Google's Pixelbook redefines the Chromebook segment

Chromebooks have traditionally been affordable, no frills devices. Much like entry-level notebooks, they are made of plastic, offfer few ports and have moderate specs. Google's newly released Pixelbook, however, truly defies convention. 

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See the Stranger Things AR stickers on the Pixel 2 in action

One of the more engaging demos of the new Google Pixel 2 devices were the AR (Augmented Reality) Stickers that they can project onto a scene. Here we see Eleven and the Demogorgon from Netflix' Stranger Things show populating a set piece. Not only are the stickers animated, they are interacting with the real and virtual objects and people around them. This is a simple yet truly engaging implementation of AR. Google is working on more partnerships for this exclusive Pixel initiative. 

You can assign Google Home speakers to specific rooms now

While we’re covering the #madebygoogle event (expect more posts soon), Google has been prepping some of its existing apps and services for the new devices. One of them is the revamped Google Home app. We reported about this yesterday but we weren’t able to talk about one new important feature owners of multiple Google Home speakers (or those who plan to buy the new Google Home Mini and Max). The app will now let you assign a specific Google Home speaker to a specific room. So, if you assign your Google Home to your bedroom and say “OK Google, turn off the bedroom,” then it’ll switch off all smart devices in your room, including the speaker itself. This, of course, will only work if you have more than one speaker and with the release of the Home Mini, Google seems to be preparing for the possibility of you adding more Google Home speakers in your house.

Source: Android Authority

Sonos One speaker to get Google Assistant support in 2018

The Sonos One speaker is shaping up to be the most competitive in terms of supporting the major virtual assistants out on the market. The speaker, which is the company’s answer to the Amazon Echos, Google Homes, and Apple HomePods of the world, is going to open public beta support for Amazon’s voice assistant, Alexa. This time, Google’s own Google Assistant will be joining the fray. It’ll get all the features Assistant offers on other devices. What we don’t know is if these two virtual assistants will work side by side or if there will be specific models per system. On top of these two, the Sonos One is also getting Siri Support through AirPlay 2 in the coming year, making it a pretty formidable speaker/smart home hub.

Source: The Verge