I am totally new to Chromebooks. The Galaxy Chromebook Go is my first Chromebook experience coming from a Mac/Linux/Windows background mostly. Over the last month, I swamped out my heavy-duty bread-winning 15” Asus Vivobook laptop dual-booted on Windows 10 and Linux Mint 19 with the Galaxy Chromebook Go.
My goal was to figure out if Chromebooks have come of age enough to become my daily driver. I’ve got a review of the Galaxy Chromebook Go coming up but I thought I needed to share my experience and thoughts about the operating system that powers Chromebooks first.
Chromebooks are a fairly new breed of laptops that run on Chrome OS, a heavily tweaked Linux-based operating system. At the center of the Chrome OS is as you would have guessed — the Google Chrome browser. In fact, the official Chrome OS logo is the same as that of the Chrome browser. When Chromebooks first launched a decade ago in 2011, it’s fair to say that they were just glorified Chrome browsers on metal. And indeed that observation has been true until very recently. Chromebooks are now more powerful and extend the computing experience beyond the browser as we shall later see.
Chromebooks are still heavily reliant on the internet just like most devices today. Most services and work we do today can barely be done offline. The global pandemic has even further exacerbated that fact — from online learning to remote working to binging shows on Netflix. So, today’s computing devices not only can’t work well without the internet, they’re expected to work with the internet. In Uganda where I live, this can be a challenge and anyone deciding on buying a Chromebook has to seriously evaluate the internet capabilities of their home/school/work setting. Some apps, however, still work offline such as Google Docs, Sheets.
The basis of any computing platform today with any ambitions of having mass adoption is App support. The Chrome browser is at the center of Chrome OS. And sure there are plenty of web apps we use today such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Gmail, Calendar, etc. Chromebooks shine at supporting web apps already. But they also support Android-based Apps through the Google Play store.
So you can download millions of Android-based Apps to your Chromebook which is great at first until you realize that small-size screen Apps designed for 6” smartphones don’t scale well on 11” laptop screens. That’s a trade-off you’ll have to consider when thinking about installing Android Apps on your Chromebooks.
Google Play Store on Chrome OS
Besides Web and Android Mobile Apps, you can install software from the Chrome Web store . These are essentially Chrome extensions which are apps designed to run on the Chrome browser. They extend the capabilities of the browser by adding custom functionality or features.
Chances are that you have probably installed one or two browser extensions. The Chrome web store has plenty of extensions designed to boost your productivity, shopping, collaboration and communication, News, Photo editing, and much more. I personally have a dozen Chrome extensions installed such as the one from Telegram which I use for work.
Chrome web store
More recently though, Chrome OS added support for fully-blown Linux-based desktop Apps such as the Terminal, Photo editor Gimp, developer tools, and IDEs such as Sublime Text, and much more. This is aimed at more technical users who wish to use Chromebooks for more technical tasks such as Web, Game and App development, and general-purpose coding. The Linux development environment is not enabled by default. You’ll have to activate it from the Settings under the Advanced and Developer section.
Terminal app
Severely lacking for Chromebooks is creativity software . There’s no support for good photo editors such as Adobe Photoshop or video editing software similar to Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere. Sure you can get photo editing software such as Polarr, Pixlr, or Adobe Photoshop Express but aren’t nearly as good as the Pro windows or Mac equivalent.
Because I just can’t do without it, I was still able to install the Free desktop GIMP photo editor with the Linux development environment enabled. I’ve to admit, I am still new to Chrome OS and I have not yet fully explored all the edges, but that’s my first impression so far.
Gimp on Chrome OS
As an operating system, Chrome OS nails the basics. It comes with a File explorer called Files where to get to store your documents, images, and videos. It’s very minimalistic but powerful. With files, you get to access files stored on the Chromebook’s hard drive or rather Flash storage. Most budget Chromebooks support 32/64GB of storage expandable via an external Micro SD Card. So you can browse files on the SD card too.
Files app
You also get to access your files on Cloud storage providers starting with Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft’s Onedrive, and more. Google Drive comes with native support, unlike the rest. You can also access files shared via the local Network such as files on your NAS Drive . Through one of the USB-A and USB-C ports, you can access external storage on portable hard drives too.
Chrome OS comes with a built-in Photo viewer and video player. With the Photo viewer, you can crop, rotate, apply filters, scale, and annotate images and photos. I like it when a platform’s built-in apps are capable enough to do the basics that you don’t need to install a 3rd party App unless you’re looking for very specific power-user functionality. The Video player is minimalistic too; plays the most common formats such as .mp4, .webm and supports picture-in-picture view. So if you have a movie you wish to watch offline, no problem.
Image viewer
Now let’s talk about Productivity. Most people buying Chromebooks today do so for online learning or working from home. Productivity tools such as word processors, spreadsheets, presentation software, browsers, meeting, and video conferencing apps are key. Luckily we have the backing of Google which has a whole suite of productivity apps, Chromebooks don’t disappoint.
Chromebooks are fully integrated with Google productivity tools such as Docs, Slides, Sheets, Drive, Forms, Jamboard, Calendar, Keep, and communication tools such as Gmail, Meet, and Chat. You also get access to online learning apps like Classroom and Assignments.
What about Microsoft’s productivity tools like MS Office? Initially, Microsoft Office was supported via Android-based Apps you install on Chromebook. However, recently, this has moved online. You can still use MS Office through the web apps found on office.com which is similar to the way you use Google’s productivity suite. You can use Outlook, OneDrive, Word, PowerPoint, Excell, OneNote, To-Do Calendar, Skype. But you need an active internet connection, unlike the traditional MS Office software you access on your Windows PC. The Office Apps are part of the Microsoft 365 Premium monthly subscription service that starts at $7.99 for the personal plan. If you don’t have the plan, you can still view MS Word or Excel files using Google Docs, or Sheets.
Word
If you’re doing online classes, you’ll appreciate the Chrome OS’s built-in Screenshot and screen recording app. This app works exactly like Apple’s Mac OS Quick time screen recording app. You can easily take screenshots of the entire desktop, a window, or a specific area of the screen and they’re saved as png. You can also screen record your computer with audio support if you like. Recordings are saved as a .webm file extension. This is especially great for creating content or teaching online classes. Windows has a snipping tool. But there’s no easy way of recording your screen.
If you own an Android Phone, then you’ll like the tight integration between Chromebooks and Android smartphones. You can tether your Chromebook with your android phone and access mobile internet easily. You can send files from the phone to the Chromebook with the Nearby share which is similar to Apple’s Airdrop.
Related: How to share files with Android’s Nearby Share feature
You also get notifications from your Android phone on your Chromebook if you want through the phone hub and sync WiFi networks with your Chromebook. Essentially Google has taken some cues from Apple’s playbook in creating a seamless integration between Android smartphones and Chromebooks.
Phone Hub
Finally, you get Google Assistant integration with Chromebooks. If you’re used to using Google Assistant on your phone to ask quick questions or start your Assistant routines, you’ll find this integration useful on Chromebooks. Currently, the Google Assistant works on Android phones and smart speakers such as the Google Mini/Nest and other smart devices.
You can’t use Google’s voice assistant on Windows PC surprisingly. But you can with Chromebooks. The Assistant is getting more powerful and useful every day and I can use Kids for instance interacting with Chromebooks with the voice Assistant rather than the keyboard.
Google Assistant
Alright, that’s it. Hope this gives you a good idea of what Chrome OS is. Stay on the lookout for the review of the Galaxy Chromebook Go laptop itself.
David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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