Hey Chromies! As expected, the ChromeOS 112 software update arrived on the Stable Channel right after version 112 hit the Chrome browser. I covered the browser bits last week so this week’s focus is on what’s new for ChromeOS. There isn’t all that much to cover but I see that as a good sign: The software is maturing to a point where massive updates aren’t needed.
I'm with you in questioning the utility of streaming apps from the phone. I currently happily use web-based versions of most Android apps, and WhatsApp as well. And I believe we can set up Voice to call from our cell phone number.
My main concern however is the connection problem I've had with the phone hub, which I now understand is what will facilitate the magic of streaming phone apps. Since installing Android 13 on my Pixel 4a, Bluetooth sucks double the battery as before, so at night I disable it. In order to get the phone hub to reconnect (after enabling phone Bluetooth) I have to restart my computer, and even then it takes 5-10 minutes to connect. So I'm mostly likely going to disable phone hub.
Another fun fact: after removing and adding back my phone to Phone Hub, although my main driver (HP Chromebase) is set for disabled Smart Lock (another Chromebook feature that is unreliable) two bizarre things happened: (1) it broke my phone's Smart Lock (which oddly Android 13 removed its settings while retaining the functionality which can no longer be turned off!) requiring a restart of my phone, while (2) it also enabled Smart Lock on my 5 other (laptops and tablets) Chrome devices.
And just when I started pondering a return to Apple (I still have various Apple thingies) my Apple world stuff is all going haywire. Maybe I'll move to China and see how their stuff works...
I'm with you in questioning the utility of streaming apps from the phone. I currently happily use web-based versions of most Android apps, and WhatsApp as well. And I believe we can set up Voice to call from our cell phone number.
My main concern however is the connection problem I've had with the phone hub, which I now understand is what will facilitate the magic of streaming phone apps. Since installing Android 13 on my Pixel 4a, Bluetooth sucks double the battery as before, so at night I disable it. In order to get the phone hub to reconnect (after enabling phone Bluetooth) I have to restart my computer, and even then it takes 5-10 minutes to connect. So I'm mostly likely going to disable phone hub.
Another fun fact: after removing and adding back my phone to Phone Hub, although my main driver (HP Chromebase) is set for disabled Smart Lock (another Chromebook feature that is unreliable) two bizarre things happened: (1) it broke my phone's Smart Lock (which oddly Android 13 removed its settings while retaining the functionality which can no longer be turned off!) requiring a restart of my phone, while (2) it also enabled Smart Lock on my 5 other (laptops and tablets) Chrome devices.
And just when I started pondering a return to Apple (I still have various Apple thingies) my Apple world stuff is all going haywire. Maybe I'll move to China and see how their stuff works...