Google has introduced Chrome OS Flex, a new version of Chrome OS designed for use on regular computers rather than solely on devices originally shipped with Chrome OS, such as Chromebooks, Chromebases, and Chromeboxes. Key applications of Chrome OS Flex include upgrading existing older systems to extend their lifecycle, reducing costs (for example, no need to pay for the OS and additional software like antivirus programs), enhancing infrastructure security, and unifying the software used in companies and educational institutions.
The system is provided free of charge, and the source code is distributed under the Apache 2.0 open source license. Currently, experimental builds are offered for initial testing, categorized as developer versions and accessible after completing a registration form (manifest with a download file). A stable release of Chrome OS Flex suitable for widespread use is planned for release within a few months.
Chrome OS Flex can be deployed using network booting or booting from a USB drive. Users are initially encouraged to try the new system without replacing the previously installed OS by booting from a USB drive in Live mode. After assessing the suitability of the new solution, users can replace the existing OS through network booting or USB drive installation. The stated system requirements are: 4 GB RAM, x86-64 Intel or AMD CPU, and 16 GB of internal storage. All user-specific settings and applications will be synced upon the first login.
The product is developed using the expertise of Neverware, a company acquired in 2020 that released the CloudReady distribution, which is a build of Chromium OS for outdated hardware and devices not originally equipped with Chrome OS. During the acquisition, Google promised to integrate CloudReady's developments into the core of Chrome OS. The result of this effort is the release of Chrome OS Flex, which will be supported in a manner similar to Chrome OS. Users of the CloudReady distribution will be able to upgrade their systems to Chrome OS Flex.
Chrome OS is based on the Linux kernel, the upstart system manager, the ebuild/portage build tools, open components, and the Chrome web browser. The user environment of Chrome OS is limited to the web browser, and instead of standard applications, web applications are used. However, Chrome OS includes a full-fledged multi-window interface, desktop, and taskbar. Virtualization mechanisms provide layers for running programs from Android and Linux.
Like Chrome OS, the Flex edition incorporates verified boot processes, integration with cloud storage, automatic updates, Google Assistant, encrypted storage of user data, and data leakage prevention mechanisms in case of device loss or theft. It provides the same tools for centralized system management as Chrome OS — access policy configuration and update management can be done through the Google Admin console.
The current limitations of Chrome OS Flex include:
- Lack of Play Store support and no layers for running Android and Windows programs. There is support for a virtual machine to run Linux programs, but virtualization may not be available on all devices (check the list of supported hardware).
- Limited checks for verified boot (UEFI Secure Boot is used instead of a specialized chip).
- On systems without a TPM chip (Trusted Platform Module), keys for encrypting user data are not isolated at the hardware level.
- The system does not automatically update firmware; the user must monitor the relevance of BIOS and UEFI versions.
- Many additional hardware devices, such as fingerprint sensors, CD/DVD drives, FireWire, infrared ports, facial recognition cameras, styluses, and Thunderbolt devices, have not been tested or are not supported.
Source: opennet.ru
