Google’s new compression will make for faster web browsing. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

Users of Google Chrome on both the desktop and mobile should see a speed improvement soon when it comes to loading web pages. A Google engineer confirms that a new type of data compression is ready to ship, with the next release of Chrome set to be the first browser with the new technology baked in.

The improved compression engine, dubbed Brotli, is said to be up to 26 times faster than the current solution, Zopfli.

Ford is embracing the Silicon Valley vision of cars. Photo: Ford

Compared to some of the other automotive naysayers, Ford has been outspoken about the fact that Silicon Valley might (shock horror!) actually be able to successfully disrupt the car industry.

Now a Ford exec says his company actually welcomes the competition from companies like Google and Apple.

Will Google return to HTC in 2016? Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android.

HTC will partner up with Google again this year to deliver not one but two new Nexus smartphones, replacing those currently made by LG and Huawei, according to sources.

HTC has previously teamed up with Google to make the Nexus One, the very first Nexus smartphone — and the Nexus 9, Google’s most recent tablet.

Installing apps from the Google app. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

Google is making it possible to install Android apps directly from Google Search. The feature, which is already available for some users, makes it even easier to find Android apps and games.

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is a measure on certain Android smartphones that prevents thieves from bypassing security features to initiate a factory reset on a stolen device, and therefore shut out attempts by the original owner to recover it.

Good idea, but LG and Samsung smartphones have already had their FRP bypasses… and now the FRP of the Nexus 6P, 5X, 6, and 5 have also been rendered moot.