Apps

Google’s Android-Chrome OS hybrid could be shown off at October 4 event

Published

on

Google is set to unload a bunch of mobile-related news on October 4th, likely including a presentation focused on Chromecast Ultra, Google Home, and “don’t call them Nexus” Pixel phones.

And while news about fresh hardware should get the attention of Android fans, it appears the biggest and most transformative announcement could come from Google’s software team.

Several hours ago, Hiroshi Lockheimer, senior VP of Android, Google Play, and Chrome tweeted this rather cryptic message:

hiroshi-lockheimer-tweet

If it seems innocuous and vague, that’s because it’s meant to be. We wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise if we were in Mr. Lockheimer’s shoes either. But given the right context, his tweet could be a telling hint at Andromeda (not an official name), a forthcoming operating system that merges Android and Chrome OS.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, The Wall Street Journal first reported last year about Google’s plans to “fold” Chrome OS into Android. Word on the street is that Google is currently testing the yet-to-be-announced hybrid OS on the Nexus 9, a likely candidate given its screen size.

None of this should come as a surprise; Google has previously confirmed that Android apps are coming to Chrome OS soon. But if that’s the case, then what’s the point of Andromeda? That’s a good question — and one that will be answered over time.

Our guess is that Andromeda will support a wider variety of hardware and mobile apps and bring continuity features across Google devices. Having said that, do we think Chrome OS is on its last legs? Definitely. But don’t count it out just yet; the first Andromeda-based tablet or laptop could arrive as late as 2017, according to the same WSJ sources.

Meanwhile, for people who cannot wait to run Android apps on their tablets and PCs, there’s always Remix OS, a free and easy-to-install operating system that puts Android Marshmallow on your computer. It even has an emulator version, meaning less hassle for those who aren’t tech-savvy enough.

[irp posts=”8016″ name=”Google is screwing over some Android users”]

Apps

Firefox ad reunites all your favorite memes from decades ago

The Numa Numa Guy, Annoying Orange, and Chocolate Rain are back!

Published

on

Before Tung Tung Tung Sahur and Skibidi Toilet, the early internet was populated by charismatic personalities looking to make their presences felt in a land that didn’t have a lot of rules yet. As early users, we danced to “Dragostea din tei,” belted out “Chocolate Rain,” and copied “Shoes” word-for-word. Today, Firefox is bringing all those good memories back for a grand reunion.

In a new ad, the web browser featured ten of the biggest stars of the early internet including the aforementioned Numa Numa Guy, Tay Zonday, and Shoes’ Kelly. You can also see Annoying Orange, Chuck Testa, Overly Attached Girlfriend, Bad Luck Brian, Where the Hell is Matt?, the Apparently Kid, and the Success Kid.

Now, this isn’t just a reunion. The ad has a clear message about today’s most concerning issue: AI. Everything has “built-in AI, always asking, asking, asking,” as the Annoying Orange said.

“They make money by following us, and somehow, I’m the creepy one?” the Overly Attached Girlfriend asked.

All these famous personalities are asking what happened to the internet today. Obviously, the big takeaway is that we should all go back to Firefox.

Compared to other browsers, Firefox has a lot of built-in features that offer a lot of control for users. For one, it has its own VPN for privacy. Secondly, reflecting the ad’s message against AI, the browser has a toggle to minimize AI features.

SEE ALSO: Google illegally destroys 250,000 trees for a single AI data center

Continue Reading

Apps

Apple Music is getting a Liquid Glass makeover

The new logo debuts next week with iOS 27.2.

Published

on

Apple Music is getting a revamp. In one of the tamer things going on with the brand today, Apple has introduced a new design language for its native music streaming platform.

In the midst of all the hubbub surrounding the iPhone Duo, Apple released a change in the visual identity of Apple Music. Rather than a static logo, the platform’s newest evolution offers a dynamic look that melds Liquid Glass and the power of sound together.

Confirmed through a behind-the-scenes video, Apple says that the new aesthetic was made with practical effects. Music producer Fred Again and NEST Acoustics submerged the platform’s logo in a tank of mineral oil and creating ripples with sound. The new language matches well with the chrome aesthetic typical of today’s trends and… well, Liquid Glass, of course.

Apple says that the more ripple-filled version will play before longer content like concert recordings (similar to Netflix’s startup stinger). Meanwhile, a black-and-white version will replace the app’s icon currently colored red and white. Current previews show off a simple logo, but it’s unknown whether Apple is adding a but more elements when the final version drops.

The updated version will debut for users after next week’s iOS 27.2 and macOS 27.2 updates.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone Duo Unboxing and Hands-on

Continue Reading

Apps

Disney+ strengthens footing as go-to sports streaming app with UFC, NBA, more

ESPN on Disney+ brands itself as ‘new home ground for sports’

Published

on

Disney+ is strengthening its footing as a go-to sports streaming app as ESPN on Disney+ is now available in the Philippines, one of its markets with a huge sports-loving fanbase.

The launch coincides with a brand new campaign, “Ito ang Homecourt Mo!” (This is your homecourt!), welcoming Filipino fans to a new home ground for games, stories, and moments.

Subscribers can access live events, on-demand replays, studio shows, documentaries and original programming together in one dedicated destination through ESPN on Disney+.

Production and coverage will be led by ESPN, delivering high-quality broadcasts, commentary and expert analysis across the sports season where available, alongside Disney+ general entertainment and family programming.

Following last season’s success, NBA returns to ESPN on Disney+ with matchups during NBA Tip-Off Week.

Christmas Day games will also be available to stream, including the NBA Finals rematch between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs and the Philadelphia 76ers versus the Los Angeles Lakers.

Playoff games through the conference finals shall also be streamed live and on demand.

Meanwhile, the UFC is among some of the new regular sports programs Filipinos can watch on Disney+.

The action kicks off at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi scheduled on October 25, where two world championship titles are expected to be on the line: UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski takes on undefeated No. 1-ranked contender Movsar Evloev, and UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan defends against former champion and No. 1-ranked Merab Dvalishvili.

Alongside live UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Nights, fans will have access to a library of classic fights and curated UFC content.

There will also be the original and and behind-the-scenes programming, including UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, UFC Main Event, UFC Fight Flashback, UFC Reloaded, and ROAD TO UFC.

A new home ground for sports

Other notable sports programming will include the Formula E 2026/27 season, with practice, qualifying and main races across 21 rounds in 13 host cities.

Also available on Disney+ are NCAA events, including March Madness, and Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), with all games live across the regular season and championship series.

ESPN’s popular 30 for 30 documentaries will continue to be available on the platform. The line-up also features ESPN studio shows, including ESPN FC and Pardon the Interruption.

Continue Reading

Trending