Google’s bustling I/O developer conference kicked off this week, offering the company a chance to announce what’s coming next for Android and Chrome OS. As well as shedding more light on what we can expect from Android N, the Californian search giant also detailed its plans for Android Auto, announced a new version of Android Wear and unveiled two new messaging apps. The company’s Android Pay contactless payments service launched in the UK, too. Here are the highlights.
Chrome OS
HP’s Chromebook 13 is an affordable high-end Chromebook
For a long time, if you wanted a high-end Chromebook, your only choice was a Pixel. Google’s own laptop was gorgeous for sure, but at £800 it was hardly affordable. Now, there’s another option: the HP Chromebook 13.
Screenshots show Google Play store coming soon to Chrome OS
You can already install some Android apps on Chrome, via the Chrome Web Store or by converting them yourself with the ARC Welder, but there aren’t that many working apps available. That may change soon, as users on Reddit have reported that the Play Store will soon be accessible on Chrome OS.