Tag: Chrome OS

The Chrome OS Beta Channel has been updated but not in the way that was expected.  An almost unheard of seventh build has arrived to the channel in the current cycle and comes a few days after it was expected to be moved up a build.  The new build is still based on Chrome 68 and is build 68.0.3440.87 (Platform version: 10718.71.2).

Chrome 68 was expected to be in the Chrome OS Stable Channel by this point.  That release was suppose to happen on July 31st but clearly hasn’t yet.  While the release notes don’t indicate why there is a delay or any specific bug found, the delay in release likely indicates a last minute issue was discovered or something new cropped up.  That’s the life of beta software.

Acer has launched a set of four new Chromebooks, two 13″ models with impressive specs, and two 15″ models with so-so specs.  The new models are the Acer Chromebook 13, Acer Chromebook Spin 13,  Acer Chromebook 15, and the Acer Chromebook Spin 15.  As the name somewhat suggests, the two Spin models are 2-in-1 designs where you can fold the screen back onto the device to go into tablet mode.

The 13″ Chromebooks sport a 2256 x 1504 IPS display with a 3:2 aspect ratio.  They are powered by the Intel Core i3 or i5 processors and comes with a minimum of 8GB of RAM.  For the Chromebook 13, you get 32GB of Storage.  For the Chromebook Spin 13, you can get either 8GB or 16GB of RAM which is coupled up with 64GB or 128GB of storage depending on the configuration.

The Chrome OS Dev Channel has been updated again with its fifth and likely final Chrome 69 build.  The new build is 69.0.3497.14 (Platform version: 10895.5.0) and it is already rolling out to eligible devices in the channel.  The update comes just a few days ahead of the release of Chrome 68 to the Chrome OS Stable Channel, which in turn would mean that Chrome 69 (likely this build) will be promoted to the Beta Channel next week.

For those that are new to Chrome OS, the Dev(eloper) Channel is considered the alpha build channel where new features are introduced and tested.  These builds tend to be pretty buggy and unstable and are not recommended for use on your daily driver Chromebook.

A sixth and likely final Chrome 68 build has arrived in the Chrome OS Beta Channel.  Build 68.0.3440.76 (Platform version: 10718.63.0) is making its way out to the majority of device out there in the beta channel.  You can check for the update, as always, by typing chrome://help in the browser then clicking the Check for update button.

With the release of Chrome 68 for the Stable Channel expected next Tuesday, July 31st, it is possible that this .76 will be the one we see at that release barring a show stopping bug being found at this late hour in the beta cycle.

After being announced for the education sector in March, the Acer Chromebook Tab 10 is finally available from a wide range of retailers.  Priced at just under $350, the tablet is powered by Chrome OS and is the first true Chrome OS powered tablet in the market.

The QXGA 9.7″ backlit LED display of the Chromebook Tab 10  renders at 2048 x 1536 which supports stylus input.  In fact, it comes with a stylus and it can be stored in the device.  Camera wise, you have a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP selfie camera.  Connectivity is handled by the 2x2MIMO 802.11ac WiFi antenna and you have Bluetooth 4.1 built in too.  Finally, it 34 Wh battery that provides 9 hours of power to the tablet.

The anticipated Google event later this year to announce the new Pixel 3 lineup is shaping up to be far reaching like last year.  Rumors and leaks suggest that in addition to a new Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, we will likely see a Pixel branded smartwatch and updated Google Pixelbuds.  Now we can add an updated Google Pixelbook 2 to the mix.

Evan Blass, one of the most reliable sources for leaks and information, Tweeted over the weekend that an updated version of Google’s flagship Chromebook could be coming at the event, which is believe to happen around the October time frame.

Add to this fall hardware lineup a second-generation Pixelbook, with smaller bezels, scheduled to ship before the end of the year.

— Evan Blass (@evleaks) July 22, 2018

Truthfully this isn’t too surprising given that the Mountain View company appears going with a yearly cadence on all of their hardware updates now.