With populations around the world either in lockdown and/or following social distancing rules, video chat has suddenly become much more popular. And Google is responding to that explosive uptick in interest by making Google Meet free for everyone to use.
In a post on The Keyword, Google announced that Meet is free for everyone to use. Until now, Meet has only been available as part of G Suite, which is aimed at businesses, schools, and organizations. But now, Google Meet is free for everyone.
All you need in order to use Google Meet is a Google account. Which you already have if you use Gmail. Once you have a Google account, you can use Meet for free either on the web at meet.google.com, or via the Google Meet app on Android and iOS.
Coming soon ?: We'll be offering #GoogleMeet for free to anyone with an email address to help people, businesses, & schools stay connected. Availability for our premium video conferencing product will be rolling out in the coming weeks ? https://t.co/Km6EfP7nHl #MeetOurTeam pic.twitter.com/eLn0PV0Sci
— G Suite (@gsuite) April 29, 2020
Google Meet supports meetings for up to 100 people, with meetings limited to 60 minutes. However, this time limit will not be enforced until October 1st to ensure people can use Google Meet for as long as they want while the COVID-19 crisis is still playing out.
Given the security issues surrounding Zoom and Houseparty, Google points out how Meet is “designed, built and operated to be secure at scale.” Meet’s safety measures include the inability of anonymous users to join meetings, and the ability for hosts to boot people out.
Before you rush to try out Google Meet for free, Google is rolling it out over the next few weeks and “gradually expanding its availability to more and more people.” However, you can sign up here to be notified when you can start using Meet for free.
Google has offered a confusing array of messaging apps over the years, and its lineup is still quite confusing. Google Meet has only been called Google Meet for a matter of weeks, and was formerly Google Hangouts Meet. And that was formerly just Google Hangouts.
Still, Google finally looks to be settling on a direction of travel, with Google Meet and Google Chat replacing Hangouts, and Google Duo (see our beginner’s guide to Google Duo) sticking around as a mobile-friendly option for smaller groups of friends.
Read the full article: Everyone Can Now Use Google Meet for Free
A Google Chromecast is an inexpensive piece of streaming kit. The Chromecast Ultra is more expensive, but at under $100 it remains affordable. But some parts of the world are restricted from buying Chromecasts.
The solution? A DIY alternative based on the Raspberry Pi. Costing under $50, you can configure this credit card-sized computer to receive media streamed from an Android app.
Let me explain how to use your Raspberry Pi like a DIY Chromecast with Raspicast.
Start by installing Raspicast on your Android device. This is a free app that connects to your Raspberry Pi and streams data to it. You’ll find Raspicast in the Google Play app store. Unfortunately, there is no reliable iPhone alternative for this.
Download: Raspicast for Android
It’s important to note that the Android phone and Raspberry Pi need to be on the same network for this. You can’t, for example, stream video from your phone to your TV if you’re sat on the bus. If you’re trying to share a video with someone sat at home, simply message them the link!
With the app installed, turn your attention to the Raspberry Pi. This should be already connected to your TV via HDMI and powered up. Note that the Pi will require an individual power source—you can’t power it from your TV’s USB port. Even if the power rating was adequate, the Pi should not be shut down without the correct command. Ignoring this will result in the Pi’s SD card corrupting, so use the right power source.
We tested this on a Raspberry Pi 4 running Raspbian Buster Lite. However, you should find it works with other Raspberry Pi models and distributions (although some of the commands may differ).
Before proceeding, ensure omxplayer is installed on your Pi:
sudo apt install omxplayerAs you’ll need SSH enabled, here’s a quick primer. You have three options to enable it:
sudo raspi-config, then select Interfacing Options > SSH and use the arrow keys to confirm with OK.The following can be done via a keyboard connected to your Pi or using SSH. You’ll need the Pi’s IP address to connect—open a terminal window and enter
ifconfigMake note of the IP address that correspond’s with your Pi’s connection. For example, use the IP address that corresponds to the eth0 entry if you use an Ethernet connection; wlan0 for Wi-Fi.
Once the SSH connection is established, run some updates. Open a terminal window on your Pi and enter:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgradeThese commands will update your Raspberry Pi’s operating system and find and install any software updates.
With the updates installed, we need some prerequisite packages:
sudo apt install libjpeg9-dev libpng12-devThe packages libjpeg9-dev and libpng12-dev are necessary for programs that can handle JPG and PNG images. This will enable images media to be cast to your Raspberry Pi via the Raspicast app on Android!
Now, install OpenMax. This tool is the best option for casting video, audio, and images from Android to a TV-connected Raspberry Pi. It’s available via GitHub, and you can install it by “cloning” the data repository to your Pi. Don’t have git? Install it with
sudo apt install gitThen clone the repository with:
git clone https://github.com/HaarigerHarald/omxivThis shouldn’t take long.
You’re nearly done; it’s time to build the OpenMax software. Begin by switching to the omxiv directory and using the make command.
cd omxiv
make ilclient
makeThis will take a while. Once it’s done, install with:
sudo make installA few moments later, OpenMax will be ready to use.
Everything you need to cast from your Android device to your Raspberry Pi is now in place. Some configuration of Raspicast is still required, however.
To cast to your Raspberry Pi, you have two options:
Meanwhile, to send videos, music and photos to your Raspberry Pi display, simply use the main Raspicast screen and select Cast. This will open a screen listing all videos on your Android device.
Selecting a media file on any of the corresponding tabs will prompt its immediate playback on your Raspberry Pi.
Need to change the IP address within the app (e.g. to cast to a different Pi)? Open the “three dots” menu and select SSH Settings. Simply input the new IP address and credentials.
Also in the Raspicast menu, you’ll find a check box to Repeat the currently playing file. Further down the list, Audio output can be customized, using HDMI (default), local, both, or alsa. This will prove useful for anyone using an external audio solution with their Pi.
You should also check the Advanced options screen. Here, manage a queue of files, volume (audio volume offset), and specify custom commands. You can also switch to using HTTP if necessary (HTTPS is the default), and more.
Meanwhile, on the main Raspicast screen, use the Files button to navigate and play media stored on your Raspberry Pi. This includes streaming audio, thereby turning your Raspberry Pi into a Chromecast audio device!
While you can’t run Raspicast with a Raspberry Pi running Kodi, don’t worry, there is an alternative. With the Kore remote control app for Android you can also cast media to a Raspberry Pi with Kodi installed.
Download: Kore, Official Remote for Kodi
Simply install the app, set it up with the IP address of your Raspberry Pi, and then head to YouTube. As with Raspicast, tap the Share button on the video you want to cast, then Play on Kodi.
This will immediately stream the video to your TV via Kodi!
The Raspberry Pi isn’t the only alternative to a Chromecast. You might already have a solution that you were unaware of. Your smart TV, game console, or set-top box might have a YouTube app, enabling easy streaming.
In this situation, casting videos from the YouTube app to the TV is usually possible as long as the receiver is on the same network.
While other HDMI streaming solutions exist, if you have a device with an official YouTube app (like the Apple TV), you’ll probably be able to cast to it. And if you don’t own any of these devices or a Raspberry Pi, Miracast is a smart alternative.
Want to go further with media streaming and your Raspberry Pi? Here are the best ways to use a Raspberry Pi as a media server.
Read the full article: How to Make Your Own DIY Chromecast With a Raspberry Pi
Did you know you can run Linux on your Chromebook? Installing a traditional Linux environment on your Chromebook is a quick and easy way to unlock your machine’s true potential and improve its functionality.
Because the Chrome OS is a Linux-based operating system, users can install an alternative Linux environment and get a fully-fledged Linux desktop on their Chromebooks. Before you start, please note that if you have an ARM-based machine, some Linux apps will not work, as they are only designed to run on Intel architecture.
So, here’s how you install Linux on your Chromebook.
There are two main options you can use to install Linux on your Chromebook. You can either create a dual-boot environment using chrx, an open-source project that replaces the now-defunct ChrUbuntu project, or in a chroot environment using Crouton.
There is also a third option, which uses Crostini, Google’s Linux virtual machine container project that allows you to run Linux apps on top of Chrome OS. Crostini is similar to chroot, in that it allows for the creation of an environment where you can run Linux programs. The difference between the two is that Crostini doesn’t require you to enter Chromebook Developer Mode.
Each option has pros and cons. Read on for a simple step-by-step installation guide, while also considering their advantages and disadvantages.
Before you start altering your Chromebook with a Linux installation, you should create a Chromebook recovery drive using the Chromebook Recovery Utility. If anything horrendous happens to your Chromebook during the Linux installation, you can restore your Chromebook using the drive.
You’ll need a USB flash drive with at least 8GB space that you don’t mind formatting during the process.
That’s it!
If you do run into difficulties and encounter the dreaded “Chrome OS Is Missing or Damaged” message, you’re prepared for the worst. Follow our guide on reinstalling Chrome OS to bring your Chromebook back to life.
The chrx dual-boot method and chroot installation methods require you to put your Chromebook into Developer Mode. Chromebook’s Developer Mode is a special integrated function that allows you to boot into an unapproved operating system, among other things.
A few words of caution before progressing.
Firstly, putting your device into Developer Mode will wipe all locally stored data, so please ensure you have made adequate backups of everything important.
Secondly, you are removing an important level of Chromebook’s security, as the machine will no-longer verify or authenticate the Chrome OS on start-up, which could leave you open to potential attacks.
Finally, remember any modifications you make are not supported by Google and may void your warranty.
The method for putting your Chromebook into Developer Mode varies depending on the make and model of the machine. Much older Chromebooks have a simple physical switch underneath the battery. Newer versions do not have a removable battery and thus require you follow these steps:
Chrx is an open-source project that you can use to install a Linux distribution alongside Chrome OS. There are several Linux distros you can choose from. These include the full Ubuntu installation, or GalliumOS, which is derived from Xubuntu and is developed specifically for maximizing performance on Chromebook hardware.
There is one important thing to note before continuing. The chrx dual-boot method does is not compatible with Chromebooks that use ARM hardware. You can check the compatibility list before continuing with the tutorial.
Intel Skylake, Apollo Lake, and Kaby Lake models have varying levels of support and testing. Intel Amber Lake, Gemini Lake, and Whiskey Lake models are new and do not have much support.
The chrx installation is a two-part process. Phase one partitions your storage. Phase two installs the Linux distribution and configures your system.
Here is your step-by-step guide to installing Linux on your Chromebook using chrx. Before proceeding, double-check your compatibility, ensure Developer Mode is enabled, and that you have an active internet connection.
cd; curl -LO https://mrchromebox.tech/firmware-util.sh && sudo bash firmware-util.sh. When the firmware update script loads, press 1, then Enter to Install/Update RW_Legacy Firmware.cd ; curl -Os https://chrx.org/go && sh go. Press N to install to your system storage.cd ; curl -Os https://chrx.org/go && sh go to being the second phase of the installation. When the installation finishes, press Enter.
The chrx installation process is a little lengthy. Still, the result is excellent and provides you a stable dual-boot environment.
One alternative to the chrx method is to use Crouton, an open-source project that installs Linux in a chroot environment.
In practice, this means you can switch between the two operating systems seamlessly by using a simple keyboard command, and the machine will not require rebooting.
Further benefits include sharing the /Downloads folder across both systems. This means that you can easily access files from both environments. Furthermore, removing a Linux operating system installed using Crouton does not require a full system recovery.
The software itself was developed by a former Google employee and is, therefore, optimized to run extremely quickly, even on older machines. The two environments also share drivers, so they should work immediately and without problems.
The process of installing Crouton is very simple. Please check you have a connection to a Wi-Fi network, and you have Developer Mode enabled. Now, follow the steps below to install Ubuntu with Crouton.
sudo install -Dt /usr/local/bin -m 755 ~/Downloads/crouton to turn the installer into an executable filesudo crouton -t xfceOnce the installation is complete, head back into the Chromebook shell (from your desktop press Ctrl+Alt+T, type shell, press Enter), then type sudo startxfce4 and press Enter. After you have done this once, the new OS will continue to run until you either turn off your computer or log out of the Linux desktop environment.
The default installation option, as above, installs Ubuntu 16.04, which is now reasonably out of date. Crouton does support other Linux distros. If you want to check out the other Linux distros Crouton supports, run sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton -r list before starting the installation. Swap out the name of the Linux distro you want to install in step 4 of the tutorial.
The following keyboard shortcuts enable you to switch between the original Chrome OS and your new Linux environment:
Once you have successfully installed your new environment, there are a couple of actions you should take to improve your experience.
sudo sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton -r precise -t keyboard –u and press Enter.sudo apt-get remove xscreensaver then pressing Enter.sudo apt-get install software-center synaptic and pressing Enter.There are two principal ways to remove a Linux environment installed using Crouton.
The first is to enter the shell on your Chrome OS (press Ctrl+Alt+T, type shell, press Enter) and do the following.
cd /usr/local/chroots and press Entersudo delete-chroot * and press Enterrm -rf /usr/local/bin and press EnterThe alternative is to reboot your Chromebook and press Space when you see the initial OS verification is OFF screen. This will take your device out of Developer Mode and wipe all local data, including any new environments you have installed.
As always, ensure you have made backups of any important data before taking this step. If you want to enter Developer Mode again after this point, you’ll have to repeat the process explained earlier.
Now, onto the third and final method for running Linux apps on your Chromebook. Crostini allows you to create a virtual container for a Linux app. The Linux app runs on top of your existing Chrome OS installation, so there is no need to enter Developer Mode or make tweaks to the existing operating system.
The only downside is that Crostini is not available on many Chromebook models. At least, not many at the time of writing—and none that I currently own. Check out the full compatibility list to see if your Chromebook model can run the Linux (Beta) and, in turn, Crostini.
If you’re thinking of waiting around for Crostini to come to your Chromebook, owners of certain models should consider using one of the alternative methods. The list of Chromebook models that will not receive Crostini is lengthy.
The process of loading and using Crostini on a compatible Chromebook is simple. On your Chromebook:
sudo apt update command, then sudo apt update upgrade.
After you complete the Linux (Beta) and Crostini installation, you can install Linux packages to your Chromebook. You will find a new option in your Chrome OS file menu for Linux apps, too, allowing you to launch Linux apps as if it were a Chromebook app.
There are three options for you to start using Linux on your Chromebook. The main limitations of selecting a method come from your hardware type and its compatibility. ARM-based Chromebook models should opt for Crouton, whereas Intel-based Chromebook models have a wider range of options.
Are you getting into the Chrome OS terminal? Check out our list of the most important Crosh commands every user should know.
Read the full article: How to Install Linux on a Chromebook
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Have you come across a language that you can’t identify? Even if you don’t speak multiple languages, it can be useful to know what a language is just by looking at it.
Let’s look at some language finder services to show you which language you’re looking at.
You’ve probably used Google Translate before. But did you know that it has a “detect language” feature that lets you work with unknown languages?
To use it, copy some text in the unknown language and head to Google Translate. Paste your text in the box on the left. Above this, you should see a Detect Language option. If this doesn’t appear, click the dropdown arrow to show all supported languages and select Detect Language.
After a moment, the Detect Language text should change to [Language]—Detected. This lets you easily identify a language and see what the text says, to boot.
Google Translate offers a lot of cool features on its mobile apps, too. There you can translate handwriting or even use your camera to translate text in front of you.
This aptly named tool identifies any language when you paste or type text into it. It doesn’t translate the text, but that’s not a big deal if you only want to know which language the text is in.
After entering your text, give it a second and you’ll see what language you have. In cases where several languages are similar, the tool will suggest possible other languages. When this happens, you should try pasting a different sample from the source so you can confirm which language it is.
Here’s another simple tool to help you find out about unknown languages. Simply enter some text and you’ll see its best guess instantly. The service supports 102 languages, so chances are that whatever you’re looking for is here.
There aren’t any frills, aside from the Pick a random language button if you want to challenge yourself to identify languages on your own.
Looking to detect a language from an image? Yandex Translate’s image translation tool makes this easy. Simply upload an image from your computer or drag it onto the page and the service will detect the language in the image.
Like Google Translate, auto-detect should be enabled by default. If it’s not, click the language name at the top-left and check Auto detect. The text will then change to show which language is in the image.
If you like, select the language you want to translate to on the right. Then you can click text in the image to display it in your language.
You’ll find many tools to help you tell what a language is that are almost identical to the above. For something a little different, why not try a website that challenges you to identify various languages? Not only is it enjoyable, but spending a bit of time with these languages will help you to identify them in the future.
LingYourLanguage is a great site for this. It allows you to play by yourself or in multiplayer mode in four difficulty levels: Easy, Regular, Hard, and Omniglot.
On each stage, you’ll hear a clip in a certain language and must pick the correct answer from a few choices. After you answer, click a language to learn a bit more about it if you like. You only have a limited number of lives, so see how high you can score!
The game contains over 2,000 samples in 80 languages, so there’s plenty to discover.
Another fun game like this is Language Squad. It offers both Audio and Alphabet challenges. Audio is a lot like LingYourLanguage, and offers four difficulty levels that progressively include more languages to increase the challenge level.
Alphabet, as you’d expect, presents you with a text sample of a language and asks you to identify it from several choices. Pick from Easy or Hard mode depending on the number of languages you want in the pool.
If you’re interested in general language identification, these will help you spot certain characters and phrases more easily.
We’ve looked at five ways to quickly identify what language you’re looking at. Whether you want to identify a picture or text on a website, it’s not hard with these resources.
If you want to take this a step further, consider learning the basics of several languages. This will increase your knowledge of the world’s tongues and help you identify the differences between languages more easily. Have a look at the best language learning apps to get started.
Image Credit: Kanko*/Flickr
Read the full article: What Language Is This? 5 Tools to Identify Unknown Languages
Hello, my name is Srikanth. I'm interested in learning new things and sharing with everyone.
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