Googlebook Broadens Horizons Beyond Intel as Qualcomm and MediaTek Participate in AI Laptop Initiative

Google is now taking high-end hardware seriously with its new Googlebook.

Key information

  • Qualcomm has announced its collaboration with Google to create a range of Googlebook laptops.
  • Google is teaming up with Intel, Qualcomm, and MediaTek to provide manufacturers with greater versatility in future Googlebook products.
  • The upcoming Googlebooks are anticipated to accommodate more robust Android applications and premium hardware from brands like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.

The new Googlebook platform from Google is developing into much more than just a replacement for Chromebooks, and Qualcomm has recently validated a crucial element of this venture.

Qualcomm is introducing its Arm-based PC silicon to Google’s future laptop platform, after a long period during which Snapdragon X chips were largely associated with Windows laptops, as confirmed by Qualcomm CMO Don McGuire in a now-removed X post. Nevertheless, XDA quickly captured a screenshot of the announcement.

This indicates that upcoming Googlebook devices will no longer be restricted to Intel chips. Qualcomm also confirmed through its social media that it is working with Google to develop certain Googlebook models, although it did not specifically mention Snapdragon X chips.

Moreover, John Maletis, VP of Product Management for ChromeOS, disclosed collaborations with Intel, Qualcomm, and MediaTek during an interview with ChromeUnboxed.

Significant Android integration

This marks a substantial shift in Google’s laptop strategy. For over a decade, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/best-chromebook" data-url="https://www.androidcentral.com/best-chromebook" data-hl-processed="none" data-mrf-recirculation="inline-link" data-before-rewrite

Google Plans to Limit Free Gmail Storage for New Accounts to 5GB

A recent update has surfaced concerning Google’s policy on storage for new users. Reports suggest that Google might be decreasing the free storage allocated to new accounts from 15GB to 5GB unless users associate a phone number. This alteration seems to be part of a trial in which users who submit a phone number during registration can still receive the full 15GB of storage. The modification was initially spotted by a Reddit user who found that without linking a phone number, only 5GB of complimentary storage was accessible.

Google has refreshed its support webpage to incorporate this possible change, modifying the phrase from “15GB free” to “up to 15GB” of complimentary storage. This action corresponds with Google’s requirement for phone numbers during account setup, which is generally utilized to authenticate user identity and deter the abuse of free storage provisions.

Although Google has not officially validated this modification, the revision in storage policy might be a tactic to motivate more users to link their phone numbers, thereby ensuring that the free storage perk is granted only once per individual. This shift also occurs at a moment when Google has amplified storage for paying Google AI Pro users to 5TB, indicating a transition towards monetizing storage services.

The decrease in free storage could be perceived as an effort to prompt users to choose paid storage plans, though it may also serve as a strategy to limit the misuse of free storage and the establishment of bot accounts. At this point, it is unclear how this change will be enacted across all new accounts and if it will establish itself as a permanent policy.

Best Buy Provides $400 Savings on Canvas Art TV, Currently Priced at $600

The Hisense Class S7 Series stands out as an excellent selection for art aficionados who favor a gentler display. This series presents a distinctive combination of practicality and beauty, making it a perfect choice for individuals who desire their TV to also serve as an art piece. The Hisense Class S7 Series showcases a matte display that is gentle on the eyes, offering a more pleasant viewing experience than conventional glossy screens. This aspect is especially advantageous for art enthusiasts who spend long durations admiring digital art or photographs.

A major highlight of the Hisense Class S7 Series is its capacity to showcase a diverse array of art pieces without requiring a subscription. This feature enables users to enjoy a changing gallery of art when the TV is idle, transforming their living area into a private art gallery. The TV’s design incorporates a wooden frame that amplifies its artistic charm, making it a harmonious addition to any room’s decor.

Offered in sizes between 55 and 65 inches, the Hisense Class S7 Series provides versatility in placement and viewing preferences. Its ultra-slim design facilitates convenient wall mounting, allowing it to meld seamlessly into any setting. Although the display may not shine as brightly as some premium models, its matte finish minimizes glare and reflections, making it a sensible option for spaces with abundant natural light.

For those who value a softer picture quality and appreciate the fusion of art in their home entertainment configuration, the Hisense Class S7 Series is an enticing choice. Its mix of a user-friendly interface, art-centric features, and sophisticated design makes it an ideal match for art lovers who cherish both aesthetics and functionality in their home technology.

How to Utilize a Google Search Method to Remove AI-Created Content

Google Search has experienced substantial transformations over the years, incorporating AI into numerous elements of its operations. Nonetheless, for users desiring a more straightforward experience, Google provides a ‘Web’ mode that presents a basic list of ten links per page, removing extra features such as AI Overviews and Knowledge cards. This mode can be enabled by appending “&udm=14” to the end of a search query. Although the manual addition of this parameter can be tedious, a microsite named Tedium offers a workaround by utilizing this URL parameter as a default. The Web mode emphasizes links exclusively, delivering a refreshing alternative to Google’s feature-rich search results. Users have the option to set this mode as the default on both mobile and desktop devices, guaranteeing a more streamlined search experience. In spite of the advantages of AI features, numerous users prefer the simplicity of the Web mode, underscoring the perceived decline in search quality over the last ten years.

Meta’s Muse Spark Debuts on AI Glasses Gen 1, Ray-Ban Display Launch Postponed

Mobile users will also see an update for Muse Spark this week.

Essential information

  • Meta has announced that it is gearing up to release its Muse Spark AI on its AI Glasses Gen 1 and Gen 2, but notes that the Ray-Ban Display will not launch until the summer.
  • An update for Muse Spark is coming which enhances its voice interaction features and introduces a helpful shopping option.
  • Meta Connect 2026 is officially scheduled for September 23-24.

Meta’s latest LLM is the newest AI software being integrated into its devices, and the company has stated it will also be available on its smart glasses.

The company has disclosed a new update for Muse Spark that is being deployed this week, and it also confirmed its availability on several smart glasses. Shortly thereafter, Meta addressed a user’s inquiry regarding the timeline for Muse Spark’s introduction to its wearables. According to the announcement, users can anticipate the new AI model to gradually become available on the Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta glasses in the U.S. and Canada over the coming weeks.

It’s safe to assume this update has begun its gradual rollout, so users with these models (Meta AI glasses Gen 1 and Gen 2) should remain vigilant. A minor discussion on Reddit highlighted this, with one user having received an update, although it seems unrelated. For now, the anticipation persists. In response to the user’s inquiry about the Ray-Ban Display glasses, Meta indicated that users of this model will need to wait until summer for Muse Spark.

On Meta’s blog, the company outlined the expected updates for Muse Spark in its AI application. Leading the changes is an enhancement to the AI’s voice interaction features. It notes, “Muse Spark allows you to converse naturally with the assistant—interrupt, change topics, or switch languages.” Additionally, the AI is reported to adjust to your mindset as the conversation progresses. Muse Spark has the capability to create images or retrieve pertinent information from the internet during discussions.

Meta Connect 2026 Set for September Emphasizing AI and Quest

This event is expected to be heavily influenced by AI and VR.

“Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide Stuns with Capabilities yet Lacks in Camera Performance”

Samsung’s forthcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is creating excitement with its anticipated design modifications and feature offerings. There are rumors that the device will tackle one of the Galaxy Fold’s enduring design challenges by implementing a broader outer display, improving usability and making it resemble a conventional smartphone when closed, and a tablet when opened. Nonetheless, this enhancement may involve a trade-off in photographic capabilities.

Reports indicate that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide will come equipped with a dual-camera configuration, featuring a 50MP primary sensor and a 50MP ultrawide lens, both supporting 8K video recording. While this arrangement is noteworthy, it omits a telephoto lens, which could put it at a disadvantage compared to the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 regarding photography. The standard version is anticipated to maintain a more upscale triple-camera setup, including a 200MP primary sensor and specialized zoom components.

The lack of a telephoto lens could pose a considerable limitation for photography aficionados, yet the broader design might alleviate usability challenges, such as app scaling and multitasking, and facilitate one-handed use of the cover screen. Other expected specifications include Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a minimum of 12GB of RAM, and a 4,800mAh battery, which is slightly smaller than the 5,000mAh cell projected for the standard variant.

Samsung is also predicted to launch a Dark Green finish as the distinctive color for the Wide Fold. While the device aims to improve the foldable experience, its success will hinge on whether consumers prioritize the wider design over the sophisticated camera features of its counterpart.