A release of the Chrome OS 100 operating system is available, based on the Linux kernel, the upstart system manager, the ebuild / portage assembly tool, open components and the Chrome 100 web browser. The Chrome OS user environment is limited to a web browser, and instead of standard programs, web applications are involved, however, Chrome OS includes a full multi-window interface, desktop and taskbar. Chrome OS build 100 is available for most current Chromebook models. The source texts are distributed under the Apache 2.0 free license. In addition, testing of Chrome OS Flex, an edition for Chrome OS for use on desktops, continues. Enthusiasts also form unofficial builds for regular computers with x86, x86_64 and ARM processors.
Key changes in Chrome OS 100:
- A new implementation of the application panel (Launcher) has been proposed, in which the design has been modernized and search capabilities have been expanded. The application list bar is now displayed on the side of the screen, leaving more room for open windows. The possibility of grouping applications in any form is provided. The presentation of search results for answers to arbitrary questions has been redesigned - in addition to previewing the results of accessing the search engine, now information blocks are also displayed that allow you to immediately get the necessary information without going to the browser. In addition to searching for applications and files from the Launcher, you can also search for hotkeys and search for open tabs and windows in the browser.
- Tools for creating animated GIFs have been added to the camera app. When you turn on the "GIF" switch in shooting mode, the video will be automatically recorded and converted to GIF format 5-second clip. This video can be immediately sent to email, transferred to another application or sent to an Android smartphone using the Nearby Share service.
- The voice text input function has been extended with the ability to edit content. Voice commands such as "delete" to remove the last letter, "go to next/previous character" to change the cursor position, "undo" to cancel the change, and "select all" to select text are recognized during editing. In the future, the number of voice commands will be expanded. To enable voice input, you can use the keyboard shortcut "Search + d" or the settings in the "Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and text input" section.
- Expanded the number of devices on which you can install the Chrome OS Flex environment, which allows you to use Chrome OS on ordinary computers, for example, to extend the life cycle of older PCs and laptops, reduce costs (for example, you do not need to pay for the OS and additional software, such as antiviruses), or improving infrastructure security. Chrome OS Flex has been confirmed to work on over XNUMX devices since it was first announced.
- The ability to assign custom icons and names for sites offered for use in managed sessions with a limited set of available sites (Managed Session) has been provided.
- A new report has been added to the Google Admin console with a summary of devices that need attention, for example due to performance issues. A new Chrome Management Telemetry API has been proposed to provide extended device status information when centralized management is enabled.
Source: opennet.ru