Originally only for Chromebook users with a Google Pixel phone, the Instant Tethering feature of Chrome OS now supports non-Pixel Android handsets in the Dev Channel. Here’s how to use it and which phones, so far, work with it.
Browsing: Productivity
One of the most read posts on About Chromebooks is from last April when I detailed how I was coding with my Pixelbook. Now that Project Crostini has quickly matured, I’ve revamped my development environment on the Pixel Slate.
Instead of packing numerous power bricks to charge my smartwatch, phone, and Kindle at CES, I only took a few USB cords and the Pixel Slate charger because of one accessory: A USB Type-C hub.
The mobile-friendly web page option for Chrome tablets is available in the Chrome OS 72 Dev Channel. Here’s how to enable and use it, although if you have a large-screened slate, you might not ever need it.
Need a smart task manager to get things done? Any.do has long been a favorite of mine but its even better now on a Chromebook thanks to a Gmail integration that creates tasks from your messages.
Forget pairing Bluetooth headphones each and every time you use a new device: Google’s Fast Pair will sync those devices so you pair just once and then every device, including Chromebooks, will automatically work with them.
Here’s why larger screened Chrome OS devices will benefit from virtual desktop workspaces while Chrome tablets with small screens will have a better web experience with mobile versions of sites.
The Android version of Google Duo has been quietly updated to support Chromebooks. This is likely in anticipation for the Pixel Slate and its Duo Cam, but it can be installed on clamshell Chromebooks as well.
Building off the upcoming “Share with Linux” functionality in the Chrome OS Files app, a new feature will allow you to install Debian packages on a Chromebook without having to first copy them over to Linux.
The Linux container on Chromebooks is getting a broad range of shared access to data on your Google Drive and removable media directly through the Chrome OS Files app.
Adobe debuted a nice looking video editor for iOS in its Adobe Premiere Rush CC product this week and said it will bring the toolset to Android in 2019. Depending on the implementation, it could bring simple video edits to Chromebooks.