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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

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

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Google Plans to Limit Free Gmail Storage for New Accounts to 5GB
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Consumer Reports Highlights a Printer with a $5 Yearly Ink Expense, Although It Might Not Be Ideal for Everyone

Printers are crucial devices that frequently turn out to be necessary when required. Although consumer-level printers are typically budget-friendly, the expense of ink can pose a considerable issue. Consumer Reports has pointed out the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 as a printer with remarkably low ink costs. In contrast to conventional cartridge-based printers, the EcoTank ET-3850 employs refillable ink tanks, slashing ink expenses by as much as 90%.

Nevertheless, the EcoTank ET-3850’s steep initial price, nearly $400, might discourage some purchasers. Even though it lacks certain advanced features such as a touchscreen, it provides functionalities like scanning, copying, and an automatic document feeder. The printer’s long-term savings on ink render it a valuable investment for regular users, with refill bottles yielding thousands of pages.

For those looking for other options, Consumer Reports suggests the Canon imageClass LBP247dw for home offices, priced comparably to the EcoTank but with increased ink expenses. In the end, the decision hinges on weighing initial costs against long-term savings on ink.

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Consumer Reports Highlights a Printer with a $5 Yearly Ink Expense, Although It Might Not Be Ideal for Everyone
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Current Offers: M5 MacBook Pro Beginning at $1,499, 16-inch M5 Pro Reduced by $250, iPhone 16e Available from $449, and Additional Promotions

### Current Promotions on Apple Merchandise: An In-Depth Summary

As of now, Amazon is featuring a variety of notable reductions on different Apple items, making this a prime moment for shoppers to think about upgrading their gadgets. This article outlines some of the top offers available, including the freshly launched MacBook Neo, the M5 MacBook Pro, iPhone 16e, and more.

#### MacBook Neo Offers

Amazon has rolled out attractive pricing on the MacBook Neo, with multiple configurations available at lowered rates:

– **MacBook Neo Citrus 256GB**: $590 (Delivery in 2 days)
– **MacBook Neo Citrus 512GB**: $690 (Delivery by Friday)
– **MacBook Neo Silver 256GB**: $590 (Delivery by Friday)
– **MacBook Neo Silver 512GB**: $690 (Delivery in 2 days)
– **MacBook Neo Indigo 256GB**: $590 (Delivery by tomorrow)
– **MacBook Neo Indigo 512GB**: $690 (Delivery in 2 days)
– **MacBook Neo Blush 256GB**: $590 (Delivery in 2 days)
– **MacBook Neo Blush 512GB**: $690 (Delivery by tomorrow)

These prices indicate a $10 reduction on each variant, making them a compelling choice for anyone seeking a new laptop.

#### M5 MacBook Pro

The cheapest M5 MacBook Pro is now up for grabs at $1,499, reflecting a $300 discount from its launch price. This model boasts a 14-inch display, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. This price matches the lowest documented on Amazon, significantly less than its initial catalog price of $1,799.

Moreover, there are price cuts on additional M5 Pro models, including:

– **16-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro**: $249 off
– **48GB M5 Pro MacBook Pro**: $300 off

These offers present fantastic value for anyone aiming to invest in high-performance laptops.

#### iPhone 16e Discount

For those in search of a cost-effective smartphone, Amazon has a promotion on the **iPhone 16e**, starting at **$449**. This refurbished model features 256GB of storage and is sold directly by Amazon, guaranteeing quality and dependability. The iPhone 16e is a great option for casual users or as a secondary phone.

#### iPad Pro Magic Keyboard

Apple’s **13-inch iPad Pro Magic Keyboard** is also discounted, with a 25% reduction lowering the price to **$262.50**. This keyboard is compatible with both M4 and M5 iPad Pro models and is recognized for its stylish design and functionality, making it a valuable investment for iPad owners.

#### Apple Watch Series 11

The **Apple Watch Series 11** is experiencing a price cut as well, with the 46mm GPS + Cell model priced at **$399**, a decrease of $130. This offer stands as one of the best prices noted for this model, representing a fantastic opportunity for those looking to buy a smartwatch.

#### Accessories and Charging Offers

In addition to the aforementioned items, Amazon is offering the **Apple iPhone Air MagSafe Battery** at a notable discount, now available for **$59.99**, nearly 40% off its standard price. This accessory is engineered to enhance the iPhone Air’s sleek look while extending battery life.

### Conclusion

With these considerable discounts on various Apple merchandise, now is an ideal time for consumers to contemplate making a purchase. Whether you’re searching for a new laptop, smartphone, tablet accessory, or smartwatch, these deals offer exceptional value and quality from a trusted vendor.

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Current Offers: M5 MacBook Pro Beginning at $1,499, 16-inch M5 Pro Reduced by $250, iPhone 16e Available from $449, and Additional Promotions
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iPhone 18 Pro: Three Fresh Features That Could Motivate an Upgrade

# iPhone 18 Pro: New Features That May Encourage Upgrades

The iPhone 18 Pro is scheduled for release this fall, featuring a range of thrilling attributes that may persuade users to upgrade. Here are three significant enhancements that are stirring excitement among Apple fans.

## 1. Enhanced Camera Features

Mark Gurman reports that the iPhone 18 Pro will incorporate “some of the most substantial camera hardware enhancements in the history of the lineup.” Expected improvements consist of:

– **Adjustable Aperture Main Camera**: This capability will permit users to modify the depth of field, accommodating different photography techniques. Users can opt for a shallow depth of field to isolate subjects, a medium depth for recognizable backgrounds, or a deep depth for capturing everything in focus.

– **Telephoto Camera with a Broader Aperture**: This upgrade will enhance low-light performance, particularly with the iPhone’s 4x and 8x zoom functionalities.

– **Revamped Camera Control Button**: This alteration aims to enhance user experience by making it more intuitive.

## 2. Unmatched Battery Life

The iPhone 18 Pro is projected to offer the greatest battery life ever seen in an iPhone, due to numerous enhancements:

– **Bigger Battery**: A physically larger battery will deliver increased power.

– **A20 Pro Chip**: This newly developed chip, constructed on a 2nm process, is optimized for improved efficiency.

– **C2 Modem**: Apple’s latest modem is expected to be more energy-efficient than its Qualcomm predecessor.

These upgrades collectively promise to significantly extend battery life, making the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max the most long-lasting models to date.

## 3. Design Enhancements, Featuring New Premium Color

Although the iPhone 18 Pro will likely maintain a similar look to its predecessor, it will include several noteworthy design updates:

– **New Premium Color**: Following the success of the Cosmic Orange finish, a new color is anticipated, possibly a mix of burgundy, coffee, and deep purple, or referred to as deep red or dark cherry.

– **Color-Matched Back Glass**: The back glass will be designed to closely align with the aluminum frame, creating a unified appearance.

– **Reduced Dynamic Island Size**: The Dynamic Island is anticipated to decrease by approximately 35%, offering more usable screen real estate.

These design modifications, alongside the expected camera and battery enhancements, position the iPhone 18 Pro as an attractive upgrade option for Apple users.

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iPhone 18 Pro: Three Fresh Features That Could Motivate an Upgrade
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