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Two new commits in the Chrome OS Gerrit suggest that the Nearby Connections API that is currently in Android is going to be coming to the platform.  The first commit points to the actual import of the Nearby API code into the Chrome OS platform while the second commit more clearly outlines the need for classes within the platform code structure to support Nearby.

Right now the Nearby API is pretty limited in functionality on Android.  The idea long term is to allow for devices near each other to quickly share information or, through beacons, get information about a location or event that you happen to be near.  Rarely does it get used these days but Google is continue to develop the API, it is up to version 2.0 now, and developers are slowly beginning to implement it.

A new commit in the Chrome Gerrit is suggesting that Chrome Duplex, the new split menu view coming to Chrome for Android, is to be renamed Chrome Duet so as to avoid confusion with Google Duplex.  Google Duplex, as you likely know, is the human sounding assistant that can call and make appointments for you through Google Assistant.  Chrome Duplex is completely unrelated and has to do with a UI update for Chrome for Android, particularly for larger devices.

What Google is wanting to avoid is end users confusing the two duplex’s or assuming that they do the same thing – one on your phone and one in Chrome on your phone.  They are two completely different technologies and thus a name change makes a lot of sense.

After weeks of rumors that the feature would be coming, Google Duo has finally added the ability to use the video chat app across multiple devices.  The new feature is a combination of an app update as well as a cloud-side update from Google to enable it.

First, you need to make sure you have the latest version of the app.  That was released yesterday and is build 36.1.202022753.DR36_RC15 for those keeping score at home and who like playing Google Version BINGO!  Once you have this version, you will shortly thereafter get a cloud-side push from Google.  You will know that you have received that Google update when you are prompted in Duo if you want to use your Gmail address instead of your phone number to sign into Google Duo.  That is key because that’s how multi-device support works in the app.

Today over at Amazon, the Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact is down to $359, the lowest price the 4.6″ phone has seen and some $240 off its launch price of $599.  The XZ1 Compact was released last year by Sony and is a solid option for those who are looking for an Android Oreo powered device that has a small form factor.

To this point, the lowest price had been $399 which was back in March.  At $399, it is a great value for what you are getting in a phone.  At another $40 off, it is something to seriously consider.