Latest news with #ChromeOS
Economic Times
7 minutes ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Google's Android chief Sameer Samat says you don't need a computer science degree anymore, here's what will really matter in big tech.
Agencies Google's Android chief Sameer Samat believes a computer science degree isn't essential to thrive in tech. In a candid conversation, he emphasized that passion, problem-solving skills, and domain expertise matter more than formal qualifications. At a time when degrees still define worth in many professions, Google's Android chief Sameer Samat is reshaping that narrative for aspiring tech professionals. Speaking candidly about what truly lands someone a coveted role in Silicon Valley, Samat made it clear—a computer science degree is not your golden ticket into big tech. Passion, problem-solving, and deep expertise matter more. In a powerful conversation, reported by Times of India, Samat dismantled a long-held belief that success in tech is gated by traditional education. 'If all you want to do is learn Java or Python, you don't need a degree,' he said. 'Computer science is the science of solving problems—it's not just about syntax and code.' As artificial intelligence continues to take over basic programming tasks, Samat stressed that the real value of a tech education lies in understanding systems, tackling complex problems, and working collaboratively in real-world environments. Sameer Samat isn't speaking from theory—his own journey is proof. After graduating from UC San Diego with a degree in computer science, he didn't just chase titles. He founded startups, sent a cold email to Google co-founder Sergey Brin (which led to a spontaneous job interview), and eventually carved out a leadership role at Google after turning down that very first offer. Today, as President of the Android Ecosystem, he's shaping the future of mobile technology, including the integration of ChromeOS with Android—an evolution in computing years in the making. But what he advocates for is even more futuristic than merging operating systems. In his view, programming languages will eventually become so abstract that developers might just describe problems in natural language and let machines take over the implementation. 'That might still take time,' he admitted, 'but foundational understanding will always be crucial.' Samat's advice for aspiring engineers is simple but profound: don't pursue computer science just because it's trendy. Instead, focus on something that genuinely excites you. 'Becoming a top 5% expert in a niche you're passionate about makes you more relevant to the world's best companies,' he said. This depth of knowledge—whether in system design, user experience, or even a specific branch of AI—is what hiring managers at elite tech firms now seek. As many graduates struggle to find roles despite academic credentials, Samat's words echo what the industry is increasingly valuing: specialized, applied expertise over generalist degrees. So for students staring at a syllabus or developers stuck in routine coding jobs, his message is clear: dare to go deeper, be curious, and build something meaningful. Because at the end of the day, it's not the degree that sets you apart—it's the depth of your passion.
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Business
- Time of India
Google's Android chief Sameer Samat says you don't need a computer science degree anymore, here's what will really matter in big tech.
At a time when degrees still define worth in many professions, Google 's Android chief Sameer Samat is reshaping that narrative for aspiring tech professionals. Speaking candidly about what truly lands someone a coveted role in Silicon Valley, Samat made it clear—a computer science degree is not your golden ticket into big tech. Passion, problem-solving, and deep expertise matter more. In a powerful conversation, reported by Times of India, Samat dismantled a long-held belief that success in tech is gated by traditional education. 'If all you want to do is learn Java or Python, you don't need a degree,' he said. 'Computer science is the science of solving problems—it's not just about syntax and code.' As artificial intelligence continues to take over basic programming tasks, Samat stressed that the real value of a tech education lies in understanding systems, tackling complex problems, and working collaboratively in real-world environments. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Project Management Cybersecurity Finance Operations Management PGDM Management Others MCA MBA others Data Science Leadership Data Analytics Degree Product Management CXO Digital Marketing Technology healthcare Public Policy Design Thinking Data Science Artificial Intelligence Healthcare Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management Project Planning & Risk Analysis Strategic Project/Portfolio Selection Adaptive & Agile Project Management Duration: 6 Months IIT Delhi Certificate Programme in Project Management Starts on May 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Project Planning & Governance Agile Software Development Practices Project Management Tools & Software Techniques Scrum Framework Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Programme in IT Project Management Starts on Jun 20, 2024 Get Details Degrees Don't Define You Sameer Samat isn't speaking from theory—his own journey is proof. After graduating from UC San Diego with a degree in computer science, he didn't just chase titles. He founded startups, sent a cold email to Google co-founder Sergey Brin (which led to a spontaneous job interview), and eventually carved out a leadership role at Google after turning down that very first offer. Today, as President of the Android Ecosystem , he's shaping the future of mobile technology, including the integration of ChromeOS with Android—an evolution in computing years in the making. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 10 Most Gorgeous Women in the World. OMGIFacts But what he advocates for is even more futuristic than merging operating systems. In his view, programming languages will eventually become so abstract that developers might just describe problems in natural language and let machines take over the implementation. 'That might still take time,' he admitted, 'but foundational understanding will always be crucial.' What Top Tech Companies Really Look For Samat's advice for aspiring engineers is simple but profound: don't pursue computer science just because it's trendy. Instead, focus on something that genuinely excites you. 'Becoming a top 5% expert in a niche you're passionate about makes you more relevant to the world's best companies,' he said. You Might Also Like: IIT-IIM degrees, Goldman Sachs job. Left everything to know more about security guards. Who is Abhishek Kumar, co-founder of MyGate? This depth of knowledge—whether in system design, user experience, or even a specific branch of AI—is what hiring managers at elite tech firms now seek. As many graduates struggle to find roles despite academic credentials, Samat's words echo what the industry is increasingly valuing: specialized, applied expertise over generalist degrees. So for students staring at a syllabus or developers stuck in routine coding jobs, his message is clear: dare to go deeper, be curious, and build something meaningful. Because at the end of the day, it's not the degree that sets you apart—it's the depth of your passion.
Mint
10 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
Indian-origin CEO, whose startup is backed by Sundar Pichai, shares ‘superpower' tip for new entrepreneurs
In a startup ecosystem driven by speed, scale, and relentless hustle, Caesar Sengupta, the Indian-origin CEO of Arta Finance, believes his biggest strength isn't another productivity tool or strategic playbook — it's stillness. Sengupta, a former Google Pay executive and co-creator of ChromeOS, co-founded the digital wealth platform Arta Finance in 2021. Backed by marquee investors including Sequoia Capital India and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, the fintech firm has raised $92 million so far. Yet, Sengupta admits the transition from corporate life at Google to the unpredictable world of startups has been anything but smooth. 'There are days where you feel 100%, and there are days where you're like, 'Oh my God, what did I just do?'' Sengupta said in an interview with CNBC Make It, adding that startup life can take a toll on health, relationships, and emotional well-being. What helped Sengupta stay centred? Not a new app or workflow, but five to ten minutes of daily meditation. 'I wish three years back, somebody had sat me down and said: 'Dude… just meditate,'' he told CNBC. He now calls mindfulness his 'superpower' — a habit that gives him mental clarity amid a whirlwind of investor calls, product sprints, and high-stakes decisions. And science appears to back him up. According to a recent study by USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, even 30 days of guided mindfulness meditation can significantly improve attention span and reduce mental distractions. The study observed improved focus and reaction times across age groups, attributing the effect to changes in the brain's attention-related systems. In addition to meditation, Sengupta also uses solo cycling as a way to disconnect and recharge. 'It's one of the only times where no one can reach me,' he said. His approach signals a shift in how modern entrepreneurs view success. Instead of glorifying burnout, Sengupta is betting on inner calm as a long-term advantage. 'Ultimately,' he says, 'it's about how you confront the ups and downs of life.' As founders face increasing pressure in a volatile funding climate, Sengupta's lesson is clear: clarity, resilience, and a few moments of stillness may be just as critical as capital.
WIRED
a day ago
- Business
- WIRED
Gear News of the Week: Chrome OS Will Merge With Android and Sony Surprises With a New Camera
Plus: Omega drops a summery Seamaster, EcoFlow unveils a whole-home energy backup system, and Viture has new smart glasses. Courtesy of Omega; Sony; Viture All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. It's been speculated on. It's been rumored. It's been hoped for. And according to an interview with TechRadar, it's happening. Android ecosystem president Sameer Samat says Google plans to combine Chrome OS and Android 'into a single platform.' Google has kept its phone and tablet operating systems distinct from its laptop platform. There has been plenty of crossover over the years—the biggest being the introduction of Android apps to Chromebooks back in 2016—but they have always coexisted. With Samat's new statement, though, change is afoot. In the interview, Samat also followed up on a comment made to WIRED's Julian Chokkattu at Google I/O this year, hinting at a future Google laptop, stating that 'he's interested in how people are using their laptops these days.' The last Google laptop was the Pixelbook Go in 2019, which followed the ill-fated Pixel Slate 2-in-1 in 2017. If Google does plan to merge the new platforms, having flagship Google hardware on hand is a must. — Luke Larsen Pixels Are on the Way Rick Osterloh, senior vice president of devices and services at Alphabet Inc., during the Made By Google launch event in Mountain View, California, US, on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. Alphabet Inc.'s Google is rolling out upgraded smartphones, watches and earbuds, aiming to take on Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. and offer more ways to use artificial intelligence. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via GettyIn other Google news, the company has set a date for its Made by Google event, where it's expected to debut the Pixel 10 series smartphones, a new Pixel Watch, and new wireless earbuds. The keynote takes place on August 20 in Brooklyn, New York, and it kicks off at 1 pm ET (10 am Pacific). It'll be livestreamed as usual. Google used to hold its big hardware event in October, but changed things up last year, putting the Pixel release date ahead of the iPhone, with more breathing room ahead of the holiday shopping season. The highlight of this year's release—other than marking 10 years of Pixel—is that Google is rumored to be moving to TSMC chips for its Tensor G5 chipset due to issues with Samsung's foundry. Sony Surprises With a New Camera Sony has dropped a new full-frame camera out of the blue, the RX1R III. The RX1R series was last updated nine years ago. Why now? If I had to guess, I'd say it has a lot to do with the success of compact fixed-lens cameras, like the Leica Q series, Fujifilm X100 series, and the Fujifilm GFX100RF. Sorry you had to wait almost 10 years, RX1 fans, but better late than never. What do you get out of a 10-year development cycle? Turns out … not that much. The RX1R III is pretty much a repackaged a7R V in terms of image capabilities. There's the same 61-megapixel full-frame sensor paired with the a7R V's Bionz XR image processor and the dedicated AI chip. That's a significant upgrade for this camera relative to the last model in the series, but there's no brand-new tech here. More interesting are the design changes. The RX1R III ditches the pop-up electronic viewfinder of the RX1R II in favor of a rear-mounted viewfinder, making it look a bit like Sony's high-res travel camera, the a7R C. Also, Sony dropped the articulating rear screen; this one is fixed like the very first RX1R. Probably the best upgrade here is that the RX1R III uses Sony's larger batteries, the NP-FW50, which will dramatically improve battery life. One thing that hasn't changed at all since this series was launched in 2012 is the built-in Zeiss Sonnar T* 35-mm f/2 lens. The big question here is, how will this more-than-a-decade-old lens work with the latest and greatest autofocus? We'll let you know when we get our hands on a review unit later this year. — Scott Gilbertson Omega's Summer Seamaster Omega this week dropped a bright, summery version of its excellent Seamaster Diver 300M, following on February's bronze gold and burgundy watch. While, yes, it's not exactly a groundbreaking departure from last year's original, it hits all the right notes, mainly thanks to how strong November's first iteration was. However, this model has an edge over its siblings. The aluminum bezel and stylish mesh bracelet remain, but look closely and you'll see subtle changes, most pleasing of which is that the wave-pattern on the dial has been replaced with a flat, matte-textured black. For the orange enthusiasts, note the lollipop seconds hand, and indices at 12, 3, 6, and 9 have all been given a pop of color. A final flourish is the matching orange 'Seamaster' dial signature. As with last year's 42-mm original, we'd still opt for the mesh bracelet ($6,800), but if you want to go totally tangerine, then spec the integrated orange rubber strap at $6,500. Regardless of strap selection, with the Caliber 8806 inside (certified as a Master Chronometer by METAS) and water resistance to 300 meters, this piece—either in orange or the original black—is currently WIRED's pick of Omega's lineup. — Jeremy White EcoFlow Launches a Home Battery System Whether you're worried about power outages or unpredictable weather events, or looking to better manage rising energy costs, EcoFlow's new Ocean Pro system is targeting you. This whole-home energy backup system pairs modular 10-kWh batteries (expandable up to 80 kWh) with an inverter that can handle up to 40-kW solar panel arrays. Ocean Pro can output up to 24 kW continuously, enough to fully power most households, including HVAC systems, EV chargers, and other appliances. The brain of the Ocean Pro system is its Smart Home Panel, allowing for real-time energy monitoring and AI forecasting on weather, pricing, and usage to automate your smart home systems. The system can act as a backup with a 10-millisecond switchover time should the grid fail. Ocean Pro can also export power to the grid, and there's support for the Virtual Power Plant (VPP) network to export excess energy based on need and electricity prices. EcoFlow offers a 15-year warranty, with an IP67 rating for water resistance and flood resistance up to 2.6 feet. The kit can handle extreme temperatures (from –4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit) and has built-in fire prevention. The Ocean Pro also passed the UL 9540B safety certification for energy storage systems. Most folks install them on the side of their house, so the batteries come in a choice of aluminum, carbon fiber, or walnut finishes. These systems are a big jump up from the EcoFlow portable power stations and power banks we've tested, but the company has been selling its PowerOcean home batteries in Europe for a while, and they have a decent reputation. The Ocean Pro beats Tesla's Powerwall 3 on two key fronts: It can handle more solar (double) and it can store more energy (Tesla maxes out at 54 kWh). But Ocean Pro will not be cheap. Exact pricing depends on your home and the size of the system, but just a couple of batteries and the inverter will cost around $10,000. Ocean Pro is available directly from EcoFlow now. — Simon Hill Viture's Luma Series Smart Glasses Purveyor of gaming-focused virtual display glasses, Viture just announced a whole new lineup. The Luma Series has four models: Luma, Luma Pro, Luma Ultra, and the Beast. Aside from a sharper display across the board, Viture's main addition in the top three models is a front-facing camera to allow for spatial capture and 6 degrees of freedom (dof) using its Spacewalker app, though this is not available yet. The Luma Pro I have been testing gives you a 152-inch virtual display with a 52-degree field of view at up to 1200p resolution and 1,000 nits of brightness. Viture describes them as 4K-like, despite the resolution, but what it means is that this is its sharpest display yet. The clarity and brightness are excellent. There's also electrochromic film to darken the shades, and full customization with nose pieces, diopter dials, and adjustable temples with lighting effects. Viture's Pro XR glasses topped our Best Smart Glasses guide until the Xreal One Pro displaced them. The key advantage Xreal's glasses have is a hardware chip that allows 3 dof, so you can pin screens in place. Up until now, Viture's virtual displays moved with you when you moved your head (unless you used its Pro Neckband wearable Android computer or Spacewalker app). But the Luma Pro and up will support 6 dof, allowing you to move in 3D space, though it will still be handled through software on your connected device. Viture also offers AI-powered 2D to 3D conversion across its glasses. The entry-level Luma ($399) lacks the camera and is set to land in September. The Luma Pro ($499) is available now, but the 6-dof functionality will be enabled via Spacewalker later. The Luma Ultra ($599), coming in August, gets a little brighter with newer Sony Micro-OLED panels, and also sports dual-depth cameras and wider 6-dof platform support, including MacBook and Windows. The flagship model, the Beast ($549), landing in October, ups the field of view to 58 degrees and the display size to 176 inches, and it has built-in hardware to enable 3 dof, with 6 dof via software, and a built-in microphone. — Simon Hill Sony and NFL Have a Headset Deal for 2025 Season Sony is jumping into business with the National Football League. The two megabrands announced a partnership this week that includes a custom-developed Sony headset as the primary communications device for NFL head coaches. The headset may look familiar to fans of Sony's popular wireless headphones, as the design borrows heavily from the brand's flagship WH-1000X series, from engineering insights to the look and feel of the earcups. Sony says the headset has undergone extensive testing in rain, snow, cold, and extreme heat to take on the notoriously bad-weather games NFL coaches endure, as well as drop testing for mishaps (and presumably flaring tempers). Sony not only brought its years of noise-canceling experience to the system, but also optimized it for real-game environments using crowd noise at over 100 decibels, according to Sony Audio product manager Gator Nakahashi. Sideline communication will be handled by a custom mic transmitted over Verizon Business' Private Wireless Solution. The headsets will hit the field at the start of the 2025 season as the Cowboys take on the Eagles on September 4. — Ryan Waniata
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
HP 15.6″ Chromebook Crashes to 70% Off, Cheapest 4.5-Star Laptop Today Only at Best Buy
Juggling emails, streaming classes, and video chatting with family can be tough on an older computer, especially if it groans each time you open another tab. A fresh, lightweight laptop keeps everyday tasks smooth, and the HP 15.6″ Chromebook is aimed at exactly that kind of simple, reliable use. Whether you need a classroom companion, a second screen for the living room, or a travel friendly writing machine, this model covers the basics without piling on extras you will never touch. Head over to Best Buy to get the HP 15.6″ Chromebook Laptop for just $149, down from its usual price of $449. That's a discount of $300 and 67% off. See at Best Buy The large 15.6 inch screen gives you plenty of room to spread out a document on one side and a research tab on the other. Bright full HD resolution keeps text sharp and colors lively, so photos and movies pop even if you are working from a sunny patio. At the heart of the machine sits an Intel N200 processor and 8 gigabytes of memory, a combo that boots quickly and lets you slide between spreadsheets, chats, and playlists without the dreaded spinning icon. Storage lands at 64 gigabytes of built in eMMC, which is enough for homework files and offline Netflix downloads, and a microSD slot waits if you decide to double that space later. Because it runs ChromeOS, the laptop starts in seconds and stays updated automatically. That means no long installations at inconvenient times and no complicated antivirus programs. You sign in once with a Google account and your bookmarks, photos, and Drive documents appear like magic. Built in virus protection works quietly while you browse, so you can hand the computer to a curious child without worrying about surprise pop ups afterward. Portability is a strong point. The slim silver body slips into most backpacks, weighs a hair over three pounds, and gets up to eleven hours of battery life on a single charge, long enough for a full day of notes, lectures, and streaming on the bus ride home. Two USB C ports handle charging and fast file transfers, while a standard USB A slot keeps older peripherals in play. A 720p webcam with dual microphones is ready for virtual meetings, and Wi Fi 6 provides a solid internet connection in crowded networks like coffee shops or dorms. If you want a budget friendly laptop that boots fast, travels light, and nails the basics, this Chromebook is hard to beat right now. The price is still just $149 at Best Buy, a steep dive from the regular $449 tag. You'll probably want to buy a couple of these, just in case the kids need computers to work on. See at Best Buy
