Samsung’s new Chromebooks offer the best of two worlds

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There have been rumors about a new OS, Andromeda, all throughout 2016. Andromeda would be a combination of Chrome OS and Android, but Google has always denied something like this was going on. Hiroshi Lockheimer, responsible for Chrome OS, Android and Google Play told The Guardian last month that a merge of code would not be happening, “ but we are doing is to bring the best of both systems to each other.”

The Samsung Chromebook Plus and Chromebook Pro seem to do exactly that. For a while, select Chromebook models were able to run Android apps, but these new devices, which Samsung developed in partnership with Google, are built around this possibility. They are convertible from laptop to tablet, have a touchscreen and a built-in pen.

I wrote about Chrome OS before and I also tested Remix OS, which is essentially Android for PCs. I then thought that Android was a little limited as a full desktop OS, especially when using an app like Chrome, which doesn’t have extensions on mobile. With a device like this, you get both all your favorite Android apps + a full version of Chrome.

Actually, I think this might also be the best Android tablet, because Chrome OS is simply suited better for a larger display than Android these days. So, I’m wondering where Google takes this in 2017.

Chrome OS already was perfect for most average computer users. A lot of people buy expensive Macbooks while all they do is reading email and watching Netflix. Convertible Chromebooks might be — just like Microsoft’s Surface — a good replacement for both a tablet and a laptop.

Google Play Newsstand now also has a web version — beware of filter bubbles

Google Play Newsstand already was one of my favorite ways to find articles about topics I’m interested in on my phone and tablet, but the service now also has a web version. 

Two interesting days of Track Cycling and two controversial Team GB medals at Rio 2016

On Monday, Mark Cavendish won a silver medal in the omnium after a controversial crash, which he caused. Many, myself included, think he did that on purpose, both based on the footage (https://streamable.com/hyo2) — in which he can bee seen looking back twice — and his "moments" in road cycling, which are well known by cycling fans. Cavendish has not been found guilty.
I was watching BBC and the commentators barely spoke about the moment and didn't ask questions about it when a reporter interviewed Cavendish after the race. In my opinion, that was quite remarkable.

MacBook Pro 2016 rumors

Opinion: What can we expect from the 2016 MacBook Pro, and will it be worth the wait?:

I hope the MacBook Pro will not become another victim of Apple’s obsession for thinness. Because this is a “pro” device, I think people demand a lot of ports, including USB 3.0 and maybe even HDMI. The touch strip rumor is both interesting and weird. Yes, it offers opportunities to customize keys in specific apps, but it sounds like a gimmick.

Quick thoughts on Google I/O 2016

I'm excited about all the Google Assistant stuff. Google Home is not something I'd personally need at this point, but I think it has more potential than something like Echo (except for shopping, probably).

Android on a PC, does it make sense?

Android on a PC, does it make sense?

Report: "The Pixel C was probably never supposed to run Android"

According to a great report by Ron Amadeo from Ars Technica, Google's recently launched Pixel C tablet was never supposed to run Android, at least not from the start.

Browse the web like Snowden - tips to regain online privacy

Popcorn Time is dead, except it isn’t

Today, the people behind popcorntime.io, one of the most popular Popcorn Time forks, closed the doors. The reason is a bit vague, but also today, coincidence or not, they released a “legal” version called Butter (tu tu tu tu tu tu tu). It’s basically Popcorn Time, the same code, without the lines that made it controversial.

HTC One A9 announced

http://baskeetelaar.tumblr.com/post/131563477115/htc-one-a9-preview-the-verge

Hey Google, check your USD to EUR calculator

Apps are the future of TV, but do they have to be on the TV?

Apple is not the first company to see apps as the future of TV (although they might think they are), but the question is if the apps have to be on your TV.

Call of Duty: Black Ops III Beta impressions

Having not played last years Advanced Warfare, the double jumping and wall-running was completely new for me when I started playing the Call of Duty: Black Ops III beta. And to be fair, I was a bit skeptical about it. I didn't really have fun playing Ghosts and went back to the older games instead. After reading hands-on experiences in the months before this beta and after a few days of playing it, all the doubts are gone.

Right, the iPad...

The world beyond Windows and OS X

Could Linux replace your default OS?

Make lists a core part of Twitter

One of the tougher things about selling the idea of Twitter to new users is that it serves a different purpose for everyone, so communicating what Twitter exactly is, is hard. You can’t simply tell them “hey, welcome to Twitter, this is how you should use it.”

Apple needs to drastically change to succeed at IoT

Instant Articles are just another solution

"Our website has a responsive design, so we don't need an app"

Goodbye Secret, victim of its own success

Rando was an app from a while ago that I really enjoyed. You could send a picture to a stranger and he or she could send one back. You could only see the location. Apps like these are (anti)social experiments that are almost never meant to last, either because the user base isn’t large enough or the things they’re sharing are too… personal.

My childhood favorites

There are some movies you watched and some games you played as a kid you probably will never forget. I often saw something in a movie I wanted to do myself, because it looked so cool. I watched those movies unlimited times and played the games for way too many hours, often without fully understanding the game or playing any story missions.