Hasta La Gadget!

If you’ve yet to lay your hands on a Chromebook or Chromebox, that could change shortly, as the computers may soon find a new life in libraries, hotels, retail stores and even the break room. Today, Google announced an update to its management console for Chrome OS that allows for Managed Public Sessions — in other words, a kiosk mode. Central to the idea, users will be able to login to the computer without supplying credentials, and their data will be automatically cleared at the end of the session. The setup has plenty of appeal for system administrators, too, as they’ll find the ability to set the default web page, block access to specific sites and apps, configure device I/O operation and manage timed logouts. Google has tested Managed Public Sessions with Dillards, The Hyatt in San Francisco and the Multnomah County Library in Oregon. If anything, it’s a good reason to keep a keen watch on your surroundings… you might just spot a Chromebook in the wild that’s begging for some attention.

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Software, Google

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Via: TechCrunch

Source: Google Enterprise Blog

No one would accuse Samsung or other Chrome OS supporters of hardware overkill: the Chromebox Series 3 and other Google-based PCs often carry just enough processing grunt to browse the web properly. Imagine the resulting surprise when a Liliputing reader discovers an unannounced Core i5-equipped model listed as in stock at multiple retailers. The XE300M22-A01US carries a 2.5GHz, Sandy Bridge-era dual-core chip on top of the usual 4GB of memory and 16GB solid-state drive. That’s far from cutting edge, but more powerful than the creaky Celeron reserved for those who didn’t receive a Google I/O edition. Samsung hasn’t confirmed the existence of the quicker Chromebox, and there’s some question as to whether the system incorporates the sleeker 2013 redesign or sticks to the tried-and-true 2012 layout; we’ve reached out to both Google and Samsung and will let you know if there’s more concrete information. Quoted prices suggest there’s a premium over the original at $405 or more, as of this writing. It’s a lot to pay for a PC without native apps, although those who want only the unfettered web might have something close to their dream desktop.

Filed under: Desktops, Internet, Samsung, Google

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Via: Liliputing

Source: Amazon, CompSource

Keeping the Chrome OS party going, Samsung released an updated model of last year’s Series 3 chromebox. Gracefully named the XE300M22-B01US, this cloud-based workstation features the same 1.9GHz Intel Celeron B849 processor, 4GB of RAM, six USB 2.0 ports and 16GB SSD as its predecessor. The only real change here is the system’s appearance, which is now a sterile white plastic shell with a latch covering its front-facing inputs. The computer recently went on sale in the UK for 279 GBP ($453.50) with Samsung remaining mum on stateside release plans. However, if patience isn’t your strong suit and you’ve gotta have this machine now, you can pick up last year’s model (virtually the same hardware) for around $329 or less.

Filed under: Desktops, Software, Samsung, Google

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Via: TG Daily

Source: Samsung

Aw, wouldn’t you look at the cute little… wait. Right, there’s a Chrome OS update. At its heart, the upgrade to Google’s cloud-based platform introduces a streamlined app list that both occupies less space and carries an internet-wide search box. It’s also possible to save files directly to Google Drive, and audio can now play through either HDMI or USB. Don’t lie to yourself, however: the real reason you’ll rush to update your Chromebook today is newly added support for custom wallpapers, which guarantees all-day, everyday viewing of your most favorite dog in the whole wide world. Or at least, a nice change of pace from Google’s run-of-the-mill backdrops. Isn’t it so sweet?

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Software

Chrome OS update revamps app list and Google Drive saves, allows relentessly adorable wallpapers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 20:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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