my battery. (I can knock nearly an hour of SOT off my phone with it on).
 
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epicrayban

macrumors 604
Nov 7, 2014
6,517
5,353
Yes they are, but it's a compromise. If you like having them and find you can still get through a day, then use them.

With Google Cards (location based) you have to have Google Location History turned on. This will 'push to' Google your location throughout the day, for which then Google adapts card info and pushes it back to your device when you go into Google Now.

Google Location History is quite a big drain on the battery comparatively. You essentially are setting up a google service to be running in background continuously whether your using the now cards or not and dependent on factors such as GPS settings / WiFi settings / carrier network etc.. the way it polls (detects) your location can vary power wise.

I never use it because of the impact it has on my battery. (I can knock nearly an hour of SOT off my phone with it on).

I see. I'll have to keep an eye in it then. Shame. Thanks.
 

762999

Cancelled
Nov 9, 2012
891
509
I hope so too. It really didn't impress me. It's just another messenger app. If Google really wants to do some damage to iOS then they needed an iMessage competitor. Not just another message app in the sea of message apps.

And does anyone else think the name "Allo" is a play on how Americans hear English people say the word "hello"?

hello = allo (in french)
 
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