Google revamps and moves Chrome Remote Desktop to the web

With Google killing off its Chrome Web Store apps, it needed to use one of its more useful apps to the web. The Chrome Remote Desktop app is now accessible through your browser instead. On top of moving it online, the app gets a new look to come with it. It’s currently in beta and Google is asking for feedback so just keep them coming. Google plans to kill the Chrome app once this is fully up and running. Quick note: You will still need to have the Chrome Remote Desktop Host on your computer to get this to run.

Source: Android Authority

Android Oreo update for Samsung Galaxy Note8 Verizon version leaks online

For Galaxy Note8 users, the wait for the Android Oreo might not be that long. A leaked version of the Android Oreo over-the-air update for the Samsung flagship phablet shows up online, but it’s specifically for the Verizon version in the US (SM-M950U). It does suggest, though, that we might expect the official update to come out soon. It can’t be said what version of the update this is but according to GSMArena it doesn’t seem like the final build. It does run on Android 8.0.0 along with Samsung Experience 9.0. It’s supposedly working fine for some Reddit users but it, of course, comes with the usual word of caution when it comes to flashing a build found online and installed on your phone.

Google rumoured to launch new YouTube Remix music streaming service as early as March 2018

Google seems to be taking the fight to Spotify with plans to merge YouTube Red and Play Music. These plans have been divulged by the company back in July but we haven’t heard much about it. Now, it seems the new service, which has been internally called “Remix,” might be coming as early as March 2018. The service is described as “Spotify-like on-demand streaming and would incorporate elements from YouTube, such as video clips.” It makes sense for us to have these two services merged as a Play Music subscription already gives you access to ad-free YouTube content and Red originals, might as well put them in one less confusing service.

According to Bloomberg’s report, there is a possibility of Play Music taking a backseat to YouTube here, which will follow internal structuring where much of the Play Music team has been moved to work on YouTube-related projects. If it does launch by March, Google would need to get the music industry bigwigs to be on board. It has been reported that the record industry heads aren’t happy with the minimal revenue being generated by YouTube music videos. This move might appease them. Warner Music Group is reportedly on board already but Google is still negotiating with the likes of Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and independent labels.

Source: Android Authority

Microsoft's foldable phone concept shows hints of a computing future

Microsoft made a name for itself by introducing the 2-in-1 Surface devices, so it stand to reason that the company's new mobile device would have a similar functionality. The above patent illustrations show the 'Andromeda' concept, a truly innovative smartphone that unfolds into a larger device, possibly a tablet.

Microsoft has killed off Windows 10 on phones, or at least has done nothing to sustain that dying promise of mobile Windows. The company's representatives do reference a mobile device that's not a phone bu which has telephony. With Windows on ARM now a nascent reality, can we expect the Surface Phone or Courier device that brings Windows to a smaller convertible form factor.

Two more patents of Microsoft’s foldable mobile device have been published today, and they were first spotted by WalkingCat. Give us a glimpse of what this could look like. A device like this would put Microsoft in a class of its own and could kickstart their presence in 'mobile' while creating something bigger with more functionality if you throw in Continuum and docking functionality.

Source: Thurrott