A release of the Chrome OS 101 operating system is available, based on the Linux kernel, the upstart system manager, the ebuild / portage assembly tool, open components and the Chrome 101 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 101 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 101:
- A Network Based Recovery (NBR) mode has been implemented, which allows you to install a new version of Chrome OS and update the firmware in case of system damage and inability to boot without the need for a local connection to another device. The mode is available for most Chrome OS devices released after April 20th.
- The fwupd toolkit, also used by most Linux distributions, is used to download and install firmware updates for peripherals. Instead of automatically installing updates, a user interface is provided that allows you to update when the user sees fit.
- The environment for running Linux applications (Crostini) has been updated to Debian 11 (Bullseye). Debian 11 is currently only offered for new installations of Crostini, and old users stay on Debian 10, but will be prompted to upgrade to the new environment at startup. The update can also be initiated via the configurator. To simplify the diagnosis of problems, a log with information about the progress of the update is now saved in the Downloads directory.
- Improved program interface for working with the camera. The left toolbar has simplified access to options and clearly shows which modes and features are currently enabled or not active. In the settings tab, the readability of the parameters has been improved and the search has been simplified.
- Cursive, an ink-taking note-taking software, provides a canvas lock switch to control whether panning and zooming is available on the canvas, for example, to prevent accidental movement while working on a note. Canvas lock is enabled via the menu and disabled via the button at the top.
Source: opennet.ru